🇺🇸 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Biography for Students

46th President and Leader for Unity and Recovery

🧭 Introduction

Joseph R. Biden Jr., commonly known as Joe Biden, is the 46th President of the United States. He took office in 2021, at the age of 78, making him the oldest president in U.S. history. Biden’s career in politics has spanned more than 50 years. Known for his resilience, compassion, and experience, he was elected during a time of great national challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic difficulties, and deep political divisions. His presidency has focused on healing the country, supporting working families, and protecting democracy.

👶 Early Life and Education

Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a working-class family. His father struggled to find steady work, and the family moved to Delaware when Joe was a boy. Growing up, Biden dealt with a stutter, which made speaking difficult. With hard work and practice, he overcame it—something he talks about to encourage kids who face similar challenges.

Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science. He later earned a law degree from Syracuse University. Biden always had a passion for public service and believed government should help ordinary people.

🏛 Early Political Career

In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate, one of the youngest senators in history. Just weeks after his election, tragedy struck—his wife and baby daughter were killed in a car accident. His two sons were badly injured but survived. Biden considered quitting, but he decided to serve while raising his children. He commuted to Washington, D.C., by train each day from Delaware—a practice that earned him the nickname "Amtrak Joe."

In the Senate, Biden worked on:

• Foreign policy and national security
• Criminal justice reform
• Violence Against Women Act, to protect victims of abuse

He served in the Senate for 36 years, building a reputation for working across party lines and staying connected to everyday Americans.

🇺🇸 Vice Presidency with Barack Obama

In 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama chose Joe Biden to be his vice president. Obama praised Biden’s experience and knowledge of government. The Obama-Biden team won the election and served two terms, from 2009 to 2017.

As vice president, Biden helped:

• Manage the response to the Great Recession
• Oversee the American Recovery Act, which created jobs and supported families
• Lead efforts on cancer research and gun violence prevention
• Support LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality

He also became known for his friendship with President Obama, and their warm partnership became a symbol of trust and teamwork.

🗳️ 2020 Election and Historic Victory

After the Obama presidency ended, Biden took time off but decided to run for president in 2020, promising to “restore the soul of America.” He ran against President Donald J. Trump, promising to handle COVID-19 more seriously, improve healthcare, and bring the country together.

Biden chose Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. She became the first woman, the first African American, and the first person of South Asian descent to become Vice President.

Biden won the election with over 81 million votes, the most ever in a U.S. presidential election. He was sworn in on January 20, 2021, during a socially distanced ceremony due to the pandemic.

🇺🇸 Biden’s Presidency (2021–Present)

Biden took office during a challenging time. His first months in office focused on fighting COVID-19, supporting the economy, and healing divisions after the January 6 Capitol riot.

Key actions from his presidency include:

• Launching a nationwide vaccination campaign against COVID-19
• Passing the American Rescue Plan, which gave money to families, schools, and businesses
• Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement to fight climate change
• Signing a major infrastructure bill to rebuild roads, bridges, and internet systems
• Forgiving portions of student loan debt and expanding child tax credits
• Leading support for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022

Biden has also made efforts to defend voting rights, lower prescription drug costs, and support clean energy jobs.

🧾 Challenges and Criticism

Like all presidents, Biden has faced challenges. Critics have raised concerns about:

• High inflation and rising prices
• The withdrawal from Afghanistan, which ended a long war but led to chaos
• Border security and immigration policies
• Political divisions in Congress that make it hard to pass new laws

Despite these challenges, Biden has continued to promote his message of “building back better” and restoring trust in American democracy.

👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Life and Character

Joe Biden married Jill Jacobs, a teacher, in 1977. She became First Lady and continued teaching English even while living in the White House. Together, they raised three children. Biden’s eldest son, Beau Biden, was a military veteran and attorney general of Delaware but died from brain cancer in 2015. Biden often speaks about his personal losses and uses his experiences to connect with others.

Biden is known for his empathy, faith, and love of country. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, riding bikes, and attending church.

💬 Famous Quotes

“We are the United States of America. There is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.” —A message of unity and teamwork.

“Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.” —About how spending reflects priorities.

“This is our moment to rebuild the backbone of the nation—the middle class.” —On supporting working families.

💡 Interesting Facts About Joe Biden

• He overcame a childhood stutter through practice and confidence.
• He is the oldest U.S. president ever elected, at age 78.
• He rides Amtrak trains and knows many conductors by name.
• His German shepherds, Champ and Major, lived in the White House.
• He awarded President Obama the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2017.

📚 Vocabulary Words

👧 Kid-Friendly Summary

Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States. He became president at age 78, after many years in politics. He served as vice president for Barack Obama and later became president during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden focuses on bringing people together, helping families, improving schools, and protecting the environment. People know him for being kind, caring, and hopeful about America’s future.

✅ Interactive Quiz
Q1: What number president is Joe Biden?
A. 44th
B. 45th
C. 46th ✅
D. 47th

Q2: What job did Biden have before becoming president?
A. Governor
B. Mayor
C. Vice President ✅
D. Senator from New York

Q3: Who is Biden’s vice president?
A. Hillary Clinton
B. Nancy Pelosi
C. Kamala Harris ✅
D. Michelle Obama

Q4: What is the name of Biden’s major COVID-19 recovery plan?
A. Build Back Better
B. American Rescue Plan ✅
C. CARES Act
D. Affordable America

Q5: What state does Joe Biden come from?
A. New York
B. Pennsylvania
C. Delaware ✅
D. Ohio

Scoring:

5/5 = ⭐ Biden Super Scholar

3–4 = 👍 Great Work

1–2 = 📘 Try Again Soon