Folks,

In 1978, while busting it as a second year law student, I met a young, first-term Senator from Delaware. To say that he made a lasting impression is an understatement.

I had a feeling then what I know to be true now – that Joe Biden would one day not only become President, but would be a great one.

Over the next forty years, we kept in touch. I supported him however I could, even being his Alabama campaign co-chair in 1988. And the support was always mutual.

Joe and I have shared some of the greatest – and the hardest – moments of my life. It’s what makes him a uniquely great man, one I’m proud to call a friend.

In 2000 he was one of the first to reach out and congratulate me for successfully prosecuting the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing case. He was one of the few national Democrats who saw early on in 2017 what we were doing in Alabama and realized the potential we had, not just for a seat in the Senate, but for something greater. I will never forget our first conversation about my campaign just 6 months into the Trump Administration. He said that we had the chance to “redeem that soul of Alabama which is the first step in redeeming the soul of America.” He saw the hope that our race could give that no one else could see. And he was right. You may remember him coming in to campaign for me but what many folks don’t know is this: it was Joe Biden who escorted me on to the Senate floor to be sworn in after our historic victory.

But our journey together was not just on the Senate floor. When my dad died in late December of 2019, he was one of the first people who called me to see how I was doing. He was in the middle of an absolutely fierce primary campaign, and he took the time to call. It’s not just that – the number of times he’s called my mom, just to talk to her, is really remarkable. How many other families has he done similar acts of kindness, of listening, and of love for – all without any kind of expectation in return? It is who he is.

When Joe Biden talks about decency, it’s because he’s a decent man. When he talks about hope, it’s because he’s a hopeful man. When he talks about trust, it’s because he’s a trustworthy man. When he talks about freedom and love of country it is because he is a fiercely patriotic man.

It’s why in 2019, as a U.S. Senator, I immediately supported him when he announced his run for President. It’s why witnessing his victory in 2020 and being there to see him be sworn in as President was so powerful - and personal. It’s also why I’m not surprised in the least that his accomplishments in just two years have been historic.

Joe Biden is also the first person who’d tell you there’s so much more we need to do. Did you watch his announcement video? I believe, like he does, that the battle for the soul of America is not yet over. We have to keep working together to protect too many rights and freedoms that are now under assault. It is the same rights and freedoms that he and I have been fighting for all our lives.

I’m excited about his campaign, and I’m all-in to do whatever I can to make sure we continue to fulfill this country’s promise to all Americans. I’ve been with Joe since 1978 and together we’re still going strong. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him – and make a contribution to help continue the vital work we’re doing together.

-Doug