Who actually is Joe Biden?

Introduction

Joe Biden has had a long and distinguished career in American politics, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in the country. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden moved to Delaware where he began his political journey. His career has spanned over five decades, marked by his tenure as a U.S. Senator for Delaware, his role as the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama, and his election as the 46th President of the United States. Throughout his career, Biden has been known for his resilience, personal tragedies, and dedication to public service.

The purpose of this biography is to explore Joe Biden's life, career, presidency, and post-presidency influence. It will cover his early life and career, including his family background, education, and early political experiences. The discussion will then cover his life as Vice President, his 2020 presidential campaign, and the key policies and controversies of his presidency.

Early Life and Career

Family Background: 

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Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Joseph R. Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden. Growing up in a working-class family, Biden faced economic hardships during his childhood. His father struggled with unemployment for a period, which shaped Biden's understanding of economic and social issues. In the 1950s, the family moved to Claymont, Delaware, seeking better opportunities. Biden's upbringing in these working-class environments profoundly influenced his empathy towards middle-class Americans and his political outlook.

Education: Biden attended Archmere Academy, a private Catholic high school in Claymont, Delaware, where he was known for his athletic talents and leadership qualities. He went on to the University of Delaware, where he majored in history and political science, graduating in 1965. Biden then pursued a law degree at Syracuse University College of Law, graduating in 1968. His time in higher education was marked by a commitment to public service and an interest in politics, laying the basis for his future career.

Early Career and Personal Tragedies: After graduating from law school, Biden worked as a public defender before entering private practice. In 1969, he began his political career by winning a seat on the New Castle County Council. However, Biden's early career was marred by personal tragedy. In December 1972, shortly after he was elected to the U.S. Senate, his first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. His two sons, Beau, and Hunter were seriously injured but survived. This devastating loss profoundly affected Biden, but he persevered, taking his Senate oath at the hospital bedside of his injured sons.

Rise in Politics: Biden's resilience in the face of personal tragedy endeared him to many and marked the beginning of a long and influential political career. In 1972, at the age of 29, he was elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware, becoming one of the youngest individuals ever to hold the office. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Biden focused on foreign policy, criminal justice, and drug policy. He played a key role in various legislative efforts, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act. His long tenure in the Senate, spanning 36 years, established him as an experienced politician and a respected figure in American politics.

Vice Presidency

Selection as Vice President: In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama selected Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election. Obama, a relatively young and inexperienced senator, chose Biden to balance the ticket with Biden's extensive experience in foreign policy and long tenure in the Senate. Biden's working-class background and appeal to blue-collar voters were seen as assets that could help attract a broader electorate. His selection was strategic, aiming to provide a sense of stability and experience to the campaign, which ultimately proved successful as Obama and Biden won the election.

Key Roles and Responsibilities: As Vice President, Biden played a crucial role in several key areas of the Obama administration. One of his primary responsibilities was overseeing the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a stimulus package designed to address the economic crisis stemming from the 2008 financial meltdown. Biden's efforts helped direct significant federal funds into infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare, aiming to jumpstart the economy and create jobs.

Biden also took on significant foreign policy responsibilities. He was instrumental in managing the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and working on the administration's policies towards Afghanistan. His extensive experience in foreign affairs made him a key advisor to President Obama on international issues. Additionally, Biden played a crucial role in addressing the Congress, enhancing his decades of political experience to navigate the complexities of passing major legislation.

Significant Achievements: During his tenure as Vice President, Biden achieved several notable successes. One of the most significant was the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. Biden's ability to negotiate and build consensus was crucial in the passage of this historic healthcare reform, which aimed to expand healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and protect individuals with preexisting conditions.

Another significant achievement was Biden's leadership in the Cancer Moonshot initiative. Launched in 2016, this initiative aimed to accelerate cancer research, improve cancer prevention and treatment, and ultimately find a cure for cancer. Motivated by the death of his son Beau from brain cancer, Biden's advocacy for this initiative brought renewed focus and funding to cancer research efforts.

Biden's work on criminal justice reform, particularly his support for the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the disparity between sentences for crack and powder cocaine offenses, was another key achievement. This governmental effort aimed to address long-standing racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

In summary, Joe Biden's tenure as Vice President was marked by significant responsibilities and achievements. His experience and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Obama administration's policies on economic recovery, healthcare reform, and foreign affairs. These efforts not only solidified his reputation as an experienced and effective public servant but also laid the foundation for his future political efforts.

2020 Presidential Campaign

Decision to Run for President: Joe Biden announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election on April 25, 2019. His decision was influenced by several factors, including his desire to defeat the incumbent President Donald Trump, whom he viewed as a threat to American democracy and values. Biden cited the violence at the 2017 Charlottesville rally and Trump's response as a pivotal moment that solidified his resolve to run. He aimed to restore decency, unity, and integrity to the White House, using his extensive political experience and positioning himself as a leader capable of healing a deeply divided nation.

Campaign Strategy and Rhetoric: Biden's 2020 campaign was marked by its emphasis on unity and the restoration of American values. His slogan, "Build Back Better," encapsulated his vision for economic recovery and national renewal. The campaign effectively utilized digital media to connect with voters, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited traditional campaign activities. Biden's team employed virtual town halls, social media outreach, and targeted advertising to reach diverse voter demographics. His rhetoric focused on restoring the soul of America, addressing systemic injustices, and promoting empathy and solidarity. The campaign sought to contrast Biden's character and experience with Trump's controversial presidency.

Major Campaign Promises: Biden's platform included several significant promises aimed at addressing pressing national issues. One of his primary pledges was to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through a comprehensive federal response, including increased testing, vaccine distribution, and economic relief for those affected by the crisis. Climate change was another key focus, with Biden promising to rejoin the Paris Agreement and invest in clean energy infrastructure to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Biden also committed to restoring bipartisan cooperation and healing the political divisions in the country. His agenda included strengthening the Affordable Care Act, implementing criminal justice reform, and expanding access to education and healthcare.

Election Results: The 2020 presidential election was one of the most critical and closely watched in American history. On November 7, 2020, after several days of ballot counting, major news networks projected Joe Biden as the winner. Biden secured 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency. Key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona played crucial roles in his victory. Biden also won the popular vote by a significant margin, receiving over 81 million votes, the highest number ever cast for a presidential candidate. His running mate, Kamala Harris, made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Biden's victory marked a significant political shift and set the stage for his administration's efforts to address the challenges facing the nation.

Presidency

 

Key Domestic Policies:

 

COVID-19 Response: One of the primary focuses of Joe Biden's presidency has been the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden implemented a comprehensive strategy to combat the pandemic, which included ramping up vaccination efforts, increasing testing, and providing economic relief. The administration set ambitious vaccination goals, establishing mass vaccination sites, and partnering with local governments and private entities to ensure widespread vaccine availability. The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, provided direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and allocated funds for schools, small businesses, and vaccine distribution. These measures aimed to mitigate the public health crisis and support economic recovery.

 

Economic Policies: Biden's economic policies have been centered around recovery and long-term development. The American Rescue Plan played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy during the pandemic. In addition to direct relief measures, Biden introduced the Build Back Better agenda, which includes significant base initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation’s transportation, water, and energy systems. This plan also focuses on creating jobs, enhancing broadband access, and addressing climate change through investments in clean energy. Biden's economic approach seeks to rebuild the economy with an emphasis on sustainability and equity.

 

Healthcare: Expanding access to healthcare has been a key priority for Biden. He has worked to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by increasing subsidies to make health insurance more affordable and expanding Medicaid in states that had not previously done so. Biden also advocated for lowering the Medicare eligibility age and implementing measures to reduce prescription drug costs. These efforts aim to provide more Americans with access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

 

Social and Racial Equity: Biden's administration has prioritized addressing social and racial inequities through various policy initiatives. This includes efforts to reform the criminal justice system, such as promoting police accountability and reducing sentencing disparities. Biden also signed executive orders aimed at advancing racial equity across federal agencies and increasing support for marginalized communities. His administration has worked to provide economic opportunities and improve access to education, housing, and healthcare for historically needy groups.

 

Key Foreign Policies:

 

Relations with Allies and Adversaries: Biden has focused on restoring alliances and rebuilding relationships with international partners, particularly NATO allies. He has emphasized the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy in addressing global challenges. Biden's approach to Russia and China involves a combination of engagement and competition, addressing issues such as cyber threats, human rights abuses, and trade imbalances. He has sought to balance assertiveness with cooperation in dealing with these major powers.

 

Climate Change and Environmental Policies: Rejoining the Paris Agreement was one of Biden's first actions as president, signaling a strong commitment to addressing climate change. His administration has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a clean energy economy. The American Jobs Plan includes significant investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and climate resilience projects. Biden has also focused on environmental justice, aiming to address the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on marginalized communities.

 

Military Actions and Decisions: One of the most significant military decisions of Biden's presidency was the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, ending America's longest war. This decision was controversial and faced criticism due to the chaotic nature of the withdrawal and the subsequent Taliban takeover. Biden has also prioritized shifting the U.S. military focus towards emerging threats and modernizing the defense strategy to address cybersecurity, space, and other advanced domains.

 

Major Controversies and Challenges:

 

Border and Immigration Issues: Immigration policy has been a contentious issue for Biden's administration. Efforts to reverse many of the restrictive policies of the previous administration have faced legal and logistical challenges. The surge in migrants at the southern border has been particularly problematic, prompting debates over border security and humanitarian treatment. Biden's administration has struggled to find a balance between implementing immigration laws and providing refuge for those escaping persecution.

 

Political Polarization: Political polarization remains a significant challenge during Biden's presidency. Despite efforts to promote unity and bipartisan cooperation, the deep divisions within American society and government have made it difficult to advance many legislative priorities. Biden has faced opposition from both Republicans and some factions within his own party, complicating the passage of key initiatives. Efforts to address polarization include promoting dialogue, compromise, and emphasizing common ground on critical issues.

Additionally, Biden has expressed his intention to support and campaign for Democratic candidates in future elections. He has participated in fundraising events and supported candidates who align with his policy priorities, particularly those focused on healthcare, climate change, and social justice. Biden's continued engagement in political discourse and support for Democratic initiatives highlight his commitment to advancing the party's agenda and shaping its future direction.

Continued Political Influence: Biden's presidency has had a significant impact on the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape. His administration's policies and initiatives, such as the American Rescue Plan and efforts to combat climate change, have shaped the party's platform and priorities. Biden's leadership style, characterized by pragmatism and a focus on bipartisanship, has influenced the party's approach to governance and political strategy.

Furthermore, Biden's personal popularity and appeal to moderate voters have positioned him as a key figure within the Democratic Party. His ability to bridge ideological divides and build coalitions has contributed to his continued influence on party politics. As a former president, Biden holds considerable sway over the direction of the party and will likely play a crucial role in shaping its future leadership and policy agenda.

Summary:

Joe Biden's life embodies the classic American story of resilience and determination. Rising from humble beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he confronted economic challenges and personal tragedies with unwavering resolve. His experiences shaped a deep empathy for the struggles of ordinary Americans, propelling him into a lifelong commitment to public service. As a U.S. Senator for over three decades, Biden earned a reputation for bipartisanship and pragmatism, spearheading landmark legislation that advanced social justice and human rights.

In his historic journey to the presidency, Biden's message of unity resonated with a nation grappling with polarization and uncertainty. Winning against a backdrop of political turmoil, his presidency faced unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and social inequalities. Yet, Biden's leadership, characterized by empathy and a steadfast commitment to democratic values, offers a beacon of hope. As he navigates the complexities of governance, his legacy continues to unfold, shaping American politics and society for generations to come.

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