Joe Biden

NAME Joe Biden

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Joe Biden is famous for his long career in politics, serving as the 46th President of the United States, as well as his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama.

BIRTH Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Biden was born into a Catholic family of Irish descent. His father, Joseph Biden Sr., worked as a used car salesman and his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden (née Finnegan), was a homemaker.

CHILDHOOD Biden spent his early years in Scranton before the family moved to Claymont, Delaware when he was ten years old. He faced a stutter during his childhood, which he overcame with practice and determination.

EDUCATION Biden went to Archmere Academy, a Catholic prep school. A poor student but a natural leader, he was class president in his junior and senior years.

He attended the University of Delaware for his undergraduate degree and later earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

CAREER RECORD Initially, Biden cut his teeth in law as a public defender before dabbling in corporate law at a firm steered by a prominent local Democrat. Yet, neither the corporate world nor the criminal courtrooms could capture his enduring interest, prompting him to moonlight as a property manager to bolster his earnings. 

 Biden began his political career as a member of the New Castle County Council before being elected as the fifth-youngest U.S. Senator in history from Delaware in 1972. He served in the Senate for 36 years before becoming Vice President in 2009. He then served two terms as Vice President under President Barack Obama. In 2021, he became the oldest person ever to assume the presidency when he was inaugurated at age 78.

APPEARANCE Biden is known for his tall stature and genial demeanor. He has a warm smile and often wears aviator sunglasses.

Official portrait 2021

FASHION Biden is often seen in well-tailored suits, typically in shades of blue or gray.

CHARACTER Joe Biden is known for his empathy, resilience, and pragmatism. He is described as a compassionate leader who values consensus-building and diplomacy.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Biden has a jovial and friendly sense of humor, often using self-deprecating jokes to connect with others.

He has a reputation for his gaffes, which often endear him to the public as relatable and genuine.

RELATIONSHIPS In a twist of fate that reads like a chapter from a novel, Joe Biden's heartstrings were first tugged by Neilia Hunter under the balmy skies of Nassau, during a college spring break that would chart the course of his future. Not long after, he found himself in Syracuse, trading the carefree days of youth for the hallowed halls of law school. The young couple tied the knot on August 27, 1966, embarking on a journey that would bring them three children: Beau, Robert, and Naomi.

Tragedy struck with the cruel swiftness of a winter storm on December 18, 1972, when Neilia and young Naomi were taken too soon in a car crash; Beau and Hunter, though badly injured, survived. 

Five years later, love would once again find Biden, this time in the form of Jill Jacobs. Their union, forged in the Chapel at the United Nations on June 17, 1977 after a persistent courtship, brought a new chapter of hope. In 1981, they had a daughter, Ashley, who is now a social worker.

Jill, a dedicated English teacher, broke new ground as the first First Lady to juggle the demands of a teaching career while residing in the White House. 

Beau Biden tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015.

MONEY AND FAME Biden’s financial journey transitioned from modest means during his early Senate years to considerable wealth after his vice presidency. His income surged due to book deals, speaking engagements, and teaching roles following his tenure in the White House. Despite criticism regarding his wealth, Biden has emphasized transparency in his finances, publishing detailed tax returns.

FOOD AND DRINK Biden is known to enjoy classic American comfort food, as well as Italian cuisine and ice cream. Biden once claimed, “I am a genuine lover of ice cream. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. But I eat a lot of ice cream.” 

He is teetotal having seen the effect of alcohol addiction on others. 

MUSIC AND ARTS Biden has expressed a fondness for Irish music and is known to appreciate a wide range of artistic endeavors.

LITERATURE Biden is an avid reader and has cited William Butler Yeats as one of his favorite poets.

His memoirs, including Promises to Keep and Promise Me, Dad, provide insights into his personal and political life.

NATURE Biden enjoys spending time outdoors and has been known to go biking and hiking in his free time.

PETS Joe Biden's family owns two German Shepherds named Major and Champ

Major, born on January 17, 2018, is the first shelter dog to live in the White House. A German Shepherd, he was rescued from a litter that had been exposed to something toxic, and the Bidens fostered him from the Delaware Humane Association’s shelter. Major has been known for displaying agitated behavior on multiple occasions, including biting incidents. He was ultimately removed from the White House in December 2021 after experts recommended he would be safer in a quieter environment.

Major was not the last Biden dog with behavioral challenges. His successor, Commander, was also involved in numerous biting incidents before being removed from the White House

Champ, the older of the two German Shepherds, joined the Bidens at the White House in 2021. He was named because Mr. Biden’s father had told him growing up, “Get up, champ,” when his life was challenging.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS He is a fan of football and enjoys watching games in his leisure time. Biden also enjoys cycling and golf. 

Biden played American Football at Archmere Academy,. A standout wide receiver and running back, he caught an impressive 19 touchdown passes.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Biden has shown an interest in science and has advocated for policies to address climate change and promote scientific research and innovation.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Biden and his wife are Roman Catholics and regularly attend Mass at St. Joseph's on the Brandywine in Greenville, Delaware.

Biden is guided by his faith in both his personal life and political decisions. He often references his beliefs as a source of strength, particularly during periods of loss. Biden is the second Catholic president in U.S. history, following John F. Kennedy, and regularly attends Mass. His faith influences his perspectives on social justice, equality, and compassion.

POLITICS A lifelong Democrat with a centrist approach, Biden is known for his bipartisan efforts and legislative accomplishments.

Biden's foray into politics began unassumingly in 1969 with a county council seat win in a traditionally Republican stronghold within New Castle County, Delaware. Juggling legal briefs by day and council matters by night, he continued this dual existence until 1972. As a sprightly 30-year-old, Biden then took the Senate oath, becoming the sixth youngest ever to do so, embarking on a lengthy tenure representing Delaware from 1973 to 2009.

His political narrative took a turn when he became the earliest senator to back Jimmy Carter's presidential quest in 1976. Biden's own presidential ambitions in 1987 initially showed promise but were marred by a plagiarism scandal involving a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock. Nevertheless, Biden's resilience saw him serve as the 47th vice president under President Barack Obama, a role that culminated in him receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In 2019, Biden threw his hat into the ring for the 2020 presidential race, clinching the Democratic nomination by June 2020. His campaign culminated in victory, and he was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, setting a record as the oldest person to assume the role, a title previously held by Donald Trump. Biden's inauguration at the age of 78 marked not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for the nation.

As President, Biden focused on COVID-19 pandemic recovery, climate change, and infrastructure legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In April 2023, Biden announced his reelection campaign and, after the Democratic primaries, became the party's presumptive nominee in the 2024 presidential election. Public concerns about Biden's age and health persisted throughout his term, with intensified scrutiny after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27, 2024. In private, White House staffers and Biden's family took measures to conceal and compensate for apparent declines in his acuity. On July 21, he withdrew his candidacy, becoming the first U.S. president to decline to seek reelection after securing enough delegates to win renomination. Biden endorsed Vice President Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris won the nomination but lost the general election to Trump.

SCANDAL Biden’s career has not been without controversy. A plagiarism scandal during his 1988 presidential campaign led to its premature end after it was revealed he had used parts of a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock without attribution. 

Biden also faced scrutiny over his handling of the Anita Hill hearings during Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's confirmation process and allegations of plagiarism during his 1988 presidential campaign.

Additionally, allegations regarding his son Hunter Biden's business dealings have been the subject of political scrutiny and partisan attacks, though no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden has emerged.

MILITARY RECORD Biden received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War due to asthma, and later, a medical exemption when he was classified as "not available for service" due to his asthma.

He has been involved in military policy decisions as a senator and vice president.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Biden maintains an active lifestyle despite his age, often seen jogging or biking.

HOMES Biden has owned several properties over the years, including his family home in Greenville, Delaware, and a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Known for his connection to his roots, Biden commuted daily by train to Washington, D.C., during his Senate career to remain close to his family.

TRAVEL Throughout his career, Biden has traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. As Vice President and President, he has visited numerous countries to strengthen alliances and address global challenges. Memorable trips include his visits to Ukraine to demonstrate U.S. support and his participation in key climate and trade summits.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Biden has been a frequent figure in media over decades, appearing in interviews, documentaries, and political debates. He was portrayed by actors in shows like Saturday Night Live and has made guest appearances on programs such as The Daily Show. 

Biden’s public speeches, especially his eulogy for John McCain and his inaugural address, are often cited as powerful examples of his communication style.

ACHIEVEMENTS Some of Biden's key achievements include the passage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the successful implementation of the American Rescue Plan to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.