His full name is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., and he was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Biden's long political career has spanned several decades, during which he has held key positions, including serving as a U.S. senator for Delaware and vice president of the United States under President Barack Obama. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a prominent figure in American politics for more than 50 years.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden grew up in a middle-class family in Scranton, Pennsylvania, before moving to Delaware at a young age. His father joe biden struggled financially, which gave Biden a sense of empathy for working-class Americans, a theme that has run throughout his political career. Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he double-majored in history and political science. After graduation, he went on to earn a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968.
Political Career
Joe Biden’s political career began in 1972 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware at the age of 29, becoming one of the youngest senators in American history. He served in the Senate for 36 years, making his mark on various issues, including foreign policy, criminal justice reform, and domestic economic policies.
As a senator, Biden chaired two powerful committees: the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His tenure on the Judiciary Committee saw him involved in Supreme Court nomination hearings and major legislative efforts related to crime and civil rights, such as the 1994 Crime Bill. On the Foreign Relations Committee, Biden played a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Iraq.
Vice Presidency (2009–2017)
Biden’s role as vice president under Barack Obama was highly influential. He was a key advisor to Obama and helped lead the administration’s efforts in several critical areas, including economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis, healthcare reform (playing a major role in the passing of the Affordable Care Act), and foreign policy. Biden was also tasked with overseeing the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided stimulus funding to revive the economy.
Biden’s foreign policy expertise made him a valuable asset in Obama’s administration. He played a leading role in managing relationships with U.S. allies and partners, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. He also led efforts to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, in line with Obama’s campaign promises.
2020 Presidential Campaign
After years of speculation about whether he would run for the presidency, Joe Biden announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in April 2019. His campaign initially struggled during the early primary contests, but a crucial win in South Carolina revitalized his bid. Biden went on to secure the Democratic nomination and selected Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate.
In the general election, Biden campaigned on a platform focused on unity, tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and restoring America’s global standing. He faced the incumbent president, Donald Trump, in a highly polarized and contentious election. The election, held during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw record voter turnout, with many votes cast via mail due to health concerns. After a protracted counting process in key swing states, Biden was declared the winner on November 7, 2020, having secured over 81 million votes — the most votes ever received by a U.S. presidential candidate.
Presidency (2021–Present)
Joe Biden was inaugurated as president on January 20, 2021, in a ceremony that was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and security concerns following the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. His first months in office were marked by efforts to accelerate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, provide economic relief to Americans affected by the pandemic, and restore a sense of normalcy to government operations.
One of his administration’s first significant legislative achievements was the passage of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package designed to aid recovery from the pandemic. The plan included direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution.
Biden’s administration has also focused on climate change, racial justice, and rebuilding alliances abroad. He has rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, initiated efforts to tackle climate change domestically, and worked to strengthen relationships with NATO allies.