Thread by @mikememoli

Jill Biden stepping out a bit more, speaking before her husband at HRC Dinner. Opens by telling story of punching a neighbor who was bullying her sister. "I hate bullies," she says

. @DrBiden talks about incorporation of LGBT "As You Are initiative to work of the Biden Foundation. "When the history books are written we want to be on the side of equality."

. @JoeBiden notes @ChadHGriffin credited him for endorsing marriage equality "early -- but it was very late," he says. Adds he had made it clear to Obama staff he wouldn't shy from question if asked directly

Biden now talking about his late son's role in advancing marriage equality. Championed legislation in Delaware and joined challenge of DOMA before SCOTUS

Biden acknowledges @EricHolder who is also speaking later at the @HRC Dinner. "When I made that announcement on @MeetThePress, all the sudden there was a cascade out of the administration."

Biden to @HRC Dinner: "Despite losing in the courts and in the court of public opinion these forces of intolerance are determined to roll back the progress you have all made." Some of these are "the dregs of society," he says.

Biden: Instead of using the full might of the executive branch to security dignity, safety for all, "the president uses the White House as a literal bully pulpit." #literally

Biden singles out a young man who was essentially disowned by his family -- father threatened to stone him -- after coming out. Says he and the country have his back.

"No court decision or law or policy or poll can replace the impact of the loss of unconditional love."

Biden returns to endorsing marriage equality in 2012 before Obama had. "I was told how I was ruining the chances" for reelection. "I said I’ll make you a bet – the American people are already with us."

Biden, voice rising as he gets to what has become 2018 rallying cry: "We are in a fight for America’s soul. ... What has become of us? Our children are listening. And our silence is complicity."

But tells @HRC Dinner he's confident the vast majority of the country is with them

Biden closes by again invoking his late son, Beau. He died of "a terrible disease." But talks of another disease, "a plight on America, this disease of homophobia. And we can end it."