Former US Vice President Joe Biden announced today he is running as a US presidential candidate -and his Irish cousin hailed the news as “just amazing”.
Even prior to the announcement the 76 year-old, who worked as Barack Obama’s right-hand man for eight years, was the best performing Democrat in polls.
Laurita Blewitt, a fourth cousin of Joe Biden, said: “Yeah absolutely thrilled. It’s probably the worst kept secret over the last number of months.”
The former Delaware senator announced his candidacy for the 2020 election on Twitter and released a three minute video.
Mr Biden said that he couldn’t just stand by and watch as US President Donald Trump “fundamentally altered the character of this nation”.
Ms Blewitt told RTÉ Radio One’s Miriam O’Callaghan: “His video sums him up pretty good. He’s a great guy and we’re thrilled to know him personally and that he’s running for president, it’s just amazing.”
Mr Biden came to north Mayo three years ago when he spent time in the Ballina area where his ancestors were born and he has family connections.
Ms Blewitt also revealed he is expected to return to visit his relatives in the area this summer and will open a hospice.
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She added: “The former Vice President, hopefully now soon to be President, will be coming over this summer, is due to come over this summer and cut the ribbon and open that hospice for us.”
The former Delaware senator announced on Twitter: “The core values of this nation, our standing in the world.
"Our very democracy, everything that has made America — America –is at stake. That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for President of the United States.”
