U.S. Presidents / Joe Biden

Joe Biden

b. 1942

Joe Biden

This is a life-changing election. This will determine what America’s going to look like for a long, long time. Character is on the ballot. Compassion is on the ballot. Decency. Science. Democracy. They’re all on the ballot. Who we are as a nation, what we stand for. Most importantly, who we want to be, that’s all on the ballot. Acceptance Speech, Democratic National Convention

Overview

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. devoted his life to public service, spending thirty-six years as a U.S. senator from Delaware, eight years as vice president, and four years as the 46th president of the United States. A life-long Democrat, he embodied the values of family, service, decency, and hard work throughout his long career.  

Life In Depth Essays

Fast Facts

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Scranton, Pennsylvania
University of Delaware (B.A., 1965), Syracuse University Law School (J.D., 1968)
Roman Catholic
Lawyer, US Senator from Delaware (1973-2009), Vice President (2009-2017)
Democrat
“Amtrak Joe”
August 27, 1966 to Neilia Hunter (1942–1972), June 17, 1977 to Jill Jacobs
Joseph Robinette Biden III, Beau (1969-2015); Robert Hunter (1970- ); Naomi Christina, Amy (1971-1972); Ashley Blazer (1981- )
46
headshot of Barbara A. Perry

Chicago Style

Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. “Joe Biden.” Accessed October 04, 2025. https://test.millercenter.org/president/biden.

Professor

Barbara A. Perry

Dr. Perry is the J. Wilson Newman Professor of Governance at the Miller Center, where she co-directs the Presidential Oral History Program. She has authored or edited 17 books on presidents, First Ladies, the Kennedy family, the Supreme Court, and civil rights and civil liberties.

Featured Video

November 13, 2020

Presidential transition in times of crisis

Congress adopted the Presidential Transition Act in 1963 to provide an important statutory framework for the peaceful transfer of power. Watch this discussion with former secretaries of homeland security and transition experts on the importance of a peaceful and effective presidential transition to ensure America's safety and security.