Who Was Joe Biden?

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is a prominent American politician who dedicated over five decades to public service, culminating in his term as the 46th President of the United States from 2021 to 2025. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden's political journey began in Delaware, where he first served on the New Castle County Council before being elected to the U.S. Senate at the remarkably young age of 29. His long tenure in the Senate, spanning 36 years, established him as a key figure in American foreign policy and criminal justice.

Biden's career took a significant turn when he was chosen by Barack Obama as his running mate in 2008, leading to two terms as the 47th Vice President. In this role, he played a crucial part in the Obama administration's response to the 2008 financial crisis, foreign policy initiatives, and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. After a brief period out of office, Biden launched a successful presidential campaign in 2020, defeating incumbent Donald Trump to become the oldest person ever elected to the nation's highest office.

As president, Biden navigated a period marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and significant geopolitical shifts. He signed landmark legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. His foreign policy focused on reasserting American leadership, rejoining international agreements like the Paris Agreement, and responding to global crises, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Biden's presidency concluded with his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, making way for a new chapter in American leadership.

Early Life and Background

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden (née Finnegan) and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. He was the eldest of four children in a Catholic family with strong Irish roots, a heritage that would deeply influence his personal values and political identity. His siblings include Valerie, James, and Francis, all of whom remained close throughout his life.

The Biden family experienced significant financial fluctuations during Joe's early childhood. Initially, his father, Joseph Sr., enjoyed some wealth, allowing the family to live in the affluent Long Island suburb of Garden City, New York, for a period in the mid-1940s. However, business setbacks led to a decline in their fortunes, and by the time Joe was seven, the family moved back to Scranton, living with his maternal grandparents for several years.

As Scranton faced economic decline in the 1950s, Joseph Sr. struggled to find stable employment. In 1953, when Joe was ten, the family relocated to Claymont, Delaware, and later to Mayfield, Delaware, seeking better opportunities. His father eventually found success as a used-car salesman, which allowed the family to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. Growing up, Biden witnessed the struggles associated with alcoholism within his family, which led him to make a lifelong commitment to abstain from alcohol.

These early experiences of economic hardship and family resilience instilled in Biden a strong sense of empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working-class Americans. His upbringing in a close-knit, faith-oriented family provided a foundation of values that would guide his public service career. The lessons learned during these formative years, particularly the importance of perseverance and community, became hallmarks of his political philosophy.

Education and Formative Years

Biden's educational journey began at Archmere Academy, a Catholic preparatory school in Claymont, Delaware, where he was a dedicated student and athlete. Despite describing himself as a "poor student" academically, he excelled in sports, playing baseball and becoming a standout halfback and wide receiver on the high school football team. His leadership qualities were evident even then, as he was elected class president during both his junior and senior years, graduating in 1961.

A significant challenge Biden faced during his youth was a severe stutter. He worked diligently to overcome this impediment, practicing by memorizing and reciting passages from poets like Ralph Waldo Emerson and William Butler Yeats in front of a mirror. This personal struggle and his eventual triumph over it became a defining aspect of his character, fostering resilience and a deep appreciation for communication.

After high school, Biden attended the University of Delaware in Newark, where he briefly played freshman football. He pursued a double major, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science in 1965. His time at the University of Delaware further solidified his interest in public affairs and governance, setting the stage for his future career.

Following his undergraduate studies, Biden enrolled at Syracuse University College of Law, from which he earned his Juris Doctor in 1968. His law school experience was not without its difficulties; he faced an academic setback in his first year due to a plagiarism incident, though the failing grade was later removed. He graduated 76th in a class of 85, and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969. During this period, he also received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War; a later medical deferment in 1968 was attributed to teenage asthma.

After law school, Biden clerked at a law firm and initially identified as a Republican, disliking the conservative racial politics of Delaware's incumbent Democratic governor. He supported a more liberal Republican candidate, Russell W. Peterson, who won the governorship in 1968. Though local Republicans tried to recruit him, Biden registered as an independent due to his distaste for Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon. He later switched his registration to Democratic after joining a firm headed by a locally active Democrat, Sid Balick, and becoming involved in efforts to reform the state party.

Career and Major Works

Early Political Career and the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden's political career began in 1969 when he started practicing law, first as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware, often representing African American clients. He then joined a firm and later started his own, Biden and Walsh. Finding corporate law unappealing and criminal law not financially rewarding, he supplemented his income by managing properties. His first electoral success came in 1970 when he won a seat on the New Castle County Council on a liberal platform that included support for public housing in the suburbs. During his two years on the council, he notably opposed large highway projects that threatened Wilmington neighborhoods.

In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden made a surprising bid for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Republican J. Caleb Boggs. With minimal campaign funds, his family managed and staffed the campaign, relying on face-to-face interactions and distributing position papers. His platform focused on environmental protection, withdrawal from Vietnam, civil rights, and equitable taxation. Despite trailing significantly in early polls, his youthful energy and ability to connect with voters led to an unexpected victory, making him one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. Tragically, just weeks after his election, his wife Neilia and infant daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident, and his two sons, Beau and Hunter, were seriously injured. This profound personal loss deeply affected him, but he chose to be sworn into the Senate at his sons' hospital bedside and commuted daily by train from Delaware to Washington D.C. for 36 years to be with his family.

During his long tenure in the Senate (1973-2009), Biden became a respected voice on foreign policy and criminal justice. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1987 to 1995, overseeing contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. As chairman, he played a pivotal role in drafting and securing the passage of the landmark Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which included provisions for community policing and an assault weapons ban. He also authored and championed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that provided federal resources to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Biden later chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2001 to 2009, having previously served as its ranking member. In this role, he traveled extensively, meeting with numerous world leaders and shaping U.S. foreign policy. He opposed the Gulf War in 1991 but voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in 2002, a decision he later expressed regret over. His experience in foreign affairs and his ability to work across the aisle earned him a reputation as a pragmatic and influential legislator.

Vice Presidency

After two unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008, Joe Biden was selected by then-Senator Barack Obama as his running mate in 2008. The Obama-Biden ticket won the election, and Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. As Vice President, Biden was a close advisor to President Obama, playing a key role in the administration's response to the Great Recession, including overseeing the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Biden was also instrumental in foreign policy, undertaking numerous diplomatic missions and engaging with leaders around the world. He was a leading voice in the administration's efforts to withdraw troops from Iraq, strengthen alliances, and address global challenges like nuclear proliferation and climate change. Domestically, he led efforts on gun control following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and championed initiatives to combat cancer, inspired by the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.

Presidency

In 2020, Joe Biden launched his third presidential campaign, ultimately defeating incumbent Donald Trump with Kamala Harris as his running mate. He was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, becoming the oldest person to assume the presidency. His administration immediately focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, signing the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which provided significant economic relief and accelerated vaccine distribution.

Biden also secured bipartisan legislative victories, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated billions for roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, and clean energy. He appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first African American woman to serve on the nation's highest court. His administration also passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a comprehensive bill addressing climate change, healthcare costs, and corporate taxes, which incorporated parts of his earlier "Build Back Better" agenda.

In foreign policy, Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change and reasserted American leadership on the global stage. He oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, an exit that was widely criticized for its chaotic nature and the swift return of the Taliban to power. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Biden rallied international support, imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, and authorized significant military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. He also strongly supported Finland's and Sweden's bids to join NATO, formally approving their membership. During the Gaza War, he condemned Hamas's actions, provided strong military and diplomatic support to Israel, sent humanitarian aid to Gaza, and backed a temporary ceasefire proposal.

Throughout his presidency, concerns about Biden's age and health were a recurring theme, especially as he became the first president to turn 80 in office. Despite initially seeking re-election in 2024 and winning the Democratic primaries, he withdrew his candidacy after a widely criticized performance in the first presidential debate, citing the need for the party to have a stronger candidate. His approval ratings, which started with majority support, declined significantly over his term, particularly due to concerns about inflation and immigration.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Joe Biden's long career in public service is marked by several significant achievements and contributions that have left a lasting impact on American law, foreign policy, and social welfare. His legislative prowess and ability to forge bipartisan consensus, particularly during his Senate years, stand out as defining characteristics of his political style.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): As a senator, Biden was the principal author and champion of the 1994 VAWA, a landmark piece of legislation that fundamentally changed how the U.S. addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It provided federal funding for victim services, established new legal protections, and created the Office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice.
Crime Bill of 1994: Biden played a crucial role in drafting and passing the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. While controversial in retrospect for its impact on mass incarceration, it included significant provisions for community policing, an assault weapons ban, and funding for crime prevention programs.
Foreign Policy Leadership: Throughout his 36 years in the Senate, particularly as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Biden established himself as a leading voice on international affairs. He advocated for strong alliances, human rights, and diplomatic engagement, shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple administrations.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): As Vice President, Biden was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ARRA, a massive stimulus package designed to combat the Great Recession. His efforts were crucial in ensuring the efficient allocation of funds for infrastructure projects, clean energy, and job creation.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: As President, Biden secured a rare bipartisan victory with the passage of this act, which committed billions of dollars to modernize America's aging infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband internet. This represented the largest investment in infrastructure in decades.
Inflation Reduction Act: This comprehensive legislation, signed into law during his presidency, made significant investments in climate change initiatives, lowered prescription drug costs for seniors, and reformed corporate taxation. It was a cornerstone of his domestic agenda, aiming to address long-standing economic and environmental challenges.
Judicial Appointments: Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, fulfilling a campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the nation's highest court. He also appointed a diverse slate of federal judges, significantly shaping the judiciary.
Reassertion of International Alliances: As President, Biden prioritized restoring America's standing on the global stage, rejoining the Paris Agreement, strengthening NATO, and rallying international support against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Personal Life and Legacy

Joe Biden's personal life has been marked by both profound joy and immense tragedy, shaping his character and public persona. In 1966, he married Neilia Hunter, and they had three children: Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III, Robert Hunter Biden, and Naomi Christina Biden. Just weeks after his historic Senate election in 1972, a devastating car accident killed Neilia and their infant daughter Naomi, and severely injured his sons Beau and Hunter. This unimaginable loss deeply impacted Biden, leading him to consider resigning from the Senate, but he was persuaded to stay and found strength in his commitment to his surviving children.

In 1977, Biden married Jill Jacobs, an educator, and together they had a daughter, Ashley Blazer Biden. Jill Biden became a steadfast partner, supporting his career while maintaining her own professional life as a community college professor. The family faced another heartbreaking loss in 2015 when his eldest son, Beau, a former Attorney General of Delaware and Iraq War veteran, died of brain cancer. These personal tragedies have often been cited by Biden as sources of his empathy and resilience, connecting him with others who have experienced loss.

Biden's Catholic faith has been a consistent anchor throughout his life, influencing his moral compass and public service. He is known for his folksy, approachable demeanor, often described as "Middle-Class Joe," which resonates with many Americans. His political style is characterized by a belief in consensus-building and a willingness to engage across the political aisle, honed over decades in the Senate. He often emphasizes the importance of civility and unity, even in deeply divided times.

The legacy of Joe Biden is multifaceted. He is remembered as a senator who championed significant legislation in criminal justice and women's rights, a vice president who helped navigate a major economic crisis and advised a transformative president, and a president who oversaw a period of significant legislative activity, including major investments in infrastructure and climate change. His presidency also marked a return to traditional American foreign policy after a period of disruption, emphasizing alliances and international cooperation.

Biden's age became a significant part of his narrative, as he was the oldest person to assume the presidency and the first to turn 80 in office. His decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about his ability to effectively lead, further underscored the unique challenges and scrutiny associated with his age. Despite fluctuating approval ratings, his career represents a remarkable journey of perseverance, personal sacrifice, and dedication to public service, leaving an indelible mark on American politics and history.