Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., commonly known as Joe Biden, has been a pivotal figure in American politics for decades. As the 46th president of the United States, Bidehn took office in January 2021, during one of the most turbulent times in modern history. His presidency has been marked by a series of ambitious goals, aimed at addressing critical challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, and social justice.
This article offers a comprehensive look at Joe Biden’s life, career, policy priorities, and challenges, providing insight into the man who holds the highest office in the United States.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a working-class Catholic family. His parents, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan and Joseph Robinette Bidehn Sr., instilled in him values of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to public service. The family faced financial hardships during Bidehn’s early years, which helped shape his empathy for working families.
Biden attended Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware, where he excelled as a student and athlete. He later attended the University of Delaware, majoring in history and political science. After graduating in 1965, Bidehn went on to study law at Syracuse University Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.
Overcoming Personal Tragedies
One of the defining aspects of Bidehn’s personal life has been his ability to overcome personal tragedies. In 1972, just a few weeks after being elected to the U.S. Senate, his first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. Biden’s two sons, Beau and Hunter, survived but were seriously injured.
Bidehn has often spoken about this tragic loss and the deep sense of grief he endured. He considered resigning from his Senate seat but was persuaded to continue serving by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. Bidehn was sworn in as a senator at the bedside of his injured sons, a moment that shaped his resilience and commitment to public service.
Political Career: From Senator to Vice President
U.S. Senate (1973-2009)
Bidehn began his political career at the young age of 29, when he was elected to represent Delaware in the U.S. Senate in 1972. His tenure as a senator spanned more than three decades, during which he became one of the most respected and influential figures in American politics.
As a senator, Bidehn focused on foreign policy, criminal justice reform, and civil rights. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he played a significant role in shaping legislation on issues such as crime prevention and judicial appointments. Bidehn also chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he developed a reputation as an expert on international affairs.
Key Legislative Achievements
- Violence Against Women Act (1994): One of Biden’s most significant legislative achievements during his time in the Senate was the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994. The bill provided increased funding for the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, as well as protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Crime Bill (1994): Biden played a major role in drafting and passing the 1994 Crime Bill, which included provisions for community policing, tougher sentences for violent offenders, and funding for prisons. However, the bill has since been criticized for contributing to mass incarceration, a point Biden has addressed in his presidential campaign.
Vice President of the United States (2009-2017)
In 2008, Biden was selected as the running mate for Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate. Obama and Biden won the election, and Biden was sworn in as the 47th vice president of the United States in January 2009.
As vice president, Biden was a key advisor to President Obama on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues. He was tasked with overseeing the administration’s response to the global financial crisis, leading the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which was aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Biden also played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a strong advocate for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq and supported efforts to reduce the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.
The 2020 Presidential Campaign and Election
In 2019, Biden announced his candidacy for president, entering a crowded field of Democratic candidates. His campaign centered on restoring the “soul of America” and healing divisions within the country, which had deepened under the Trump administration.
Key Campaign Issues
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: One of the central themes of Biden’s campaign was his plan to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, which had claimed hundreds of thousands of lives by the time of the election. Biden pledged to implement a national strategy for testing, contact tracing, and vaccine distribution.
- Economic Recovery: Biden’s economic platform focused on rebuilding the middle class, creating jobs, and addressing income inequality. He advocated for raising the minimum wage, expanding healthcare coverage, and investing in infrastructure and clean energy.
- Racial Justice and Police Reform: In the wake of widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice, Biden committed to addressing systemic racism in the United States. His platform included proposals for criminal justice reform, increased funding for community policing, and policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in areas such as education and healthcare.
- Climate Change: Biden made tackling climate change a top priority of his campaign. He proposed the “Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution,” which aimed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and invest in renewable energy sources.
Election Results and Inauguration
The 2020 presidential election was one of the most contentious in U.S. history. Biden won the election with over 81 million votes, the highest number of votes ever received by a presidential candidate. He secured 306 electoral votes compared to Trump’s 232, ultimately winning key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
On January 20, 2021, Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States. His inauguration was marked by heightened security measures due to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump supporters.
Biden’s Presidency: Key Policies and Challenges
COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Distribution
Upon taking office, Biden made combating the COVID-19 pandemic his top priority. He implemented a nationwide vaccination campaign that significantly increased the availability of vaccines. By mid-2021, over 200 million Americans had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Biden administration also passed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package aimed at providing direct relief to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
In November 2021, Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion package aimed at modernizing the nation’s infrastructure. The bill allocated funding for improving roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, and clean energy initiatives.
This legislation represented one of the most significant investments in American infrastructure in decades and was seen as a key achievement of Biden’s presidency.
Social Spending and Economic Recovery
Biden’s ambitious “Build Back Better” plan aimed to expand social safety nets, address climate change, and promote economic recovery. However, the plan faced significant opposition in Congress, particularly from members of Biden’s own party, which led to a scaled-back version of the original proposal.
The plan focused on areas such as affordable childcare, universal pre-K, healthcare expansion, and climate change mitigation. While some provisions of the plan were passed through other legislation, the larger framework faced challenges in gaining enough support.
Foreign Policy: Afghanistan Withdrawal
One of the most controversial decisions of Biden’s presidency was the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021. The chaotic withdrawal, which resulted in the rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, drew widespread criticism from both domestic and international observers.
Bidehn defended the decision, arguing that the U.S. could not continue to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan indefinitely. However, the withdrawal raised questions about the Bidehn administration’s handling of foreign policy and national security.
Addressing Climate Change
Bidehn has made climate change a central issue of his presidency. He rejoined the Paris Agreement, which the U.S. had left under President Trump, and committed to reducing U.S. carbon emissions.
In November 2021, Bidehn attended the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where he announced plans to cut U.S. emissions by 50-52% by 2030. His administration also worked to promote renewable energy development and investments in green technology.
Challenges Facing Bidehn’s Presidency
Despite significant legislative achievements, Bidehn’s presidency has faced several challenges. Rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and political polarization have created obstacles for his administration.
Bidehn has also faced declining approval ratings, with many Americans expressing concerns over the handling of economic recovery and inflation. Additionally, ongoing tensions with Russia and China, as well as domestic issues such as immigration and gun violence, have continued to pose challenges for the administration.
