Joe Biden praised the late Senator John Warner for following his 'convictions' and said the endorsement from the Virginia Republican gave him the confidence to be president.
'John's decisions are always guided by his values by his convictions, and never by personal political consequences,' Biden said at the packed service Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral.
Warner, a well-respected elder GOP statesman, endorsed Biden for president last year, one of many Republicans to pick the Democratic nominee over Donald Trump.
'When John endorsed me for president last year, it carried an extra meaning for me,' Biden said. 'When John endorsed me it gave me confidence, not about winning but being able to do the job. John gave me confidence.'
President Joe Biden said John Warner gave him the confidence to be president when the late Republican senator endorsed him last year
Joe and Jill Biden shake hands with Senators Mitch McConnell and Patrick Leahy
President Joe Biden at the funeral for the late Republican Senator John Warner
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi sat together at John Warner's funeral
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive for the funeral service for former Virginia Sen. John Warner at the Washington National Cathedral
In his eulogy, Biden honored Warner's military service in World War II and the Korean War. He also praised Warner's work on military issues during his 30 years in the Senate.
'John Warner gave his best to America,' Biden said. 'He was a good man, a great American.'
Biden chatted with lawmakers on his way into Warner's service with first lady Jill Biden at his side. He paused to shake hands with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
The Bidens joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul in the front row.
The seats in the cathedral were mostly full with no physical distancing but nearly all attendees wore face masks.
John Warner died on May 25 of heart failure
Lawmakers past and present were at Warner's service at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday morning, including
