Joe Biden spent 36 years in the Senate
On June 27th, the American populace will witness the inaugural debate of the 2024 US election—a highly anticipated duel between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This televised confrontation occurs a mere four months prior to the November ballot, with the candidates virtually tied in the polls, each striving for a renewed tenure.
Here are pivotal biographical elements about Biden, a seasoned Democrat and Washington stalwart, in anticipation of Thursday’s significant event.
Political Tenure
Mr. Biden is a familiar figure in Washington. The 81-year-old veteran politician served as vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Preceding this, he dedicated 36 years to the Senate, initially elected by Delaware voters at the youthful age of 29, marking him as one of the youngest senators in history.
Family and Creed
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942, Mr. Biden is the eldest of four siblings. He frequently references his Irish-American, middle-class upbringing. His father held various jobs, and while the family was not destitute, they faced financial difficulties. A devout Catholic, Mr. Biden regularly attends mass, yet he supports abortion rights.
As a family man, Mr. Biden openly expresses love and support for his son Hunter, who recently faced conviction for purchasing a handgun while grappling with a crack cocaine addiction. The president, often dubbed the “mourner-in-chief,” resonates with constituents during periods of tragedy. His life has been marked by profound losses, including the death of his first wife Neilia and their young daughter Naomi in a 1972 car accident. His sons Hunter and Beau were injured in the same accident, and Beau later succumbed to cancer in 2015. Mr. Biden has been married to First Lady Jill Biden since 1977, and they have a daughter, Ashley, in addition to raising Beau and Hunter.
Affluence
While Mr. Biden is not a billionaire like his Republican adversary Trump, he is nonetheless affluent. Biden’s wealth is estimated at approximately $10 million, largely attributed to two homes owned by the family in Delaware, according to Forbes magazine.
Public Perception
Mr. Biden is not renowned for his oratory prowess nor does he evoke fervent reactions from his supporters akin to Trump. Nonetheless, he is recognized for his steadfast determination and projects an image of empathy. This empathetic trait has recently been overshadowed by US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, especially among younger and Arab-Americans. Mr. Biden’s advanced age and increasingly rigid gait have become fodder for Republican mockery and public concern about his longevity.
Legal Challenges
Earlier this year, Mr. Biden was exonerated of any misconduct related to the retention of classified documents at his Wilmington, Delaware home. However, a report by the special counsel overseeing the matter described Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” a characterization dismissed by Democrats but seized upon by Republicans.
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