Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the 46th President of the United States. Before assuming the presidency, Biden had a long career in public service, spanning several decades. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, representing Delaware for 36 years. Biden also served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.
Biden’s early political career was marked by his work on foreign relations, judiciary, and domestic policy. He chaired the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, playing significant roles in passing major legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act and various arms control treaties. Biden also focused on criminal justice reform and was a key figure in U.S. foreign policy during his Senate tenure.
In 1988, Biden ran for the Democratic nomination for president but withdrew following accusations of plagiarism in a speech. He returned to the Senate, where he continued to build his legislative career.
Biden's second presidential campaign came in 2008, but he withdrew after failing to gain momentum in the Democratic primaries. Later that year, he was selected as Barack Obama’s running mate. Biden served two terms as Vice President, focusing on economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis and shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2020, Biden secured the Democratic nomination for president and went on to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump in a highly polarized election. His campaign focused on uniting the country, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and restoring the U.S. economy. On January 20, 2021, Biden was inaugurated as the oldest president in U.S. history, at age 78.
As president, Biden has pursued an ambitious domestic agenda, including the passage of a major COVID-19 relief bill and infrastructure investments. His administration also prioritized climate change, racial equity, and expanding healthcare access. However, Biden’s presidency has faced significant challenges, including the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, which drew widespread criticism for its execution.
In 2024, Biden initially announced his intention to run for a second term. However, due to a combination of internal pressure from within the Democratic Party and concerns about his age and health, Biden ultimately withdrew from the race. His decision was seen as a response to party leaders pushing for a new candidate to lead the ticket, fearing that his continued candidacy could hurt the party’s chances in the general election.
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