Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has had a long and distinguished career in public service. Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s life has been marked by personal tragedies, political triumphs, and a steadfast commitment to public service. His journey from a young lawyer to the highest office in the land provides a compelling narrative of resilience, dedication, and the belief in the potential for change.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born to Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden. His father was a used car salesman who experienced periods of financial struggle, which instilled in Biden a strong work ethic and empathy for the working class. Biden’s family moved to Claymont, Delaware, when he was ten years old, seeking better economic opportunities (Kessler, 2020).
Biden attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic prep school, where he was a standout student and athlete, particularly excelling in football. Despite a stutter that made public speaking difficult, Biden’s determination and charisma helped him overcome this challenge. He later attended the University of Delaware, where he majored in history and political science, and graduated in 1965. Biden continued his education at Syracuse University College of Law, earning his law degree in 1968 (Osnos, 2020).
Early Political Career
After graduating from law school, Biden returned to Delaware and began practicing law. His interest in politics grew, and in 1970, he was elected to the New Castle County Council. Biden’s tenure on the council was marked by his advocacy for environmental issues and public housing. His success at the local level laid the groundwork for his future political ambitions (Kessler, 2020).
In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden ran for the U.S. Senate. His campaign was initially considered a long shot, but he managed to unseat the incumbent Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. Tragically, just weeks after his election, Biden’s wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau and Hunter, were seriously injured but survived. Devastated, Biden considered resigning before even taking office but was persuaded to stay by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and others who saw his potential (Osnos, 2020).
U.S. Senate Career
Biden was sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Delaware in January 1973. At 30, he was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. Over his 36-year Senate career, Biden established himself as a leading voice on foreign policy, criminal justice, and civil rights. He served on several key committees, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chaired for several years (Barker, 2021).
Biden’s work on the Judiciary Committee was particularly notable. He played a significant role in the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which included provisions for crime prevention programs, community policing, and the assault weapons ban. However, the law’s mandatory minimum sentencing and three-strikes provisions later drew criticism for contributing to mass incarceration (Barker, 2021).
As chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Biden was influential in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He supported arms control measures, including the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), and was an advocate for NATO expansion. Biden’s foreign policy experience would later become a central theme of his vice-presidential and presidential campaigns (Dallek, 2020).
Presidential Runs
Biden’s first presidential campaign was in 1988. However, his bid was derailed by allegations of plagiarism and questions about his academic record. He withdrew from the race early in the primaries. In 2007, Biden announced his second run for the presidency, focusing on his foreign policy experience and plans to end the Iraq War. Despite a strong performance in debates, his campaign failed to gain traction, and he withdrew after the Iowa caucuses (Dallek, 2020).
Vice Presidency
In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate, valuing his extensive legislative experience and foreign policy expertise. The Obama-Biden ticket won the election, and Biden was inaugurated as Vice President on January 20, 2009. During his tenure, Biden played a critical role in several key areas, including economic recovery, foreign policy, and healthcare reform (Alter, 2020).
One of Biden’s most significant contributions as Vice President was his involvement in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a $787 billion stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the U.S. economy following the Great Recession. Biden oversaw the implementation of the stimulus, ensuring funds were distributed efficiently and effectively (Alter, 2020).
Biden was also a key advisor on foreign policy. He supported the Obama administration’s efforts to end the Iraq War and played a significant role in formulating the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Additionally, Biden was involved in negotiating several high-profile legislative deals, including the extension of the Bush-era tax cuts and the passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which helped avert a government shutdown (Dallek, 2020).
2020 Presidential Campaign
After serving two terms as Vice President, Biden initially decided not to run for president in 2016, citing the recent death of his son Beau from brain cancer. However, the political landscape changed dramatically in the following years. In April 2019, Biden announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election, positioning himself as a unifying figure who could restore the “soul of America” (Kessler, 2020).
Biden’s campaign focused on issues such as healthcare, climate change, racial justice, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing a crowded primary field, Biden secured the Democratic nomination, in part due to strong support from African American voters and endorsements from key Democratic figures. His choice of Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate made history, as she became the first woman of South Asian and African American descent to be nominated for national office by a major party (Barker, 2021).
The general election against incumbent President Donald Trump was highly contentious, with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and social unrest taking center stage. Biden’s campaign emphasized a science-based response to the pandemic, economic relief measures, and a commitment to racial equality. On November 7, 2020, Biden was declared the winner of the election, having secured 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232, along with a record number of popular votes (Dallek, 2020).
The Presidency: Challenges and Initiatives
Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, amidst unprecedented security measures following the January 6 Capitol insurrection. His presidency has been marked by efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, and social justice issues (Barker, 2021).
COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery
One of Biden’s first actions as president was to implement a comprehensive strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He signed several executive orders to expand testing, accelerate vaccine distribution, and mandate mask-wearing on federal property. The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion relief package, was passed in March 2021 to provide direct payments to Americans, extend unemployment benefits, and support businesses and local governments (Barker, 2021).
Biden’s administration also focused on economic recovery. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in November 2021, aimed to invest $1.2 trillion in rebuilding America’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband internet. This legislation was seen as a significant achievement, reflecting Biden’s ability to work across the aisle (Kessler, 2020).
Climate Change and Environmental Policy
Addressing climate change has been a central focus of Biden’s presidency. He rejoined the Paris Agreement on his first day in office and set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The administration proposed the Build Back Better Act, which included significant investments in clean energy, electric vehicles, and climate resilience, although the bill faced challenges in Congress (Alter, 2020).
Biden also restored several environmental regulations rolled back by the previous administration, emphasizing the importance of protecting public lands, water quality, and endangered species. His administration’s climate policies aimed to position the United States as a global leader in the fight against climate change (Dallek, 2020).
Social Justice and Equality
Biden’s presidency has also focused on advancing social justice and equality. He signed executive orders to address systemic racism, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and promote gender equality. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, aimed at reforming policing practices and increasing accountability, was a legislative priority, though it faced significant hurdles in Congress (Kessler, 2020).
In addition to legislative efforts, Biden’s administration prioritized appointing a diverse cabinet and judiciary. His nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, who became the first African American woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, was a historic milestone (Barker, 2021).
Foreign Policy and Global Leadership
Biden’s foreign policy sought to rebuild alliances and reassert America’s role on the global stage. His administration emphasized the importance of NATO, reaffirmed commitments to allies in Asia and Europe, and took a firm stance against adversaries like Russia and China. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the end of America’s longest war, though the chaotic evacuation drew widespread criticism (Alter, 2020).
Biden also re-engaged with international organizations and agreements, including the World Health Organization and the Iran nuclear deal. His administration’s focus on diplomacy and multilateralism aimed to address global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and nuclear proliferation (Dallek, 2020).
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite significant achievements, Biden’s presidency has faced numerous challenges and criticisms. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to pose public health and economic difficulties, with debates over vaccine mandates and public health measures creating political tensions. Inflation and supply chain disruptions also tested the administration’s economic policies (Barker, 2021).
Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal faced bipartisan criticism, with many questioning the administration’s planning and execution. Additionally, legislative gridlock in Congress hindered the passage of key parts of Biden’s agenda, including the Build Back Better Act and comprehensive immigration reform (Kessler, 2020).
Legacy and Impact
As of 2024, Joe Biden’s presidency continues to shape the political and social landscape of the United States. His commitment to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing social justice, and combating climate change has set significant benchmarks for future administrations. Biden’s focus on unity and healing a divided nation reflects his belief in the resilience and potential of American democracy (Osnos, 2020).
Biden’s long career in public service, marked by personal and political resilience, underscores his dedication to the American people. His journey from a young senator to the presidency serves as a testament to his enduring commitment to public service and his belief in the power of government to effect positive change.
References
Alter, J. (2020). *His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life*. Simon & Schuster.
Barker, J. (2021). *Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now*. Hachette Books.
Dallek, R. (2020). *Joe Biden: American Dreamer*. HarperCollins.
Kessler, G. (2020). *Joe Biden: A Life of Trial and Redemption*. Pegasus Books.
Osnos, E. (2020). *Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now*. Scribner.