Joe Biden

Early Life and Senate Career

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, before his family moved to Delaware when he was young. After graduating from Syracuse University Law School in 1968, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at age 29, making him one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. Tragedy struck just weeks after his election when his wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident, leaving him to raise his two young sons, Beau and Hunter, as a single father.

Vice Presidency and Leadership Roles

Biden served as Senator from Delaware for 36 years, during which he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and later the Foreign Relations Committee. He played key roles in major legislation including the Violence Against Women Act and was involved in arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union. In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate, and Biden served as Vice President for eight years, becoming one of Obama’s closest advisors and handling significant diplomatic missions.

2020 Presidential Campaign and Victory

After unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 1988 and 2008, Biden initially stayed out of the 2016 race following his son Beau’s death from brain cancer in 2015. He launched his 2020 campaign with a focus on “restoring the soul of America” and defeating Donald Trump. Despite early struggles in Iowa and New Hampshire, Biden’s campaign was revitalized by a decisive victory in South Carolina, leading to his nomination and eventual victory over Trump with over 81 million votes, the most in American history.

Controversial Decisions and Challenges

Biden’s presidency faced significant challenges, including the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, which resulted in a terrorist attack that killed 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghan civilians. His administration’s handling of the southern border crisis drew criticism from both parties, with record numbers of migrants attempting to cross. The president also faced scrutiny over his son Hunter’s business dealings and laptop controversy, as well as questions about classified documents found at his Delaware home and former office.

Gaffes and Lighthearted Moments

Biden’s long political career has been punctuated by numerous verbal gaffes and amusing moments. He once told a crowd “I’m Joe Biden’s husband” instead of “Jill Biden’s husband,” and famously said “You ain’t black” to African American voters who might vote for Trump. His love of ice cream became legendary, often stopping at shops during campaign trips and official visits. He’s also known for his aviator sunglasses, which became a meme, and his tendency to whisper into microphones during speeches, creating viral moments across social media.