Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, or "Mama Biden," is the mother of Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden. During his acceptance speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention, Biden spoke of his mother's advice to him when he was a child.
"You know, my mom taught her children -- all the children who flocked to our house -- that you're defined by your sense of honor and you're redeemed by your loyalty."
"She believes that bravery lives in every heart, and her expectation is that it will be summoned."
"Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable."
"As a child, I stuttered, and she lovingly would look at me and tell me, 'Joey, it's because you're so bright you can't get the thoughts out quickly enough.'"
"When I was not as well-dressed as the other kids, she'd look at me and say, 'Joey, oh, you're so handsome, honey, you're so handsome.'"
"And when I got knocked down by guys bigger than me -- and this is the God's truth -- she sent me back out and said, 'Bloody their nose so you can walk down the street the next day.' And that's what I did."
"You know -- and after the accident, she told me, she said, 'Joey, God sends no cross that you cannot bear.' And when I triumphed, my mother was quick to remind me it was because of others."
"My mother's creed is the American creed: No one is better than you. Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you."
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