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6 months ago
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President Joe Biden doled out Presidential Medals of Freedom Friday to a number of top Democrats - giving a special shout-out to former Vice President Al Gore for conceding his disputed 2020 election gracefully.
Of the 19 new recipients receiving the country's top civilian honor, five were party leaders: Gore, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State John Kerry, Rep. Jim Clyburn - who single-handedly saved Biden's 2020 presidential run - and former New York City Michael Bloomberg.
Adding a big of glamour to the mix was Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian-American to receive an Oscar, Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, who is set to compete in the 2024 games and broadcasting legend Phil Donahue.
But the biggest laugh lines came at the expense of Gore and Kerry - both Democratic election losers.
'After winning the popular vote he accepted the outcome in a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions. That to me was amazing what you did Al,' Biden said of Gore.
'I won't go into that,' he said as an aside, garnering laughs.
President Joe Biden (right) gave out 19 new Presidential Medals of Freedom at a ceremony Friday including to Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh (left)
President Joe Biden (right) took a dig at former President Donald Trump by applauding Al Gore (left) for 'accept[ing] the outcome in a disputed presidential election for the sake of unity and trust in our institutions'
Former Secretary of State John Kerry (left), the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee, gave a big shrug when the announcer mentioned that he 'came within one state of victory,' cuing laughter from the crowd
When it was time for Kerry - who served as a U.S. special climate envoy under Biden and was an early supporter of the president's campaign - to receive his medal the announcer noted how in the 2004 election he 'came within one state of victory.'
With that Kerry - who lost to Republican President George W. Bush - gave a bold shrug.
He then bent his knees to make his 6' 4" frame shorter for Biden to place his medal around his neck.
'I can personally attest that my dear friend has as much moral courage in his pursuit of American politics as he did physical courage that earned him a Silver Star in Vietnam,' Biden said of Kerry.
The president then gave a shout-out to both Kerry and Gore.
'In my view if I can use a point of personal privilege the last two guys that I mentioned should have been standing at this podium,' Biden said.
Biden heralded Bloomberg - who ran against him in 2020, then dropped out and helped fund his victory against former President Donald Trump - for helping rebuild New York City after the September 11 terror attacks.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry (left) bent his knees to allow President Joe Biden (right) to put the medal around the 2004 Democratic nominee's neck
Overall five Democratic Party leaders were awarded with the highest civilian honor, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (left)
Other recipients included former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (left), who donated millions to help Biden get elected in 2020 and Rep. Jim Clyburn (right), whose endorsement of Biden in the key South Carolina primary changed the trajectory of the race
While the president praised Pelosi's two speakerships - including the first where she became the country's first female speaker - he focused much of her accolades for her actions on January 6.
'On January 6, Nancy stood in the breach and defended democracy. With her husband Paul they stood up to extremism with absolute courage, physical courage,' Biden said.
Paul Pelosi was attacked with a hammer by a man who absorbed political conspiracy theories.
'History will remember you Nancy as the greatest speaker of the House of Representatives,' Biden predicted.
When it was Yeoh's turn Biden called her 'Michael' and then quickly corrected himself.
After the Everything Everywhere All At Once actress received her award she embraced Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole, another awardee and the only GOP recipient this time around.
Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky (left) is presented with her medal by President Joe Biden (right). 'Katie, age is just a number kiddo,' Biden told Ledecky, brushing off criticism that 27 is older for a swimmer
Michelle Yeoh (right) and former Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole (left) talk excitedly before being presented with their Presidential Medals of Freedom
President Joe Biden (right) grabs of the hand of broadcasting legend Phil Donahue (left) Friday as he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Biden talked about how Ledecky has become the 'greatest female swimmer of all time' at age 27.
'Which some say is old,' the 81-year-old president commented.
'Katie, age is just a number kiddo,' Biden said with a grin.
Other awardees were Gregory Boyle, the late Medgar Evers, Clarence B. Jones, the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, Opal Lee, Ellen Ochoa, Jane Rigby, Teresa Romero, Judy Shepard and the late Jim Thorpe.
President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor. He revolutionized the financial information industry and transformed New York City's education, environment, public health, and the arts.
Gregory J. Boyle is a Jesuit Catholic priest who is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program. He has helped thousands of Angelenos turn their lives around.
Rep. Jim Clyburn is the former Assistant Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. Through three decades in the House, Representative Clyburn has transformed the lives of millions of Americans and created a freer country.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole has served her country as a trailblazing United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and President of the American Red Cross. She leads by example through her Foundation's support for military caregivers and their families.
Phil Donahue is a journalist and television pioneer who pioneered the daytime issue-oriented television talk show. Donahue was the first daytime talk show to feature audience participation and one of the most influential televisions programs of its time.
Medgar Evers (d. 1963) fought for his country in World War II and returned home to lead the fight against segregation in Mississippi. After he was murdered at his home at age 37, his wife Myrlie continued the fight to seek justice and equality in his name.
Al Gore is a former Vice President, United States Senator, and member of the House of Representatives. After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of our unity. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for his bold action on climate change.
Clarence B. Jones is a renowned civil rights activist and lawyer who helped draft Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's 'I Have a Dream' speech. Jones was instrumental in preserving Dr. King's legacy and remains an outspoken force against hate.
Secretary John Kerry is a former Secretary of State, United States Senator, and the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. His bravery in combat during the Vietnam War earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star, and history will remember his public service career that has spanned seven decades.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (d. 2013) was a five-term United States Senator and New Jersey's longest-serving Senator. He is remembered for his critical work on environmental protection and consumer safety across a number of fields.
Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history. An athletic prodigy, she has won seven Olympic gold medals and twenty-one world championship gold medals so far. She will continue to compete for the Nation who watches her in awe.
Opal Lee is an educator and activist known for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. More than 150 years after that day in Texas, she joined President Biden to officially make Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021.
Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female Director of NASA's renowned Johnson Space Center. Dr. Ochoa has flown in space four times, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire young generations of scientists.
Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House and has represented San Francisco in Congress for more than 36 years. A staunch defender of democracy, she has shaped legislative agendas and Democratic priorities for decades.
Jane Rigby, an astronomer who grew up in Delaware, is the chief scientist of the world's most powerful telescope. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rigby embodies the American spirit of adventure and wonder.
Teresa Romero is the president of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to become president of a national union in the United States. She has secured key victories to improve the lives of the workers who feed and fuel our Nation.
Judy Shepard is the co-founder of the Matthew Shephard Foundation, an organization created in honor of her son who was murdered in one of the nation's most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. Her work has driven tremendous progress in our fight to give hate no safe harbor.
Jim Thorpe (d. 1953) was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. The country's original multi-sport superstar, he went on to play professional football, baseball, and basketball while breaking down barriers on and off the field.
Michelle Yeoh is an actress known for her groundbreaking work in a number of blockbusters over four decades. Recently, she became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yeoh continues to shatter stereotypes and enrich American culture.
(Credit: The White House)
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