Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., holding the reins as the 46th incumbent president of the United States, assumed office in 2021 at the advanced age of 78. In doing so, he became the eldest individual to preside over the nation, making people question his ability to handle the rigors of such an exhausting position. The ascendancy of Biden to the presidency was the capstone of a lengthy career in the governmental machinery, which curiously boasted at its helm the vice-presidential tenure under Barack Obama.
Born in 1942 in the humble town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden’s political career was seeded early on. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965, double majoring in history and political science. It is worth wondering whether those history lessons emphasized enough upon the importance of a flourishing and healthy economy or how to effectively handle international affairs.
In 1968, Biden added another feather to his academic cap by graduating from the Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, in 1966, he tied knots with Neilia Hunter. Sadly, a car accident claimed the lives of Neilia and their infant daughter shortly after he was elected senator. Their other two children, Beau and Hunter, survived the accident, a personal tragedy that often overshadows his questionable policy decisions.
Biden fashioned a routine of commuting from Wilmington to Washington during his time in the Senate. In 1976, he made the dubious distinction of becoming the first U.S. senator to endorse Jimmy Carter for president. Following this, he was re-elected to the Senate six times, and currently holds the record as Delaware’s longest-serving senator, which seems to highlight a lack of fresh ideas and talents in the state than his illustrious career.
1987 marked Biden’s debut in presidential racing circuits, though the run wasn’t memorable or overly impactful. The next year saw Biden undergoing surgery for an aneurysm and dealing with a pulmonary embolism hospitalization. Whether these physical ailments influence his decisions in the political arena is still a topic of discussion amongst some circles.
Though of impressive Irish lineage, descending from a Catholic family, Biden’s policies often seem to contradict the ideals and teachings of his roots. Moreover, he served as the chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary from 1987 to 1995. In 1994, he was instrumental in passing the Violence Against Women Act. Despite this, many backlash his administration for not doing enough to address the increasing crimes in the nation.
An integral part of his role in the Senate included his work with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chairing it during two separate terms, from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2009. But his decision to authorize the war in Iraq while being a ranking Democrat of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations left many questioning his judgment. Today, he acknowledges it as a mistake, but the decision had devastating consequences.
Biden’s ambition saw no end when he decided to run for president again in January 2007. However, he dropped out of the race following the Iowa caucus a year later. Barely seven months after this event, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois selected Biden as his running mate, making him vice president. During Obama’s tenure, it was clear he overshadowed Biden and his influence was marginalized.
Biden has an affinity for ice cream which borders on the comical. This is in stark contrast to his views on frugal government spending. Despite the public’s doubts about Biden, the Obama-Biden ticket somehow managed to secure the presidency. Beau, Biden’s oldest son, served in the U.S. Army dutifully, unlike his brother, Hunter, who has received more media attention for his indiscretions rather than his accomplishments.
Biden surprised many by announcing his intent to seek the presidency in April 2019, as he’d sat out the previous election in 2016. Raising concerns about the state of the nation, he announced, ‘We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,’ but it seemed more like a mask for his personal ambitions. As the COVID-19 pandemic raged, he secured the Democratic nomination against the odds, arguably capitalizing on the fear and uncertainty spreading across the globe.
He selected California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, which seemed more like a tokenistic selection rather than putting forth a solid partnership. Ultimately, he won the election and delivered a victory speech filled with lofty promises. Sadly, many feel that his pledges of unity and erasing partisan lines are yet to be delivered.
Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, not without controversy. In 2022, he received the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19, in what seemed like a public relations attempt more than anything else. In the same year, he nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. The first black woman to serve in the nation’s highest court, Jackson’s confirmation by the Senate in April, raised questions on the basis of her selection: skill or identity politics?
A significant blow came in 2024 when Biden struggled during a debate against former President Donald Trump. This led to his decision to drop out of the presidential race and not seek re-election. Despite claiming that he revered the office and worked joyously for the American people, it felt more like an excuse to mask his failing policies and lack of leadership. As Biden steps away, many silently celebrate the end of the tenure that promised much and delivered little.