Joe Biden, also known as Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. He has been a prominent political figure for over four decades, having served as a United States Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of four siblings and was raised in working-class surroundings. His father, Joseph Biden Sr., worked as a used-car salesman and his mother, Catherine Biden, was a homemaker. Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. He then went on to Syracuse University Law School and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1968.
Early Political Career
After law school, Biden began his political career by working as a public defender in Wilmington, Delaware. In 1972, he ran for the United States Senate and defeated the Republican incumbent, J. Caleb Boggs. At 29 years old, he was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate six times and spent a total of 36 years in the Senate.
During his time in the Senate, Biden served on numerous committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. He was a strong advocate for civil rights, foreign policy, and criminal justice reform. He also played a leading role in the passage of several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986.
Vice Presidency
In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden to be his running mate in the presidential election. Biden brought considerable experience and gravitas to the ticket, as well as his reputation as a down-to-earth, relatable politician. He played a key role in helping Obama win the election, particularly in his ability to connect with working-class voters.
As Vice President, Biden worked closely with President Obama on a variety of issues, including healthcare reform, economic recovery, and foreign policy. He played a leading role in formulating the administration’s policy on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He was also a key player in the development and passage of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
Biden’s personal warmth and humor also made him a popular figure with the public. He was often called on to represent the administration at public events and ceremonial occasions. In addition, he was known for his close relationships with members of Congress from both parties, which helped to facilitate bipartisan compromise on a number of important issues.
Presidential Ambitions
Biden ran for President twice before finally winning the Democratic nomination in 2020. His first attempt, in 1988, was derailed by a plagiarism scandal. His second attempt, in 2008, was unsuccessful in the primary against Obama. After serving as Vice President for two terms, he chose to run again in 2020, this time as the Democratic front-runner.
Biden’s campaign centered around restoring a sense of decency to American politics and promoting his decades-long record of public service. He also emphasized his plan to address issues such as healthcare, climate change, and income inequality. Despite facing a strong challenge from Bernie Sanders in the primary, Biden ultimately secured the nomination and went on to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump in a closely contested general election.
Awards and Honors
Joe Biden has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. He has also been awarded several honorary degrees from universities around the world. In addition, he has received recognition for his work on behalf of veterans, women, and other disadvantaged groups.
Personal Life
Joe Biden has been married to his wife, Jill Biden, since 1977. They have one daughter together, Ashley, and Biden has two sons, Beau and Hunter, from his previous marriage. Tragically, Beau Biden passed away in 2015 at the age of 46 from brain cancer. Biden has also been open about his struggles with stuttering, which he has overcome through therapy and hard work.
Conclusion
Joe Biden is a well-respected and experienced political figure who has played a prominent role in American politics for over four decades. As Vice President under Barack Obama, he was a key player in shaping the administration’s policies and working to bring about change on a variety of important issues. After a long and hard-fought campaign, he was elected President in 2020 and continues to work towards his goal of restoring a sense of decency and unity to American politics.
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