Joe Biden is the 46th and current President of the United States, having been inaugurated on January 20, 2021. Prior to his presidency, he served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has been active in politics for over five decades. Learn more here about Novak Djokovic.
As President, Biden has made it a priority to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the country. He has implemented a national strategy to combat the virus, including increasing the production and distribution of vaccines, providing financial aid to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic, and implementing mask mandates and social distancing guidelines. Additionally, Biden has emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, racial justice, and economic inequality.
Biden’s presidency has not been without controversy, with some criticizing his policies and others questioning the legitimacy of his election. Nevertheless, he has remained committed to his agenda and has worked to bridge the political divide in the country. As his presidency continues, it remains to be seen what impact he will have on the United States and the world.
Early Life and Career
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a working-class Irish Catholic family. His father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., was a used-car salesman, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia Biden, was a homemaker. Biden was the oldest of four siblings.
Growing up in Scranton, Biden attended St. Paul’s Elementary School and later St. Helena’s School before moving with his family to Wilmington, Delaware, when he was 10 years old. In Delaware, he attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic high school, where he played football and baseball.
After graduating from high school, Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science. He was a member of the varsity football team and was also involved in student government.
After graduating from the University of Delaware in 1965, Biden attended Syracuse University Law School. He graduated in 1968 and returned to Wilmington, where he began practicing law.
In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden was elected to the United States Senate, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to that body. He was re-elected to the Senate six times and served in that position for 36 years before becoming Vice President of the United States under President Barack Obama in 2009.
Political Career
Joe Biden began his political career at a young age, winning a seat on the New Castle County, Delaware council in 1970 at the age of 27. He served on the council for two years before making the leap to the United States Senate. At the age of 29, Biden unseated Sen. James Caleb Boggs (Rep.), the two-term incumbent, in an upset victory 1.
Senate Years
Biden served in the Senate for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009, representing the state of Delaware. During his time in the Senate, he was known for his work on foreign policy and his advocacy for the middle class. Biden was a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for over 30 years, serving as chairman for a total of 12 years. He also served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee for eight years 1.
In 2008, Biden ran for Vice President on the Democratic ticket with Barack Obama. He was chosen for his foreign policy expertise and his reputation as a “regular guy” who could connect with working-class voters. The Obama-Biden ticket won the election, and Biden was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2009 2.
Vice Presidency
As Vice President, Biden played an active role in the Obama administration. He was tasked with leading the administration’s efforts to combat gun violence in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. He also played a key role in the administration’s efforts to pass the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare 3.
Biden was re-elected as Vice President in 2012, and he continued to be a prominent figure in the Obama administration. He was known for his close relationship with the President, and he was often called upon to represent the administration at home and abroad. In 2015, Biden announced that he would not run for President in 2016, citing the recent death of his son Beau as a factor in his decision 2.
Footnotes
Presidency
Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. Since then, he has pursued an ambitious agenda of domestic and foreign policy initiatives, as well as a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Domestic Policy
President Biden has made a number of significant domestic policy proposals, including a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, and a $1.8 trillion plan to support American families. The relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan, was passed by Congress in March 2021 and included direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine distribution, and aid to state and local governments. The infrastructure plan, known as the American Jobs Plan, includes investments in transportation, broadband, and clean energy, as well as funding for research and development. The American Families Plan, which has yet to be passed by Congress, includes funding for education, childcare, and healthcare.
Foreign Policy
President Biden has taken a more multilateral approach to foreign policy than his predecessor, rejoining the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization, and strengthening alliances with traditional U.S. partners. He has also taken a tougher stance on Russia and China, imposing sanctions and other measures in response to human rights abuses and cyberattacks. The Biden administration has also announced plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021.
COVID-19 Response
President Biden has made the COVID-19 pandemic a top priority, launching a comprehensive plan to ramp up vaccine distribution, increase testing and contact tracing, and provide support to businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. The administration has also issued a number of executive orders aimed at addressing the pandemic, including a mask mandate on federal property and a requirement that travelers wear masks on public transportation. As of July 2021, over 160 million Americans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Personal Life
Family
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a Catholic family of Irish, English, and French-Canadian ancestry. He is the oldest of four siblings. Biden married his first wife Neilia Hunter in 1966, and they had three children together: Joseph “Beau” Biden III, Robert Hunter Biden, and Naomi Christina Biden. Tragically, Neilia and their daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident in 1972 while Christmas shopping. Biden’s sons Beau and Hunter were also in the car but survived the accident. Biden later married his second wife, Jill Tracy Jacobs, in 1977, and they have one child together, Ashley Blazer Biden.
Health
Joe Biden has had a history of health issues. In 1988, he suffered from two brain aneurysms and underwent surgery to repair them. In 2003, he had surgery to remove an enlarged prostate gland. In 2010, he underwent surgery to repair an aneurysm in an artery in his brain. In 2015, he had his gallbladder removed. In 2019, he released a medical report from his doctor stating that he was in good health and fit to serve as president. During his presidency, he has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and has encouraged others to do the same.
Overall, Joe Biden’s personal life has been marked by both tragedy and triumph. Despite experiencing great loss, he has remained committed to his family and his public service career. His health issues have not stopped him from pursuing his goals, and he continues to work tirelessly as the President of the United States.
Legacy
President Joe Biden has had a long and distinguished career in public service. As the 46th President of the United States, he has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that will shape the nation for years to come.
One of the key pillars of President Biden’s legacy is his commitment to restoring the soul of America. He has made it a priority to heal the deep divisions that have plagued the country in recent years, and to restore a sense of unity and purpose to the American people. Through his leadership and his actions, President Biden has demonstrated that he is committed to building a better future for all Americans, regardless of their background or political affiliation.
Another important aspect of President Biden’s legacy is his focus on environmental conservation and sustainability. He has made it clear that he believes in the urgent need to address climate change, and has taken bold steps to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, and promote renewable energy. By prioritizing environmental issues, President Biden has shown that he is committed to leaving a healthier and more sustainable planet for future generations.
Finally, President Biden’s legacy will be shaped by his efforts to strengthen America’s position in the world. He has worked to repair relationships with key allies, and to reassert America’s leadership on the global stage. Through his diplomacy and his commitment to multilateralism, President Biden has demonstrated that he is committed to promoting peace, security, and prosperity around the world.
Overall, President Biden’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made significant contributions to the nation and the world. Through his leadership and his commitment to the values that define America, he has shown that he is a president who is dedicated to building a better future for all.
