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JOE’S STORY

EARLY LIFE

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Catherine Biden and Joseph Biden, Sr. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 with a double major in history and political science. He subsequently went to Syracuse University College of Law, graduating in 1968. In 1972, and at age 29, Joe became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate. A few weeks later, disaster struck when Joe’s wife and daughter were killed in an auto accident; his two sons were also critically injured. This led Joe to commute from Wilmington to Washington every day while raising his two sons as a single father.

HIS TIME IN THE SENATE

But, Senator Biden still worked tirelessly to better the country, taking a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, minimizing terrorist threats, and increasing the humanitarian efforts of America. During his time as senator, he refused to risk American lives for an unattainable political goal, advocating firmly for a reduction of troops in Afghanistan. He also worked to create and sign the NATO Freedom consolidation Act in 2007, allowing other nations to be considered for assistance after the initial designation.

THE VICE PRESIDENCY

In 2008, Barack Obama announced Joe as his vice-presidential running mate. Coming into a nation that was in the middle of an economic recession, it was the job of President Obama and Vice President Biden to help implement legislation to rebuild America. Through the Recovery Act—our biggest commitment to clean energy—and the Affordable Care Act, which reduced the number of uninsured Americans by 20 million by the time they left office. His work as the vice president also included leading interagency efforts and working with Congress in his fight to raise the living standards of middle-class Americans, reduce gun violence, and address violence against women.

POST-VICE PRESIDENCY

After leaving the White House, the Bidens continued their efforts to expand opportunity for every American with the creation of the Biden Foundation, the Biden Cancer Initiative, the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, and the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware. On April 25, 2019, Joe stepped up to ask for the honor of representing his country once again, announcing his candidacy for President of the United States.