Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, is a figure who has shaped American politics for decades. From his early days as a U.S. Senator to his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden’s career is one marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to public service. This article explores the life, political journey, and legacy of Joe Biden, highlighting key moments in his career and providing an overview of his financial standing.
Early Life and Education
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Biden and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. His early life in Scranton was marked by modest means, with his family struggling financially due to his father’s business setbacks. In 1953, the Biden family relocated to Claymont, Delaware, in search of better economic opportunities.
Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science, graduating in 1965. His academic prowess, however, was overshadowed by his struggle with a speech impediment, which he worked hard to overcome throughout his life. After completing his undergraduate studies, Biden went on to study law at Syracuse University College of Law. He earned his law degree in 1968, despite a history of academic challenges, including an incident in which he was accused of plagiarizing a law school paper. Biden later admitted to the incident, attributing it to youthful mistakes, but it has remained a part of his biography.
Political Rise
Joe Biden’s political career began in 1970 when he was elected to the New Castle County Council in Delaware. His success at the local level paved the way for a run for the U.S. Senate in 1972. At the age of 29, Biden ran for Senate against the incumbent, Republican J. Caleb Boggs. His campaign, which focused on issues such as civil rights and the economy, was a surprising success. Biden won the seat, making him one of the youngest individuals ever to be elected to the Senate.
However, Biden’s personal life was marked by tragedy early on. Just one month after his election to the Senate, his first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, died in a car crash. Biden’s two sons, Beau and Hunter, survived the crash but were severely injured. Biden was devastated by the loss, and it took him several years to recover emotionally. Despite this, he continued his work in the Senate, building a reputation for his focus on foreign policy, criminal justice, and domestic affairs.
Senate Career and Influence
Biden spent 36 years in the U.S. Senate, where he became known for his expertise in foreign relations, criminal justice, and judiciary matters. As a senator, Biden served as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. His work in foreign relations included advocating for the U.S. to take a more active role in global diplomacy, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Biden was instrumental in shaping U.S. policy on issues such as the conflict in the Balkans, arms control, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On the domestic front, Biden championed the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which provided federal resources to combat domestic violence. He also played a significant role in the passage of the 1994 crime bill, which aimed to reduce crime and expand the federal prison system, though the bill has been criticized in recent years for its role in mass incarceration.
Biden’s long tenure in the Senate allowed him to form relationships with lawmakers from both parties. He was known as a pragmatic and moderate politician who could work across the aisle, a quality that earned him the nickname “the man who could bring people together.” This ability to forge bipartisan agreements would later become one of his defining features as president.
Vice Presidency Under Barack Obama
In 2008, Joe Biden’s political career took a new turn when he was selected by then-Senator Barack Obama to be his running mate in the presidential election. Biden brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the ticket, particularly in foreign policy and national security. His selection was seen as a strategic move to balance Obama’s relative inexperience on the national stage.
As Vice President, Biden played a key role in the Obama administration’s major policy initiatives. He was deeply involved in the response to the global financial crisis, working with Congress to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a stimulus package aimed at mitigating the effects of the recession. Biden was also instrumental in the administration’s efforts to pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which sought to provide healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.
In foreign policy, Biden was a strong advocate for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and played a pivotal role in the successful operation to locate and kill al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011. Biden’s diplomatic efforts were also instrumental in stabilizing U.S. relationships with NATO allies and forging new agreements in the Asia-Pacific region.
2020 Presidential Election and Presidency
In 2020, after several failed attempts to secure the Democratic nomination in earlier years, Joe Biden ran for president again. This time, his campaign was fueled by a desire to restore decency and integrity to the White House, following the tumultuous presidency of Donald Trump. Biden’s campaign emphasized unity, healing, and a return to traditional political norms.
Biden won the 2020 election, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in a highly contentious race. His victory was seen as a repudiation of Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies, and his election marked a historic moment as Biden became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency.
As president, Biden has faced a range of challenges, including managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, navigating a divided political landscape, and addressing climate change and racial inequality. His administration has focused on passing significant economic relief packages, including the American Rescue Plan, which provided direct financial assistance to millions of Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and supported vaccination efforts.
Biden has also placed a strong emphasis on international diplomacy, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, and taking a firm stance on human rights issues. His administration has also grappled with complex foreign policy challenges, including the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, which was marked by chaotic scenes at the Kabul airport.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Joe Biden’s personal life has been shaped by both triumph and tragedy. After the death of his first wife, Biden remarried in 1977 to Jill Tracy Jacobs, a schoolteacher. The couple has one daughter, Ashley. Biden’s son, Beau, was a rising political star before his untimely death in 2015 from brain cancer. His other son, Hunter, has faced legal and personal challenges that have attracted public scrutiny.
As of 2025, Joe Biden’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his long career in public service, book deals, speaking engagements, and his time as a university professor. His income spiked after leaving the White House when he signed a lucrative book deal and secured speaking engagements that earned him millions of dollars.
Biden’s financial standing is relatively modest compared to some other political figures, but his wealth is a reflection of his long career in politics rather than personal business ventures.
Legacy and Conclusion
Joe Biden’s legacy is still in the making, but his impact on American politics is undeniable. He has spent over 50 years in public service, navigating personal tragedy, political challenges, and global crises. Biden’s presidency has been marked by efforts to unite a divided nation, revitalize the U.S. economy, and reassert American leadership on the world stage.
While his tenure has not been without controversy, particularly surrounding his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and certain domestic policies, Biden’s commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law stands as a testament to his enduring belief in the American experiment.
As he looks to the future, Biden’s legacy will likely be defined by his ability to bring change in times of uncertainty, his deep commitment to serving others, and his desire to leave a better, more unified America for the next generation.
