Morning Man: Beau Biden, born 54 years ago

Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III was born 54 years ago today.

The eldest son of President Joe Biden was Attorney General for the state of Delaware for eight years. He served in Iraq as part of the Delaware Army National Guard in 2008-09 but retained his job as Attorney General. For his service in Iraq, Biden was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Biden did not seek election to a third term as Attorney General in 2014. In the spring of that year, he announced his intention to run for governor of Delaware in the 2016 election to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Jack Markell.

But it was not to be. Biden began experiencing health episodes in 2010 including what was believed to be a mild stroke. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 and had remained stable until May 30, 2015 when he died at age 46.

On March 2, 2020, Joe Biden mentioned Beau in a speech, comparing him to former South Bend Mayor, Pete Buttigieg, after Buttigieg endorsed Biden for the 2020 presidential election. He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, but [Buttigieg] reminds me of my son, Beau, and I know that may not mean much to most people, but to me, it’s the highest compliment I can give any man or woman.”