Joe Biden

Biography

Biden was elected to the Senate in 1972, weeks before a car crash killed his wife and daughter. He served 36 years, became Barack Obama's vice president, and in 2020 defeated Donald Trump to become the oldest person inaugurated as president. He withdrew from the 2024 race mid-campaign, endorsing Kamala Harris.

American politician whose half-century in public life ran from a giant-killing Senate win at 29 to the presidency at 78.

Known for

The 46th U.S. president, after 36 years in the Senate and eight as vice president.

Notable works & defining projects

• Violence Against Women Act (1994)
• American Rescue Plan (2021)
• Promise Me, Dad (memoir)

Notable achievements

• Served as the 46th president of the United States (2021-2025)
• Served as vice president under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and in the U.S. Senate for 36 years
• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction from President Obama in 2017

Timeline

1. 1972Won election to the U.S. Senate in an upset, aged 29
2. 2009Became vice president under Barack Obama
3. 2021Inaugurated as the 46th president

Did you know?

• Nicknamed 'Amtrak Joe' for his decades of commuting by train between Delaware and Washington
• Elected to the Senate at 29, turning the constitutional minimum of 30 days before taking office