The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
A behind-the-scenes look at the Vice President's major speech to students in Kenya.
Today was the day of the Vice President’s big speech in Kenya to area university students. This speech was a centerpiece of his visit because he spoke directly to the Kenyan people about the importance of the constitutional referendum coming up in August, which could lead to major reforms in the country.
He started with a profound message: “I come here as a representative of the United States to say one thing: We stand with you on your journey to a secure, free, democratic, and prosperous Kenya.”
And he closed by quoting President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the end of his letter to Prime Minister Kenyatta on December 10, 1963 – the day of Kenya’s independence: “May the responsibilities of freedom wake the best that is in you, and may its benefits be known by generations yet unborn.”
Watch today’s video showing behind-the-scenes footage of the Vice President as he reviews, prepares and delivers today’s speech.
Vice President Joe Biden takes questions from university students after a speech at Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
A university student takes a photo of Vice President Joe Biden as he takes questions from after a speech at Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Vice President Joe Biden's motorcade en route to US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger's residence, Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Elizabeth Alexander is Press Secretary to the Vice President
