How Did Joe Biden Get into Politics?
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has had a long and storied career in politics. But how did he get into politics in the first place?
Joe Biden’s political journey began in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Born on November 20, 1942, Biden grew up in a working-class family. His father, Joseph Biden Sr., was a tradesman, and his mother, Jean Biden, was a teacher. Despite facing financial struggles, Biden’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and community service.
After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in history, Biden went on to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His service in the military, where he earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander, instilled in him a sense of duty and responsibility. It was during this time that Biden began to consider a career in public service.
In 1972, Biden decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Delaware’s 2nd district. Although he lost the election, the experience taught him valuable lessons about the political process and the importance of perseverance. He continued to work in public service, serving as a counselor to Delaware’s governor and as a teacher at the University of Delaware.
In 1973, Biden’s life took a tragic turn when his first wife, Neilia, and their daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. Devastated by the loss, Biden struggled to find his way forward. It was during this difficult time that he turned to his faith and his commitment to public service. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1976 and won, becoming the sixth-youngest person ever elected to the Senate.
As a U.S. Senator, Biden quickly gained a reputation for his intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to the issues that mattered most to the American people. He focused on foreign policy, education, and civil rights, and he became one of the most influential voices in the Senate.
In 1988, Biden ran for the Democratic nomination for President but lost to Michael Dukakis. Despite the defeat, he gained valuable experience and exposure to the national political scene. After his loss, Biden continued to serve in the Senate, where he became the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and played a key role in the confirmation of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In 2008, Biden was asked to be Barack Obama’s running mate, and the two won the presidential election. As Vice President, Biden worked on a wide range of issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and gun violence. His tenure was marked by his commitment to bipartisanship and his ability to connect with the American people.
After Obama’s presidency, Biden returned to the Senate, where he continued to advocate for the middle class and work on issues such as criminal justice reform and gun control. In 2020, he decided to run for President again, ultimately winning the Democratic nomination and going on to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump in the general election.
Joe Biden’s journey into politics is a testament to his commitment to public service, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of the American people. From his early days in Scranton to his current role as President, Biden has remained true to the values that shaped his life and career.
