Introduction

Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942. At just 29 years old, he was elected to the United States Senate. He is married to Jill Jacobs Biden, a lifelong educator with a doctoral degree. Biden’s son, Beau Biden, served as the Attorney General of Delaware but passed away in 2015 from complications of brain cancer. Because of this loss, Biden has made it a mission to fight cancer and its devastating effects on families.

Political Career

Joe Biden served as a Senator from Delaware for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving senators in history. He held leadership roles during major national challenges and was Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for 16 years. Biden was instrumental in passing the Violence Against Women Act, which provided support to victims of domestic violence and imposed stricter penalties on offenders. He also worked on U.S. foreign policy, counterterrorism, and efforts to end apartheid in South Africa.

Vice President

In 2008, Joe Biden became Vice President under President Barack Obama. During his two terms, Biden worked to support middle-class families, reduce gun violence, and advance cancer research. He played a key role in implementing the Recovery Act, an economic stimulus package designed to combat the Great Recession. This plan invested in clean energy and created millions of jobs nationwide.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

For his decades of service and contributions, President Obama awarded Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

46th President

Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States after winning the 2020 election, officially taking office on January 20, 2021. His presidency began during a time of immense challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and deep political and social divisions. One of his first major actions was launching a nationwide vaccination campaign to combat the pandemic, which helped reopen schools and businesses. Biden also signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package aimed at providing financial relief to families, small businesses, and local governments. His administration focused on rebuilding infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advancing clean energy initiatives to address climate change. Biden prioritized restoring international alliances and supported NATO amid global security concerns, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His term also included historic appointments to the federal judiciary, such as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Biden’s presidency faced significant difficulties. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 led to chaotic scenes as the Taliban quickly regained control, sparking criticism of the administration’s handling of the exit. Inflation rose to its highest levels in decades, straining household budgets and leading to debates over economic policy. Biden also contended with persistent political polarization, making it difficult to pass major legislation through a closely divided Congress. Despite efforts to curb gun violence and expand voting rights, several proposals stalled due to partisan gridlock. Additionally, immigration challenges at the southern border continued to generate controversy and policy disputes. Kamala Harris served as his Vice President, making history as the first woman, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American to hold the position. Biden announced he would not seek reelection in 2024, making him a one-term president.

Four Interesting Facts

• Biden is the oldest person ever elected President of the United States.
• He overcame a childhood stutter through practice and public speaking.
• Biden has a deep love for classic cars, especially his 1967 Corvette Stingray.
• He was the first sitting Vice President to publicly endorse same-sex marriage.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Joe Biden’s personal experiences shape his political priorities?
2. Why was the Violence Against Women Act an important piece of legislation?
3. What challenges did Biden face when he became the 46th President?
4. How did the Recovery Act impact the U.S. economy during Biden’s time as Vice President?

Glossary

• Apartheid: A system of racial segregation and discrimination, especially in South Africa.
• Recovery Act: A U.S. law aimed at stimulating economic growth during the Great Recession.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: The highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing outstanding contributions to the nation.
• Domestic Violence: Abuse or violence within a home, often between intimate partners.