Today, in the 111th session of the United States Senate it was a day of goodbyes.
First, the Senior Senator from Delaware and our next Vice President had a very heartfelt and anecdotal look back on his tenure (36 years) in the US Senate. Biden shared stories of his youth; his first visit to the US Senate as a 20-year old wanderer and proceeding run in with the Capitol Police; his tragic loss of family; and his unusual - yet beautiful - friendships with Jesse Helms (N.C.), Strom Thurmond (S.C.), and John Stennis (Miss.). The 40-minute speech was full of Joe Biden-classic choke-ups, humor, and reminiscing.
And after declaring that he would always be a "Senate Man", he said this:
"And for the last time, I yield the floor."
The greatest sight was after his speech. Dozens of US Senators - Republican and Democrat, Old and Young, Junior and Senior - gathered around him, hugging him, kissing him. The entire gallery gave the Vice President-elect a long standing ovation. Tears were everywhere.
Senator Biden is a legislator equal to the historical giants. From his first day as the youngest Senator ever elected to his tenure as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (following in the steps of such figures as Senator Fulbright) to - finally - his historic and looming inauguration as the 44th Vice President of the United States.
The Vice President-elect closed by saying:
"And I leave here today to begin my service to our nation's first African-American president. The arc of the universe is long, but it does indeed bend toward justice. And the United States Senate has been an incredible instrument in ensuring that justice."
Joe, on behalf of the DailyKos community and the rest of America, we appreciate all you did to ensure justice for not only Americans but people throughout the world, and we will be equally proud to say: "Mr. Vice President..."
Then it was time to say goodbye to the Junior Senator from New York, our former first lady, and our future Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Hillary Clinton is a lifelong public servant and advocate for minorities and women. In 2000, Hillary Clinton was elected to the US Senate from the Great State of New York, serving with Senator Chuck Schumer. Since then, Hillary has served her state proudly, came close to becoming the 44th United States President, and is now on the cusp of officially be confirmed as the next Secretary of State.
Hillary, too, gave an emotional speech to her colleagues in the US Senate. She thanked her colleagues for their constant support and guidance - especially after the September 11th attacks that hit NYC. But, her speech focused more on the future. Her respect for the body was obvious as she constantly assured them that she would never forget the power of the US Senate and would always cherish them as friends.
She reminded the Senators that this was an era that provided extraordinary opportunities.
"I think this could be one of the golden eras of the history of the Senate. This could be a time when people will look back and say, you know, you never can count America out. Whenever the chips are down, we always rise to the occasion."
Though she stated her eagerness to start her next adventure she stated her appreciation and admiration for the people of New York.
"I may not have always been a New Yorker, but I know I will always be one," she said. "New York, its spirit and its people, will always be part of me and of the work I do."
Senator Clinton, we are thrilled and equally eager to have you as the next face of this great country to the rest of the world. In such a time as this, we need a impassioned public servant that has the interest of all people to repair our damaged image abroad. These times are complex, but I am sure I speak for many when I say that we feel better that you will be the one steering the way.
Biden's resignation is to take effect at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday. His replacement will be longtime adviser Ted Kaufman. Clinton's replacement, meanwhile, has yet to be selected by New York Gov. David Paterson.
A side note: I am only eighteen years old and have yet to matriculate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have goals of becoming a diplomat, a community organizer, a humanitarian, and - perhaps - a Secretary of State or a US President. I want to affect the greater good on a scale that is undeniably influential. These two individuals, Senator Biden and Senator Clinton, have been unyielding advocates for minorities and for the poor their entire lives. They are truly some of my heroes and everything I could ever hope to be.