Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., a prominent figure in American politics, has dedicated over five decades to public service. Before becoming the 47th Vice President of the United States under President Barack Obama, Joe Biden represented the state of Delaware in the U.S. Senate for an impressive 36 years. His journey is marked by personal tragedy, political resilience, and a commitment to addressing critical national and international issues.
Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., was the eldest of four siblings. His family relocated to Claymont, Delaware, in 1953, shaping his formative years. Biden pursued higher education at the University of Delaware and later at Syracuse Law School, laying the groundwork for his legal and political career. He began his foray into public service on the New Castle County Council, a local government body. At the remarkably young age of 29, Joe Biden achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the United States Senate, signaling the start of a long and impactful career on the national stage.
Tragedy struck the Biden family just weeks after this electoral victory. A devastating automobile accident claimed the lives of Joe Biden’s wife, Neilia, and their infant daughter, Naomi. His two young sons were also critically injured in the same incident. Amidst this profound personal loss, Joe Biden was sworn into the U.S. Senate at his sons’ hospital bedside, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his duty even in the face of immense grief. He famously began commuting daily by train from Delaware to Washington D.C., a practice he maintained throughout his Senate career, allowing him to be closer to his family.
In 1977, Joe Biden remarried, finding love again with Jill Jacobs. Dr. Jill Biden, holding a Ph.D. in Education, is a dedicated educator who continues to teach at a community college in Northern Virginia. Joe Biden’s family includes his sons, Beau and Hunter, and daughter Ashley. Beau Biden served as Delaware’s Attorney General from 2007 to 2015 and was a Major in the Delaware National Guard, even serving a deployment in Iraq. Beau sadly passed away in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer. Hunter Biden is an attorney and businessman. Ashley Biden is a social worker and advocate for criminal justice reform. Vice President Biden is also a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, and Robert Hunter, adding to his rich personal life alongside his public service.
Throughout his 36 years as a Senator representing Delaware, Joe Biden established himself as a prominent leader in addressing crucial domestic and international challenges. His extensive tenure included 17 years as either Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In this role, Senator Biden was instrumental in shaping criminal justice policy, notably through his work on the landmark 1994 Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act. Furthermore, he served for 12 years as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he played a vital role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Joe Biden has been deeply involved in critical international issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, weapons of mass destruction, post-Cold War European dynamics, and geopolitical strategies in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.
Continuing his commitment to national service, Joe Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States. In this role, he took a leading position on key administration priorities, working to bolster the American middle class, reduce gun violence, combat violence against women, and accelerate efforts to find a cure for cancer. As Vice President, Joe Biden traveled extensively, covering over 1.2 million miles to more than 50 countries, representing the United States on the global stage and engaging with international leaders on a wide array of critical issues. His career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to public service and to addressing the pressing challenges facing both the United States and the world.
