Early Life and Education
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a middle-class family. His father, Joe Biden Sr., was a used-car salesman, and his mother, Jean Finnegan, was a homemaker. Growing up in the Rust Belt, Biden experienced the economic decline that shaped his empathy for working-class Americans. The family later moved to Delaware, where Biden attended Archmere Academy, a private Catholic high school. He struggled with a stutter but overcame it through diligent practice.
Biden earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of Delaware in 1965, followed by a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University Law School in 1968. After passing the bar, he worked as a lawyer in Wilmington, Delaware, while beginning his political career.
Entry into Politics and the Tragic Accident
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Biden joined the Democratic Party and won a seat on the New Castle County Council in 1970. Just two years later, at age 29, he became one of the youngest U.S. senators in history after defeating incumbent J. Caleb Boggs. However, tragedy struck on December 18, 1972, when Biden's wife Neilia and infant daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau and Hunter, were critically injured but survived. Biden took his Senate oath from their hospital room in 1973, and for years he commuted daily by train from Delaware to Washington to be with his sons.
The loss shaped Biden's worldview and fueled his political focus on family, safety, and mental health. He later credited his father's optimism and his own Catholic faith for helping him persevere.
Senate Career and Second Marriage
Biden remarried in 1977 to Jill Tracy Jacobs, a teacher, with whom he had a daughter, Ashley, in 1981. As a senator, Biden served on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees, becoming an expert on criminal justice and international affairs. He authored the landmark Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which strengthened protections for victims of domestic violence. He also played a key role in shaping U.S. policy in the Balkans and Iraq.
Biden ran for president in 1988 but withdrew after plagiarism allegations. His 2008 campaign again fell short, but he was chosen as Barack Obama's running mate, serving as Vice President from 2009 to 2017.
Vice Presidency and Popularity
As Vice President, Biden oversaw the implementation of the Recovery Act, helped end the Iraq War, and led diplomatic efforts in Ukraine. His folksy demeanor and close relationship with Obama made him a beloved figure. He also faced another personal blow when his son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, leading Biden to consider not running in 2016.
After leaving office, Biden taught at the University of Pennsylvania and founded the Biden Cancer Initiative. His decision to challenge Donald Trump in 2020 was driven by a belief that the country's soul was at stake.
Presidency and Recent Health Issues
Biden won the 2020 election and was inaugurated on January 20, 2021, as the oldest president in U.S. history. His first term focused on COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, climate change, and restoring alliances. He signed the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act. Despite legislative wins, his approval ratings suffered due to the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and rising inflation.
In early 2025, Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, undergoing radiation therapy. He also faced skin cancer treatments. These health challenges, coupled with his age, fueled debate about his fitness for another term. In July 2024, he announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden's personal journey—marked by devastating losses, political comebacks, and a deep commitment to public service—has defined his legacy. He remains a symbol of resilience, often quoting his father's advice: "Get up and fight again."
Source: gala.de News