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Biography of Joe Biden
Biden’s rise to power in American politics has been marked by tragedy and disappointment; Osnos’s fast-paced biography chronicles this turbulent path.
Shortly after being elected to the Senate, Biden lost both his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi in a car accident. To spend time with his family and keep his focus on his Senate duties, he relocated to Delaware but commuted daily by train back to Washington DC.
Joe Biden Born in Scranton
Joe Biden lived in Scranton from birth until age 10, yet that didn’t stop him from campaigning and talking about his connection to this hardscrabble city. He visited his boyhood home multiple times during campaign events and highlighted it in several ads; though this campaign strategy has garnered criticism, many believe it can appeal to working-class voters.
Biden was born November 20, 1942, as World War II raged around him. His father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., worked cleaning furnaces and selling used cars to support their family before they settled in Claymont, Delaware where Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. cleaned furnaces while selling used cars on commission to pay the bills and raise his children in a middle-class neighborhood before attending Archmere Academy and eventually graduating from the University of Delaware.
Biden maintained strong ties to Scranton throughout his 36-year Senate career. As a child he would spend summers visiting his maternal grandparents there, while as an elected representative he often returned there for political events and friendship building opportunities. For 17 years he also led confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justices Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas which often became heated debates.
He played an essential part in shaping American foreign policy. By building relationships with leaders from around the globe and shaping post-Cold War global events through diplomacy, he had great sway on how things turned out post-Cold War worldwide. Unfortunately, at times his own overconfidence led critics to downplay his diplomatic prowess and underestimate his impact.
Biden faced many difficulties during his political career; yet, despite these, he remained committed to representing Delawareans in the Senate. He commuted daily from Wilmington to Washington – an ongoing journey which continued during both presidential campaigns and vice-presidential duties. Biden met 150 world leaders during this time: also, leading America’s response against terrorism as a leader of anti-terror legislation and response plans. Biden is known for his skillful oratory as well as compassion and leadership he demonstrated. A skilled orator, with strong senses of fairness and integrity as well as being a natural problem solver possessing broad base knowledge.
Joe Biden Elected to the Senate in 1972
In 1972, Biden’s 29th-birthday Democratic party encouraged him to run against J. Caleb Boggs (Republican), although few gave him much hope of victory. Instead, Biden mounted an impressive campaign supported by family and volunteers – his sister Valerie served as campaign manager while both parents made daily rounds knocking on doors knocking. By November, Biden managed a stunning upset victory and became only the sixth youngest US senator ever elected!
Biden first gained notoriety as a Senator by championing issues that mattered most to working families, such as tax cuts for the middle class and safeguards for Social Security benefits. He advocated for tighter crime laws and stronger international sanctions against Soviet Russia; in 1987, his questioning helped lead to Robert Bork being defeated for Supreme Court nomination due to this aggressive line of inquiry during confirmation hearings.
Biden developed a reputation as an influential foreign policy advisor during the Cold War and managed to remain popular despite his criticism of Iraq war in 1991. Furthermore, his colleagues often looked up to him and looked to him for peacemaking within their ranks in the Senate.
As a Democrat, he advocated for progressive policies such as abortion rights and equal pay for women. Additionally, during the late 1980s he advocated for stricter drug enforcement laws and supported creating 100,000 police officers to combat rising violent crimes.
And while his political career flourished, tragedy struck Biden personally. Both Neilia and Naomi died in an auto accident, leaving him to care for two young sons – Finnegan and Hunter. At first he considered quitting, but ultimately decided not to – instead commute daily from Wilmington to Washington while kissing his two sons every morning and evening before kissing goodbye each day.
After an accomplished Senate career, Biden ran for president in 1988 and won the Democratic nomination before dropping out after it was revealed he plagiarized part of his speech. He later ran again for president in 2008 but lost to Barack Obama.
Served as Vice President of the United States
Biden’s Senate career was marked by two unsuccessful presidential runs, but he managed to salvage something valuable out of them in 2008 when Barack Obama chose him as his running mate. Barack valued Biden for his foreign policy expertise, ability to work effectively with Congress and resilience after facing personal setbacks.
Biden led in the fight for civil rights, passing an historic law against hate crimes. He assisted in negotiating a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia and increased funding for our national laboratories and played an essential role in ending Iraq responsibly. Furthermore, his policies helped strengthen America’s economy while protecting American workers and revitalizing manufacturing production in America.
Biden not only served in Congress, but he was also instrumental in leading the country’s response to the AIDS epidemic and other health crises. Additionally, he spent considerable time on foreign policy – such as negotiating an international treaty that banned nuclear weapons in Syria – as well as touring war zones around the globe. As an excellent orator who appeals to voters across political divides.
After graduating from Syracuse University Law School, Biden joined a major law firm as a corporate client defender; however, this wasn’t quite his cup of tea and so he transitioned into public defender work representing poor clients on Wilmington’s East Side. Later that same year he made an audacious challenge against Senator Caleb Boggs of North Carolina for election; an unexpected move at 29 years old!
Biden became known for his tireless work ethic and ability to bring people together for bipartisan legislation during his Senate career. He worked on important issues, including the 1994 crime bill which stiffened sentences and expanded death penalties, as well as being an outspoken opponent of drug abuse.
Biden pledged not to fade into obscurity as he prepared to leave office and has maintained an active role in politics – criticizing Trump, for instance, saying his administration is responsible for destroying jobs across America.
Won the Democratic nomination for President in 2008
Joe Biden is an experienced Senate member who excels as both negotiator and leader. His influence in shaping American foreign policy, such as its response to terrorism and post-Cold War reshaping has made him a favored candidate for higher office. Serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as either chairman or ranking member for 11 years allowed him to meet numerous world leaders – his honest manner earning him the nickname of ‘the straight shooter.”
Biden has built his campaign on a platform of economic justice, social equality, and civil rights – all traditional Democratic principles. Additionally, he pledges to restore order and dignity to the White House while improving America’s image abroad; climate change issues as well as other domestic matters will be tackled during his presidency.
Biden graduated from Syracuse University Law School and started his legal career as a corporate attorney; however, soon realized it wasn’t fulfilling him. So he transitioned into public defender work representing African Americans from Wilmington’s East Side; this experience gave him insight into many inner city families’ difficulties and has long been advocating for programs designed to assist their wellbeing.
In 2008, Biden initiated his Democratic presidential run with hopes of becoming the first African American president. Though his bid initially faltered, he eventually gained momentum by cultivating a loyal following of young supporters who rallied behind him over time. Biden remains vocal critic of President Trump’s administration which he frequently derides as being reckless and inept.
Biden faces a difficult path in the Democratic primary. He has struggled to gain ground against Sanders and Warren, both with more progressive agendas that could prove decisive in winning over their left-wing bases – something Biden must do if he wants to beat Donald Trump in November’s general election.
