Ashley Biden Hails Her Father as the Original 'Girl Dad' and a Historic Leader at the DNC

Ashley Biden Hails Her Father as the Original 'Girl Dad' and a Historic Leader at the DNC

Ashley Biden fondly recalled her eighth birthday when her father, then a U.S. senator, made a special trip on the Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to Delaware just to embrace her and share in the joy of her birthday cake. She also remembered her wedding reception, hosted in her parents' backyard over a decade ago when her father was vice president, where he meticulously ensured that everything was perfect.

"And by the way, he was incredibly emotional," she noted. "I expected to be the one in tears, but it was him who was crying, and I ended up comforting him."

Even after all these years, Ashley said, "Dad, you're still my best friend."

When Beau Biden passed away from brain cancer in 2015, Ashley Biden recalled that she and her brother Hunter wondered if their grief would ever ease. Their father often expressed that it should be Beau, not him, in the Oval Office.

"Dad had the remarkable ability to set aside his own pain and take on ours," she said. "And I know Beau is with us tonight, just as he always is."

The president has endured the loss of two of his four children, starting with the tragic deaths of his first wife and daughter in a car crash in 1972, which also left Hunter and Beau badly injured.

Ashley Biden passionately urged the crowd to dig deeper and give more than ever before.

"So tonight, if you stood with us in 2020, I ask you to find your courage," she said. "Stand with us now. Work harder than you ever have in your life. This is the fight of our generation."

After her speech, the president, visibly moved, wiped away tears and praised her as "incredible."

Earlier this year, Ashley was a constant presence at her brother Hunter's trial in Wilmington, Delaware, where he faced federal gun charges. Following his conviction in June, Hunter made a brief appearance with his children at the end of Mr. Biden's speech.