Joe Biden

Joe Biden (born November 20, 1942) was the 46th president of the United States, serving from 2021 until his withdrawal from reelection in 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Early Life and Education

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden moved to Delaware as a child. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 and Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. After practicing law briefly, he entered politics, winning election to the New Castle County Council in 1970 and the U.S. Senate in 1972.

Personal Life

Biden's first wife, Neilia, and infant daughter died in a car accident shortly after his Senate election in 1972. He later married Jill Tracy Jacobs in 1977. He had four children: Beau (deceased 2015), Hunter, Naomi (deceased 1972), and Ashley.

Senate Career (1973-2009)

During his six terms in the Senate, Biden served as chair of both the Foreign Relations Committee and Judiciary Committee. He played significant roles in crafting major legislation including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (1994) and the Violence Against Women Act. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008.

Vice Presidency (2009-2017)

As vice president under Barack Obama, Biden oversaw the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, served as the administration's liaison to Iraq, and led initiatives on gun violence prevention and cancer research. He chose not to run for president in 2016 following the death of his son Beau.

Presidency (2021-2024)

Major initiatives of Biden's presidency included:

- COVID-19 response through the American Rescue Plan

- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

- Inflation Reduction Act addressing climate change and healthcare

- Support for Ukraine following Russian invasion

- Withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan

- Response to Hamas-Israel conflict

- Student loan debt relief attempts

Biden faced several challenges during his presidency, including high inflation, immigration issues at the southern border, and questions about his age and fitness for office. His approval ratings declined significantly after his first year.

In April 2023, Biden announced his campaign for reelection but withdrew in July 2024 following criticism of his performance in the first presidential debate. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, becoming the first eligible incumbent president since Lyndon B. Johnson to decline to seek reelection.

Political Positions

Biden was generally considered a moderate Democrat who embraced more progressive positions over time. His policy priorities included climate change action, healthcare expansion, and international alliance-building. He maintained a strong Catholic faith while supporting abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

Legacy

Biden's presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements in infrastructure and climate policy, but also controversial decisions regarding Afghanistan and persistent concerns about his age. His decision to withdraw from reelection represented a historic moment in American presidential politics.