Joe Biden: A Life in Public Service

Early Life and Education

Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a working-class Irish Catholic family. The eldest of four siblings, Biden grew up in a modest household where his father faced financial struggles, shaping Biden’s empathy for the middle class. The family moved to Delaware when Biden was young, and he attended Archmere Academy, a private Catholic school. Biden went on to study at the University of Delaware, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1965, and later graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. His early years were marked by a stuttering problem, which he overcame through determination, a trait that would define his resilience in politics. These formative experiences instilled in Biden a sense of perseverance and a connection to everyday Americans, themes that would resonate throughout his career.

Entry into Politics

Biden’s political journey began in 1970 when he was elected to the New Castle County Council in Delaware. Two years later, at age 29, he launched an audacious campaign for the U.S. Senate, defeating a well-entrenched Republican incumbent, J. Caleb Boggs. This victory made Biden one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. However, tragedy struck shortly after his election when his wife, Neilia, and infant daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident, and his two young sons, Beau and Hunter, were injured. Biden considered resigning but was persuaded to stay, taking the oath of office from his sons’ hospital room. This personal loss shaped his public persona, emphasizing family and resilience, and he began commuting daily between Delaware and Washington, D.C., to be with his sons.

Senate Career and National Prominence

Biden served as a U.S. senator from Delaware for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009, earning a reputation as a pragmatic legislator. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, overseeing high-profile Supreme Court confirmation hearings, including those of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. Biden also played a key role in passing the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, though its legacy, particularly on mass incarceration, remains debated. As chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he influenced U.S. foreign policy, advocating for NATO expansion and supporting interventions in the Balkans. Biden’s ability to work across party lines, combined with his folksy demeanor, made him a respected figure in Washington, though critics noted his occasional verbosity and propensity for gaffes.

Vice Presidency Under Obama

In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate, valuing his foreign policy expertise and appeal to working-class voters. As vice president from 2009 to 2017, Biden was a loyal partner to Obama, helping navigate the Great Recession, the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and foreign policy challenges like the withdrawal from Iraq. His personal warmth and humor endeared him to many, earning him the nickname “Uncle Joe.” Biden also became a vocal advocate for issues like cancer research, inspired by the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015. However, his tenure was not without criticism, particularly over his handling of certain domestic issues and his role in the 1994 crime bill, which resurfaced as a point of contention in later years.

The 2020 Presidential Campaign

After declining to run in 2016, Biden entered the 2020 presidential race as a Democratic frontrunner, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders. His campaign emphasized restoring stability after the tumultuous Trump presidency, with slogans like “Build Back Better.” Despite early struggles in the primaries, Biden’s strong performance on Super Tuesday, bolstered by endorsements from key Democrats, secured his nomination. He chose Kamala Harris as his running mate, a historic pick as the first woman and person of color on a major-party ticket. Biden’s campaign focused on unity, economic recovery, and combating the COVID-19 pandemic, resonating with voters weary of division. In November 2020, he won the presidency with 306 electoral votes to Donald Trump’s 232, though the election was marred by controversy and claims of fraud from Trump and his supporters.

Presidency: Achievements and Challenges

Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president on January 20, 2021, at age 78, making him the oldest president at the start of his term. His administration faced immediate challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to provide stimulus checks, expand unemployment benefits, and fund vaccine distribution. His infrastructure agenda culminated in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocating $1.2 trillion for roads, bridges, and broadband. Biden also prioritized climate change, rejoining the Paris Agreement and investing in renewable energy. However, his presidency faced setbacks, notably the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which drew widespread criticism. Rising inflation, supply chain issues, and immigration challenges at the southern border further complicated his tenure, impacting his approval ratings.

Domestic and Foreign Policy Legacy

Biden’s domestic policy centered on expanding the social safety net and addressing inequality. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a scaled-down version of his initial agenda, included provisions for lowering prescription drug costs and investing in clean energy. On foreign policy, Biden sought to restore alliances strained under Trump, strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine against Russia’s 2022 invasion. His administration also navigated tensions with China over trade and technology. Critics argued Biden’s foreign policy lacked a cohesive vision, pointing to the Afghanistan withdrawal and uneven responses to global crises. Supporters, however, praised his efforts to rebuild multilateral relationships and confront authoritarianism. Biden’s judicial appointments, including Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, marked significant milestones in diversifying the federal judiciary.

Personal Life and Public Image

Throughout his career, Biden’s personal life has been a cornerstone of his public image. A devoted father and grandfather, he often spoke of his family, drawing on their experiences to connect with voters. His marriage to Jill Biden, a teacher and advocate, added a relatable dimension to his persona. Biden’s faith as a practicing Catholic influenced his views on issues like abortion, where he balanced personal beliefs with political realities. His public image as a compassionate, if occasionally gaffe-prone, leader endeared him to many but also invited scrutiny. Critics questioned his age and mental sharpness, particularly later in his presidency, while supporters admired his experience and steady leadership in turbulent times.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

Joe Biden’s life and career reflect a blend of resilience, pragmatism, and dedication to public service. From his Scranton roots to the White House, he navigated personal tragedy and political challenges with a focus on empathy and bipartisanship. His presidency, while marked by significant legislative achievements, grappled with divisive issues and global uncertainties. As of May 2025, Biden’s legacy remains a subject of debate, with supporters lauding his efforts to stabilize the nation and critics pointing to policy missteps. Regardless, his nearly five-decade career underscores a commitment to the American people, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in modern U.S. history.