Former Vice President Joe Biden headlined the Miami Book Fair Saturday night to talk about his new book, "Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose."
New York Times bestselling author George Saunders interviewed him at the sold-out event at the Adrienne Arsht Center's Knight Concert Hall.
They started by talking about Biden's son, Beau, who died in 2015 from brain cancer. Biden's book chronicles the events of the year that followed his son's death.
But when Saunders asked him, "What the hell is going on?" the topic shifted to the current political climate.
Biden expressed concern about what he called "phony populism" taking root in the country. But then he praised the American system of checks and balances that prevents things from getting out of hand - namely the courts.
Then, speaking of the recent aggressive attitude many have toward the media, he said, "What's the best way to attack [our system]? Go after the press."
He warned of the dangers of doing so, acknowledging a free press is necessary.
The former vice president went on to talk about foreign and domestic policy as well as the importance of affordable higher education, and added that America should be led "not by the example of our power, but the power of our example."
He also said he would like to see name calling in politics stop.
After the crowd laughed, Biden said, "I'm not joking. It matters."
Once the event concluded, Biden fans in the lobby eagerly talked to one another and gave their thoughts on what he said.
Liz James said that despite all the things Biden mentioned that are going wrong in the country, his parting words were comforting.
"I like the fact that he ended the whole speech on a note of hope. I'm one of those people that are very scared about what's going on during the Trump administration," James said. "I left feeling refreshed."
Terri Sullivan was also at the event. After expressing that she was also relieved to hear Biden speak about hope, she gave her thoughts on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota canceling his appearance at the Miami Book Fair amidst allegations of sexual harassment.
She said it was a good call, "Because it would take away from the Miami Book Fair and it would take away from his message. And I think it was probably a good idea to just wait."
Note: Biden's team did not permit audio recording of the event due to a contractual obligation with a for-profit audio company.
