Joe Biden
Early Life
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the first of four siblings in an Irish Catholic family. His father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., had a series of jobs, including cleaning furnaces and as a used car salesman, to provide for the family. His mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan, instilled in him the importance of standing up for oneself.
Education
Biden attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic prep school in Claymont, Delaware. He then went on to the University of Delaware, where he double-majored in history and political science and played on the football team. Biden later attended law school at Syracuse University, where he graduated 76th in a class of 85.
Early Political Career
Biden was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970, and served until 1972. He then ran for the U.S. Senate at the age of 29, against incumbent Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. Despite being considered the underdog, Biden won the election, becoming the fifth-youngest U.S. Senator in history.
Senate Career
Biden served in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009, representing the state of Delaware. He was a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, serving as its chair for several terms. He also served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including a term as its chair from 1987 to 1995. During his time in the Senate, Biden focused on issues such as arms control, drug policy, and crime legislation.
Vice Presidency
In 2008, Biden was selected as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. They won the election and Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017. During his tenure, Biden played a key role in policy decisions and negotiations with Congress. He also focused on issues such as middle-class economic recovery and gun violence prevention.
Presidency
Biden announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election and won the Democratic nomination. He chose Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color on a major party's presidential ticket. Biden won the election and was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021.
Personal Life
Biden married Neilia Hunter in 1966, and they had three children: Beau, Hunter, and Naomi. In 1972, Neilia and Naomi died in a car accident. Biden later married Jill Jacobs in 1977, and they have one daughter, Ashley. Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015.
Legacy
Biden's political career spans over five decades, during which he has served in various capacities including as a county councilman, U.S. Senator, Vice President, and President. His legacy is marked by his commitment to public service and his efforts to address issues such as economic recovery, gun violence prevention, and foreign policy.