Joe Biden (born 1942) is the 46th President of the United States, serving since January 20, 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Biden previously served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Before his vice presidency, he represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years. Known for his long political career and experience in foreign policy, Biden’s presidency focuses on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, and social justice issues. His election marked a historic milestone, with Kamala Harris becoming the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to parents Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden. His father, of English, French, and Irish descent, worked as a used car salesman, while his mother, of Irish descent, was a homemaker. The Biden family faced financial difficulties during Joe’s childhood, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience.
Biden was the eldest of four siblings, with a sister, Valerie, and two brothers, Francis and James. The family moved to Claymont, Delaware, in 1953 when Joe was ten years old, seeking better economic opportunities. Biden attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic high school in Claymont, where he excelled in academics and sports, particularly football. Despite his stutter, which he worked diligently to overcome by reciting poetry in front of a mirror, Biden developed strong communication skills and a knack for leadership.
After graduating from high school in 1961, Biden attended the University of Delaware in Newark, where he double-majored in history and political science. He was an average student but demonstrated strong leadership abilities, serving as class president during his junior and senior years. Biden also participated in the ROTC program, but he did not pursue a military career.
Early Career and Personal Tragedy
After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1965, Biden enrolled in Syracuse University College of Law, where he met his first wife, Neilia Hunter. They married in 1966 and had three children: Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, Robert Hunter Biden, and Naomi Christina Biden. Biden graduated from law school in 1968 and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969.
Biden began his legal career at a law firm in Wilmington, Delaware, and quickly became involved in local politics. He served on the New Castle County Council from 1970 to 1972, where he gained a reputation as a progressive and effective public servant. In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden decided to run for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs.
Biden’s Senate campaign was considered a long shot, but he conducted a vigorous grassroots effort, emphasizing his youth, energy, and progressive vision for Delaware. Against the odds, Biden won the election, becoming one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
However, shortly after his victory, tragedy struck. On December 18, 1972, Biden’s wife Neilia and their 13-month-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident while Christmas shopping. His sons, Beau and Hunter, were critically injured but survived. Devastated by the loss, Biden considered resigning from his newly won Senate seat to care for his sons. Ultimately, he was persuaded by his family and colleagues to continue, commuting daily from Wilmington to Washington, D.C., to fulfill his duties as a senator while being present for his sons.
Senate Career and Legislative Accomplishments
Biden served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009. During his tenure, he developed a reputation as a knowledgeable and effective legislator, known for his work on foreign policy, criminal justice, and civil rights.
In the Senate, Biden served on several influential committees. He was a long-time member and eventually chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he played a key role in shaping U.S. criminal justice policy. Notably, he was instrumental in the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which included provisions for community policing, an assault weapons ban, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The VAWA, which Biden authored, provided critical resources and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and has had a lasting impact on efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Biden also served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he became a leading voice on international issues. He played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Balkans during the 1990s. He advocated for intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo to halt ethnic cleansing and support humanitarian efforts. Biden’s expertise in foreign policy led to his involvement in numerous international negotiations and diplomatic missions.
Throughout his Senate career, Biden was known for his ability to work across party lines and build bipartisan coalitions. His affable personality and genuine willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints earned him respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Vice Presidency
In 2008, Biden was selected as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The Obama-Biden ticket won the election, and Biden was inaugurated as the 47th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2009. He was re-elected for a second term in 2012.
As Vice President, Biden played a crucial role in the Obama administration. He was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a massive economic stimulus package designed to help the country recover from the Great Recession. Biden’s efforts contributed to the creation of millions of jobs and significant investments in infrastructure, education, and clean energy.
Biden also played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He was a leading advocate for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and played a significant role in the administration’s efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East. He worked closely with President Obama on key issues such as the U.S.-Russia “reset,” the pivot to Asia, and the response to the Arab Spring.
In addition to his foreign policy responsibilities, Biden was a strong advocate for cancer research. In 2015, following the death of his son Beau from brain cancer, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to accelerate cancer research and improve the coordination of efforts to combat the disease.
2020 Presidential Campaign
After leaving office in 2017, Biden remained active in public life, focusing on his work with the Biden Foundation and the Biden Cancer Initiative. However, as the 2020 presidential election approached, there was growing speculation that he would enter the race.
In April 2019, Biden officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. His campaign emphasized the need to restore the “soul of America,” focusing on issues such as healthcare, climate change, and rebuilding the middle class. Despite a crowded field of Democratic candidates, Biden’s experience, name recognition, and appeal to moderate voters helped him secure the nomination.
During the general election, Biden faced incumbent President Donald Trump in a highly contentious and polarized race. The campaign was marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread protests against racial injustice, and economic uncertainty. Biden campaigned on a platform of unity, promising to address the pandemic, promote racial equity, and rebuild the economy.
On November 7, 2020, Biden was declared the winner of the election, having secured 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. He received over 81 million votes, the most ever cast for a presidential candidate in U.S. history. His running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, made history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian American to be elected Vice President.
Presidency
Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. His presidency began amidst unprecedented challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and deep political divisions.
One of Biden’s first actions as president was to implement a comprehensive plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law in March 2021, providing $1.9 trillion in relief funds to support vaccination efforts, stimulate the economy, and provide direct financial assistance to Americans. The plan included funding for vaccine distribution, expanded unemployment benefits, and financial aid for businesses and local governments.
Biden also prioritized addressing climate change, rejoining the Paris Agreement on his first day in office and committing to ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His administration launched initiatives to promote clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
On the domestic front, Biden focused on advancing social and economic policies aimed at supporting working families. He proposed and advocated for the Build Back Better Act, a comprehensive package that included investments in childcare, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Although the full package faced significant legislative hurdles, portions of it, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, were passed, providing critical funding for modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.
Biden’s administration also took steps to address racial and social justice issues. He signed executive orders aimed at promoting equity and combating discrimination, and he supported efforts to reform the criminal justice system, protect voting rights, and address systemic racism.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite his achievements, Biden’s presidency has not been without challenges and criticisms. His administration faced significant hurdles in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in addressing vaccine hesitancy and navigating the complexities of reopening the economy. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 was widely criticized for its chaotic execution, raising questions about the administration’s handling of the situation.
Biden’s ambitious legislative agenda also faced obstacles in Congress, particularly in the evenly divided Senate. Efforts to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation, climate change initiatives, and social spending programs were met with resistance, highlighting the difficulties of navigating a polarized political landscape.
Additionally, Biden’s approval ratings have fluctuated in response to various challenges, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising crime rates. These issues have contributed to a complex and dynamic political environment, with ongoing debates about the administration’s policies and priorities.
Personal Life and Legacy
Throughout his career, Joe Biden has been known for his resilience, empathy, and commitment to public service. His personal experiences with tragedy, including the loss of his wife and daughter in 1972 and the death of his son Beau in 2015, have deeply influenced his approach to leadership and his ability to connect with others on a personal level. Biden’s ability to overcome adversity and his dedication to his family and country have been central to his public persona.
Personal Life and Relationships
After the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter, Biden found love again with Jill Tracy Jacobs. The two met on a blind date arranged by Biden’s brother, and they married in 1977. Jill Biden, an educator with a Doctorate in Education, has been a strong partner and advocate throughout Biden’s political career. The couple has a daughter, Ashley Blazer Biden, born in 1981.
Jill Biden has played an active role in supporting military families, advocating for education reform, and promoting cancer research, reflecting the shared values and commitments that she and Joe Biden have brought to their public life. As First Lady, she has continued to focus on these issues, along with mental health and community colleges, using her platform to make a significant impact.
Biden’s family has faced various challenges, particularly regarding his son Hunter Biden, who has struggled with addiction issues and has been a focal point of political controversy. Despite these difficulties, Joe Biden has consistently expressed unwavering support for his family, emphasizing the importance of love and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges.
Political Philosophy and Leadership Style
Biden’s political philosophy is characterized by a commitment to bipartisanship, pragmatism, and empathy. Throughout his career, he has sought to bridge divides and find common ground, often emphasizing the need for cooperation and compromise in a polarized political environment. His leadership style is marked by a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives and to build coalitions across party lines.
Biden’s long tenure in the Senate and his experience as Vice President have given him a deep understanding of the legislative process and the complexities of governance. He is known for his ability to navigate the intricacies of policy-making and his focus on achieving tangible results for the American people.
Empathy has been a defining characteristic of Biden’s leadership. His personal experiences with loss and hardship have given him a unique ability to connect with individuals on a human level, offering compassion and understanding. This quality has been particularly evident in his interactions with families affected by tragedy, as well as his efforts to address issues such as healthcare, economic inequality, and social justice.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
As President, Biden has sought to restore America’s standing on the global stage and to reassert the country’s leadership in addressing international challenges. His administration has emphasized the importance of alliances and partnerships, particularly with NATO and other democratic nations, in addressing global issues such as climate change, security threats, and human rights.
Biden has taken a firm stance against authoritarian regimes and has emphasized the importance of promoting democracy and human rights worldwide. His administration has imposed sanctions on countries such as Russia and China for human rights abuses and has supported democratic movements in places like Belarus and Hong Kong.
One of the most significant foreign policy challenges of Biden’s presidency has been the relationship with China. Biden has sought to balance competition and cooperation, addressing issues such as trade, intellectual property, and human rights while also seeking areas of collaboration on global challenges like climate change and public health.
Climate Change and Environmental Policy
Addressing climate change has been a central focus of Biden’s presidency. He rejoined the Paris Agreement on his first day in office and has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a clean energy economy. His administration has launched several initiatives to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
Biden’s climate policy has emphasized the need for international cooperation, recognizing that global challenges require global solutions. He has worked to strengthen partnerships with other countries to address climate change and to support efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Domestically, Biden’s climate agenda has included significant investments in clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient infrastructure. These efforts are aimed not only at reducing emissions but also at creating jobs and promoting economic growth in a sustainable and equitable manner.
Healthcare and Social Policy
Healthcare has been a key priority for Biden, reflecting his longstanding commitment to expanding access to affordable care. As Vice President, he played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has provided millions of Americans with health insurance and protections against discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.
As President, Biden has sought to build on the ACA by expanding coverage, reducing costs, and addressing gaps in the healthcare system. His administration has worked to lower prescription drug prices, increase funding for mental health services, and expand Medicaid in states that have not yet adopted the expansion.
Biden’s social policy agenda also includes efforts to address economic inequality and support working families. His administration has proposed measures such as paid family leave, expanded childcare, and increased access to education and job training programs. These initiatives are aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable economy that provides opportunities for all Americans.
Voting Rights and Democracy
Protecting voting rights and strengthening democracy have been central themes of Biden’s presidency. In response to efforts to restrict voting access in various states, his administration has advocated for federal legislation to protect and expand voting rights. Biden has emphasized the importance of ensuring that every American has the right to participate in the democratic process and has called for reforms to address issues such as gerrymandering and campaign finance.
Biden’s commitment to democracy extends beyond the United States. He has supported efforts to promote democratic governance and human rights around the world, recognizing the importance of a robust and vibrant democracy in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and stability.
