President Obama just surprised Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and somewhere Leslie Knope is sobbing

By Rachel paige

January 12, 2017

By Rachel paige

January 12, 2017

We are currently in the midst of President Obama’s grand goodbye tour, and it seems that every day brings something new for us to reminisce about, and/or cry over. We’re just full of a lot of emotions right now, okay? It looks like Obama is as well, especially when it comes to his dear friend (…best friend?) for the past eight years, Joe Biden.

If you’re looking for a good middle-of-the-day Thursday cry, may we present: Obama just surprised VP Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and there is not a single dry eye in the room. Don’t think there’s a single one anywhere on the internet, either. Know how sometimes, as just a subconsciously reaction, you actually clutch your heart and go, “oh my gosh”? This is one of those moments.

While Obama gave his farewell address earlier this week, he felt he needed to give Biden a proper send off, too. Also, as he jokes, “This also gives the Internet one last chance to talk about our bromance.”

Obama at surprise Biden send-off: "This also gives the Internet one last chance to talk about our bromance." https://t.co/i6jTLyM55f

— CNN (@CNN) January 12, 2017

Have the tears started? Because they’re only just getting started. This press conference is to honor “the best Vice President America has ever had,” and we’re not going to argue with that.

But, this press conference has a second, surprise meaning behind it. Back in November 2016, Obama presented 21 Presidential Medals of Freedom to a variety of well-deserving receptionist. Now it’s time to present one more to Biden. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, and Obama JUST SURPRISED BIDEN WITH IT.

SURPRISED!

As you can imagine, Biden was shocked. We are shocked. Biden wells up a little bit. We well up A LOT, and wow, hold on, just got something in both my eyes.

Tearful Biden reacts as Obama announces he will receive the Medal of Freedom https://t.co/O47SsPs0YD

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 12, 2017

This is too much. Our hearts. Biden can barely handle it either, and as soon as he takes the stage to give a few remarks himself, he quips, “Ricchetti, you’re fired,” talking to his Chief of Staff, Steve Ricchetti, who successfully managed to keep this a SECRET.

Now if you’re having trouble drying your tears, just imagine how Top Joe Biden Enthusiast, Leslie Knope, is dealing with this.