Biden Curses & Chokes Up During Jay Leno YouTube Appearance (Video)

Former President Joe Biden got emotional — and let a few curse words fly — during a new appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage, where he joined the longtime comedian for a drive in his beloved 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray convertible.

Biden appeared on Jay Leno’s YouTube show Monday, June 15, for a wide-ranging interview that mixed classic cars, politics, unions, family tragedy and, naturally, a stop for ice cream.

The former president rode alongside Leno in the sunshine with Secret Service following close behind, as the two discussed Biden’s long history with American-made cars, his years riding Amtrak, his time in the White House and his administration’s work involving protected lands in California.

But the most dramatic moment came when Biden opened up about his late son, Beau Biden.

Biden told Leno he wished the former Tonight Show host had been able to meet Beau, who served in the National Guard before later being diagnosed with brain cancer.

The former president recalled the moment Beau told him he was joining the National Guard, saying his son felt a duty to serve because so many people deployed to Iraq were members of the Guard, including many from Delaware.

Biden then shifted to a deeply personal story from after Beau’s cancer diagnosis, describing a dinner at his son’s home where Beau warned him not to walk away from public life after his death.

According to Biden, Beau told him, “Dad, I’m not afraid of dying. It’ll be OK. I know I’m going, all right, Dad? And I know what you’re going to do. You’re going to quit when I die. Dad, look at me. Look at me, Dad, god dammit… give me your word as a Biden you will not quit when I die.”

The emotional story appeared to nearly bring Biden to tears as he remembered one of the defining personal losses of his life.

But grief was not the only thing that stirred Biden’s emotions during the ride. The former president also used profanity while talking about labor unions and the struggles of American auto workers.

Leno recalled once performing a free show in Detroit for workers who had been hit hard by layoffs in the auto industry. He said he had been warned the event could turn into “bedlam,” but instead found the crowd respectful and grateful.

“You realize that all people want is to just give them a break,” Leno said.

Biden quickly agreed, responding, “That’s exactly right, god dammit.”

The appearance offered a rare, unscripted look at Biden after leaving office, showing the former president slipping between nostalgia, grief and old-school political passion while riding in one of his most prized possessions.

For critics, the moment may fuel more chatter about Biden’s emotional public appearances. For longtime supporters, it was a reminder of the deeply personal tragedies that shaped his decades in politics.

Either way, Biden’s ride with Leno gave viewers plenty to talk about — from the classic Corvette to the tears, the ice cream and the profanity-laced memories.