As President Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House, his departure marks the end of an illustrious political career spanning over 50 years. Biden, 81, announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following a contentious debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Here’s a comprehensive look back at his extensive public service.
Early political beginnings in Delaware
Biden’s political journey began in 1970 when he won a seat on the New Castle County Council. At 27, he ran on a liberal platform and defeated Republican Lawrence Messick. He served until 1973, during that time he built a reputation for advocating public housing.
Rise to the U.S. Senate
In 1972, while serving on the county council, Biden launched his Senate campaign against two-term Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. Biden, then 29, won by a narrow margin and became one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. Early in his Senate career, Biden worked with segregationist Senator James Eastland to oppose busing for school desegregation—a stance that later drew criticism.
National prominence and controversial moments
Biden sought national prominence during his first Senate term, criticizing Presidents Nixon and Ford. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he recommended rejecting Reagan’s Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork in 1987 and oversaw the contentious Clarence Thomas hearings in 1991.
His 1994 crime bill faced backlash for contributing to mass incarceration, particularly among minorities. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden supported military intervention in the Balkans, opposed the 1991 Iraq war, and later regretted his 2002 vote for the Iraq war.
Biden’s first presidential campaign in 1987 ended abruptly due to plagiarism allegations. His 2007 campaign also faltered, but Barack Obama selected him as his running mate in 2008. As vice president, Biden was pivotal in diplomacy and legislative negotiations. Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2017.
Pathway to the Presidency
Despite a rocky start in the 2020 Democratic primaries, Biden’s campaign surged after Rep. James Clyburn’s endorsement and a decisive South Carolina primary victory. Biden’s general election campaign emphasized restoring America’s “soul” and uniting the nation. He defeated Trump by winning key battleground states.
Presidential achievements and challenges
Biden’s tenure saw significant legislative successes, including the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package, a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. However, his presidency faced scrutiny over alleged involvement in his family’s business dealings, leading to a Republican-led impeachment inquiry and the discovery of classified documents from his vice presidency.
As Biden prepares to step down, his legacy reflects a lifetime dedicated to public service, marked by significant achievements and notable controversies. His departure opens a new chapter in American politics, as attention shifts to who will succeed him in the 2024 presidential race