Grief and Power

By: Katie Zimmermann

I have heard politicians speak about death: the deaths of American troops, sick children, victims of violence. However, I have never witnessed a politician discuss the loss of the people closest to them.

United States Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer introduced former Vice President Joe Biden at his town hall today and vividly described the deaths of Biden’s wife and daughter. I was sitting across from the former vice president and could clearly see the emotions he felt when Finkenauer spoke of his wife and daughter. He closed his eyes, held his head low, and visibly wiped tears from his eyes.

Biden began his speech by stating that he did not know Finkenauer was going to recount the passing of his wife and daughter. He further explained how he felt when he learned that they had died. The former vice president lost his wife and daughter when he was only 29, and mere weeks before he was supposed to be sworn into his freshman year of Congress. Biden was unsure if he was going to still take the oath and become a congressman. However, six congressmen, four Democrats and two Republicans, approached him in his time of grief to support and uplift him. They told Biden that his wife worked hard to ensure he was elected and that he must continue his path to Congress.

For the past year and a half, I have struggled with grief from losing my father. Hearing Biden speak of his own story of grief and resilience was powerful. It was impactful to see a politician who has held positions of power, and is running for the most powerful position in our nation, to openly discuss his story of personal loss. Discussions of the deaths of family members, particularly those who died young and suddenly, are taboo and often veered away from. On the contrary, Biden was vulnerable, relatable, and spoke openly about this topic. His mannerisms and words made it evident that dealing with grief is a lifelong journey, but that does not mean it will prevent you from achieving your goals.