Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., popularly known as Joe Biden, was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States. He is an American politician and the 46th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 2021. Prior to his presidency, Biden had an extensive career in politics, including serving as a U.S. Senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009 and as the Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Biden was born into a middle-class Catholic family in Scranton and later moved to Delaware with his family. He attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science, and later received his law degree from Syracuse University in 1968. Following his graduation, Biden worked as an attorney and became involved in local politics.
In 1972, tragedy struck when Biden’s first wife, Neilia, and their daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident while Christmas shopping. Biden’s two sons, Beau and Hunter, were also in the car but survived. This devastating event deeply impacted Biden’s life and led him to consider giving up politics. However, at the urging of Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, he decided to continue his political career.
Biden was elected to the United States Senate in 1972 at the age of 29, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. Throughout his Senate career, which spanned over four decades, Biden became known for his expertise in foreign policy and served on various committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. He played a key role in shaping legislation on issues such as crime, drug policy, and arms control.
In 2008, Biden was chosen as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. As Vice President, Biden focused on a wide range of issues, including economic recovery, healthcare reform, and foreign policy. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and helped lead the administration’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce gun violence.
After leaving the vice presidency in 2017, Biden remained active in political advocacy and established the Biden Foundation, which aimed to address issues such as cancer research, education, and violence against women. In 2019, he announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election, seeking the Democratic nomination. Throughout his campaign, Biden emphasized unity, healing the nation’s divisions, and restoring American leadership on the global stage.
Joe Biden won the Democratic nomination and went on to face incumbent President Donald Trump in the general election. On November 7, 2020, Biden was declared the winner of the election, receiving the highest number of votes ever cast for a presidential candidate in American history. He was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021.
As President, Biden has focused on a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, climate change, and immigration reform. He has signed several executive orders and proposed ambitious legislative agendas, such as the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan, with the aim of revitalizing the economy, improving infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare and education, and addressing climate change.
Joe Biden’s political career has been marked by his commitment to public service and his ability to forge bipartisan relationships. Throughout his life, he has faced personal tragedies, political challenges, and health setbacks, but has persevered with resilience and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the American people.
Sources:
Joe Biden: The President | The White House
Joe Biden | Biography, Family, Policies, & Facts | Britannica
