Joe Biden, born November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, grew up in a working‑class family; his father was a car salesman and his mother a homemaker. He attended the University of Delaware (B.A., 1965) and Syracuse University Law School (J.D., 1968), overcoming a childhood stutter to launch a public‑service career.
Early Political Career
After serving as a defense attorney in Wilmington (1968‑1970), Biden was elected to the New Castle County Council (1970‑1972). In 1972, at age 29, he won a U.S. Senate seat from Delaware, becoming the youngest senator in the state’s history. He was re‑elected six times, serving until 2009, and chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee (1987‑1995) and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (2001‑2003, 2007‑2009).
Personal Tragedy and Family
Shortly after his election, Biden’s first wife, Neilia, and daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident on December 18, 1972. His two sons, Beau and Hunter, survived with serious injuries. Biden was sworn in as senator on January 5, 1973, at his son Beau’s bedside. He later married Jill Jacobs on June 17, 1977; they have one daughter, Ashley. Beau Biden served as Delaware’s attorney general before his death from brain cancer in 2015.
Legislative Highlights
In 1990, Biden introduced the Violence Against Women Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1994, establishing federal resources to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. He also voted for the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, though he later criticized the war’s execution.
Vice Presidency (2009‑2017)
Selected as Barack Obama’s running mate in August 2008, Biden was elected vice president in November 2008 and re‑elected in 2012. He resigned from the Senate on January 15, 2009, and was sworn in as vice president on January 20, 2009. During his tenure, he represented the United States at diplomatic events, including a security conference in Germany (February 2009) and a ceremony marking the end of combat operations in Iraq (September 2010).
Post‑Vice‑Presidential Activities
After leaving office, Biden received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (January 2017) and co‑founded the Biden Foundation, focusing on foreign policy, cancer research, community colleges, military families, child protection, equality, violence‑against‑women prevention, and middle‑class strengthening. He also joined the University of Pennsylvania as the Benjamin Franklin presidential practice professor and led the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.
2020 Presidential Campaign
In April 2019, Biden announced his candidacy for president, securing the Democratic nomination and selecting Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. He won the November 2020 election, though the result was contested by some opponents. Biden’s campaign emphasized a return to traditional American values, support for families, and a strong national defense.
Controversies and Public Statements
Throughout his career, Biden faced various allegations of inappropriate conduct, which he denied, stating that any perceived discomfort was unintentional. He also adjusted his position on the Hyde Amendment in June 2019, moving away from a strict ban on federal funding for most abortions after a wave of state‑level restrictions.
While Biden’s record includes notable legislative achievements, critics continue to question his policy choices and personal conduct. Supporters, however, point to his long‑standing public service, empathy for working families, and commitment to bipartisan cooperation.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
