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Timelines

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Foreign Policy and International Relations

New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Biden played a key role in securing the passage of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation.

Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Biden collaborated with Republicans and sometimes went against elements of his own party as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

U.S. Policy in Iraq and Afghanistan

During Vice Presidency

Biden was actively involved in formulating federal policies relating to Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Senate Career

Sworn into U.S. Senate

Biden was sworn in as a U.S. senator at the Delaware Division of the Wilmington Medical Center.

Brain Surgeries

Biden underwent brain surgeries in February 1988 after experiencing severe neck pain.

Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee

Biden presided over two highly contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Biden collaborated effectively with Republicans and sometimes went against elements of his own party as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Health and Medical Issues

Overcoming Stutter

Biden struggled with a stutter as a child but overcame it by memorizing and reciting long passages of poetry.

Brain Surgeries

Biden underwent brain surgeries due to severe neck pain and aneurysms.

Early Life and Education

November 20, 1942

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Family Move to Delaware

At the age of 13, Biden's family moved to Mayfield, Delaware, a rapidly growing middle-class community.

Graduation from Archmere Academy

Biden graduated from Archmere Academy, where he was class president in his junior and senior years and a standout receiver on the football team.

On August 27, 1966, Biden married Neilia Hunter.

Graduation from Syracuse University College of Law

Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, ranking 76th in his class of 85.

Public Service and Charitable Work

Biden Foundation

Biden and his wife established the Biden Foundation, a charitable group involved in various causes.

Continued Public Service

During and After Presidency

Biden has continued to be involved in public service and advocacy on various issues even after leaving office.

Vice Presidency

Selection as Vice Presidential Nominee

August 23, 2008

Barack Obama officially announced his selection of Biden as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee.

Inauguration as Vice President

January 20, 2009

Biden was sworn in as the 47th Vice President of the United States.

New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Biden used his Senate connections to help secure passage of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation.

Reelection as Vice President

Biden was nominated for a second term as vice president at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and was reelected alongside Obama.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

January 12, 2017

Obama awarded Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, just days before they left office.

Personal Life and Relationships

Marriage to Neilia Hunter

August 27, 1966

Biden married Neilia Hunter, with whom he had three children: Beau, Hunter, and Naomi.

Tragic Loss of Family Members

December 18, 1972

Biden's wife Neilia and their one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident. His sons Beau and Hunter were injured but survived.

Marriage to Jill Tracy Jacobs

Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs, a teacher who helped renew his interest in politics and life.

Death of Son Beau Biden

Biden's eldest son, Beau, died from brain cancer.

Early Political Career

Public Defender and Law Practice

Biden practiced law as a public defender and later at a firm run by a locally active Democrat.

New Castle County Council

Biden ran for and won the 4th District Seat on the New Castle County Council.

County Council Service

Biden took office on January 5, 1971, and served until January 1, 1973.

Election to U.S. Senate

Biden defeated J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware.

Legislative Achievements and Policy Initiatives

Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings

Biden presided over two highly contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

During Senate Career

Biden helped avert several budget crises during his time in the Senate and as Vice President.

Various Policy Initiatives

During Presidency

Biden has been involved in numerous policy initiatives, including those related to healthcare, climate change, and economic recovery, during his presidency.

Presidential Campaigns and Presidency

First Presidential Campaign

Biden formally declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew due to plagiarism allegations.

Second Presidential Campaign

Biden ran for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew after the Iowa Democratic caucus.

Third Presidential Campaign

Biden was officially nominated at the 2020 Democratic National Convention and went on to win the presidential election.

Inauguration as President

January 20, 2021

Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.

Announcement of Reelection Bid

Biden formally announced his bid for reelection as president in 2024.

Withdrawal from Reelection Bid

Biden ended his candidacy and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.

Main milestones

November 20, 1942

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Eugenia 'Jean' Biden and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. He was the oldest child in a Catholic family of mostly Irish descent.

Family Move to Delaware

Biden's family moved to Delaware when he was ten years old. They initially lived in an apartment in Claymont before moving to a house in nearby Mayfield. His father later became a successful used-car salesman, maintaining the family in a middle-class lifestyle.

High School Graduation

Biden graduated from Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware, where he was class president in his junior and senior years and played football and baseball.

University of Delaware Graduation

Biden earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in history and political science from the University of Delaware.

Law Degree and Marriage

Biden earned a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law and married Neilia Hunter. He was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 and began practicing law.

Election to U.S. Senate

Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Delaware. Tragedy struck later that year when his wife and daughter died in a car crash, but he decided to continue his Senate career.

Vice Presidential Nomination

Barack Obama chose Biden as his running mate in the presidential election. Biden served two terms as Vice President from 2009 to 2017, playing a key role in several significant legislative efforts, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Affordable Care Act.

Presidential Election

Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination and, with Kamala Harris as his running mate, defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the general election. He became the 46th President of the United States.

Presidential Inauguration

January 20, 2021

Biden was inaugurated as President, marking the beginning of his term. During his first days in office, he issued numerous executive orders, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and ending the national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border.

American Rescue Plan Act

Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package aimed at supporting the U.S. recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Withdrawal from Re-election

After securing enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, Biden announced his decision not to seek a second term due to concerns about his age and health. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who later lost the general election to Donald Trump.

End of Presidency

January 20, 2025

Biden's presidency ended with the second inauguration of Donald Trump. His term was marked by significant legislative achievements, foreign policy challenges, and the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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