Sincerely, Joe

Hundreds of people write letters, emails and direct messages to Joe Biden every day, with questions, looking for support and leadership, or offering suggestions and ideas. Americans are longing for empathetic leadership and a president who listens to and understands their problems. Joe knows the power of a simple act of kindness — it’s animated his entire career in public life. “Sincerely, Joe” is a conversation with the American people about the challenges they face, the values we share, and the progress we can make if we stand united.

Dear Veronica,

I want to thank you for sharing your call to action — and for speaking out about what you know in your heart is right and wrong.

What happened to George Floyd was wrong. The pain and sadness that his family has endured is immense and it has rippled through our country, reminding so many Black families and other families of color that our system of justice too often fails them. It has also been a wake-up call for our nation, focusing all of us to confront the systemic racism that exists everywhere in our society. And while the unspeakable grief remains with the families and communities whose loved ones have been stolen, we must take action to end this racism.

My mom used to always tell me and my siblings, “Joey, no one is better than you. Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you. It wasn’t just a line; it was a code for us to live by — guardrails we had to help guide our words, our thoughts, our actions, and the way we treated others. Your letter reminds me of this code. It’s one my campaign has adopted and it’s made up of things like compassion, faith, empathy, kindness, humility, joy, respect, and inclusion. These ideals are meant to remind us of what you’ve written so beautifully — ”no matter what, we are all the same.”

We are all the same, and we need one another to get through some of the most difficult times.

I’m often asked about what gives me hope. It is letters like yours. The code you’ve adopted — that we are all the same — motivates me to work every day to ensure that each and every person is afforded dignity and respect so that your generation may inherit a brighter, more peaceful world. And Veronica, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans of every color, creed, age, and background are demanding change.

I believe that together, we can change. Like you have done, we can adopt a code and hold one another accountable. We can learn from each other, grow out of our fears and selfishness, and embrace our common humanity.

Thanks again for writing, Veronica, and for keeping your heart and mind open.

Sincerely,

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.