Joe Biden

Overview

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has had a long and distinguished career in American politics. Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden's life has been marked by significant personal and professional milestones. Here is a timeline highlighting key events in his life and career.

Main Milestones

Birth

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

1953

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

1961

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

1965

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

1968

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

1972

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

2008

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

2020

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

March 11, 2021

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

July 21, 2024

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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Early Life and Education

Early Political Career

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Health and Medical Issues

Legislative Achievements and Policy Initiatives

Personal Life and Relationships

Presidential Campaigns and Presidency

Public Service and Charitable Work

U.S. Senate Career

Vice Presidency

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Overview

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