Early Life

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a Catholic family and later moved with his family to Delaware, where he spent most of his youth.

Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science. He later earned a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.

Early Political Career

Biden entered public life at a relatively young age. In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware, beginning a long congressional career. He took office in January 1973 and remained a senator until 2009.

During his Senate career, Biden became involved in foreign affairs, criminal justice, and constitutional issues. He served for many years on the Senate Judiciary Committee and later chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Senate Career

As a senator, Biden developed a reputation as an experienced legislator with a particular interest in foreign policy and the justice system.

He participated in debates over crime legislation, judicial nominations, civil rights, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy. His long Senate tenure made him one of the most experienced members of Congress when he later became vice president.

Presidential Campaigns

Biden first sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and later ran again in 2008. Neither campaign resulted in the nomination.

In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate. The Democratic ticket won the 2008 presidential election, and Biden became vice president in January 2009.

Vice Presidency

Biden served as the 47th vice president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. The U.S. Senate records his vice-presidential term as 2009–2017.

As vice president, Biden participated in domestic and foreign-policy matters and became involved in administration initiatives relating to economic recovery, infrastructure, foreign relations, and other federal programs.

He was also involved in diplomatic engagements and represented the United States in meetings with foreign leaders.

2020 Presidential Election

Biden announced his candidacy for president in 2019. In the 2020 election, he ran as the Democratic nominee with Kamala Harris as his running mate.

Biden won the 2020 presidential election and became the 46th president of the United States. He was inaugurated on January 20, 2021.

Presidency

Biden's presidency began during the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration focused on vaccination efforts, economic recovery, infrastructure investment, climate policy, and changes to federal regulations.

One of the major legislative achievements of his administration was the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided federal investment in roads, bridges, public transportation, broadband, and other infrastructure.

His administration also signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included measures concerning climate and clean-energy investment, health-care costs, and taxation.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy was another major part of Biden's presidency. His administration strengthened relationships with U.S. allies and emphasized cooperation through international alliances.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 became a major foreign-policy challenge. The United States provided significant military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while working with European and other international partners.

Biden's administration also dealt with relations with China, developments in the Middle East, NATO policy, and other international security issues.

2024 Election and Later Presidency

Biden initially sought reelection in 2024. In July 2024, he ended his campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election and began his second presidential term on January 20, 2025. Biden therefore left the presidency in January 2025.

Personal Life

Biden married Neilia Hunter in 1966. They had three children: Beau, Hunter, and Naomi. Neilia and Naomi died in a car accident in 1972.

Biden later married Jill Jacobs in 1977. They have one daughter, Ashley Biden.

His son Beau Biden served as Delaware's attorney general and died of cancer in 2015.

Later Public Life

After leaving the presidency in January 2025, Biden became a former president and continued to be a prominent figure in American public life.

His political career remains notable for its unusually long duration, spanning service as a senator, vice president, and president.

Legacy

Joe Biden is one of the longest-serving figures in modern American national politics. His career included more than three decades in the U.S. Senate, eight years as vice president, and four years as president.

His legacy includes his legislative record, foreign-policy decisions, judicial appointments, infrastructure and climate-related legislation, and the political events surrounding his 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns.

His career has also been the subject of substantial political debate, particularly concerning domestic policy, immigration, foreign affairs, and his administration's handling of major national and international events.