"You Have to Have Hope" – Joe Biden Comforts Tearful Meghan McCain on Father’s Cancer Diagnosis

It was Wednesday morning on one of America’s most popular TV shows.

A daughter broke down in tears, speaking of her father’s battle with notoriously deadly glioblastoma.

A father who lost his son to the same disease sat down next to her, comforting and offering words of support. Words of hope. By the end, she was laughing through her tears.

One of the things that gave Beau courage, my word, was John. And Beau talked about your dad’s courage — not about illness, but about his courage.

- Joe Biden

The daughter, of course, was Meghan McCain and the father, former Vice President Joe Biden, taking part in an unscripted television moment that touched the hearts of countless viewers.

Invited on Wednesday’s edition of The View, Joe Biden spoke of Promise Me, Dad, his memoir of his son’s battle against glioblastoma – a battle Beau Biden lost in 2015.

Fighting back tears and a torrent of emotion, Meghan McCain admitted to not being able to finish the book, as it came too close to her own family’s struggle with the unforgiving disease – former presidential candidate John McCain was diagnosed five months ago.

As The View co-host was overcome with emotion, Biden switched seats to sit next to her, took her hand and gave encouragement, stoking relentless, unapologetic hope in the hearts of viewers along with the distraught host. Watch the full emotional video here:

[embedyt] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sa8G-VR13Q[/embedyt] expand=1 site_id=26461365]

There is hope. And if anybody can make it, your dad [can].

- Joe Biden

The former senator – who served for 36 years – spoked of his longstanding friendship with John McCain, despite their political differences. “Her dad is one of my best friends. (...) We’re like two brothers who were somehow raised by different fathers,” Biden fondly said. In fact, the two political giants’ friendship was recognized with the Prize for Civility in Public Life by Allegheny College.

Biden then went on to speak with unshakable hope of revolutionary new therapies against cancer, constantly reiterating the power of hope, holding McCain’s hand for most of the conversation. “We got to just keep moving like this is going to happen. (…) I swear, guys, we are going to beat this damned disease. We really are,” Biden declared with absolute confidence, drawing thunderous applause.

“The thing that I found—and Beau insisted on, your dad is going to insist on—is you’ve got to maintain hope. You have to have hope.”

- Joe Biden

The moment created a wave of support and admiration on social media of the former Vice President, with many speaking of their own battles with glioblastoma and cancer.

Mostly though, the moment was a beautiful example of humanity and boundless empathy, and many praised both Biden and McCain for the momentary respite from the bitter bipartisan battles that have dominated politics lately. Hopefully, the heartfelt moment will inspire politicians at large towards more empathy, civility and humanity. Whatever happens though, Joe Biden will continue to be there for John McCain and his loved ones.