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Joe Biden. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the 46th and current President of the United States. With a career spanning over five decades, Biden has left an indelible mark on American politics. From his early days as a young senator to his current role as President, his life has been marked by significant milestones, personal tragedies, and notable achievements.
November 20, 1942
Birth
Joseph R. Biden Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., a car dealership manager, and his wife, Jean. This marked the beginning of a life that would be filled with public service and leadership.
1965
Graduation from University of Delaware
Biden graduated from the University of Delaware with a double major in history and political science. This academic achievement laid the groundwork for his future in politics and law.
1968
Graduation from Syracuse University College of Law
Biden earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. After graduation, he began his career as a trial attorney and public defender in Wilmington, Delaware.
November 1972
Election to the U.S. Senate
At the age of 29, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. This victory made him the fifth-youngest person to serve in the Senate at that time.
December 18, 1972
Tragic Family Loss
Just weeks after his Senate election, Biden's wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. His sons, Beau and Hunter, were critically injured but survived. Despite this tragedy, Biden was sworn into the Senate at his sons' hospital bedside in January 1973.
June 17, 1977
Marriage to Jill Tracy Jacobs
Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs, an educator, and they later had a daughter named Ashley. This marriage marked a new chapter in his personal life and provided stability during his ongoing Senate career.
August 23, 2008
Selection as Vice Presidential Candidate
Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the 2008 presidential election. Biden's extensive experience in foreign policy and his strong Senate record made him an ideal candidate for the role.
January 20, 2009
Inauguration as Vice President
Biden was inaugurated as the 47th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and advising on key foreign policy decisions.
November 3, 2020
Election as President
Joe Biden was elected as the 46th President of the United States, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump. He became the oldest person to take the oath of office and the first president from Delaware.
January 20, 2021
Inauguration as President
Biden was sworn in as President at the U.S. Capitol, marking the beginning of his presidency. His inauguration occurred just two weeks after the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the challenging environment he faced from the outset.
July 2024
End of Presidential Campaign
After a poor performance in a nationally televised debate and under pressure from several leading Democrats, Biden ended his campaign for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. This decision made him the first president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 to not seek reelection.
