Joe Biden (Democratic Party)
Joe Biden: 46th President of the United States
January 29, 2025
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has played a pivotal role in the country's political landscape for over five decades. From his time as a U.S. Senator to his eight years as Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden has become one of the most influential figures in modern American politics. Elected president in 2020, his administration has focused on healing a divided nation, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing economic recovery, and addressing global challenges. This article explores Biden’s background, political career, key policies, and leadership style.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, into a working-class family. He faced early challenges, including his struggle with a stutter, which he eventually overcame. Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a degree in history and political science, before going on to Syracuse University Law School. After completing his education, Biden worked as an attorney and quickly entered the world of politics.
In 1972, Biden’s life took a tragic turn when his wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident, leaving him to raise his two sons as a single parent. This early personal tragedy shaped his resilient and empathetic approach to life and politics. In 1973, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest senators in U.S. history.
Political Career
U.S. Senate (1973–2009)
Biden’s political career in the Senate spanned over three decades, during which he established himself as a skilled legislator and a leader on issues such as foreign policy, criminal justice, and civil rights. He served as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he played key roles in the passage of major laws, including the Violence Against Women Act (1994) and the landmark 1994 Crime Bill.
Biden became known for his work on foreign relations, advocating for a strong U.S. presence in the world, promoting democratic values, and engaging with global leaders on pressing issues such as the Balkans and the Iraq War. However, his vote in favor of the Iraq War in 2002 remains a controversial aspect of his Senate career, a decision he later acknowledged as a mistake.
Vice Presidency (2009–2017)
Biden’s political influence reached new heights when he became Vice President under President Barack Obama in 2009. Serving two terms, Biden played a crucial role in shaping the Obama administration’s policies. He was instrumental in passing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, and in managing the economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis.
Biden’s role as Vice President also included representing the U.S. abroad, where he helped build strong relationships with international leaders and advocated for American interests in global affairs. Biden became a trusted advisor to President Obama, known for his pragmatic approach to policy and his deep knowledge of Washington’s inner workings.
Presidential Campaign and 2020 Election
In 2020, Biden entered the presidential race with a message of unity and healing for a deeply divided nation. His campaign focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding the economy, and restoring the soul of America. Biden ran against the incumbent president, Donald Trump, who had been a divisive figure in U.S. politics.
Biden’s message of restoring civility and combating the chaos of the Trump era resonated with voters. His experience in Washington, combined with his empathy and moderate approach to politics, helped him secure the Democratic nomination after a hard-fought primary battle. In the general election, Biden won with over 81 million votes, the most votes ever cast for a U.S. president, and secured 306 electoral votes, defeating Trump’s 232.
Biden’s victory marked a significant shift in American politics, as he promised to focus on healing the nation’s divisions, restoring trust in government institutions, and addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, healthcare, and racial injustice.
Key Policies and Achievements as President
1. COVID-19 Response
Biden’s administration took immediate action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, rolling out a comprehensive vaccine distribution plan, and passing a $1.9 trillion economic relief package known as the American Rescue Plan. The plan provided direct financial relief to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funded vaccination efforts. Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. made significant progress in vaccinating millions of people and reopening the economy.
2. Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
Biden’s economic agenda centers on building a more inclusive economy. The American Rescue Plan included stimulus payments for American households and aid for small businesses. Biden also passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill aimed at improving the country’s roads, bridges, broadband, and public transportation systems.
Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, although facing challenges in Congress, seeks to invest in child care, climate action, and health care, furthering his goal of creating a fairer, more equitable economy.
3. Climate Change
Biden has made climate change a central focus of his presidency. He rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement on his first day in office and has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy, and promote environmental justice. His administration has taken steps to reverse many of the environmental rollbacks from the Trump era, pushing for cleaner energy solutions and environmental protection policies.
4. Racial Justice and Equity
In the wake of widespread protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, Biden has focused on addressing racial injustice and promoting racial equity. He signed executive orders aimed at combating discrimination in housing, education, and the criminal justice system. His administration has also prioritized expanding voting rights, particularly for communities of color, as part of an ongoing effort to ensure fair access to the democratic process.
5. Foreign Policy
Biden has worked to restore the United States' relationships with its allies, emphasizing diplomacy and multilateralism. His administration has navigated significant challenges, including the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the ongoing competition with China, and Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine. Biden's foreign policy also includes a renewed focus on global health, humanitarian aid, and combating climate change on the international stage.
Challenges and Criticism
Biden’s presidency has not been without its challenges. His approval ratings have fluctuated, driven by issues such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, inflation concerns, and partisan gridlock in Congress. Biden's legislative agenda has faced opposition, particularly from Republicans and moderate Democrats, making it difficult to pass some of his most ambitious proposals.
Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recovery, and addressing climate change remain persistent challenges. Biden’s ability to unite a polarized Congress and implement his policy agenda will continue to be tested throughout his presidency.
Legacy and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Biden’s legacy is still unfolding. His presidency has already been marked by significant achievements, including the passage of the American Rescue Plan, major infrastructure investments, and strides toward addressing climate change. However, Biden's ability to lead a deeply divided nation remains a central theme of his administration.
Whether Biden seeks a second term in 2024 will depend on various factors, including the state of the economy, his party’s political fortunes, and his health. His leadership and policies have made a significant impact on the direction of the country, and his influence on American politics will continue to be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s long political career, deep experience, and empathetic leadership style have positioned him as one of the most experienced and consequential presidents in modern history. His administration is focused on restoring trust in government, advancing social justice, combating climate change, and addressing the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. Despite significant political challenges, Biden’s commitment to unity and reform will shape his legacy as one of the most prominent leaders of the 21st century.
Joe Biden is the 46th and current President of the United States. A seasoned politician, he served as Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and spent decades in the U.S. Senate. His administration has focused on economic recovery post-COVID-19, student debt relief, climate change initiatives, and international diplomacy. However, issues like rising inflation, immigration challenges, and his advanced age (82 years by the 2024 election) have sparked concerns among voters. Biden is seeking re-election in 2024, positioning himself as a defender of democracy against Trump’s influence.
