Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., better known as Joe Biden, is an American politician and statesman who serves as the 46th and current President of the United States. Before his presidency, Biden was the 47th Vice President from 2009 to 2017 under Barack Obama and a United States Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009. As a Democrat, Biden is the oldest president in American history, the first from Delaware, and the second Roman Catholic after John F. Kennedy.
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden grew up in a working-class family. He graduated from the University of Delaware and Syracuse University Law School. After practicing law for a few years, Biden entered politics, becoming a New Castle County Council member in 1970. Two years later, he was elected to the United States Senate, becoming one of the youngest senators in history. Biden served in the Senate for 36 years, during which time he held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
After the 2008 presidential election, President-elect Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate. The pair won the election and were sworn into office on January 20, 2009. During his tenure as vice president, Biden oversaw the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a stimulus package designed to help the economy recover from the Great Recession. He also played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, landmark healthcare reform legislation.
Joe Biden Full Name
Discover eight key facts about Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States:
- Born: Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Date of Birth: November 20, 1942
- Political Party: Democrat
- Education: University of Delaware, Syracuse University Law School
- Previous Offices: Vice President (2009-2017), U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973-2009)
- Spouse: Jill Biden
- Children: Hunter, Ashley, Beau (deceased)
- Religion: Roman Catholic
These points provide a concise overview of Joe Biden's background, political career, and personal life.
Born: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city located in the northeastern part of the state. Scranton is known for its rich history in the coal mining and manufacturing industries, and it played a significant role in the development of the American labor movement.
Biden was born into a working-class family. His father, Joseph Sr., was a used car salesman and his mother, Catherine, was a homemaker. Biden was the eldest of four children, with two younger sisters and a younger brother. He grew up in a modest home in the city's Green Ridge section.
Scranton had a profound impact on Biden's upbringing and political views. The city's strong sense of community and the struggles faced by its working-class residents instilled in him a deep empathy for the challenges faced by ordinary Americans. Biden's childhood experiences in Scranton helped shape his commitment to fighting for the middle class and working families throughout his political career.
In his memoir, "Promises to Keep," Biden reflects on his Scranton roots and the values that were instilled in him during his childhood. He writes, "Scranton was a place where people looked out for one another, where neighbors were like family, and where hard work was the norm." Biden's Scranton upbringing played a formative role in his character and his lifelong dedication to public service.
Despite the challenges faced by Scranton in recent decades, Biden remains proud of his hometown and its people. He frequently visits Scranton and speaks fondly of his childhood there. In a 2019 speech in Scranton, Biden said, "This city made me who I am. It gave me my values. It gave me my work ethic. It gave me my faith."
Date of Birth: November 20, 1942
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, making him the oldest person to serve as President of the United States. His age has been a topic of discussion, with some questioning whether he is too old to be president. However, Biden has maintained that he is physically and mentally fit for the job.
- Milestone Birthday: On his 80th birthday in 2022, Biden became the first U.S. President to reach this milestone while in office. He has stated that he intends to run for re-election in 2024, which would make him 82 years old at the start of his second term.
- Historical Context: Biden is not the first president to face questions about his age. Ronald Reagan was 69 years old when he was elected in 1980, and he served until he was 77. Dwight D. Eisenhower was 62 when he was elected in 1952, and he served until he was 70.
- Constitutional Requirements: The U.S. Constitution sets no upper age limit for the presidency. The only constitutional requirement is that the president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States and at least 35 years old.
- Public Opinion: Polls have shown that a majority of Americans believe that Biden is too old to be president. However, there is no consensus on whether his age will affect his ability to perform the duties of the office.
Ultimately, it is up to the American people to decide whether Biden's age is a disqualifying factor for the presidency. Biden has pledged to be transparent about his health and fitness for office, and he has released detailed medical reports.
Political Party: Democrat
Joe Biden is a member of the Democratic Party, one of the two major political parties in the United States. The Democratic Party generally supports social and economic equality, environmental protection, and a strong social safety net.
- Party Platform: The Democratic Party platform is based on the principles of economic fairness, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The party supports policies that promote equal opportunity, affordable healthcare, and access to education and job training.
- Political Spectrum: The Democratic Party is considered to be center-left on the political spectrum. This means that the party generally supports government intervention in the economy and social programs to help those in need.
- Electoral Success: The Democratic Party has been successful in recent presidential elections. Barack Obama, a Democrat, served two terms as president from 2009 to 2017. Joe Biden, also a Democrat, was elected president in 2020.
- Current Issues: The Democratic Party is currently focused on addressing issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and racial injustice. The party is also working to expand access to healthcare and education.
As a Democrat, Biden supports the party's platform and policies. He has pledged to work across the aisle to find common ground with Republicans and to address the challenges facing the country.
Education: University of Delaware, Syracuse University Law School
Joe Biden's educational background includes degrees from the University of Delaware and Syracuse University Law School.
University of Delaware: Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science. He was a good student and was involved in several extracurricular activities, including the debate team and the student government. Biden graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Syracuse University Law School: After graduating from college, Biden enrolled at Syracuse University Law School. He continued to excel academically and was involved in several legal organizations. Biden graduated from Syracuse University Law School in 1968 with a Juris Doctor degree.
Biden's education prepared him for a career in law and public service. After graduating from law school, he worked as a public defender and then as a county council member. In 1972, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served for 36 years.
Biden's educational background has been the subject of some scrutiny. Some have questioned whether he plagiarized parts of his law school papers. However, there is no evidence to support these claims. Biden has denied any wrongdoing and has released his law school transcripts to the public.
Previous Offices: Vice President (2009-2017), U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973-2009)
Joe Biden has a long and distinguished career in public service. He served as Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and as a United States Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
Vice President (2009-2017):Biden was elected Vice President in 2008 alongside President Barack Obama. As Vice President, Biden played a key role in implementing the Obama administration's agenda. He oversaw the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a stimulus package designed to help the economy recover from the Great Recession. Biden also played a leading role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, landmark healthcare reform legislation.
U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973-2009):Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, at the age of 29. He was one of the youngest senators in history. Biden served in the Senate for 36 years, during which time he held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
As a senator, Biden was known for his work on criminal justice reform, violence against women, and civil rights. He also played a key role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.
Biden's experience as Vice President and U.S. Senator has prepared him well for the presidency. He has a deep understanding of the legislative process and the challenges facing the country. He is also a skilled negotiator and has a reputation for working across the aisle to find common ground.
Spouse: Jill Biden
Joe Biden is married to Jill Biden, a former teacher and current First Lady of the United States. Jill Biden is a strong advocate for education and military families.
- Occupation: Jill Biden has worked as a teacher for over 30 years. She taught English at several high schools in Delaware and Virginia. Jill Biden also worked as a professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
- Education: Jill Biden holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Delaware, a Master of Arts degree in education from West Chester University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Delaware.
- Advocacy: Jill Biden is a strong advocate for education and military families. She has worked to improve the lives of military families and to ensure that all children have access to a quality education. Jill Biden is also a vocal supporter of the arts and culture.
- First Lady: As First Lady, Jill Biden has focused on her initiatives to support military families and promote education. She has also been a vocal advocate for cancer research and awareness.
Jill Biden is a beloved and respected figure in American politics. She is a strong and independent woman who has dedicated her life to public service. Jill Biden is a role model for women and girls across the country.
Children: Hunter, Ashley, Beau (deceased)
Joe Biden has three children: Hunter, Ashley, and Beau (deceased).
Hunter Biden: Hunter Biden is the eldest of Joe Biden's children. He is a lawyer and businessman. Hunter Biden has been involved in several controversies, including his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, there is no evidence that Hunter Biden engaged in any illegal or unethical activity.
Ashley Biden: Ashley Biden is Joe Biden's only daughter. She is a social worker and activist. Ashley Biden has worked on a variety of social justice issues, including criminal justice reform and LGBTQ+ rights. She is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Beau Biden: Beau Biden was Joe Biden's eldest son. He served as the Attorney General of Delaware from 2007 to 2015. Beau Biden was also a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and served in Iraq. Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. His death was a devastating loss for Joe Biden and his family.
Joe Biden is a devoted father and grandfather. He is close to his children and grandchildren and often speaks about the importance of family in his life.
Religion: Roman Catholic
Joe Biden is a devout Roman Catholic. He attends Mass regularly and has spoken openly about the importance of his faith in his life.
Biden's Catholic faith has influenced his political views on a number of issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. Biden personally opposes abortion, but he supports the right to choose and does not believe that the government should interfere in a woman's decision to have an abortion. Biden also supports same-sex marriage and believes that all Americans should be treated equally under the law, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Biden's faith has also been a source of strength and comfort for him during difficult times. When his son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, Biden turned to his faith for support. He has said that his faith helped him to cope with the loss of his son and to find the strength to carry on.
Biden is the second Roman Catholic president in American history, after John F. Kennedy. His election is a sign of the growing diversity of the American Catholic Church. Biden's faith is an important part of his life and it has shaped his values and his political views.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Joe Biden:
Question 1: How old is Joe Biden?Answer: Joe Biden is 80 years old. He is the oldest person to serve as President of the United States. Question 2: Where was Joe Biden born?
Answer: Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Question 3: What is Joe Biden's political party?
Answer: Joe Biden is a member of the Democratic Party. Question 4: What was Joe Biden's previous job?
Answer: Joe Biden served as Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He also served as a United States Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009. Question 5: Who is Joe Biden's wife?
Answer: Joe Biden is married to Jill Biden, a former teacher and current First Lady of the United States. Question 6: How many children does Joe Biden have?
Answer: Joe Biden has three children: Hunter, Ashley, and Beau (deceased). Question 7: What is Joe Biden's religion?
Answer: Joe Biden is a devout Roman Catholic.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Joe Biden. For more information, please visit the White House website.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some additional tips for learning more about Joe Biden:
Tips
Here are some tips for learning more about Joe Biden:
Tip 1: Visit the White House website.
The White House website is a great resource for information about Joe Biden and his administration. You can find the President's biography, policy positions, and upcoming events on the website.
Tip 2: Read news articles and watch interviews.
There are many news articles and interviews available online that can help you learn more about Joe Biden. Be sure to read articles from a variety of sources to get a balanced perspective.
Tip 3: Follow Joe Biden on social media.
Joe Biden is active on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Following him on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on his latest news and activities.
Tip 4: Attend a town hall meeting or rally.
If you have the opportunity, attending a town hall meeting or rally is a great way to see Joe Biden in person and hear him speak about his policies and vision for the country.
These are just a few tips for learning more about Joe Biden. By following these tips, you can stay informed about the President and his administration.
Now that you know more about Joe Biden, you can follow his presidency and stay informed about the latest news and events.
Conclusion
Joe Biden is the 46th and current President of the United States. He is a Democrat who has served in government for over 40 years. Biden is a Scranton, Pennsylvania native and a graduate of the University of Delaware and Syracuse University Law School.
Biden's long career in public service includes serving as a New Castle County Council member, a United States Senator from Delaware, and Vice President under Barack Obama. As President, Biden has focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and racial injustice. He has also worked to pass legislation to expand access to healthcare and education.
Biden is a devout Roman Catholic and a family man. He is married to Jill Biden and has three children: Hunter, Ashley, and Beau (deceased). Biden is the oldest person to serve as President of the United States.
Despite his age, Biden is a vigorous and active President. He is committed to serving the American people and to making a difference in the world.
Closing Message:
Joe Biden is a complex and fascinating figure. He has had a long and distinguished career in public service, and he is now facing the challenges of the presidency at a time of great division and uncertainty. Biden is a man of faith and family, and he is committed to working for a better future for all Americans.