Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has served in office since 2021, shaping a distinct chapter in American political history filled with domestic challenges, international dynamics, and calls for national unity. With a long career spanning five decades in the U.S. Senate and as Vice President, Biden’s presidency reflects his extensive legislative and executive experience.
Early Life, Education, and Family
Joe Biden was born in 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, into a working-class family. After moving to Delaware, he attended the University of Delaware and then earned a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. During law school, Biden faced academic struggles, including a plagiarism incident, but persisted to graduate.
Biden married Neilia Hunter in 1966, and the couple had three children: Beau, Robert Hunter, and Naomi Christina. Tragedy struck just after Biden’s first Senate election victory in 1972, when Neilia and Naomi were killed in a car accident. Biden and his surviving sons moved slowly through grief, with Biden continuing his Senate career at the urging of colleagues.
In 1977, Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs, a teacher who played a crucial role in his personal and political recovery. They have a daughter, Ashley. Biden’s family has influenced his public image and policy priorities, including health and social welfare issues. His late son Beau Biden’s military and legal career and death from brain cancer in 2015 deeply affected Biden’s political outlook.
Path to National Politics: Senate Career and Leadership
At 29, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware in 1972, becoming one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. His early Senate tenure focused on consumer protection, environmental preservation, and government accountability, while balancing liberal and moderate positions relevant to his constituents.
Biden soon became known for his skills in collaboration and his work on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he served as chair and ranking member for many years. He was instrumental in passing key legislation such as the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which included the Violence Against Women Act—widely recognized as one of his lasting legislative achievements despite later critiques of some crime bill provisions.
On foreign policy, Biden was a prominent voice on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he advocated for liberal internationalist principles. His engagement on Balkan issues in the 1990s, including the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo, showed his commitment to U.S. intervention to halt ethnic violence and support stability. Biden’s experience with international diplomacy deepened during his committee chairmanship and numerous international meetings.
He supported the Iraq War authorization in 2002 but later called it a mistake as the conflict's consequences became clear. His nuanced positions on foreign interventions reflected both hawkish and cautious tendencies shaped by evolving international realities.
Vice Presidency: Supporting Obama’s Agenda
Biden served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, effectively shaping critical elements of domestic and foreign policy. He was an advocate for economic recovery measures following the 2008 financial crisis and played a chief role in promoting the Affordable Care Act’s passage.
His portfolio included oversight of key initiatives such as the Cancer Moonshot, aimed at accelerating cancer research, reflecting his personal commitment after Beau’s illness. Biden also took lead roles in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Iraq, Ukraine, and China.
His vice presidency was marked by efforts to restore decency and bipartisanship in governance, often acting as a bridge-builder between parties. His detailed knowledge of congressional processes and personal style contributed to several legislative successes and diplomatic dialogues.
Presidential Campaign and 2020 Election Victory
Announcing his presidential bid in 2019, Biden emerged as the Democratic nominee, positioning himself as a unifier against the backdrop of national polarization and the Trump administration’s controversies. He stressed restoring dignity and an “America united” message, while focusing on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and climate change.
In the 2020 election, Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump, receiving over 81 million popular votes and 306 electoral votes. The election saw historic voter turnout amid the pandemic and featured expanded mail-in voting. Biden’s victory was framed around promises of competent leadership and crisis management.
Domestic Policy Initiatives
COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery
Biden prioritized the pandemic response upon assuming office, launching a comprehensive vaccine distribution campaign and advancing significant stimulus legislation, including the American Rescue Plan, which provided direct payments to citizens, expanded unemployment benefits, and funded state and local governments.
His administration focused on balancing public health measures with reopening strategies, working to curb virus transmission and accelerate economic revival. The U.S. economy showed signs of rebound with job gains after the recession induced by the pandemic.
Infrastructure and Climate Action
A signature legislative achievement is the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, targeting improvements in roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, and clean energy infrastructure. This investment aimed to modernize the nation's physical foundation and create jobs.
Biden re-entered the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling renewed U.S. commitment to tackling global climate change. His administration pushed ambitious clean energy goals and regulatory efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Social and Racial Equity
Biden has championed social equity initiatives addressing systemic racism and economic inequality. His administration supports expanded access to healthcare, lifting educational opportunities, criminal justice reform, and protections for LGBTQ+ rights.
He reversed or modified previous policies perceived as discriminatory, emphasizing inclusion and civil rights. Efforts to reform policing and increase voting access have been central to his domestic agenda.
Foreign Policy and Global Relations
Biden’s foreign policy marked a shift from his predecessor’s approach. He emphasized rebuilding alliances, restoring U.S. leadership in multilateral institutions, and confronting global challenges collaboratively.
Key aspects include recommitting to NATO, re-engaging with the United Nations and World Health Organization, and adopting a firm stance against authoritarianism and China’s global ascent. Biden managed delicate withdrawals from Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war, while facing criticism regarding execution.
He championed diplomacy on issues like Iran’s nuclear program, climate change agreements, and democratic support worldwide. His administration navigated global supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility with international cooperation.
Challenges and Criticism
Biden’s presidency has faced significant challenges, including political polarization, inflationary pressures, a complex immigration situation, and foreign policy crises. The withdrawal from Afghanistan drew bipartisan scrutiny, and economic concerns over inflation have affected public approval.
His administration undertakes ongoing efforts against COVID-19 variants and adapts to changing geopolitical landscapes. Despite these challenges, Biden maintains strong support among Democratic constituencies and certain demographic groups.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Joe Biden’s presidency, as of 2025, represents a measured effort to heal divisions and restore normative governance after turbulent years. His accumulated legislative experience informs his pragmatic approach to policymaking. The long-term impact of his policies on climate, infrastructure, and social equity will contribute to his historical assessment.
Biden’s focus on allyship and multilateralism aims to revitalize U.S. global leadership. His tenure will be measured by how successfully his administration navigates domestic challenges and international complexities while promoting unity.