Ashley Biden, the 43-year-old daughter of President Joe Biden, typically keeps a low profile but took center stage to introduce her father during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The occasion marked one of the final and significant speeches of his presidency.
As a social worker in Philadelphia, Ashley offered a personal glimpse into her father’s character, describing him as not only one of history’s most significant leaders but as the quintessential “girl dad.” She recounted how he encouraged her to believe in herself, stating, “He told me I could be anything and I could do anything.”
Ashley highlighted her father’s respect for women, sharing how he listened to his mother, supported his sister, and valued her mother’s career. “Dad was always there doing everything he could to be a true partner to her,” she added, expressing love and gratitude by saying, “You are the love of our lives and the life of our love.”
In a poignant moment, Ashley reminisced about her eighth birthday when her father, then a U.S. senator, took the Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to Delaware just to celebrate with her. She also shared memories from her wedding reception held in her parents’ backyard while her father served as vice president, recalling how emotional he became.
“Dad, you are still my best friend,” Ashley expressed, demonstrating their close bond. She also reflected on the pain of losing her brother Beau to brain cancer in 2015, noting how their father absorbed their grief while maintaining his own. “I know Beau is with us tonight, as he is always with us,” she said, acknowledging the family’s history of loss.
She urged attendees to rally together, saying, “So tonight, I am asking you if you stood with us in 2020, call upon your courageous heart. Stand with us today. Work harder than you have ever worked before in your life. This is the fight of our lifetime.”
After her heartfelt address, President Biden was visibly moved, wiping tears from his eyes and describing Ashley as “incredible.” Earlier this year, she was a consistent presence at her brother Hunter’s trial in Wilmington, Delaware, on federal gun charges. Hunter, who was convicted in June, joined his father and children at the event.