Joe Biden is one of the most popular political personalities in America. He has served the nation for decades, serving as a senator, vice president, and later becoming the 46th President of America. His life has been a rollercoaster ride of difficulties, personal problems, and tremendous success.
Childhood and Early Life
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He had three younger siblings. His father, Joseph Biden Sr., was a car salesman, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, was a homemaker.
Joe Biden’s family encountered financial difficulties while he was young. His dad lost his work, and they had to move to Delaware while Joe was a ten-year-old boy. They moved to Claymont, and soon after, to Wilmington, Delaware.
As a child, Joe Biden had a great challenge: he stuttered. He could not speak smoothly and was frequently bullied by other children. But he did his best to overcome this issue by practicing before a mirror and reciting poetry.
Though he struggled academically, Biden was an excellent student and was active at school. Biden went to Archmere Academy, a Delaware private Catholic prep school, and played football as well as making friends with many of his schoolmates.
College and Law School
Joe Biden attended the University of Delaware after graduating from high school. He studied political science and history and was drawn to the study of government and law. While in college, he met Neilia Hunter, his eventual first wife.
Upon his graduation in 1965, he went on to study at Syracuse University College of Law and obtained his law degree in 1968. During his time studying law, he married Neilia Hunter, and they began a family.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
After graduating from law school, Biden practiced law as an attorney in Wilmington, Delaware. Nevertheless, he was interested in politics, not law. In 1970, he became a member of the New Castle County Council, and that was his political beginning.
Two years afterward, in 1972, he ran for the U.S. Senate. Most people believed that he had no chance since he was just 29 years old, and his opponent was a famous politician. Nevertheless, Biden campaigned door-to-door, worked diligently, and won the election, becoming one of the youngest U.S. senators in history.
Tragedy struck, however, just weeks after his election. His wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau and Hunter Biden, were hurt but survived. The accident had a profound impact on Biden, and he thought about leaving politics. But he remained in the Senate and concentrated on raising his sons while serving the nation.
Long Career in the Senate
Joe Biden was a member of the U.S. Senate for 36 years (1973–2009). He gained prominence for his activities in foreign policy, crime prevention, and civil rights.
He was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was instrumental in drafting legislation to curb crime and safeguard women from violence. In 1994, he was instrumental in the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which had the goal of lowering crime throughout the nation.
Biden also devoted himself to foreign affairs and was the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He devoted time to global matters, such as U.S. relations with Russia, NATO, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Personal Life and Second Marriage
Biden was married to Jill Jacobs, a teacher who later on became Dr. Jill Biden after she obtained a doctorate in education, in 1977. They had a daughter together called Ashley Biden. Jill helped a great deal in advancing Biden’s political career and assisted in raising his two sons, Beau and Hunter.
Tragedy again occurred in 2015 when Biden’s older son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer. Beau was a budding political star and the Attorney General of Delaware. His death was tragic for Biden and his family.
Becoming Vice President
Biden campaigned for President of the United States in 1988 and in 2008 but lost. But in 2008, Barack Obama selected him as his running mate. They won the election together, and Joe Biden became the Vice President of the United States (2009–2017).
As Vice President, Biden tackled big issues, such as the economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis, health care (assisting in passing the Affordable Care Act), and foreign policy. He was famous for his close working relationship with President Obama.
After two terms, Biden departed the White House in 2017 and turned his attention to writing and public speaking. Many believed he would retire from politics.
Running for President and Winning in 2020
In 2020, Joe Biden stated that he was going to run for President of the United States against Donald Trump. The election was among the hottest ever in U.S. history and occurred in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden’s platform emphasized unity, rebuilding the economy, managing the pandemic, and enhancing health care. He won the election and was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. His presidency was historic since Kamala Harris, his vice presidential running mate, became the first female Vice President and the first Vice President of African American and Asian ancestry.
Presidency (2021–Present)
During his tenure as President, Biden had to address numerous challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and global conflicts. Some of his most significant actions are:
COVID-19 Response: He introduced a huge vaccination program to combat the pandemic.
Economic Relief: He signed the American Rescue Plan to give economic assistance to individuals and companies.
Investment in Infrastructure: He signed legislation to restore roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure nationwide.
Foreign Policy: He engaged in rebuilding alliances and coping with international crises, such as the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Biden’s tenure as president has been both received and criticized. While there are those who acknowledge his work towards managing the economy and COVID-19, there are others criticizing his approach towards border security as well as inflation.
Joe Biden’s Net Worth
For the majority of his life, Joe Biden was not viewed as being very rich in relation to other politicians. Throughout his career in the Senate, he was referred to as “Middle-Class Joe” due to the fact that he led a humble lifestyle. Nevertheless, after being Vice President, Biden and his wife made money through book deals, speaking fees, and teaching positions.
As of 2024, Biden’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His earnings come from:
– Book sales
– Public speaking fees
– Teaching at universities
– His salary as President ($400,000 per year)
Despite his wealth, Biden still presents himself as a champion of the middle class.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s path from a small-town kid in Pennsylvania to the President of the United States is motivational. He has endured numerous personal tragedies, such as the loss of his wife, daughter, and son, but never lost hope. His long years of service in politics have molded his leadership, and he still strives to make the country better.
Though people might have different opinions regarding his presidency, there is one thing that is certain: Joe Biden’s life is a testament to persistence, commitment, and resilience. Whether he was a senator, vice president, or president, he has always been committed to serving the American people.
