Joe Biden
Timeline of Joe Biden, 46th president of the United States. Overview of his political career and achievements throughout his life.
The Birth of Joe Biden
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 20, 1942. He is the son of Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia Finnegan. Biden was the first of four siblings, and he grew up in a close-knit Irish Catholic family with roots tracing back to Derry, Ireland. Alongside his two brothers and a sister, Biden is proud of his heritage and family legacy. It is worth noting that his great-grandfather, Edward F. Blewitt, was a former member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, adding to Biden's rich family history.
Biden's Archmere Academy Years
Joe Biden attended Archmere Academy in Claymont. He was a skilled and popular halfback/wide receiver on the high school’s football team. In his final year, Biden helped the team to move from a perennially losing squad to an undefeated season.
Biden at the University of Delaware
From 1961 to 1965, Biden attended the University of Delaware in Newark. At this university, he spent more time being involved in sports and socializing than he did in studying. He was still able to do well due to his “cramming” abilities.
Joe Biden Weds Neila Hunter
Biden and Hunter met in 1964 while on spring break in the Bahamas. Her parent was initially reluctant to Hunter and Biden’s relationship, but Biden eventually won their confidence. On August 27, 1966, Biden and Neila Hunter got married. Biden was a law student at the time and Hunter came from a wealthy background in Skaneateles, New York. Hunter was a student at Syracuse University.
Joe Biden receives Juris Doctor
Biden moved on from the University of Delaware to receive his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. According to Joe Biden, the experience at the university was exceedingly boring. In order to pull through, Biden had to pull many all-nighters.
Joe Biden Becomes a US Senator
Biden practiced law in Wilmington, Delaware. He was a public defender at first and then he started his own firm, Biden, and Walsh. Neither corporate law nor criminal law kept Biden’s attention for long. He decided to run as a Democrat for the New Castle County Council and won by a large margin in the region that was typically a Republican district. He served from 1970 to 1972 and then won the U.S. Senate election in 1972.
Joe Biden’s Wife and Daughter Die in a Car Accident
A few weeks after his election to the Senate, Biden’s wife and daughter died in a car crash while they were shopping for Christmas in Hockessin, Delaware. His daughter was only one year old.
Joe Biden Serves as US Senator
Biden was the sixth youngest senator in the history of the United States of America. He joined the Senate at age 30, which is the minimum age to serve as a U.S. Senator. He went on to be a part of the Senate from January 3, 1973, to January 20, 2009.
Joe Biden Remarries
Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date with his brother’s help. Interestingly, Biden had already noticed her in a local advertisement. Biden later shared that Jacobs helped to renew his interest in politics and life. They got married on June 17, 1977. Jill Tracy Jacobs grew up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. She became a teacher in Delaware.
Joe Biden Becomes US Senate Committee Chair on the Judiciary
Biden was a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary for a long time. He chaired the committee from 1987 until 1995. He also served the committee as ranking minority member from 1981 to 1987. He did another stint in this capacity from 1995 to 1997.
Biden Announces Candidacy for Presidential Race - June 9, 1987
At age 44, Biden announced his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination on June 9, 1987. By this time, he had already served in the Senate for 14 years. This run was short-lived as it was floored by a video from the Dukakis campaign that revealed that Biden had plagiarized from Neil Kinnock, a British Labor Party leader.
Joe Biden Becomes the 47th Vice President of America
On January 20, 2009, Joe Biden became the 47th Vice President of the United States of America. He served under the presidency of Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States of America.
Obama and Biden Reelected for a 2nd Term
With many considering Obama and Biden a political dynamic duo, the citizens of America voted for them to serve another term. Their victory meant the defeat of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
Biden Loses Eldest Son
Biden has had a long history of losing loved ones. Unfortunately, on May 30, 2015, Biden’s eldest son, Beau Biden, died at age 46 from brain cancer.
Biden Declares That He Will Not Run for Presidency
Biden Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
Biden was greatly surprised during a White House ceremony when Obama announced that he would be presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Joe and Jill Biden Launches the Biden Foundation - February 1, 2017
On February 1, 2017, Joe Biden and his wife launched the Biden Foundation. This foundation focuses on seven issues. These are foreign policy, Biden's cancer initiative, community colleges and military families, protecting children, equality, ending violence against women, and strengthening the middle class.
Biden Announces His Campaign for Presidency
In a campaign video released on social media, Biden announced that he will be running for the president of the United States of America. Shortly after this was announced, the Biden foundation’s chairman announced the suspension of the foundation’s operations. The race between Biden and Donald Trump has started.
To lead America, you have to understand America.
I know how hard it is for folks who are sick, struggling, and wondering how they'll get through the day.
You deserve a president who will fight for you and lead our nation out of these crises. I'll get started on day one. pic.twitter.com/evrWlwqhh1
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 27, 2020
Biden Names Kamala Harris as His Running Mate
Biden announced that he will be working along with Kamala Harris as his running mate. This grabbed the attention of many. Although Kamala Harris is not the first female vice-presidential nominee, it does send a serious message about Biden’s consideration of minorities in America.
Joe Biden Declared President-Elect
On November 7, 2020, major news outlets declared Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 United States presidential election. Biden secured the presidency by winning key battleground states, thereby surpassing the required 270 electoral votes.
Joe Biden Inaugurated as 46th President
Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Capitol and marked the official start of Biden's term. Kamala Harris was also sworn in as Vice President.
American Rescue Plan Signed into Law
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law on March 11, 2021. This $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package aimed to provide economic aid to Americans, fund vaccine distribution, and support state and local governments.
Biden Announces Afghanistan Withdrawal Plan
On April 14, 2021, President Biden announced plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, marking the end of America's longest war. The decision aimed to conclude nearly 20 years of military presence following the Sept 11 attacks.
U.S. Completes Afghanistan Withdrawal
The United States officially completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31, 2021. This event followed a chaotic evacuation from Kabul, marking the end of a two-decade-long conflict in the region.
Biden Delivers State of the Union Address
President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address on March 2, 2022. He outlined his administration’s major achievements, including the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and addressed pressing issues like inflation, infrastructure, and the Ukraine crisis.
Biden Signs $1.5 Trillion Government Funding Bill
On March 16, 2022, President Joe Biden signed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill into law, averting a government shutdown. The legislation provides funding for federal agencies and includes significant allocations for domestic programs, defense, infrastructure, and aid for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Biden Speaks on Supreme Court's Abortion Ruling
On June 24, 2022, President Biden condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, labeling it a “tragic error.” He voiced concerns about the impact on women’s rights and vowed to protect reproductive health services.
Biden Signs Bipartisan Gun Control Bill
President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law on June 24, 2022. The legislation marks the most significant gun control measures to pass in decades, aiming to enhance background checks for gun buyers under 21 and provide funding for mental health and school security.
Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act
On August 16, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic $700 billion legislation aimed at reducing healthcare costs, combating climate change, and lowering the federal deficit. The law includes significant investments in clean energy and provisions to reduce prescription drug prices.
Biden Attends COP27 Climate Summit
President Biden attended the COP27 climate summit in Egypt on November 11, 2022. During his visit, he reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to combat climate change and announced additional funding to support developing countries in their efforts to address environmental challenges.
Biden Attends G20 Summit in Bali
From November 15-16, 2022, President Joe Biden participated in the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. During the summit, Biden emphasized global economic recovery, climate change, and strengthening international cooperation. He also held bilateral meetings with other world leaders to discuss various global issues.
Biden Announces Distribution of Free COVID-19 Test Kits
On January 12, 2023, President Biden announced the distribution of free at-home COVID-19 test kits to U.S. households as part of his administration's ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus. The initiative aims to make testing more accessible and mitigate the impact of future surges.
Biden's Second State of the Union Address
President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address on February 7, 2023. He spoke about the administration's accomplishments in job creation, infrastructure investments, healthcare reform, and the continued effort to combat inflation and aid Ukraine.
Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration in California
President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California on March 13, 2023, following severe winter storms that caused flooding and landslides. The declaration provides federal funding and resources to support recovery efforts and assist affected communities across the state.
Biden Hosts Democracy Summit
On March 27, 2023, President Joe Biden hosted a virtual Summit for Democracy. The summit was aimed at addressing the challenges faced by democracies worldwide and discussing ways to combat authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses.
Biden Announces 2024 Presidential Bid
On April 25, 2023, President Joe Biden announced his intention to run for re-election in the 2024 presidential race. The announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a highly contentious election campaign as he seeks to secure a second term in office.
Biden Signs Executive Order on Climate Resilience
President Joe Biden signed an executive order on July 28, 2023, to boost climate resilience and enhance preparedness for natural disasters. The order includes directives to improve infrastructure, support communities disproportionately affected by climate change, and promote sustainable development.
Biden Pardons Federal Offenses of Simple Marijuana Possession
On October 4, 2023, President Joe Biden announced a pardon for all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. The move is part of his administration's effort to reform the criminal justice system and address the disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Biden Attends U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28)
President Joe Biden participated in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai from December 6-18, 2023. During the conference, Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to combating climate change and highlighted new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global cooperation.
Frequently asked questions about Joe Biden
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