Luella Moua

Written by Luella Moua

Published: 20 Jan 2025

37-facts-about-joe-biden
Source: Whitehouse.gov

Did you know Joe Biden is the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency? Born on November 20, 1942, Biden has a lifetime of experiences that shaped his political journey. From his early days in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden's career is filled with notable moments. He has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a car accident, and later, his son Beau to cancer. Despite these hardships, Biden has remained a resilient figure in American politics. His legislative accomplishments, advocacy for healthcare, and commitment to climate change are just a few highlights of his extensive career. Let's dive into 37 fascinating facts about Joe Biden that you might not know!

Key Takeaways:

  • Joe Biden overcame personal tragedies and dedicated his life to public service, serving as Vice President and eventually becoming the 46th President of the United States.
  • Beyond politics, Biden enjoys sports, classic cars, and ice cream, and values his family, including his wife, children, and beloved German Shepherds.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Joe Biden's journey to the White House began long before his political career. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his future.

  1. 01Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. His family later moved to Delaware when he was ten years old.
  2. 02Biden struggled with a stutter during his childhood. He overcame it by reciting poetry in front of a mirror.
  3. 03He attended the University of Delaware, where he double-majored in history and political science.
  4. 04Biden earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968.

Political Career Beginnings

Biden's political career started at a young age, showing his early dedication to public service.

  1. 05At 29, Biden became one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.
  2. 06He represented Delaware in the Senate for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving senators in U.S. history.
  3. 07Biden was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and later became its chairman.
  4. 08He also served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Personal Tragedies

Biden's life has been marked by significant personal tragedies, which have shaped his character and resilience.

  1. 09In 1972, shortly after his election to the Senate, Biden's first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident.
  2. 10His sons, Beau and Hunter, were injured in the same accident but survived.
  3. 11Biden married his second wife, Jill Tracy Jacobs, in 1977. They have one daughter, Ashley.
  4. 12In 2015, Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer at the age of 46.

Vice Presidency

Biden's tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama was marked by significant achievements and challenges.

  1. 13Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
  2. 14He played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
  3. 15Biden was instrumental in the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which aimed to combat the Great Recession.
  4. 16He led the Cancer Moonshot initiative, which aimed to accelerate cancer research.

Presidential Campaigns

Biden's journey to the presidency was not without its hurdles, including multiple campaigns.

  1. 17Biden first ran for president in 1988 but withdrew after allegations of plagiarism in his campaign speeches.
  2. 18He ran again in 2008 but dropped out after poor performance in the Iowa caucuses.
  3. 19In 2020, Biden won the Democratic nomination and defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the general election.
  4. 20He received over 81 million votes, the most in U.S. presidential election history.

Presidency

Biden's presidency has been marked by significant policy initiatives and challenges.

  1. 21Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021.
  2. 22He signed the American Rescue Plan into law, providing economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. 23Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing climate change.
  4. 24He ended the U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, concluding America's longest war.

Legislative Achievements

Biden's legislative achievements span his entire career, reflecting his commitment to public service.

  1. 25Biden authored the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which aimed to protect women from domestic violence.
  2. 26He played a key role in the passage of the 1994 Crime Bill, which included provisions for community policing and crime prevention.
  3. 27Biden supported the Family and Medical Leave Act, which provides job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.
  4. 28He was a strong advocate for the Affordable Care Act, which expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond politics, Biden has a range of personal interests and hobbies that offer a glimpse into his life outside of public service.

  1. 29Biden is an avid sports fan, particularly of football and baseball. He supports the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies.
  2. 30He enjoys classic cars and owns a 1967 Corvette Stingray, which he received as a wedding gift from his father.
  3. 31Biden loves ice cream and has often been seen enjoying a cone during public appearances.
  4. 32He is a devout Catholic and attends Mass regularly.

Family Life

Biden's family has always been a central part of his life, influencing his values and decisions.

  1. 33Biden has four children: Beau, Hunter, Naomi, and Ashley.
  2. 34His wife, Jill Biden, is an educator and the first First Lady to hold a paying job outside the White House.
  3. 35Biden has seven grandchildren, whom he often speaks about fondly.
  4. 36The Biden family has two German Shepherds, Champ and Major. Major is the first rescue dog to live in the White House.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Some fun and lesser-known facts about Biden add a unique dimension to his public persona.

  1. 37Biden's favorite movie is "Chariots of Fire," a film about two athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics.

The Final Word on Joe Biden

Joe Biden's life is packed with interesting facts that reveal his character, resilience, and dedication. From his early days in Scranton to his tenure as the 46th President of the United States, Biden's journey is nothing short of remarkable. His personal struggles, like overcoming a stutter and dealing with family tragedies, show his strength and determination. Biden's political career, marked by significant legislative achievements and a focus on unity, highlights his commitment to public service. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the man leading the country, these 37 facts provide a deeper understanding of Joe Biden. They paint a picture of a leader who has faced numerous challenges and continues to strive for a better future for all Americans. So, next time you hear his name, you'll know a bit more about the person behind the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Joe Biden known for?
Joe Biden, currently serving as President of the United States, has a long political career that spans over five decades. Before becoming president, he was Vice President under Barack Obama and has been recognized for his work in foreign policy, efforts to combat climate change, and advocacy for middle-class Americans.
How many times did Joe Biden run for president before winning?
Before his victory in the 2020 election, Joe Biden ran for president two other times. His first attempt was in 1988, and he tried again in 2008. Persistence paid off when he won the presidency on his third attempt.
Has Joe Biden always been a Democrat?
Yes, throughout his political career, Joe Biden has been a member of the Democratic Party. His policies and political stance align with the party's values, focusing on healthcare reform, environmental protection, and social justice.
What's one of Joe Biden's significant achievements as president?
One significant achievement of President Biden is the passage of the American Rescue Plan. This landmark legislation aimed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout, providing relief to Americans through stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, and small business support.
Did Joe Biden have any other roles in government before becoming president?
Absolutely, Joe Biden has had a lengthy career in public service. Before becoming president, he served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years. During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, playing a key role in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
What personal challenges has Joe Biden faced?
Joe Biden has faced several personal tragedies and challenges. In 1972, shortly after being elected to the Senate, he lost his first wife and young daughter in a car accident. Years later, in 2015, he faced the heartbreaking loss of his son Beau to brain cancer. These experiences have deeply influenced his character and approach to politics.
How does Joe Biden view climate change?
Joe Biden sees climate change as a critical global challenge that requires immediate and bold action. He has committed the United States to rejoin the Paris Agreement and has proposed ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions, transition to renewable energy, and create green jobs, aiming to tackle the climate crisis head-on.

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