Just a few words of empathy and kindness to a little girl illustrated the radical contrast of the current president to the former one we finally ditched.

President Biden said to 8 year-old Layla Salas at CNN Town Hall in Wisconsin last night,

“Kids don’t get Covid very often. It’s unusual for that to happen. Don’t be scared, honey.

Don’t be scared. You’re going to be fine, and we’re going to make sure mommy’s fine, too.”

Layla’s mom, Jessica Salas, a Milwaukee graphic designer told Biden that her children often ask whether they will get COVID and die. It’s a conversation that millions of Americans have likely had with their children over the last 11 months.

Biden’s grandfatherly way with this little girl revealed the emotional depth and empathy of a man who has been through a lot of tragedy in his own life. Something lacking in the White House since Obama.

Salas told CNN,

“…that was really, really awesome. Afterwards she was like, ‘Mommy, he told us everything’s gonna be OK.’ Which, obviously, wasn’t his exact words, but the fact that she felt his sentiment meant a lot.”

Biden is trying to turn the page from his the predecessor he referred to as “the former guy”

“For four years, all that’s been in the news is Trump. The next four years, I want to make sure all the news is the American people.

I’m tired of talking about Trump.”

Can I get an Amen!?

(Photos, screen gras; via CNN)