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Likewise, few are those who could look Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in the eye, while surrounded by armed gunmen, and explain U.S. qualms about normalizing relations with Libya in quite the way Biden once did: “Well, you blew a passenger plane out of the sky, you’ve supported terrorists, and until recently you were developing nuclear weapons, that’s why not.”

As the chat progressed to the supposed virtues of Libyan-style democracy, Biden asked him, “Please tell me, in your democracy can the people get rid of you?” After listening to Gadhafi’s reply, “No, they can’t, because I am special. I started the revolution and they respect that,” Biden didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, I understand,” he retorted. “We had someone like that, too. George Washington. But after eight years, we got rid of him.”

And Biden’s almost-unheard-of devotion to his family may well be without equal in modern politics. His life story is one of putting God, his family and nation first — even when it has meant making great personal or professional sacrifice. A dedicated public servant, he consistently is ranked among the least wealthy members of Congress — a distinction he attributes to being elected at the early age of 29.

He would be a uniquely qualified successor to a President Obama, should that ever become necessary — one who would be able to step into the role at a moment’s notice, no learning curve needed.

While some party loyalists and others may be groaning that Obama overlooked his primary rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, for the #2 spot, it was — as always — the nominee’s choice to make, and we must trust that the reasons he did so were fully legitimate ones. It serves no worthwhile purpose — neither the party’s nor the nation’s — to continue advancing a lost cause whose time just had not come, despite making historic, trail-blazing headway.

For the good of the party and the nation, it’s time to move solidly forward together. Victory demands nothing less.

View Biden’s official campaign biography.

View Biden’s official Senate biography.

View specifics about Biden’s position and experience on various national issues.