Joe Biden
Introduction
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born on November 20, 1942, is an American politician serving as the 46th president of the United States since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009.
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden moved to Delaware in 1953. He graduated from the University of Delaware and later earned his law degree from Syracuse University. Biden began his political career by serving on the New Castle County Council before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.
During his tenure as a senator, Biden played key roles in passing significant legislation, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and the Violence Against Women Act. He also chaired several important Senate committees and oversaw Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
Biden ran for the Democratic presidential nomination unsuccessfully in 1988 and 2008. In 2008, he became vice president under President Obama, where he was a close advisor and advocate for various domestic and foreign policies.
As president, Biden has signed major legislation such as the American Rescue Plan Act to address the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. He has also focused on infrastructure and manufacturing, although his Build Back Better Act faced challenges in Congress. Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and has been involved in foreign policy decisions, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and responses to international conflicts.
In April 2023, Biden announced his candidacy for re-election in the 2024 presidential election and is currently the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a working-class family of Irish descent. His upbringing in Scranton and later in Delaware shaped his values and commitment to public service. Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied political science and history, and later earned his law degree from Syracuse University in 1968. His early experiences, including overcoming a childhood stutter and coping with personal tragedy, influenced his empathy and resilience.
Career Trajectory
Joe Biden's political career began in earnest 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 history. Throughout his Senate tenure, Biden focused on issues such as crime prevention, foreign policy, and judicial nominations. He played a pivotal role in landmark legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Comprehensive Crime Control Act.
As Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, Biden was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy, overseeing domestic initiatives such as the Affordable Care Act, and advocating for economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. His leadership on issues such as LGBTQ rights and climate change garnered widespread acclaim.
Legacy and Future
Joe Biden's legacy as President is still unfolding, but his administration has prioritized addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing racial equity, combating climate change, and revitalizing the economy. His commitment to bipartisanship and unity has been central to his governing philosophy, aiming to heal divisions within the country and restore faith in democratic institutions.
Looking forward, Biden's presidency continues to navigate challenges both domestically and internationally, including ongoing economic recovery efforts, immigration reform, and maintaining U.S. global leadership. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and prioritize inclusive policy solutions will shape his legacy in the years to come.
References
- Gibson, Ginger (August 25, 2008). "Parishioners not surprised to see Biden at usual Mass". The News Journal. p. A.12. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- Gibson, Ginger (August 25, 2008). "Parishioners not surprised to see Biden at usual Mass". The News Journal. p. A.12. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- "Ashley Biden and Howard Krein". The New York Times. June 3, 2012. p. ST15. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 202
- Cooper, Christopher (August 20, 2008). "Biden's Foreign Policy Background Carries Growing Cachet". The Wall Street Journal. p. A4. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
- Kane, Paul (May 31, 2015). "Family losses frame Vice President Biden's career". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 30, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
