Former Vice President Joe Biden came to Minneapolis on Saturday night to promote his new book, which chronicles his time in the White House while his son, Beau Biden, battled cancer.
Appearing at the Orpheum Theatre, Biden spoke at length about his relationship with Beau, who served as attorney general of Delaware before dying of brain cancer in January 2015 at age 46, and the difficult time the elder Biden had revisiting Beau's decline while writing the book.
Biden said he often took secret late-night trips to visit his son during treatment and operations — which only few people, including then-President Barack Obama, knew about.
"If I learned one important thing, it all starts with family," said Biden, reflecting on balancing his political career with his responsibilities as a father.
Biden took a few subtle jabs at the Trump administration — to resounding applause — including making the sign of the cross after a mention of Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election.
The appearance was part of a nationwide tour to promote the book, "Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship and Purpose."
Andy Mannix
