Obama and Biden: A history of America’s most epic bromance

Near, far, wherever they are, we believe that Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s bromance does go on.

With inauguration day only hours away, it’s time to look back on the laughter, the tears and the fierce brotherly love that made the Obama and Biden friendship the beloved First Bromance of America that it’s been over these past eight years.

From ice-cream socials and grand birthday gestures to supportive speeches and financial assistance, ever since Barack and Joe won the 2008 election, they’ve had each other’s backs, through thick and thin.

So before the boys try out the whole long-distance thing, let us reflect on some of the maaaaany times they raised the bar for #FriendshipGoals, in no particular order.

Casual hangouts

Even though they’re two of the most important people on earth, Barack and Joe don’t need to be surrounded by impressive architecture, fancy cuisine or famous friends to have a good time. Whether they’re grabbing some ice cream, a few burgers or kicking it in the stands of a game, like true BFFs, they chill whenever and whenever.

The BroHugs

Obama and Biden made sure to hug it out at every available opportunity. Though they’ve embraced every opportunity to embrace they could find, over the past eight years, one of the most memorable hugs came during a moment the two shared on stage after being re-elected for a second term in 2012.

That time they made a workout video together

After the dynamic duo was challenged by Michelle Obama to show us how they move, in support of FLOTUS’s “Let’s Move” campaign, BFFs Barack and Joe came together to do some jogging around the White House, a little stretching, and a lot of rehydrating, of course.

When Joe made sure Barack was in his first selfie

Normally, a first selfie is an iconic moment for youand you alone. But when it came time for Joe Biden to snap his first selfie, he knew it’d be nothing without his best friend by his side. The legendary Instagram post (captioned: “Found a friend to join my first selfie on Instagram. Thanks for following and stay tuned. VP”) features the bros smiling ear-to-ear in the back of a presidential motorcade.

We wish we could be this cool.

In times of tragedy

When Joe Biden’s eldest son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, passed away in May of 2015, Barack made sure he was right by our VP’s side every step of the way.

After the news broke, Obama released a touching statement explaining, “Like his dad, Beau was a good, big-hearted, devoutly Catholic and deeply faithful man, who made a difference in the lives of all he touchedand he lives on in their hearts.”

He later gave a moving eulogy at Beau’s funeral.

“We are here to grieve with you, but more importantly we are here because we love you,” Obama addressed the Biden family before praising Beau’s character. “Anyone can make a name for themselves in this reality TV age, but to make that name mean something, to have it associated with dignity and integritythat is rare,” he said.

Before concluding his speech, Obama addressed his dear friend, reassuring him, “Joe, you are my brother.”

In an interview with CNN that aired in January 2016, Biden reflected on Obama’s deeply supportive actions during the difficult time, and shared that POTUS offered him and his family financial help and heartfelt advice during his son’s illness.

After Biden told Obama he was thinking of selling his family’s Wilmington, Delaware home in order to care for Beau’s family, Obama immediately took action. According to the VP, Obama “got up and he said, ‘Don’t sell that house. Promise me you won’t sell the house.'”

Biden told CNN’s Gloria Borger, Obama said, “I’ll give you the money. Whatever you need, I’ll give you the money. Don’t, Joepromise me. Promise me.”

Post-Trump, but still tight

On Nov. 9, President Obama stood in the Rose Garden to deliver a statement on the election results following Hillary Clinton’s loss. At a time when Americans were feeling a range of emotions, Obama and Biden did their best to keep things hopeful and lighthearted.

“I’ve lost elections before,” Obama admitted before joking, “Joe hasn’t, but you know.”

Biden then graced Obama with one of his epic side hugs and recalled his own ill-fated presidential campaign in 2008, reminding his pal: “You beat me badly.”

The presents

For President Obama’s 55th birthday, Biden tweeted a photo of friendship bracelets made for the duo.

Are. You. Kidding. Me.

The gesture was likely a throwback to a June BuzzFeed video, “5 Things that Are Harder than Registering to Vote,” in which President Obama makes his very own “Barack” and “Joe” bracelets, but whatever the inspiration was, friendship bracelets are no joke.

In case that gift wasn’t heartfelt enough, Biden continued to woo Obama as his special day went on, bringing him delicious looking birthday cupcakes… WITH CANDLES.

In September, Obama returned the love to Biden on his special day, offering him birthday wishes in the form of an adorable tweet where he referred to Joe as the “best VP and friend.”

The meme of all memes

When America needed it most, Barack and Joe’s friendship was there.

Following Donald Trump’s election, the bromance inspired the brilliant people of the internet to create a coping meme, which consisted of charming photographs of POTUS and VP accompanied by Biden’s fictional and menacing intentions of ways to mess with Trump.

The “Biden plotting against Trump” memes will live in glorious infamy and forever remind us of the intimate and humorous relationship Barack and Biden shared in the White House.

Barack’s goodbyes

On Jan. 10, President Obama delivered his emotional farewell address to the American people.

Towards the end of the speech, he turned to Vice President Joe Biden, whom he of course called a “brother.”

“To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delawares favorite son,” Obama said. “You were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best. Not just because you have been a great vice president, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother.”

*blinks back tears*

“We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life,” Obama concluded before he and Joe exchanged a legendary finger guns exchange.

Joe’s big surprise

After watching the video belowwhich documents the ultimate display of bromantic affectionyou’ll be hard pressed not to be weepy.

On Jan. 12 President Obama surprised Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Americans watched through blurry eyes as the VP broke down in tears.

Biden and Obama both took the mic to praise one another and share some insight on their friendship.

One final meme

As Obama praised Biden’s accomplishments and character before presenting him with the Medal of Freedom, he straight up acknowledged the bromance.

Not only did the internet talk about their bromance once again, but of course, made one final meme of the two pals before they left the White House.

To help us survive inauguration week, the touching moment when Obama presented Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom was transformed into a joke sesh.

Excuse us, while we try to find a friendship this true.

Read more: http://mashable.com/2017/01/19/barack-obama-joe-biden-bromance-history/