One of the lesser-known connections between Senator Kamala Harris and Presidential Hope Joe Biden (opens in new tab): Joe's son Beau Biden passed away from brain cancer in 2015 (opens in new tab). Harris met Beau when they were both Attorney General and the two became close friends. That relationship helped Joe make his decision. Harris' decision to be Joe's vice presidential running mate was a historic announcement, the first black or South Asian woman to be a major party presidential candidate (opens in new tab), and it became even more personal and poignant when the two spoke of their shared history and their love for Bo at their first joint press conference. What do we know about this critically important relationship that has influenced both of them?

While Harris was Attorney General of California, Beau Biden was also Attorney General of his home state of Delaware for four years; the two were connected through their work and were both up and coming, especially during the Great Recession of 2008 and the housing crisis of 2011 (opens in new tab). Harris was criticized for withdrawing the state of California from negotiating a settlement on foreclosures, but Bo explained that he was on her side at the time and supported her decision. Apparently wary that the settlement would exonerate several major banks for past misconduct, Bo and Harris negotiated for a settlement (opens in new tab) that was much more expensive than the originally proposed settlement. Beau and Harris negotiated for a much higher settlement than originally proposed.

Harris, who calls Bo "an incredible friend and colleague," has long spoken of her deep friendship with Bo; when introducing Joe at the 2016 California Democratic Convention, she said, " Joe has given so much to our country." On top of all that he has accomplished, he has given us our dear friend Beau Biden. And Biden nominated her for the Senate.

Beau had been suffering from a brain tumor since 2010 and was undergoing treatment, but when it returned in 2015, it progressed rapidly. Beau's health deteriorated over several weeks and she died in May of that year.

Harris, who attended the funeral, explained, "I was fortunate to have known Beau as a friend and to have had the opportunity to work closely with him."

And on the fourth anniversary of his death, he tweeted that he continued to miss him:

Beau's death was naturally a blow to the entire Biden family, and father and son were especially close (there was even talk of Beau becoming his father's political "successor," according to sources). Part of that closeness was due to an earlier family tragedy: when Beau was young, he and his brother were involved in a car accident that took the lives of their mother and sister (opens in new tab). Joe on Amtrak (opens in new tab)" took the train home every week to be with his sons, and it brought the three of them together.

According to insiders who know Joe well, he values his personal relationships as much or more than his political connections. Some were surprised that Joe chose Harris, especially since they had clashed quite a bit during the Democratic debates (opens in new tab). However, in the run-up to the announcement, Joe has praised Harris, and their relationship appears to be more cordial.

When Joe announced her as his vice presidential candidate, he mentioned the connection between Harris and his son. I watched [Bo and Harris] take on the big banks, lift up workers, and protect women and children from abuse. I was proud then, and I am proud to have her as a partner in this campaign now."

And in a notice to his supporters, Joe further stated. "I first met Mr. Camara through my son, Beau. He had great respect for her and her work." I thought about that a lot in making this decision. And I am proud that Camara will stand with me in this election campaign." " Biden called Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, "honorary Biden."

And as Joe bowed his head in emotion, Harris also mentioned Bo in their joint appearance. I quickly learned that Bo was the kind of person who inspired people to better themselves," Harris said. 'He really was the best of us. And I asked him, "Where did you get that?" Where did this come from?" and I would ask him, and he would always tell me stories about his dad."