Joe Biden

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has had one of the most remarkable political career in American history, spanning over five decades. From a young boy in a working-class family to the 46th President of the United States, Biden's journey is marked by personal challenges, political triumphs, and a commitment to public service.

Early Life and Education

Joe Biden was born into a Roman Catholic family. He spent his childhood years in Scranton, Pennsylvania, until, when he was ten, he moved to Delaware. The family suffered financial pitfalls, and young Biden was to overcome a stutter-a disability the young lad took care of by reciting poetry in front of a mirror. During this time, he attended the University of Delaware and graduated with a double major in history and political science. He earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968.

Early Political Career

Biden's political career began at an early age when he ambitiously made an attempt to contest for election into the New Castle County Council in Delaware in 1970. That win paved the way for his entry into national politics. He was a U.S. senator from Delaware, having been elected at the ripe age of twenty-nine in 1972, thus one of the youngest ever elected into that office.

However, soon after, a tragedy hit. Biden's wife Neilia and their one-year-old daughter Naomi hardly a month before Christmas were killed in an accident. The two other sons Beau and Hunter survived with serious injuries. Biden was sworn into the senate at their hospital bedsides, at first contemplating a resignation in the best interest of his family. Encouraged to remain, Biden lived a political life, dividing his time between his Senate responsibilities and raising his boys as a single parent. 

Senate Career

Over his years in the U.S. Senate (1973-2009), Biden fashioned into a figure of stature in foreign affairs, criminal justice, and civil rights. He served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, becoming its chair, and played significant roles in several key legislative issues, including the 1994 Crime Bill and the Violence Against Women Act.

He chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and, as such, focused on international diplomacy, arms control, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although he initially cast his vote in favor of the Iraq War, Biden subsequently became a historical critic of how the war was administered by the Bush administration.

Vice Presidency (2009–2017)

In 2008, Obama selected Biden as his running mate for the presidential election. Thus, Biden's Senate working experience, especially in foreign matters, complemented Obama's platform. They won, and Biden became the 47th Vice President of the United States.

During his vice presidency, Biden played an active role in creating both domestic and foreign policy. He was active in economic recovery efforts immediately following the Great Recession, led the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and headed initiatives in combating violence against women. He also fell within that second tier of foreign relations, steering the U.S. in negotiations with leaders around the world and advising Obama on military and foreign policy decisions.

During the vice presidency, Biden experienced personal loss again when his elder son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015. The calamity weighed on him; it was specifically one of the factors that led to his decision not to run for president in 2016. 

2020 Presidential Campaign and Victory

Biden's decision to abstain from the presidential race of 2016 was turned around by the tumultuous political climate of the Trump era, prompting a desire by him to redirect the unification of the country onto the 2020 race. His campaign started with a message of healing and rebuilding the soul of America.

Biden basically became the nomination as the Democratic president, presented his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, becoming the first woman of color to run for president on a major party ticket; he would win the 2020 elections with over 81 million votes, the most anybody has received in voting history in the United States, despite a sharply polarized political agenda and a campaign overshadowed by an already vaccine-laden COVID-19 crisis.

Presidency (2021-Present)

The 46th President of the United States was Biden sworn in on January 20, 2021. Major challenges to his presidency include: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic still going on, (2) Economic interventions to recover from it, and (3) Political division within the country.

In the early days of his administration, Biden focused on a massive vaccination push while also getting a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan through Congress, aimed at providing economic relief to communities hard-hit by COVID-19. The other significant item on the agenda was an infrastructure bill to catch up on long-neglected repairs needed in the nation's roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.

On the foreign front, Biden worked to restore relationships with allied nations, especially NATO partners and other European allies, while at the same time taking a firmer position against China and Russia. Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan remains one of his more controversial decisions that ended America's longest war and led to chaotic and tragic sights as the Taliban resumed control of Afghanistan.

Biden's presidency has made strides in climate change policy, effectively promoting racial justice, and trying to safeguard voting rights. His administration made overtures against fighting systemic racism, promoted green energy initiatives, and wished to protect the rights of marginalized communities.

Legacy

President Biden's legacy is still pending, as it has yet to be articulated. His career exhibits resilience, dedication to duty among the other foundations and commitment to bipartisanship. Beginning as a newbie Senator and progressing through his days as vice president, now the presidency and all along since, Biden has undergone and survived tests not only political but also personal and has aspired to render the United States a very efficient, prosperous, and just nation.