Joe Biden#Brain surgeries

{{Short description|President of the United States from 2021 to 2025}}

{{Redirect2|Joseph Biden|Biden|his first-born son, Joseph Biden III|Beau Biden|other uses|Biden (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| image = Joe Biden presidential portrait.jpg

| alt = Official presidential portrait of Biden smiling, wearing a navy blue suit jacket with an American flag lapel pin, white shirt, and blue necktie.

| caption = Official portrait, 2021

| order = 46th

| office = President of the United States

| vicepresident = Kamala Harris

| term_start = January 20, 2021

| term_end = January 20, 2025

| predecessor = Donald Trump

| successor = Donald Trump

| order2 = 47th

| office2 = Vice President of the United States

| president2 = Barack Obama

| term_start2 = January 20, 2009

| term_end2 = January 20, 2017

| predecessor2 = Dick Cheney

| successor2 = Mike Pence

| jr/sr3 = United States Senator

| state3 = Delaware

| term_start3 = January 3, 1973

| term_end3 = January 15, 2009

| predecessor3 = J. Caleb Boggs

| successor3 = Ted Kaufman

| birth_name = Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1942|11|20}}

| birth_place = Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| party = Democratic (since 1969)

| otherparty = Independent (1968–1969)

| spouse = {{Plainlist}}

{{marriage|Neilia Hunter|August 27, 1966|December 18, 1972|reason=died}}
{{marriage|Jill Jacobs|June 17, 1977|}}

| children = {{Flatlist}}

Beau
Hunter
Naomi
Ashley

| relatives = Biden family

| occupation = {{Flatlist}}

Politician
lawyer
author

| education = {{Plainlist}}

University of Delaware (BA)
Syracuse University (JD)

| awards = Full list

| signature = Joe Biden Signature.svg

| signature_alt = Cursive signature in ink

| website = {{Plainlist}}

{{Official website|bidenlibrary.gov/|name = Presidential library}}
{{Official website|bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/|name = White House archives}}

| footnotes = {{#invoke:collapsible list|main

| titlestyle = background:lavender;text-align:center;

| title = Other offices

| bullets = on

| 2007–2009: Chair of the International Narcotics Control Caucus

| 2001{{efn|Biden held the chairmanship from January 3 to 20, then was succeeded by Jesse Helms until June 6, and thereafter held the position until 2003.}}–2003, 2007–2009: Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

| 1987–1995: Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee

| 1971–1973: Member of the New Castle County Council from the 4th district

}}

| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Joe Biden speaks on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul.ogg|title=Joe Biden's voice|type=speech|description={{br entries|Biden speaks on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul.|Recorded August 16, 2021}}}}

}}

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.{{efn|Pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|aɪ|d|ən|audio=Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Pronunciation.wav}} {{respell|BY|dən}}}} (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 and the Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. He was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970 and the U.S. Senate in 1972. As a senator, Biden chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and Foreign Relations Committee. He drafted and led passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and the Violence Against Women Act. He also oversaw six U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings, including contentious hearings for Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. He opposed the Gulf War in 1991 but voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in 2002. Biden ran unsuccessfully for the 1988 and 2008 Democratic presidential nominations. In 2008, Obama chose Biden as his running mate, and he was a close counselor to Obama as vice president. In the 2020 presidential election, Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and they defeated Republican incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence. He became the first president with a woman vice president.

As president, Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recession. He appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. In his foreign policy, the U.S. reentered the Paris Agreement. Biden oversaw the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops that ended the war in Afghanistan, leading to the Taliban seizing control. He responded to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by imposing sanctions on Russia and authorizing aid to Ukraine. During the Gaza war, Biden condemned the actions of Hamas as terrorism, strongly supported Israel's military efforts, and sent limited humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. A temporary ceasefire proposal he backed was adopted shortly before he left office.

Concerns about Biden's age and health persisted throughout his term. He became the first president to turn 80 while in office. He began his presidency with majority support, but saw his approval ratings decline significantly throughout his presidency, in part due to public frustration over inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 but dropped to 2.9% by the end of his presidency. Biden initially ran for reelection and, after the Democratic primaries, became the party's presumptive nominee in the 2024 presidential election. After his performance in the first presidential debate, renewed scrutiny from across the political spectrum about his cognitive ability led him to withdraw his candidacy. Biden's administration is ranked favorably by historians and scholars, diverging from public assessments of his tenure. He is the oldest living former U.S. president.

Early life (1942–1965)

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942,{{Biographical Directory of Congress |id=b000444 |name=Joseph R. Biden|inline=YES|access-date=January 20, 2021}} at St. Mary's Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania,{{sfn|Witcover|2010|p=5}} to Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden ({{née|Finnegan}}) and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr.{{Cite news |last=Chase |first=Randall |date=January 9, 2010 |title=Vice President Biden's mother, Jean, dies at 92 |publisher=WITN-TV |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.witn.com/home/headlines/81062772.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520012620/https://www.witn.com/home/headlines/81062772.html |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |last=Smolenyak |first=Megan |author-link=Megan Smolenyak |date=September 3, 2002 |title=Joseph Biden Sr., 86, father of the senator |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-09-03-0209030023-story.html |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230113231/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-09-03-0209030023-story.html |url-status=live}} He was the oldest child in a Catholic family of mostly Irish descent. He has a sister, Valerie, and two brothers, Francis and James.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=8–9}}

= Home life =

Biden's father had been wealthy, and the family purchased a home in the affluent Long Island suburb of Garden City in 1946,{{cite magazine|magazine=The New Yorker|date=August 15, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2022|first=Adam|last=Entous|title=The Untold History of the Biden Family|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/22/the-untold-history-of-the-biden-family|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825154155/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/22/the-untold-history-of-the-biden-family|url-status=live}} but he suffered business setbacks around the time Biden was seven years old,{{cite news |last=Russell |first=Katie |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Joe Biden's family tree: how tragedy shaped the US president-elect |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/life/joe-biden-family-tree-children-ashley-hunter/ |access-date=December 1, 2020 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108150352/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/life/joe-biden-family-tree-children-ashley-hunter/ |url-status=live}}{{cite book |last1=Biden |first1=Joe |title=Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics |date=2008 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-8129-7621-2 |pages=16–17}}{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=7–8}} and for several years the family lived with Biden's maternal grandparents in Scranton.{{Cite news |last=Broder |first=John M. |date=October 23, 2008 |title=Father's Tough Life an Inspiration for Biden |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/us/politics/24biden.html |access-date=October 24, 2008 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108082045/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/us/politics/24biden.html |url-status=live}}

Scranton fell into economic decline during the 1950s, and Biden's father could not find steady work.{{Cite news |last=Rubinkam |first=Michael |date=August 27, 2008 |title=Biden's Scranton childhood left lasting impression |publisher=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Aug27/0,4670,CVNBidenapossScrantonRoots,00.html |access-date=September 7, 2008 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185424/https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Aug27/0,4670,CVNBidenapossScrantonRoots,00.html |url-status=live}} Beginning in 1953, when Biden was ten,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/05/21/trump-biden-scranton-pennsylvania-deserted-delaware/ |title=Joe Biden, who left Scranton at 10, 'deserted' Pennsylvania |last=Farzan |first=Antonia Noori |date=May 21, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105045522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/05/21/trump-biden-scranton-pennsylvania-deserted-delaware/ |url-status=live}} the family lived in an apartment in Claymont, Delaware, before moving to a house in nearby Mayfield, Delaware.{{cite web |last=Ebert |first=Jennifer |title=Joe Biden's houses |work=Homes and Gardens |date=January 20, 2021 |url=https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/joe-biden-house |accessdate=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918200800/https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/joe-biden-house |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Newman |first=Meredith |title=How Joe Biden went from 'Stutterhead' to senior class president |newspaper=The News Journal |date=June 24, 2019 |url=https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/news/2019/06/24/how-joe-biden-overcame-stutter-class-president-archmere-high-school/1261174001/ |accessdate=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103124946/https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/news/2019/06/24/how-joe-biden-overcame-stutter-class-president-archmere-high-school/1261174001/ |url-status=live}} Biden Sr. later became a successful used-car salesman, maintaining the family in a middle-class lifestyle.Almanac of American Politics 2008, p. 364.

= Sports and young adulthood =

At Archmere Academy in Claymont,{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=27, 32}} Biden played baseball and was a standout halfback and wide receiver on the high school football team.{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Martin |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Biden was the stuttering kid who wanted the ball |page=D.1 |newspaper=The News Journal |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/delawareonline/access/1742718581.html?FMT=ABS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601081204/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/delawareonline/access/1742718581.html?FMT=ABS |archive-date=June 1, 2013}} Though a poor student, he was class president in his junior and senior years.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=40–41}}{{sfn|Taylor|1990|p=99}} He graduated in 1961.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=40–41}} At the University of Delaware in Newark, Biden briefly played freshman football,Biden, Promises to Keep, pp. 27, 32–33.{{cite news|first=Domenico |last=Montanaro |title=Fact Check: Biden's Too Tall Football Tale |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/fact-check-bidens-too-tall-football-tale-flna1c6504609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221225751/https://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/16/14489712-fact-check-bidens-too-tall-football-tale |archive-date=December 21, 2012 |publisher=NBC News |date=October 16, 2012}} and, as an unexceptional student, received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in history and political science in 1965.{{sfn|Taylor|1990|p=98}} Biden had a stutter and has mitigated it since his early twenties.{{cite web | last=Biden | first=Joseph R. Jr. |date=July 9, 2009 |title=Letter to National Stuttering Association chairman |url=https://www.westutter.org/pdfs/Joe_Biden-PublicGreeting_NationalStutteringAssoc_7.1.09.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728173845/https://www.westutter.org/pdfs/Joe_Biden-PublicGreeting_NationalStutteringAssoc_7.1.09.pdf |archive-date=July 28, 2011 |access-date=December 9, 2010 |publisher=National Stuttering Association}}

Marriages, law school, and early career (1966–1973)

{{Main|Early life and career of Joe Biden|l1 = Early career of Joe Biden}}

Biden married Neilia Hunter, a student at Syracuse University, on August 27, 1966,{{Cite news |date=August 23, 2008 |title=A timeline of U.S. Sen. Joe Biden's life and career |work=San Francisco Chronicle |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/22/politics/p222636D16.DTL |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925021142/https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2008%2F08%2F22%2Fpolitics%2Fp222636D16.DTL |archive-date=September 25, 2008}}{{cite news |last1=Weiss |first1=Abby |title=The One: Joe Biden's 1st wife Neilia Biden shaped his life, career while at Syracuse |url=https://dailyorange.com/2022/02/joe-bidens-1st-wife-neilia-biden-shaped-life-career-syracuse/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |work=The Daily Orange |date=February 24, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622163633/https://dailyorange.com/2022/02/joe-bidens-1st-wife-neilia-biden-shaped-life-career-syracuse/ |url-status=live}} after overcoming her parents' disinclination for her to wed a Catholic. Their wedding was held in a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.Biden, Promises to Keep, pp. 32, 36–37. They had three children: Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III, Robert Hunter Biden, and Naomi Christina "Amy" Biden.

Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. In his first year of law school, he failed a course because he plagiarized a law review article, but the failing grade was later stricken. His grades were relatively poor, and he graduated 76th in a class of 85. He was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969.

Biden clerked at a Wilmington law firm headed by prominent local Republican William Prickett in 1968 and self-identified as a Republican.{{Cite news |last=Leubsdorf |first=Carl P. |date=September 6, 1987 |title=Biden Keeps Sights Set On White House |work=The Dallas Morning News |url=https://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_text_direct-0=0ED3CF5858543A33&p_field_direct-0=document_id |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103080715/https://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_text_direct-0=0ED3CF5858543A33&p_field_direct-0=document_id |url-status=live}} Reprinted in {{cite news |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/washington/cleubsdorf/stories/082308dnpolbiden87profile.4d6e19b.html |title=Lifelong ambition led Joe Biden to Senate, White House aspirations |date=August 23, 2008 |newspaper=The Dallas Morning News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919060037/https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/washington/cleubsdorf/stories/082308dnpolbiden87profile.4d6e19b.html |archive-date=September 19, 2008}}{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence I. |date=June 22, 1987 |title=Campaign Portrait, Joe Biden: Orator for the Next Generation |magazine=Time |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,964716,00.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113235512/https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,964716,00.html |url-status=dead}} He disliked incumbent Democratic Delaware governor Charles L. Terry's conservative racial politics and supported a more liberal Republican, Russell W. Peterson, who defeated Terry in 1968. Local Republicans attempted to recruit Biden, but he registered as an independent because of his distaste for Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon.

= Law practices =

File:Joe Biden in 1968 Edition of Onondagan Yearbook.jpg

In 1969, Biden practiced law, first as a public defender and then at a law firm headed by a locally active Democrat,Current Biography Yearbook 1987, p. 43. who named him to the Democratic Forum, a group trying to reform and revitalize the state party;{{sfn|Witcover|2010|p=86}} Biden subsequently reregistered as a Democrat. He and another attorney also formed a law firm. Corporate law did not appeal to him, and criminal law did not pay well. He supplemented his income by managing properties.{{Cite magazine |last=Palmer |first=Nancy Doyle |date=February 1, 2009 |title=Joe Biden: 'Everyone Calls Me Joe' |magazine=Washingtonian |url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2009/02/01/joe-biden-everyone-calls-me-joe/ |access-date=February 4, 2009 |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731071850/https://www.washingtonian.com/2009/02/01/joe-biden-everyone-calls-me-joe/ |url-status=live}}

Biden ran for the fourth district seat on the New Castle County Council in 1970 on a liberal platform that included support for public housing in the suburbs.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|p=59}}{{Cite news |last=Harriman |first=Jane |date=December 31, 1969 |title=Joe Biden: Hope for Democratic Party in '72? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal/8326887/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009054235/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal/8326887/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |newspaper=The News Journal |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}} Biden won the general election, defeating Republican Lawrence T. Messick, and took office on January 5, 1971.{{cite news |date=January 2, 1971 |title=County Council to Take Oath |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67554678/council-oath/ |newspaper=The News Journal |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185436/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67554678/council-oath/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=January 6, 1971 |title=Conner Calls Shake of 7 Lucky Omen for Council |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67567899/lucky-omen/ |work=The News Journal |location=Wilmington, DE |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185426/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67567899/lucky-omen/ |url-status=live}} He served until January 1, 1973.{{cite news |last=Frump |first=Bob |date=November 8, 1972 |title=GOP Decade Ends with Slawik Win |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67555456/gop-decade/ |work=The News Journal |location=Wilmington, DE |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67555456/gop-decade/ |url-status=live}}{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=52–64}} During his time on the county council, Biden opposed large highway projects, which he argued might disrupt Wilmington neighborhoods.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=52–64}}

Biden had not openly supported or opposed the Vietnam War until he ran for Senate and opposed Richard Nixon's conduct of the war.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=50, 75}} While studying at the University of Delaware and Syracuse University, Biden obtained five student draft deferments. Based on a physical examination, he was given a conditional medical deferment in 1968; in 2008, a spokesperson for Biden said his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason.{{cite news |last1=Caldera |first1=Camille |title=Fact check: Biden, like Trump, received multiple draft deferments from Vietnam |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/09/16/fact-check-biden-received-multiple-draft-deferments-vietnam/5809482002/ |access-date=April 3, 2021 |newspaper=USA Today |date=September 16, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630191208/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/09/16/fact-check-biden-received-multiple-draft-deferments-vietnam/5809482002/ |url-status=live}}

= 1972 U.S. Senate campaign in Delaware =

File:Neilia Hunter, Joe, Hunter, Naomi Christina, and Beau Biden, c. 1972 (removed text).jpg

Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware in 1972. He was the only Democrat willing to challenge Boggs and, with minimal campaign funds, was thought to have no chance of winning. Family members managed and staffed the campaign, which relied on meeting voters face-to-face and hand-distributing position papers,{{Cite news |last=Naylor |first=Brian |date=October 8, 2007 |title=Biden's Road to Senate Took Tragic Turn |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14999603 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |archive-date=September 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911183158/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14999603 |url-status=live}} an approach made feasible by Delaware's small size. He received help from the AFL-CIO and Democratic pollster Patrick Caddell. His platform focused on the environment, withdrawal from Vietnam, civil rights, mass transit, equitable taxation, health care and public dissatisfaction with "politics as usual". A few months before the election, Biden trailed Boggs by almost thirty percentage points, but his energy, attractive young family, and ability to connect with voters' emotions worked to his advantage, and he won with 50.5% of the vote.

= Death of wife and daughter =

A few weeks after Biden was elected senator, his wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware, on December 18, 1972.{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1972 |title=Biden's Wife, Child Killed in Car Crash |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/19/archives/bidens-wife-child-killed-in-car-crash.html |page=9 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |agency=United Press International |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202063824/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/19/archives/bidens-wife-child-killed-in-car-crash.html|url-status=live}} Their sons Beau (aged 3) and Hunter (aged 2) were in the car and were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=93, 98}} Biden considered resigning to care for them, but Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield persuaded him not to.{{cite news|last=Levey |first=Noam M. |date=August 24, 2008 |title=In his home state, Biden is a regular Joe |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-biden24-story.html |access-date=September 7, 2008 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230125100/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-biden24-story.html |url-status=live}} Biden contemplated suicide and was filled with anger and religious doubt.{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Max |date=August 17, 2020 |title=Biden says he thought about suicide after 1972 death of his wife and daughter |work=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/17/biden-contemplated-suicide-after-1972-deaths-wife-daughter-397487 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721183748/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/17/biden-contemplated-suicide-after-1972-deaths-wife-daughter-397487 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Bedigan |first=Mike |date=April 26, 2024 |title=Biden opens up about contemplating suicide after tragic deaths of first wife and daughter |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/joe-biden-suicide-howard-stern-b2535629.html |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430031830/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/joe-biden-suicide-howard-stern-b2535629.html |url-status=live }} He wrote that he "felt God had played a horrible trick" on himBiden, Promises to Keep, p. 81 and had trouble focusing on work.{{Cite news |last=Bumiller |first=Elisabeth |author-link=Elisabeth Bumiller |date=December 14, 2007 |title=Biden Campaigning With Ease After Hardships |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/us/politics/14biden.html |access-date=September 13, 2008 |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210154755/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/us/politics/14biden.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2007 |title=On Becoming Joe Biden |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12389154 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |archive-date=September 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909093445/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12389154 |url-status=live}}

= Second marriage =

File:Joe and Jilly Biden early photo.jpg, met in 1975 and married in 1977|alt=Photo of Biden and his wife smiling, dressed casually]]

Biden met teacher Jill Tracy Jacobs in 1975 on a blind date.{{cite news |last=Seelye |first=Katharine Q. |date=August 24, 2008 |title=Jill Biden Heads Toward Life in the Spotlight |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25wife.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210193454/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25wife.html |archive-date=December 10, 2008}} They married at the United Nations chapel in New York on June 17, 1977,{{cite news |last=Dart |first=Bob |date=October 24, 2008 |title=Bidens met, forged life together after tragedy |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |agency=Cox News Service |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-10-24-a3bidenwife24-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020153208/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-10-24-a3bidenwife24-story.html |archive-date=October 20, 2020}}Biden, Promises to Keep, p. 117. and spent their honeymoon at Lake Balaton in the Hungarian People's Republic.{{cite news | url=https://444.hu/2020/11/08/biden-es-felesege-1977-ben-a-balatonnal-voltak-naszuton | title=Biden és felesége 1977-ben a Balatonnál voltak nászúton |last=Sarkadi |first= Zsolt | work=444.hu | date=November 8, 2020 | access-date=November 8, 2020 | language=hu | archive-date=November 8, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108225640/https://444.hu/2020/11/08/biden-es-felesege-1977-ben-a-balatonnal-voltak-naszuton | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54868002 | title=US election: What does Joe Biden's win mean for Brexit Britain and Europe? | author-first=Katya | author-last=Adler | agency=BBC News | date=November 8, 2020 | access-date=November 9, 2020 | archive-date=November 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110014205/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54868002 | url-status=live}} Biden credits her with the renewal of his interest in politics and life.Biden, Promises to Keep, p. 113.

In 1981, the couple had a daughter, Ashley Biden, who is a social worker, activist, and fashion designer.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/fashion/weddings/ashley-biden-howard-krein-wedding.html |title=Ashley Biden and Howard Krein |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 3, 2012 |page=ST15 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101001405/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/fashion/weddings/ashley-biden-howard-krein-wedding.html |url-status=live}} Jill helped raise her stepsons, Hunter and Beau, who were seven and eight respectively at the time of her marriage. Hunter has worked as a Washington lobbyist and investment adviser; his business dealings, personal life, and legal troubles have come under significant scrutiny during his father's presidency. In December 2024, Biden pardoned Hunter following his conviction on gun and tax charges despite repeated promises that he would not do so.{{cite news |first1=Carol E. |last1=Lee |first2=Sarah |last2=Fitzpatrick |title=President Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/joe-biden-issue-pardon-son-hunter-biden-rcna182369 |publisher=NBC News |date=December 1, 2024 |access-date=December 2, 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Emma |date=August 24, 2008 |title=My Son, The Lobbyist: Biden's Son a Well-Paid DC Insider |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5640118&page=1 |access-date=January 4, 2023 |agency=ABC News |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104005221/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5640118&page=1 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Levenson |first=Michael |date=August 11, 2023 |title=A Timeline of Hunter Biden's Life and Legal Troubles |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/us/politics/hunter-biden-legal-troubles-timeline.html |access-date=September 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928092007/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/us/politics/hunter-biden-legal-troubles-timeline.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2024 |title=Statement from President Joe Biden |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-11/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |publisher=The White House}} Beau became an Army judge-advocate in Iraq and later Delaware attorney general;{{cite news|access-date=August 23, 2008 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121919956426355701|title=Biden's Foreign Policy Background Carries Growing Cachet |last=Cooper |first=Christopher |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=August 20, 2008 |page=A4 |archive-date=June 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601130450/https://online.wsj.com/article/SB121919956426355701.html |url-status=live}} he died of brain cancer in 2015.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/vice-president-joe-bidens-son-beau-dies-n367171 |first=Phil |last=Helsel |title=Beau Biden, Son of Vice President Joe Biden, Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer |publisher=NBC News |date=May 31, 2015 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-date=January 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122170447/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/vice-president-joe-bidens-son-beau-dies-n367171 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Kane |date=May 31, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Family losses frame Vice President Biden's career |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/beau-biden-vice-presidents-son-dies-of-brain-cancer-at-46/2015/05/31/4198da78-07c6-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230125058/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/beau-biden-vice-presidents-son-dies-of-brain-cancer-at-46/2015/05/31/4198da78-07c6-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html |url-status=live}}

= Teaching =

From 1991 to 2008, as an adjunct professor, Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law.{{cite web |last1=Evon |first1=Dan |title=Did Biden Teach Constitutional Law for 21 Years? |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-constitutional-law-teach/ |access-date=July 8, 2021 |work=Snopes |date=October 16, 2020 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110005703/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-constitutional-law-teach/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Miriam|last=Fauzia|title=Fact check: If he loses election, Biden said he wants to teach, but where is uncertain|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/28/fact-check-joe-biden-wants-return-teaching-if-he-loses-election/6037909002/|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2021|newspaper=USA Today|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101033652/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/10/28/fact-check-joe-biden-wants-return-teaching-if-he-loses-election/6037909002/|url-status=live}}

U.S. Senate (1973–2009)

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, Biden was reelected in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2008, regularly receiving about 60% of the vote. Aged 30 when first elected, he was the seventh-youngest senator in U.S. history.{{Cite news |last=Rosenwald |first=Michael S. |date=January 11, 2021 |title=Biden, once one of the nation's youngest senators, will be its oldest president |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/01/11/youngest-senators-joe-biden/ |access-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307043412/https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/01/11/youngest-senators-joe-biden/ |url-status=live}} He was junior senator to William Roth until Roth was defeated in 2000.{{Cite news |last=Wald |first=Matthew L. |date=December 15, 2003 |title=William V. Roth Jr., Veteran of U.S. Senate, Dies at 82 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/15/us/william-v-roth-jr-veteran-of-us-senate-dies-at-82.html |access-date=January 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104010233/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/15/us/william-v-roth-jr-veteran-of-us-senate-dies-at-82.html |url-status=live}} He remains one of the longest-serving senators in U.S. history.{{cite web |title=Longest Serving Senators |url=https://www.senate.gov/senators/longest_serving_senators.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919101452/https://www.senate.gov/senators/longest_serving_senators.htm |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=August 26, 2018 |publisher=United States Senate }}

= Senate activities =

File:President Jimmy Carter with Senator Joe Biden.jpg, 1978|alt=Photo of Biden and Carter greeting each other in the Oval Office]]

During his early years in the Senate, Biden focused on consumer protection and environmental issues and called for greater government accountability.{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1974 |title=200 Faces for the Future |magazine=Time |url=https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,879402-6,00.html |access-date=August 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813045404/https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,879402-6,00.html |archive-date=August 13, 2013}} In a 1974 interview, he described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns and healthcare, but conservative on other issues, including abortion and military conscription.{{Cite magazine |last=Kelley |first=Kitty |date=June 1, 1974 |title=Death and the All-American Boy |magazine=Washingtonian |url=https://www.washingtonian.com/1974/06/01/joe-biden-kitty-kelley-1974-profile-death-and-the-all-american-boy/ |access-date=March 8, 2020 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110162757/https://www.washingtonian.com/1974/06/01/joe-biden-kitty-kelley-1974-profile-death-and-the-all-american-boy/ |url-status=live}} Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Governor Jimmy Carter for president in the 1976 Democratic primary. Carter won the Democratic nomination and the 1976 election.{{Cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |date=March 14, 2023 |title=President Biden says Jimmy Carter asked him to give his eulogy |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/03/14/1163392887/biden-jimmy-carter-eulogy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706175321/https://www.npr.org/2023/03/14/1163392887/biden-jimmy-carter-eulogy |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |publisher=NPR}} Biden also worked on arms control.Current Biography Yearbook 1987, p. 45. After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty signed in 1979 by Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev and President Carter, Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.{{Cite book|last=Salacuse|first=Jeswald W.|url=https://archive.org/details/leadingleaders00jesw|title=Leading Leaders: How to Manage Smart, Talented, Rich and Powerful People|publisher=American Management Association|year=2005|isbn=978-0-8144-0855-1}} p. 144. He received considerable attention when he excoriated Secretary of State George Shultz at a Senate hearing for the Reagan administration's support of South Africa despite its policy of apartheid. In a congressional hearing in 1984, he objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan to construct autonomous systems of ICBM defense.{{Cite book |author=Roland, Alex |title=Strategic computing : DARPA and the quest for machine intelligence, 1983-1993 |date=2002 |publisher=MIT Press |others=Shiman, Philip. |isbn=0262182262 |location=Cambridge, Mass. |pages=88 |oclc=48449800}}{{Cite book |url=https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/5051200 |title=Strategic defense and anti-satellite weapons: hearing before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, Ninety-eighth Congress, second session, April 25, 1984 |date=1984 |publisher=U.S. G.P.O |editor-last=United States |series=S. hrg |location=Washington |pages=68–74}}

= Equality movements =

In the mid-1970s, Biden was one of the Senate's strongest opponents of race-integration busing. His Delaware constituents strongly opposed it, and such opposition nationwide later led his party to mostly abandon school integration policies.{{Cite news |last=Gadsden |first=Brett |date=May 5, 2019 |title=Here's How Deep Biden's Busing Problem Runs |newspaper=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/05/05/joe-biden-busing-problem-226791 |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505123922/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/05/05/joe-biden-busing-problem-226791 |archive-date=May 5, 2019}} In his first Senate campaign, Biden had expressed support for busing to remedy de jure segregation, as in the South, but opposed its use to remedy de facto segregation arising from racial patterns of neighborhood residency, as in Delaware; he opposed a proposed constitutional amendment banning busing entirely.{{sfn|Gadsden|2012|p=214}} Biden supported a 1976 measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them. He co-sponsored a 1977 amendment closing loopholes in that measure, which President Carter signed into law in 1978.{{Cite book |last=Raffel |first=Jeffrey A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gA1JljCpxzEC&pg=PA90 |title=Historical Dictionary of School Segregation and Desegregation: The American Experience |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-313-29502-7 |page=90 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930184823/https://books.google.com/books?id=gA1JljCpxzEC&pg=PA90 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}

File:President Ronald Reagan meeting with Senators Joe Biden and William Cohen.jpg, 1984|alt=Photo of Biden shaking hands with Reagan in the Oval Office]]

Biden became ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1981. He was a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act in 1984. His supporters praised him for modifying some of the law's worst provisions, and it was his most important legislative accomplishment to that time.Current Biography Yearbook 1987, p. 44. In 1994, Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which included a ban on assault weapons,{{cite news |last=Fifield |first=Anna |date=January 4, 2013 |title=Biden faces key role in second term |newspaper=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/412f47b0-5694-11e2-aad0-00144feab49a |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210720074130/https://www.ft.com/content/412f47b0-5694-11e2-aad0-00144feab49a|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Scherer |first=Michael |date=January 16, 2013 |title=America's New Gunfight: Inside the Campaign to Avert Mass Shootings |magazine=Time| url=https://swampland.time.com/2013/01/16/americas-new-gunfight-inside-the-campaign-to-avert-mass-shootings/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081050/https://swampland.time.com/2013/01/16/americas-new-gunfight-inside-the-campaign-to-avert-mass-shootings/ |archive-date=January 3, 2021}} Cover story. and the Violence Against Women Act,{{cite news|last=Finley|first=Bruce|date=September 19, 2014|title=Biden: Men who don't stop violence against women are "cowards"|newspaper=The Denver Post|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2014/09/19/biden-men-who-dont-stop-violence-against-women-are-cowards/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013133013/https://www.denverpost.com/environment/ci_26568257/vice-president-biden-denver-discuss-domestic-violence-issues|archive-date=October 13, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2021}} which he has called his most significant legislation.{{cite web|title=Domestic Violence|url=https://biden.senate.gov/issues/issue/?id=975b0cf4-ce25-42cc-b63d-072fb81e8618|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822144642/https://biden.senate.gov/issues/issue/?id=975b0cf4-ce25-42cc-b63d-072fb81e8618|archive-date=August 22, 2008|access-date=September 9, 2008|publisher=Biden senate website}} The 1994 crime law was unpopular among progressives and criticized for resulting in mass incarceration;{{Cite news |last=Herndon |first=Astead W. |date=January 21, 2019 |title=On King Holiday, Democrats Convey Hope, Remorse and Invective Against Trump |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/21/us/politics/biden-crime-bill-regrets.html |access-date=January 21, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110162903/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/21/us/politics/biden-crime-bill-regrets.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Jonathan|last1=Martin|first2=Alexander|last2=Burns|date=January 6, 2019|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/06/us/politics/joe-biden-2020-president.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110163104/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/06/us/politics/joe-biden-2020-president.html|title= Biden in 2020? Allies Say He Sees Himself as Democrats' Best Hope|url-status=live|archive-date=November 10, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2021|newspaper=The New York Times}} Biden later expressed regret for passing the bill.{{cite news |last1=Schor |first1=Elana |last2=Kinnard |first2=Meg |title=Biden says he regrets 1990s crime bill, calls it a 'big mistake' at MLK Day event |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2019/01/21/biden-says-he-regrets-1990-s-crime-bill-calls-big-mistake-mlk-day-event/2639190002/ |access-date=July 20, 2021 |newspaper=The News Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=January 21, 2019 |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704120222/https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2019/01/21/biden-says-he-regrets-1990-s-crime-bill-calls-big-mistake-mlk-day-event/2639190002/ |url-status=live}}

File:President Bill Clinton meeting with Senator Joe Biden and Janet Reno in the Oval Office (06).jpg, 1993]]

Biden voted for a 1993 provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, thereby banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.{{Cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Reid J. |last2=Lerer |first2=Lisa |date=September 20, 2019 |title=Joe Biden Has Tense Exchange Over L.G.B.T.Q. Record |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/us/politics/lgbt-forum-2020.html |access-date=April 15, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416100800/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/us/politics/lgbt-forum-2020.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Del Real |first=Jose A. |title=Sanders attacks Biden's record on gay rights and women's issues |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sanders-calls-biden-my-friend-then-he-goes-on-the-attack/2020/03/08/20a23f86-60d0-11ea-9055-5fa12981bbbf_story.html |date=March 8, 2020 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=March 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308233903/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sanders-calls-biden-my-friend-then-he-goes-on-the-attack/2020/03/08/20a23f86-60d0-11ea-9055-5fa12981bbbf_story.html |url-status=live}} In 1996, he voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, thereby barring people in such marriages from equal protection under federal law and allowing states to do the same.{{Cite news |last1=Nagourney |first1=Adam |last2=Kaplan |first2=Thomas |date=June 21, 2020 |title=Behind Joe Biden's Evolution on L.G.B.T.Q. Rights |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/us/politics/biden-gay-rights-lgbt.html |access-date=January 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601215617/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/us/politics/biden-gay-rights-lgbt.html |url-status=live}} In 2015, the act was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.{{cite news |last1=de Vogue |first1=Ariane |last2=Diamond |first2=Jeremy |title=Supreme Court rules states must allow same-sex marriage |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html |date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627065146/https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html |url-status=live}}

Biden was critical of Independent Counsel Ken Starr during the 1990s Whitewater controversy and Clinton–Lewinsky scandal investigations, saying "it's going to be a cold day in hell" before another independent counsel would be granted similar powers.Almanac of American Politics 2000, p. 372. He voted to acquit during the impeachment of Bill Clinton.{{cite news |date=February 12, 1999 |title=How the senators voted on impeachment |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/02/12/senate.vote/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081326/https://edition.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/02/12/senate.vote/ |archive-date=January 3, 2021}} During the 2000s, Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers. Bill Clinton vetoed the bill in 2000, but it passed in 2005 as the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, with Biden being one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, while leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations opposed it.{{cite news |last=Pilkington |first=Ed |date=December 2, 2019 |title=How Biden Helped Create the Student Debt Problem He Now Promises to Fix |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/02/joe-biden-student-loan-debt-2005-act-2020 |access-date=March 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306071514/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/02/joe-biden-student-loan-debt-2005-act-2020 |url-status=live}} As a senator, Biden strongly supported increased Amtrak funding and rail security.{{cite news|last=Verma|first=Pranshu|date=October 24, 2020|title=Biden, an Amtrak Evangelist, Could Be a Lifeline for a Rail Agency in Crisis|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/24/us/biden-amtrak-covid.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119015056/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/24/us/biden-amtrak-covid.html|url-status=live}}

= Brain surgeries =

In February 1988, after several episodes of severe neck pain, Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm.{{Cite news |last=Altman |first=Lawrence K. |date=February 23, 1998 |title=The Doctor's World; Subtle Clues Are Often The Only Warnings Of Perilous Aneurysms |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/23/science/the-doctors-world-subtle-clues-are-often-the-only-warnings-of-perilous-aneurysms.html |access-date=August 23, 2008 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428023004/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/23/science/the-doctors-world-subtle-clues-are-often-the-only-warnings-of-perilous-aneurysms.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/us/politics/20health.html|title=Many Holes in Disclosure of Nominees' Health|last=Altman|first=Lawrence K.|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 19, 2008|access-date=October 26, 2008|archive-date=February 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225194337/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/us/politics/20health.html|url-status=live}} While recuperating, he suffered a pulmonary embolism. A second aneurysm was surgically repaired in May.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/04/us/biden-resting-after-surgery-for-second-brain-aneurysm.html |title=Biden Resting After Surgery For Second Brain Aneurysm |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 4, 1988 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105212210/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/04/us/biden-resting-after-surgery-for-second-brain-aneurysm.html |url-status=live}} His recuperation kept him away from the Senate for seven months.{{cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/vp-candidate-profile-sen-joe-biden/ |title=V.P. candidate profile: Sen. Joe Biden |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=August 23, 2008 |access-date=September 7, 2008 |first=Calvin |last=Woodward |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230131941/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/vp-candidate-profile-sen-joe-biden/ |url-status=live}}

= Senate Judiciary Committee =

File:Biden Crime Bill.jpg with President Bill Clinton.|alt=Photo of Senator Biden giving a speech, with uniformed law enforcement officers in the background]]

Biden was a longtime member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He chaired it from 1987 to 1995 and was a ranking minority member from 1981 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 1997.{{Cite web |title=Previous Committee Chairman |url=https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/chairman/previous |access-date=May 14, 2023 |publisher=United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511035733/https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/chairman/previous |url-status=live}}

As chair, Biden presided over two highly contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings. When Robert Bork was nominated in 1988, Biden reversed his approval{{mdashb}}given in an interview the previous year{{mdashb}}of a hypothetical Bork nomination. Conservatives were angered,{{sfn|Bronner|1989|pp=138–139, 214, 305}} but at the hearings' close Biden was praised for his fairness, humor, and courage.{{sfn|Bronner|1989|pp=138–139, 214, 305}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/08/us/washington-talk-the-bork-hearings-for-biden-epoch-of-belief-epoch-of-incredulity.html |title=Washington Talk: The Bork Hearings; For Biden: Epoch of Belief, Epoch of Incredulity |last=Greenhouse |first=Linda |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 8, 1987 |author-link=Linda Greenhouse |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111141909/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/08/us/washington-talk-the-bork-hearings-for-biden-epoch-of-belief-epoch-of-incredulity.html |url-status=live}} Rejecting the arguments of some Bork opponents, Biden framed his objections to Bork in terms of the conflict between Bork's strong originalism and the view that the U.S. Constitution provides rights to liberty and privacy beyond those explicitly enumerated in its text. Bork's nomination was rejected in the committee by a 5–9 vote and then in the full Senate, 42–58.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/24/us/senate-s-roll-call-on-the-bork-vote.html|title=Senate's Roll-Call On the Bork Vote|date=October 24, 1987|newspaper=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103084644/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/24/us/senate-s-roll-call-on-the-bork-vote.html|url-status=live}}

During Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings in 1991, Biden's questions on constitutional issues were often convoluted to the point that Thomas sometimes lost track of them,{{sfn|Mayer|Abramson|1994|pp=213, 218, 336}} and Thomas later wrote that Biden's questions were akin to "beanballs".{{cite news |title=Clarence Thomas: A Silent Justice Speaks Out: Part VI: Becoming a Judge—and perhaps a Justice |last=Greenburg |first=Jan Crawford |agency=ABC News |date=September 30, 2007 |url=https://www.abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Story?id=3664944&page=4 |access-date=October 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622121644/https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Story?id=3664944&page=4 |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |url-status=dead}} After the committee hearing closed, the public learned that Anita Hill had accused Thomas of making unwelcome sexual comments when they had worked together.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101289|title=Nina Totenberg, NPR Biography|access-date=May 31, 2008|publisher=NPR|archive-date=April 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414042451/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101289|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Excerpt from Nina Totenberg's breaking National Public Radio report on Anita Hill's accusation of sexual harassment by Clarence Thomas.|url=https://jwa.org/feminism/_html/_transcripts/transcript_JWA071a.htm|access-date=October 5, 2008|date=October 6, 1991|publisher=NPR|archive-date=February 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221202700/https://jwa.org/feminism/_html/_transcripts/transcript_JWA071a.htm|url-status=live}} Biden had known of some of these charges, but initially shared them only with the committee because Hill was then unwilling to testify. The committee hearing was reopened and Hill testified, but Biden did not permit testimony from other witnesses, such as a woman who had made similar charges and experts on harassment.{{cite news |url=https://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/biden-and-anita-hill-revisited/ |title=Biden and Anita Hill, Revisited |last=Phillips |first=Kate |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 23, 2008 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |archive-date=September 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911204456/https://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/biden-and-anita-hill-revisited/ |url-status=live}} The full Senate confirmed Thomas by a 52–48 vote, with Biden opposed. Liberal legal advocates and women's groups felt strongly that Biden had mishandled the hearings and not done enough to support Hill. In 2019, he told Hill he regretted his treatment of her, but Hill said afterward she remained unsatisfied.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/politics/joe-biden-anita-hill.html|title=Joe Biden Expresses Regret to Anita Hill, but She Says 'I'm Sorry' Is Not Enough|last1=Stolberg|first1=Sheryl Gay|date=April 25, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=April 25, 2019|last2=Martin|first2=Jonathan|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425205328/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/politics/joe-biden-anita-hill.html|url-status=live}}

= Senate Foreign Relations Committee =

File:Bill Clinton and officials on Air Force One.jpg, December 1997.|alt=Photo of Clinton, his senior officials, and Biden on Air Force One]]

Biden was a longtime member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He became its ranking minority member in 1997 and chaired it from June 2001 to 2003 and 2007 to 2009. His positions were generally liberal internationalist.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/world/americas/24iht-policy.4.15591832.html | title=In Biden, Obama chooses a foreign policy adherent of diplomacy before force | last=Gordon | first=Michael R. | newspaper=The New York Times | date=August 24, 2008 | access-date=November 5, 2009 | author-link=Michael R. Gordon | archive-date=February 27, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227192937/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/world/americas/24iht-policy.4.15591832.html | url-status=live}} He collaborated effectively with Republicans and sometimes went against elements of his own party. During this time he met with at least 150 leaders from 60 countries and international organizations, becoming a well-known Democratic voice on foreign policy.{{cite news |url=https://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/09/23/meetings_with_foreign_leaders.html |title=Meetings with Foreign Leaders? Biden's Been There, Done That |last=Kessler |first=Glenn |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |author-link=Glenn Kessler (journalist) |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112112314/https://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/09/23/meetings_with_foreign_leaders.html |url-status=dead}}

Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War in 1991.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-foreignpol24-story.html |title=Joe Biden respected—if not always popular—for foreign policy record |last1=Richter |first1=Paul |last2=Levey |first2=Noam N. |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=August 24, 2008 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051910/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-foreignpol24-story.html |url-status=live}} He became interested in the Yugoslav Wars after hearing about Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991. Once the Bosnian War broke out, Biden was among the first to call for the "lift and strike" policy. The George H. W. Bush administration and Clinton administration were both reluctant to implement the policy, fearing Balkan entanglement. In April 1993, Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević.{{cite news |last=Kessler |first=Glenn |author-link=Glenn Kessler (journalist) |date=October 7, 2008 |title=Biden Played Less Than Key Role in Bosnia Legislation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/06/AR2008100602681.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209080644/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/06/AR2008100602681.html |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Biden worked on several versions of legislative language urging the U.S. toward greater involvement. He has called his role in affecting Balkan policy in the mid-1990s his "proudest moment in public life" related to foreign policy. In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Biden supported the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. He and Senator John McCain co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution, which called on Clinton to use all necessary force, including ground troops, to confront Milošević over Yugoslav actions toward Kosovo Albanians.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121954185485266719 | title=Biden, McCain Have a Friendship—and More—in Common | last=Holmes | first=Elizabeth | newspaper=The Wall Street Journal | date=August 25, 2008 | access-date=November 5, 2009 | archive-date=October 16, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016194520/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121954185485266719 | url-status=live}}

== Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ==

File:Joe Biden addresses the press after having a brief meeting with Iraq's interim Prime Minister lyad Allawi.jpg in Baghdad in 2004.|alt=refer to caption]]

Biden was a strong supporter of the War in Afghanistan, saying, "Whatever it takes, we should do it."{{cite magazine|last1=Crowley|first1=Michael|title=Hawk Down|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/politics/hawk-down|magazine=The New Republic|quote=Even before Obama announced his run for president, Biden was warning that Afghanistan, not Iraq, was the 'central front' in the war against Al Qaeda, requiring a major U.S. commitment. 'Whatever it takes, we should do it,' Biden said in February 2002.|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016194518/https://www.newrepublic.com/article/politics/hawk-down|url-status=live}} As head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he said in 2002 that Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was a threat to national security and there was no other option than to "eliminate" that threat.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna18381961 |work=Meet the Press |title=MTP Transcript for April 29, 2007 |first=Tim |last=Russert |publisher=NBC News |date=April 29, 2007 |page=2 |author-link=Tim Russert |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208191954/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/18381961 |url-status=live}} In October 2002, he voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, approving the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As chair of the committee, he assembled witnesses to testify in favor of the authorization. They gave testimony grossly misrepresenting the intent, history, and status of Saddam and his government, and touted Iraq's fictional possession of weapons of mass destruction.{{#invoke:cite news||first=Mark|last=Weisbrot|author-link=Mark Weisbrot|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=August 28, 2021|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/17/joe-biden-role-iraq-war |title=Joe Biden championed the Iraq war. Will that come back to haunt him now?|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109174540/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/17/joe-biden-role-iraq-war|archive-date=January 9, 2021|work=The Guardian}} Biden eventually became a critic of the war, calling his vote a "mistake" by 2005,{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2005 |title=Transcript for November 27 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10154103#.XhtkxhdKh3k |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124192452/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10154103#.XhtkxhdKh3k |archive-date=November 24, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=NBC News |series=Meet the Press |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Glueck |first1=Katie |last2=Kaplan |first2=Thomas |date=January 12, 2020 |title=Joe Biden's Vote for War |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/12/us/politics/joe-biden-iraq-war.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240301180952/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/12/us/politics/joe-biden-iraq-war.html#selection-893.26-895.9 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn= |quote=}} but did not push for withdrawal. He supported the appropriations for the occupation, but argued that the war should be internationalized, that more soldiers were needed, and that the Bush administration should "level with the American people" about its cost and length.Almanac of American Politics 2008, p. 365.

By late 2006, Biden's stance had shifted considerably. He opposed the troop surge of 2007, saying General David Petraeus was "dead, flat wrong" in believing the surge could work. Biden instead advocated dividing Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/19/weekinreview/19shanker.html |title=Divided They Stand, but on Graves |first=Thom |last=Shanker |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 19, 2007 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081421/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/19/weekinreview/19shanker.html |url-status=live}}{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=572–573}} In September 2007, a non-binding resolution endorsing the plan passed the Senate,{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ned |last2=Salman |first2=Raheem |date=October 1, 2007 |title=U.S. vote unites Iraqis in anger |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-01-fg-iraq1-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081500/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-01-fg-iraq1-story.html |archive-date=January 3, 2021}} but the idea failed to gain traction.

1988 and 2008 presidential campaigns

= 1988 campaign =

File:Joe Biden speaks at a presidential campaign event, 1987.jpg

Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination on June 9, 1987.{{Cite news |last=Dionne |first=E. J. Jr. |author-link=E. J. Dionne |date=June 10, 1987 |title=Biden Joins Campaign for the Presidency |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/10/us/biden-joins-campaign-for-the-presidency.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105150453/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/10/us/biden-joins-campaign-for-the-presidency.html |url-status=live}} He was considered a strong candidate because of his moderate image, his speaking ability, his high profile as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the upcoming Robert Bork Supreme Court nomination hearings, and his appeal to Baby Boomers.{{Cite news |last=Toner |first=Robin |date=August 31, 1987 |title=Biden, Once the Field's Hot Democrat, Is Being Overtaken by Cooler Rivals |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/31/us/biden-once-the-field-s-hot-democrat-is-being-overtaken-by-cooler-rivals.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103084657/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/31/us/biden-once-the-field-s-hot-democrat-is-being-overtaken-by-cooler-rivals.html |url-status=live}}{{sfn|Taylor|1990|p=83}} He raised more in the first quarter of 1987 than any other candidate.{{sfn|Taylor|1990|p=83}}

By August, Biden's campaign messaging had become confused due to staff rivalries,{{sfn|Taylor|1990|pp=108–109}} and in September, he was accused of plagiarizing a speech by British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.{{Cite news |last=Dowd |first=Maureen |author-link=Maureen Dowd |date=September 12, 1987 |title=Biden's Debate Finale: An Echo From Abroad |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/12/us/biden-s-debate-finale-an-echo-from-abroad.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215003637/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/12/us/biden-s-debate-finale-an-echo-from-abroad.html |url-status=live}} Biden had credited Kinnock on previous occasions,{{Cite news |last=Randolph |first=Eleanor |date=September 13, 1987 |title=Plagiarism Suggestion Angers Biden's Aides |page=A6 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/09/13/plagiarism-suggestion-angers-bidens-aides/912bfcf1-b3f3-4850-a14d-e8b0bee1ed63/ |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081200/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1987/09/13/plagiarism-suggestion-angers-bidens-aides/912bfcf1-b3f3-4850-a14d-e8b0bee1ed63/ |url-status=live}} but did not on two occasions in August.{{Cite book|last1=Germond|first1=Jack|url=https://archive.org/details/whosebroadstripe00germ|title=Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars? The Trivial Pursuit of the Presidency 1988|last2=Witcover|first2=Jules|publisher=Warner Books|year=1989|isbn=978-0-446-51424-8|author-link=Jack Germond|author-link2=Jules Witcover}}{{rp|230–232}}{{Cite news |last1=Risen |first1=James |author-link=James Risen |last2=Shogan |first2=Robert |date=September 16, 1987 |title=Differing Versions Cited on Source of Passages: Biden Facing New Flap Over Speeches |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-09-16-mn-5412-story.html |access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081219/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-09-16-mn-5412-story.html |url-status=live}} Earlier that year, Biden had also used passages from a speech by Robert F. Kennedy (for which his aides took blame) and Kennedy's inaugural address; two years earlier he had used a 1976 passage by Hubert Humphrey.{{Cite news |last=Dowd |first=Maureen |author-link=Maureen Dowd |date=September 16, 1987 |title=Biden Is Facing Growing Debate On His Speeches |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/16/us/biden-is-facing-growing-debate-on-his-speeches.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081135/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/16/us/biden-is-facing-growing-debate-on-his-speeches.html |url-status=live}} Biden responded that politicians often borrow from one another without giving credit, and that one of his rivals for the nomination, Jesse Jackson, had called him to point out that Jackson had used the same material by Humphrey that Biden had used.{{Cite news |last=Dionne | first=E. J. Jr. |author-link=E. J. Dionne |date=September 18, 1987 |title=Biden Admits Plagiarism in School But Says It Was Not 'Malevolent' |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/18/us/biden-admits-plagiarism-in-school-but-says-it-was-not-malevolent.html |access-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404115603/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/18/us/biden-admits-plagiarism-in-school-but-says-it-was-not-malevolent.html |url-status=live}} A few days later, it was publicized that, while in law school, Biden had taken text from a Fordham Law Review article with inadequate citations. At Biden's request the Delaware Supreme Court's Board of Professional Responsibility reviewed the incident and concluded that he had violated no rules.{{Cite news |date=May 29, 1989 |title=Professional Board Clears Biden In Two Allegations of Plagiarism |work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/29/us/professional-board-clears-biden-in-two-allegations-of-plagiarism.html |access-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707020556/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/29/us/professional-board-clears-biden-in-two-allegations-of-plagiarism.html |url-status=live}}

Biden has made several false or exaggerated claims about his early life: that he had earned three degrees in college, that he attended law school on a full scholarship, that he had graduated in the top half of his class,{{Cite news |last=Dionne |first=E. J. Jr. |author-link=E. J. Dionne |date=September 22, 1987 |title=Biden Admits Errors and Criticizes Latest Report |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/22/us/biden-admits-errors-and-criticizes-latest-report.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081243/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/22/us/biden-admits-errors-and-criticizes-latest-report.html |url-status=live}}{{cite AV media |date=August 23, 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1j0FS0Z6ho |title=1988 Road to the White House with Sen. Biden |publisher=C-SPAN |via=YouTube |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104111625/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1j0FS0Z6ho |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |url-status=live}} and that he had marched in the civil rights movement.{{Cite news |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |date=June 3, 2019 |title=Biden's First Run for President Was a Calamity. Some Missteps Still Resonate. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/03/us/politics/biden-1988-presidential-campaign.html |access-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603140340/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/03/us/politics/biden-1988-presidential-campaign.html |url-status=live}} The limited amount of other news about the presidential race amplified these disclosures,{{Cite book |last=Pomper |first=Gerald M. |url=https://archive.org/details/electionof1988re00pomp/page/37 |title=The Election of 1988 |publisher=Chatham House Publishers |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-934540-77-3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/electionof1988re00pomp/page/37 37] |chapter=The Presidential Nominations |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/electionof1988re00pomp|access-date=August 28, 2021}} and on September 23, 1987, Biden withdrew his candidacy.{{Cite news |last=Dionne |first=E. J. Jr. |author-link=E. J. Dionne |date=September 24, 1987 |title=Biden Withdraws Bid for President in Wake of Furor |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/24/us/biden-withdraws-bid-for-president-in-wake-of-furor.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221235355/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/24/us/biden-withdraws-bid-for-president-in-wake-of-furor.html |url-status=live}}

= 2008 campaign =

File:Sen. Joe Biden attends a Creston house party.jpg, July 2007.|alt=Photo of Biden, casually dressed, talking with a citizen in a garden]]

After exploring running in several previous cycles, in January 2007, Biden declared his candidacy in the 2008 elections.{{Cite news |date=August 12, 2003 |title=Sen. Biden not running for president |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/08/11/biden/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123957/https://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/08/11/biden/index.html |archive-date=February 9, 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Balz |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Balz |date=February 1, 2007 |title=Biden Stumbles at the Starting Gate |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013100404.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018123657/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/31/AR2007013100404.html |archive-date=October 18, 2017}} Biden focused on the Iraq War, his record as chairman of major Senate committees, and his foreign-policy experience.{{Cite news |date=August 19, 2007 |title=Transcript: The Democratic Debate |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Decision2008/Story?id=3498294&page=1 |url-status=live |access-date=September 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011185127/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Decision2008/story?id=3498294&page=1 |archive-date=October 11, 2008}} Biden was noted for his one-liners during the campaign; in one debate he said of Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani, "There's only three things he mentions in a sentence: a noun, and a verb and 9/11."{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Joelle |date=November 1, 2007 |title=A noun, a verb and 9/11 |work=Concord Monitor |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071101/NEWS01/711010358/1043/NEWS01 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828010554/https://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20071101%2FNEWS01%2F711010358%2F1043%2FNEWS01 |archive-date=August 28, 2008}}

Biden had difficulty raising funds, struggled to draw people to his rallies, and failed to gain traction against the high-profile candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.{{cite web |date=August 25, 2008 |title=Conventions 2008: Sen. Joseph Biden (D) |url=https://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080825_3122.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906210353/https://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080825_3122.php |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |access-date=September 16, 2008 |website=National Journal}} He never rose above single digits in national polls of the Democratic candidates. In the first contest on January 3, 2008, Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses, garnering slightly less than one percent of the state delegates.{{cite web |title=Iowa Democratic Party Caucus Results |url=https://www.iowacaucusresults.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229055041/https://www.iowacaucusresults.com/ |archive-date=December 29, 2008 |access-date=August 28, 2021 |publisher=Iowa Democratic Party}} He withdrew from the race that evening.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Shailagh |date=January 4, 2008 |title=Biden, Dodd Withdraw From Race |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010400260.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520022844/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010400260.html |archive-date=May 20, 2008}}

Despite its lack of success, Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world.{{Cite book |last1=Heilemann |first1=John |title=Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime |title-link=Game Change |last2=Halperin |first2=Mark |publisher=HarperCollins |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-06-173363-5 |location=New York |author-link=John Heilemann |author-link2=Mark Halperin}}{{rp|336}} In particular, it changed the relationship between Biden and Obama. Although they had served together on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, they had not been close: Biden resented Obama's quick rise to political stardom,{{cite news|last=Traub|first=James|author-link=James Traub|date=November 24, 2009|title=After Cheney |page=MM34 |magazine=The New York Times Magazine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/magazine/29Biden-t.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103084703/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/magazine/29Biden-t.html|archive-date=January 3, 2021}}{{sfn|Wolffe|2009|p=218}} while Obama viewed Biden as garrulous and patronizing.{{rp|28, 337–338}} Having gotten to know each other during 2007, Obama appreciated Biden's campaign style and appeal to working-class voters, and Biden said he became convinced Obama was "the real deal".{{sfn|Wolffe|2009|p=218}}{{rp|28, 337–338}}

2008 and 2012 vice presidential campaigns

= 2008 campaign =

{{Main|Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|2008 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection}}

File:Biden Obama 3b.jpg in Springfield, Illinois.|alt=Photo of Biden outdoors behind a lectern, with Obama seated behind him and smiling]]

In August 2008, Obama and Biden met in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration,{{cite news |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/10/20/bidens-brief |title=Biden's Brief |last=Lizza |first=Ryan |magazine=The New Yorker |date=October 20, 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2008 |author-link=Ryan Lizza |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725212805/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/10/20/bidens-brief |url-status=live}} and developed a strong personal rapport.{{sfn|Wolffe|2009|p=218}} On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate.{{cite news |title=Obama's veep message to supporters |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082300455.html |first=Jose Antonio |last=Vargas |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 23, 2008 |access-date=August 23, 2008 |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204011137/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082300455.html |url-status=live}} The New York Times reported that the choice reflected a desire for someone with foreign policy and national security experience.{{cite news |first1=Adam |last1=Nagourney |author-link=Adam Nagourney |first2=Jeff|last2=Zeleny |title=Obama Chooses Biden as Running Mate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24biden.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080825223450/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24biden.html |archive-date=August 25, 2008 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The New York Times |date=August 23, 2008 |access-date=August 23, 2008}} Others pointed out Biden's appeal to middle-class and blue-collar voters.{{#invoke:cite magazine||last=Dionne |first=E. J. Jr. |author-link=E. J. Dionne |title=Tramps Like Us: How Joe Biden will reassure working class voters and change the tenor of this week's convention |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/62212/tramps-us |magazine=The New Republic |date=August 25, 2008 |access-date=August 25, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828210626/https://tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=2ecbd0b9-c2c4-44d7-824a-603b4a418c74 |archive-date=August 28, 2008}}{{sfn|Wolffe|2009|p=217}} Biden was officially nominated for vice president on August 27 at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.{{cite news |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/08/27/biden-accepts-vp-nominationhttps:// |title=Biden accepts VP nomination |first=Jennifer |last=Brown |work=The Denver Post |date=August 27, 2008 |access-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907020534/https://www.denverpost.com/2008/08/27/biden-accepts-vp-nomination/ |url-status=live}}

Biden's vice-presidential campaigning gained little media attention, as the press devoted far more coverage to the Republican nominee and then-governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/20/us/politics/20biden.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921063344/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/20/us/politics/20biden.html |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Meanwhile, the Other No. 2 Keeps On Punching |last=Leibovich |first=Mark |work=The New York Times |date=September 19, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2008}}{{cite news |url=https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/joe-who.html |title=Joe Who? |last=Tapper |first=Jake |work=ABC News |date=September 14, 2008 |access-date=September 15, 2008 |author-link=Jake Tapper |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915055913/https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/joe-who.html |archive-date=September 15, 2008}} Under instructions from the campaign, Biden kept his speeches succinct and tried to avoid offhand remarks.{{cite news |last=Broder |first=John M. |date=October 30, 2008 |title=Hitting the Backroads, and Having Less to Say |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31biden.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=October 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031091558/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31biden.html |archive-date=October 31, 2008}}{{cite news |last=Tumulty |first=Karen |date=October 29, 2008 |title=Hidin' Biden: Reining In a Voluble No. 2 |magazine=Time |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1855355,00.html |access-date=November 1, 2008 |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109102805/https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1855355,00.html |url-status=live}} Privately, Biden's remarks frustrated Obama. "How many times is Biden gonna say something stupid?", he asked.{{rp|411–414, 419}} Obama campaign staffers called Biden's blunders "Joe bombs" and kept Biden uninformed about strategy discussions, which irked Biden. Relations between the two campaigns became strained for a month, until Biden apologized to Obama and the two built a stronger partnership.{{rp|411–414}}

As the 2008 financial crisis reached a peak in September 2008, and the proposed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 became a major factor in the campaign, Biden voted for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which passed in the Senate.{{cite news |url=https://www.ny1.com/content/features/86538/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package/Default.aspx |title=Senate Passes Economic Rescue Package |publisher=NY1 |date=October 1, 2008 |access-date=October 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005022401/https://www.ny1.com/content/features/86538/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package/Default.aspx |archive-date=October 5, 2008}} On October 2, he participated in the vice-presidential debate with Palin at Washington University in St. Louis. Post-debate polls found that while Palin exceeded many voters' expectations, Biden had still won the debate overall.{{sfn|Witcover|2010|pp=655–661}} On November 4, Obama and Biden were elected.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html |title=Obama: 'This is your victory' |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 5, 2008 |date=November 4, 2008 |archive-date=November 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081107223835/https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Franke-Ruta |first=Garance |url=https://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/19/mccain_takes_missouri.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023022914/https://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/11/mccain-takes-missouri.html |title=McCain Takes Missouri |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=November 19, 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ |title=President—Election Center 2008 |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 19, 2008 |archive-date=November 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109050840/https://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ |url-status=live}}

As Biden was running for vice president, he was also running for reelection to the Senate,{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Aug24/0,4670,CVNBidenTwoCampaigns,00.html |title=Biden Wages 2 Campaigns At Once |agency=Associated Press |date=August 24, 2008 |access-date=August 29, 2008 |first=Randall |last=Chase |publisher=Fox News |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185451/https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Aug24/0,4670,CVNBidenTwoCampaigns,00.html |url-status=live}} as permitted by Delaware law.Almanac of American Politics 2008, p. 366. Having been reelected to the Senate as well as the vice presidency,{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-11-04-420465768_x.htm |title=Biden wins 7th Senate term but may not serve |last=Nuckols |first=Ben |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=USA Today |date=November 4, 2008 |access-date=February 6, 2009 |archive-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226050628/https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-11-04-420465768_x.htm |url-status=live}} Biden made a point of not resigning from the Senate before he was sworn in for his seventh term in January 2009.{{cite news |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901070333 |title=A bittersweet oath for Biden |last=Gaudiano |first=Nicole |work=The News Journal |date=January 7, 2009 |access-date=February 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212100305/https://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901070333 |archive-date=February 12, 2009}} He resigned from the Senate on January 15.{{cite news |date=January 15, 2009 |title=Obama Wins $350B Senate TARP Vote |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Economy/story?id=6654133&page=1 |url-status=live |publisher=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104093212/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Economy/story?id=6654133&page=1 |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |access-date=July 9, 2024}}{{cite news |date=January 16, 2009 |title=Senate swears in Biden replacement Kaufman |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28692968 |url-status=live |publisher=NBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924063807/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28692968 |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |access-date=July 9, 2024}}

= 2012 campaign =

File:P101112ps-488 Air Force One Obama watches VP debate.jpg]]

In October 2010, Biden said Obama had asked him to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election, but with Obama's popularity declining, White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley conducted some secret polling and focus group research in late 2011 on the idea of replacing Biden with Hillary Clinton. The notion was dropped when the results showed no appreciable improvement,{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/us/politics/book-details-consideration-of-replacing-biden-on-2012-ticket.html |title=Book Details Obama Aides' Talks About Replacing Biden on 2012 Ticket |last=Martin |first=Jonathan |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082553/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/us/politics/book-details-consideration-of-replacing-biden-on-2012-ticket.html |url-status=live}} and White House officials later said Obama himself never entertained the idea.{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/politico44/2013/11/wh-obama-never-considered-dropping-joe-biden-176520 |title=W.H.: Obama never considered dropping Joe Biden |last=Allen |first=Jonathan |newspaper=Politico |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104143531/https://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/11/wh-obama-never-considered-dropping-biden-176520.html |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Biden's May 2012 statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained considerable public attention in comparison to Obama's position, which had been described as "evolving".{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-may-06-la-na-biden-gay-marriage-20120507-story.html |title=Biden 'comfortable' with equal rights for gays who wed |date=May 6, 2012 |first=Christi |last=Parsons |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 8, 2012 |archive-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526082737/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-may-06-la-na-biden-gay-marriage-20120507-story.html |url-status=live}} Biden made his statement without administration consent, and Obama and his aides were irked, since Obama had planned to shift position in the build-up to the party convention.{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/ap-source-biden-apologizes-to-obama-over-comments | title=AP source: Biden apologizes to Obama over comments | agency=Associated Press | publisher=Fox News | date=May 10, 2012 | access-date=May 16, 2012 | archive-date=October 6, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006123920/https://www.foxnews.com/us/ap-source-biden-apologizes-to-obama-over-comments | url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2012/08/6-hidden-obama-campaign-fault-lines-080028 |title=6 hidden fault lines in President Obama's campaign |last=Thursh |first=Glenn |newspaper=Politico |date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208190849/https://www.politico.com/story/2012/08/6-hidden-obama-campaign-fault-lines-080028 |url-status=live}} Gay rights advocates seized upon Biden's statement, and within days, Obama announced that he too supported same-sex marriage, an action in part forced by Biden's remarks.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/us/politics/obama-says-same-sex-marriage-should-be-legal.html | title=Obama Says Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legal | first1=Jackie | last1=Calmes | first2=Peter | last2=Baker | newspaper=The New York Times | date=May 9, 2012 | access-date=May 10, 2012 | archive-date=May 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510014102/https://www.nytimes.comhttps://2012/05/10/us/politics/obama-says-same-sex-marriage-should-be-legal.html | url-status=live}}

Biden had a heavy schedule of appearances in swing states as the reelection campaign began in earnest in spring 2012.{{cite news |last=Von Drehle |first=David |author-link=David Von Drehle |date=September 10, 2012 |title=Let There Be Joe |pages=41–43 |magazine=Time |url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2123322,00.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109162947/https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2123322,00.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020}}{{cite news |title=Mo Joe |last=Scherer |first=Michael |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,2116132-1,00.html |magazine=Time |date=June 11, 2012 |pages=26–30 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927141830/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,2116132-1,00.html |url-status=live}} An August 2012 remark before a mixed-race audience that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains" again drew attention to Biden's propensity for colorful remarks.{{cite news |last=Memoli |first=Michael A. |date=August 17, 2012 |title=Biden's unscripted moments keep campaign on its toes |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-aug-17-la-na-biden-20120817-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082611/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-aug-17-la-na-biden-20120817-story.html |archive-date=January 3, 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2012/08/mission-impossible-managing-biden-079776 |title=Mission Impossible: Managing Joe Biden |last=Martin |first=Jonathan |newspaper=Politico |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103084811/https://www.politico.com/story/2012/08/mission-impossible-managing-biden-079776 |url-status=live}}

Following the first presidential debate of the general election, in which Obama's performance was considered surprisingly lackluster,{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2012 |title=Romney Narrows Vote Gap After Historic Debate Win |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/157907/romney-narrows-vote-gap-historic-debate-win.aspx |access-date=January 29, 2024 |publisher=Gallup, Inc. |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://news.gallup.com/poll/157907/romney-narrows-vote-gap-historic-debate-win.aspx |url-status=live}} his lead over Romney collapsed,{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2012 |title=Romney's Strong Debate Performance Erases Obama's Lead |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2012/10/08/romneys-strong-debate-performance-erases-obamas-lead/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |publisher=Pew Research Center |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2012/10/08/romneys-strong-debate-performance-erases-obamas-lead/ |url-status=live}} putting pressure on Biden to stop the bleeding with a strong showing against the Republican vice-presidential nominee, Paul Ryan.{{Cite web |last=Reston |first=Maeve |date=September 25, 2016 |title=When Romney trounced Obama |url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/25/politics/obama-debate-election-2012/index.html |access-date=January 29, 2024 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/25/politics/obama-debate-election-2012/index.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=MacAskill |first=Ewen |date=October 4, 2012 |title=Mitt Romney comes out on top as Obama stumbles in first debate |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/04/romney-obama-first-presidential-debate |access-date=January 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/04/romney-obama-first-presidential-debate |url-status=live}} Some political analysts considered Biden's performance in the October 11 vice-presidential debate one of the best of his career{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Daniel |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Biden's team hopes for repeat of his 2012 performance as Trump debate nears |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/trump-biden-us-presidential-debate-2012 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/27/trump-biden-us-presidential-debate-2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Michael |date=October 11, 2012 |title=Biden plays aggressor in debate as Ryan makes GOP case |url=https://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/11/14376267-biden-plays-aggressor-in-debate-as-ryan-argues-gop-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928140933/https://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/11/14376267-biden-plays-aggressor-in-debate-as-ryan-argues-gop-case |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |publisher=NBC News}} and a key factor in Obama's rebound in the polls and eventual victory.{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Nate |date=October 12, 2012 |title=In Polls, Biden Gets a Hold |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/in-polls-biden-gets-a-hold/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=FiveThirtyEight |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055644/https://archive.nytimes.com/fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/in-polls-biden-gets-a-hold/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=October 12, 2012 |title=Sparks fly as Biden, Ryan face off in feisty vice presidential debate |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sparks-fly-as-biden-ryan-face-off-in-feisty-vice-presidential-debate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082631/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sparks-fly-as-biden-ryan-face-off-in-feisty-vice-presidential-debate |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |publisher=Fox News}} The debate also became memorable for the popularization of Biden's use of the phrase "a bunch of malarkey" in response to an attack by Ryan on the administration's response to the attacks on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi in September.{{Cite web |last=Memmott |first=Mark |date=October 12, 2012 |title=What's All This Malarkey About Malarkey? |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/10/12/162791655/whats-all-this-malarkey-about-malarkey |access-date=January 28, 2024 |publisher=NPR |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606155406/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/10/12/162791655/whats-all-this-malarkey-about-malarkey |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Guarino |first=Ben |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Joe Biden loves the word 'malarkey.' But nobody knows where it came from. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/07/28/joe-biden-loves-the-word-malarkey-but-nobody-knows-where-it-came-from/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828231353/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/07/28/joe-biden-loves-the-word-malarkey-but-nobody-knows-where-it-came-from/ |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |access-date=January 28, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cbignore}} Biden reused the phrase during his 2020 presidential campaign.{{Cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=December 2, 2019 |title=The unexpected nostalgia of Biden's 'malarkey' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/12/02/unexpected-nostalgia-bidens-malarkey/ |access-date=January 28, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007174617/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/12/02/unexpected-nostalgia-bidens-malarkey/ |url-status=live}} On November 6, Obama and Biden were reelected.{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-defeats-romney-to-win-second-term-vows-he-has-more-work-to-do | title=Obama defeats Romney to win second term, vows he has 'more work to do' | publisher=Fox News | date=November 7, 2012 | access-date=August 27, 2021 | archive-date=February 15, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215014622/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-defeats-romney-to-win-second-term-vows-he-has-more-work-to-do | url-status=live}}

Vice presidency (2009–2017)

= First term (2009–2013) =

File:Joe Biden sworn in 1-20-09 hires 090120-N-0696M-204a.jpg on January 20, 2009|alt=Photo of Biden raising his right hand, reciting the Oath]]

Biden said he intended to eliminate some explicit roles assumed by George W. Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, and did not intend to emulate any previous vice presidency.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/22/biden.lkl/index.html |title=Biden says he'll be different vice president |publisher=CNN |date=December 22, 2008 |access-date=December 22, 2008 |archive-date=December 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224093055/https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/22/biden.lkl/index.html |url-status=live}} He was sworn in on January 20, 2009.{{#invoke:cite news||date=January 20, 2009|title=In culminating moment, Biden is vice president |work=The Oregonian |agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2009/01/in_culminating_moment_biden_is.html|access-date=July 27, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101194210/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2009/01/in_culminating_moment_biden_is.html|url-status=live}} He was the first vice president from Delaware{{#invoke:cite news||date=November 3, 2008 |title=Think you know your election trivia? |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/03/election.trivia/index.html |access-date=November 9, 2008 |archive-date=November 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106075757/https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/03/election.trivia/index.html|url-status=live}} and the first Roman Catholic vice president.{{#invoke:cite news||first=Ken |last=Rudin |date=January 9, 2009|title=The First Catholic Vice President? |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/01/the_first_catholic_vice_presid.html|access-date=September 25, 2019|archive-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925060421/https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/01/the_first_catholic_vice_presid.html |url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||last=Gaudiano |first=Nicole|date=November 6, 2008 |title=VP's home awaits if Biden chooses |work=The News Journal |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081106/NEWS02/811060379 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109060406/https://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081106/NEWS02/811060379 |archive-date=November 9, 2008}} Members of the Obama administration said Biden's role in the White House was to be a contrarian and force others to defend their positions.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Baker|first=Peter|date=April 28, 2019|title=Biden and Obama's 'Odd Couple' Relationship Aged Into Family Ties|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/28/us/politics/barack-obama-biden.html|access-date=April 26, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606093422/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/28/us/politics/barack-obama-biden.html|quote=He was also the in-house skeptic on the use of force, arguing against a troop surge to Afghanistan, military intervention in Libya and the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.|url-status=live}} White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said Biden helped counter groupthink.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Leibovich|first=Mark|date=March 28, 2009|title=Speaking Freely, Biden Finds Influential Role|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/politics/29biden.html|access-date=March 31, 2009|archive-date=April 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401232903/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/politics/29biden.html|url-status=live}} The Bidens maintained a relaxed atmosphere at their official residence in Washington, often entertaining their grandchildren, and regularly returned to their home in Delaware.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Parnes|first=Amie|date=June 28, 2011|title=The Bidens' 'regular' lives|newspaper=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2011/06/the-bidens-regular-lives-057887|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016194519/https://www.politico.com/story/2011/06/the-bidens-regular-lives-057887|url-status=live}}

File:Joe Biden official portrait 2013.jpg

Biden oversaw infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package intended to help counteract the ongoing recession.{{#invoke:cite magazine||last=Scherer|first=Michael|date=July 1, 2009|title=What Happened to the Stimulus?|magazine=Time|url=https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1908417,00.html|access-date=July 8, 2009|archive-date=January 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109095116/https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1908417,00.html|url-status=live}} Confronted with rising unemployment through July 2009, Biden acknowledged that the administration had "misread how bad the economy was", but maintained confidence the stimulus package would create many more jobs once the pace of expenditures picked up.{{#invoke:cite news||date=July 5, 2009|title=Biden: 'We misread how bad the economy was'|publisher=NBC News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/31745563|access-date=July 9, 2009|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217104812/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/31745563/|url-status=live}} When he completed that role in February 2011, he said the number of fraud incidents with stimulus monies had been less than one percent.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Travers|first=Karen|date=February 17, 2011|title='Sheriff Joe' Biden Touts Recovery Act Success—and Hands Over His Badge|work=ABC News|url=https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/02/sheriff-joe-biden-touts-recovery-act-success-and-hands-over-his-badge.html|url-status=dead|access-date=March 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221153327/https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/02/sheriff-joe-biden-touts-recovery-act-success-and-hands-over-his-badge.html|archive-date=February 21, 2011}}

Biden's off-message response to a question in April 2009, during the beginning of the swine flu outbreak, led to a swift retraction by the White House.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Silva|first1=Mark|last2=Parsons|first2=Christi|date=May 1, 2009|title=White House adjusts Biden's swine flu advice|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-01-na-biden1-story.html|access-date=May 28, 2009|archive-date=October 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009170032/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-01-na-biden1-story.html|url-status=live}} The remark revived Biden's reputation for gaffes.{{#invoke:cite news||date=May 1, 2009|title=White House tempers Biden's swine flu advice|work=The Boston Globe|url=https://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/05/01/white_house_tempers_bidens_swine_flu_advice/|url-status=dead |access-date=May 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505114058/https://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/05/01/white_house_tempers_bidens_swine_flu_advice/|archive-date=May 5, 2009}}{{#invoke:cite news||last=Kurtzman|first=Daniel|date=May 8, 2009|title=The Week's Best Late-Night Jokes|publisher=About.com|url=https://www.liveabout.com/late-night-political-jokes-2733896|access-date=May 28, 2009|archive-date=June 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611193402/https://www.liveabout.com/late-night-political-jokes-2733896|url-status=live}} A hot mic picked up Biden telling Obama that his signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was "a big fucking deal" on March 23, 2010. Despite their different personalities, Obama and Biden formed a friendship, partly based around Obama's daughter Sasha and Biden's granddaughter Maisy, who attended Sidwell Friends School together.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Leibovich|first=Mark|date=May 7, 2012|title=For a Blunt Biden, an Uneasy Supporting Role|page=1|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/us/politics/for-a-blunt-biden-an-uneasy-supporting-role.html|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103081748/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/us/politics/for-a-blunt-biden-an-uneasy-supporting-role.html|url-status=live}}

Biden visited Kosovo in May 2009 and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".{{cite journal|last=Chun|first=Kwang-Ho|title=Kosovo: A New European Nation-State?|url=https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/96517/1/5.Kosovo-A-New-European-Nation-State_Kwang-ho-Chun.pdf|journal=Journal of International and Area Studies|volume=18|issue=1|year=2011|pages=91, 94|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082124/https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/96517/1/5.Kosovo-A-New-European-Nation-State_Kwang-ho-Chun.pdf|url-status=live}} He lost an internal debate to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about sending 21,000 new troops to Afghanistan,{{#invoke:cite news||last=Dilanian|first=Ken|date=June 11, 2009|title=In a supporting role, Clinton takes a low-key approach at State Dept.|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20090611/1aclinton11_cv.art.htm|access-date=July 22, 2009|archive-date=May 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516020144/https://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20090611/1aclinton11_cv.art.htm|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||last=Smith|first=Ben|date=June 23, 2009|title=Hillary Clinton toils in the shadows|work=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2009/06/clinton-toils-in-the-shadows-024067|access-date=July 22, 2009|archive-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916005405/https://www.politico.com/story/2009/06/clinton-toils-in-the-shadows-024067|url-status=live}} but his skepticism was valued,{{#invoke:cite news||last=Cummings|first=Jeanne|date=September 16, 2009|title=Joe Biden, 'the skunk at the family picnic'|publisher=The Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2009/09/the-skunk-at-the-family-picnic-027211|access-date=September 17, 2009}} and his views gained more influence as Obama reconsidered his Afghanistan strategy.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Bailey|first1=Holly|last2=Thomas|first2=Evan|author-link2=Evan Thomas|date=October 10, 2009|title=An Inconvenient Truth Teller|magazine=Newsweek|url=https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-white-house-truth-teller-81181|access-date=November 6, 2009|archive-date=November 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123063731/https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-white-house-truth-teller-81181|url-status=live}} Obama delegated Biden to oversee Iraq policy, and he became the administration's point man in delivering messages to Iraqi leadership before the exit of U.S. troops in 2011.{{efn|Attributed to multiple sources:{{#invoke:cite news||last=Crowley|first=Michael|date=November 9, 2014|title=The war over President Obama's new war in Iraq|work=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/president-obama-war-iraq-112730|access-date=August 26, 2015|archive-date=October 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013002931/https://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/president-obama-war-iraq-112730|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite magazine||last=Osnos|first=Evan|author-link=Evan Osnos|date=August 12, 2014|title=Breaking Up: Maliki and Biden|magazine=The New Yorker|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/breaking-maliki-biden|access-date=August 26, 2015|archive-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002053443/https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/breaking-maliki-biden|url-status=live}} }}

File:President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden shake hands in the Oval Office following a phone call with House Speaker John Boehner securing a bipartisan deal to reduce the nation's deficit and avoid default.jpg deal which led to the Budget Control Act of 2011.|alt=Photo of Obama and Biden shaking hands in the Oval Office]]

Biden campaigned heavily for Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections, maintaining an attitude of optimism in the face of predictions of large-scale losses for the party.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Stolberg|first=Sheryl Gay|date=October 12, 2010|title=Vice President Tries to Energize Democrats|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/us/politics/13biden.html|access-date=October 14, 2010|archive-date=October 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028044617/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/us/politics/13biden.html|url-status=live}} After big Republican gains in the elections and Emanuel's departure, Biden's past relationships with Republicans in Congress became more important.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Lee|first1=Carol E.|last2=Bresnahan|first2=John|date=December 9, 2010|title=Joe Biden expands role as White House link to Congress|newspaper=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2010/12/biden-steps-into-rahms-shoes-046173|access-date=December 10, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016194519/https://www.politico.com/story/2010/12/biden-steps-into-rahms-shoes-046173|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||last=Cooper|first=Helene|date=December 11, 2010|title=As the Ground Shifts, Biden Plays a Bigger Role|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/us/politics/12biden.html|access-date=December 13, 2010|archive-date=December 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213044241/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/us/politics/12biden.html|url-status=live}} He led the successful administration effort to gain Senate approval for the New START treaty. In December 2010, Biden's advocacy for a middle ground, followed by his negotiations with Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, were instrumental in producing the administration's compromise tax package that included a temporary extension of the Bush tax cuts.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Hulse|first1=Carl|last2=Calmes|first2=Jackie|date=December 7, 2010|title=Biden and G.O.P. Leader Helped Hammer Out Bipartisan Tax Accord|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/politics/08deal.html|access-date=December 8, 2010|archive-date=December 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208043606/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/politics/08deal.html|url-status=live}} The package passed as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

File:Obama and Biden await updates on bin Laden.jpg to monitor the progress of the May 2011 mission to kill Osama bin Laden.|alt=Photo of Obama, Biden, and national security staffers in the Situation Room, somberly listening to updates on the bin Laden raid]]

Obama delegated Biden to lead negotiations with Congress during the 2011 U.S. debt ceiling crisis.{{#invoke:cite news||title=Congress averts shutdown, sends stopgap to Obama |date=March 2, 2011 |first1=Andy |last1=Sullivan |first2=Kim |last2=Dixon |first3=Alister |last3=Bull |first4=Thomas |last4=Ferraro |first5=Richard |last5=Cowan |work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-spending-idUSTRE7205MS20110302}} Biden's relationship with McConnell brought about the Budget Control Act of 2011 that solved the crisis.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Thrush |first1=Glenn |last2=Brown |first2=Carrie Budoff |last3=Raju |first3=Manu |last4=Bresnahan |first4=John |date=August 2, 2011 |title=Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell and the making of a debt deal |newspaper=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2011/08/biden-mcconnell-and-the-making-of-a-deal-060463 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=September 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922144250/https://www.politico.com/story/2011/08/biden-mcconnell-and-the-making-of-a-deal-060463|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||date=August 3, 2011 |first1=Ben |last1=Feller |first2=Julie |last2=Pace |first3=Laurie |last3=Kellman |first4=Nancy |last4=Benac |title=The real drama was in private as debt deal hatched |publisher=Fox News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-real-drama-was-in-private-as-debt-deal-hatched |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230142752/https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-real-drama-was-in-private-as-debt-deal-hatched |url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Bohan |first1=Caren |last2=Sullivan |first2=Andy |last3=Ferraro |first3=Thomas |date=August 3, 2011 |title=Special report: How Washington took the U.S. to the brink |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-debt-brink/special-report-how-washington-took-the-u-s-to-the-brink-idUSTRE77271R20110803|access-date=August 4, 2011|archive-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013231825/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-debt-brink/special-report-how-washington-took-the-u-s-to-the-brink-idUSTRE77271R20110803|url-status=live}} Some reports suggest that Biden opposed proceeding with the May 2011 U.S. mission to kill Osama bin Laden,{{cite news |last=Weigel |first=David |author-link=David Weigel |date=January 10, 2014 |title=Hillary Told the President That Her Opposition to the Surge in Iraq Had Been Political |work=Slate |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/01/robert-gates-duty-hillary-told-the-president-that-her-opposition-to-the-surge-in-iraq-had-been-political.html |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082441/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/01/robert-gates-duty-hillary-told-the-president-that-her-opposition-to-the-surge-in-iraq-had-been-political.html |url-status=live}} lest failure adversely affect Obama's reelection prospects.{{cite news |last=Thiessen |first=Marc A. |date=October 8, 2012 |title=Biden's Bin Laden Hypocrisy |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/marc-thiessen-bidens-bin-laden-hypocrisy/2012/10/08/990aca7c-114d-11e2-be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html |access-date=August 29, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904124649/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/marc-thiessen-bidens-bin-laden-hypocrisy/2012/10/08/990aca7c-114d-11e2-be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Andersen Brower |first=Kate |date=June 1, 2018 |title=Hillary Clinton's 'ass-covering' on bin Laden raid 'rattled' Biden |website=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/390144-hillary-clintons-ass-covering-on-bin-laden-raid-rattled-biden |access-date=April 29, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513134732/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/390144-hillary-clintons-ass-covering-on-bin-laden-raid-rattled-biden |url-status=live}}

Obama named Biden to head the Gun Violence Task Force, created to address the causes of school shootings and consider possible gun control measures in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, in December 2012.{{#invoke:cite news||last=Caldwell|first=Leigh Ann|date=December 19, 2012|title=Obama sets up gun violence task force|publisher=CBS News|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-sets-up-gun-violence-task-force/|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185454/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-sets-up-gun-violence-task-force/|url-status=live}} Later that month, during the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff", Biden's relationship with McConnell again proved important as the two negotiated a deal that led to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 being passed at the start of 2013.{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2013/jan/01/its-over-house-passes-fiscal-cliff-deal/ |title=It's over: House passes 'fiscal cliff' deal |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 1, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185455/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2013/jan/01/its-over-house-passes-fiscal-cliff-deal/ |url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.startribune.com/politics/national/185276422.html |title=Congress' OK of fiscal cliff deal gives Obama a win, prevents GOP blame for tax boosts |last=Fram|first=Alan |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Star Tribune |location=Minneapolis |date=January 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105020524/https://www.startribune.com/politics/national/185276422.html |archive-date=January 5, 2013}}

= Second term (2013–2017) =

Biden was inaugurated to a second term on January 20, 2013, at a small ceremony at Number One Observatory Circle, his official residence, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor presiding (a public ceremony took place on January 21).{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-inauguration-biden-idUSBRE90J08B20130120 | title=Vice President Biden sworn into office for second term | last=Rampton|first=Roberta | publisher=Reuters | date=January 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122062434/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/20/us-usa-inauguration-biden-idUSBRE90J08B20130120| archive-date=January 22, 2013 |url-status=live}} He played little part in discussions that led to the October 2013 passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, which resolved the federal government shutdown of 2013 and the debt-ceiling crisis of 2013. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders cut him out of direct talks with Congress, feeling Biden had given too much away during previous negotiations.{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/anatomy-of-a-shutdown-098518 |title=Anatomy of a shutdown |last1=Bresnahan |first1=John |last2=Manu |first2=Raju |last3=Sherman |first3=Jake |last4=Brown |first4=Carrie Budoff |newspaper=Politico |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185529/https://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/anatomy-of-a-shutdown-098518 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/13/biden-mostly-out-of-sight-during-shutdown-showdown/2968373/ |title=Biden mostly out of sight as shutdown drags on |last=Gaudiano |first=Nicole |newspaper=USA Today |date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082716/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/13/biden-mostly-out-of-sight-during-shutdown-showdown/2968373/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/biden-takes-back-seat-in-budget-negotiations-during-shutdown | title=Biden takes a back seat during budget negotiations over shutdown | last=Bowman | first=Bridget | work=PBS NewsHour | publisher=PBS | date=October 14, 2013 | access-date=January 24, 2021 | archive-date=January 3, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082723/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/biden-takes-back-seat-in-budget-negotiations-during-shutdown | url-status=live}}

File:Joe and Jill Biden arrive in Morocco - 2014-11-20.jpg, November 2014]]

Biden's Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized again in 2013. The act led to related developments, such as the White House Council on Women and Girls, begun in the first term, as well as the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, begun in January 2014 with Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sexual_assault_report_1-21-14.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121105625/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sexual_assault_report_1-21-14.pdf |url-status=live |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |title=Rape and sexual assault: A renewed call to action |date=January 2014 |via=National Archives |publisher=White House |access-date=August 24, 2016}}{{cite press release | url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/22/memorandum-establishing-white-house-task-force-protect-students-sexual-a | title=Memorandum: Establishing White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault | date=January 22, 2014 | access-date=June 10, 2014 | archive-date=January 22, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122115707/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/22/memorandum-establishing-white-house-task-force-protect-students-sexual-a | via=National Archives | publisher=White House | url-status=live}} He talked about sexual violence while introducing Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.{{Cite magazine |last=Stone |first=Natalie |date=February 28, 2016 |title=Oscars: Joe Biden Introduces Lady Gaga for Performance of 'Til It Happens to You' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/lady-gagas-oscars-performance-til-870679/ |access-date=May 22, 2024 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301042445/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lady-gagas-oscars-performance-til-870679 |url-status=live }}

File:Vice President Joe Biden visit to Israel March 2016 (25554709411).jpg in Jerusalem, March 9, 2016|alt=Photo of Biden and Netanyahu giving speeches, with American and Israeli flags in the background]]

Biden favored arming Syria's rebel fighters.{{cite magazine |title=Who to Blame If Arming the Syrian Rebels Goes Wrong |first=Conor |last=Friedersdorf |author-link=Conor Friedersdorf |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/09/who-to-blame-if-arming-syrian-rebels-goes-wrong/380411/ |magazine=The Atlantic |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512184447/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/09/who-to-blame-if-arming-syrian-rebels-goes-wrong/380411/ |url-status=live}} As the ISIL insurgency in Iraq intensified in 2014, renewed attention was paid to the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan of 2006, with some observers suggesting Biden had been right all along.{{cite news | url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/joe-biden-iraq-107858 | title=Was Joe Biden right? | last=Gerstein | first=Josh | newspaper=Politico | date=June 13, 2014 | access-date=September 14, 2014 | archive-date=September 27, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927001111/https://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/joe-biden-iraq-107858 | url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nationaljournal.com/s/62830 |title=Turns Out, Joe Biden Was Right About Dividing Iraq |last=Kitfield |first=James |magazine=National Journal |date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=September 14, 2014 |archive-date=October 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011194233/https://www.nationaljournal.com/s/62830 |url-status=live}} He had close relationships with several Latin American leaders and visited the region 16 times during his vice presidency, the most of any president or vice president.{{cite magazine|last=Paz|first=Christian|date=October 26, 2020|title=The Biden Doctrine Begins With Latin America|magazine=The Atlantic|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/10/joe-biden-foreign-policy-latin-america/616841/|access-date=November 15, 2020|issn=1072-7825|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111041523/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/10/joe-biden-foreign-policy-latin-america/616841/|url-status=live}} In August 2016, Biden visited Serbia, where he met with the Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and expressed condolences for civilian victims of the bombing campaign during the Kosovo War.{{cite news |last1=Melander |first1=Ingrid |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Biden offers condolences for Serbs killed in 1999 NATO air strikes |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-balkans-biden-serbia/biden-offers-condolences-for-serbs-killed-in-1999-nato-air-strikes-idUSKCN10R1ZD |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115185455/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-balkans-biden-serbia/biden-offers-condolences-for-serbs-killed-in-1999-nato-air-strikes-idUSKCN10R1ZD |archive-date=January 15, 2021}} Biden never cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, making him the longest-serving vice president with this distinction.{{cite web|last=Bycoffe|first=Aaron|date=February 7, 2017|title=Pence Has Already Done Something Biden Never Did: Break A Senate Tie|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/pence-has-already-done-something-biden-never-did-break-a-senate-tie/|website=FiveThirtyEight|quote=Twelve vice presidents, including Biden, never broke a tie; Biden was the longest-serving vice president to never do so.|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103082937/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/pence-has-already-done-something-biden-never-did-break-a-senate-tie/|url-status=live}}

During his second term, Biden was often said to be preparing for a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. With his family, friends, and donors encouraging him in mid-2015 to enter the race, and with Hillary Clinton's favorability ratings in decline at that time, Biden was reported to be seriously considering the prospect and a "Draft Biden 2016" PAC was established.{{cite news |first=Colby |last=Itkowitz |title=There is a 'Draft Joe Biden' Super PAC Now; It's Even Hiring a Fundraiser |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 23, 2015 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/03/23/job-opening-raise-money-to-draft-joe-biden-to-run-in-2016/ |access-date=August 2, 2015 |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716011912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/03/23/job-opening-raise-money-to-draft-joe-biden-to-run-in-2016/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Maureen |last=Dowd |title=Joe Biden in 2016: What Would Beau Do? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/opinion/sunday/maureen-dowd-joe-biden-in-2016-what-would-beau-do.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 1, 2015 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106105547/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/opinion/sunday/maureen-dowd-joe-biden-in-2016-what-would-beau-do.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Jeff |last1=Zeleny |first2=Kevin |last2=Liptak |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/31/politics/vice-president-joe-biden-presidential-elections/ |title=Joe Biden Keeps Watchful Eye on 2016 Race |publisher=CNN |date=August 1, 2015 |access-date=August 2, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202185430/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/31/politics/vice-president-joe-biden-presidential-elections/ |url-status=live}} By late 2015, Biden was still uncertain about running, particularly due to the recent death of his son Beau,{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34216117|title=Joe Biden still undecided on presidential run|work=BBC News|date=September 11, 2015|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103083021/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34216117|url-status=live}} and ultimately announced his decision not to run on October 21, 2015.{{cite news |first=Jeff |last=Mason |url=https://www.aol.com/article/2015/10/21/biden-announces-hes-not-running-for-president/21252056/ |title=Biden says he will not seek 2016 Democratic nomination |date=October 21, 2015 |access-date=October 21, 2015 |website=aol.com |archive-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022211907/https://www.aol.com/article/2015/10/21/biden-announces-hes-not-running-for-president/21252056/ |url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||first=Mollie|last=Reilly|title=Joe Biden Is Not Running For President In 2016|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-president-2016_n_55f1cefbe4b093be51be0d69|work=HuffPost|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=October 21, 2015|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405213056/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-president-2016_n_55f1cefbe4b093be51be0d69|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite news||first1=Colleen|last1=McCain Nelson|first2=Peter|last2=Nicholas|title=Joe Biden Decides Not to Enter Presidential Race|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/joe-biden-decides-not-to-enter-presidential-race-1445444657|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=October 21, 2015|archive-date=October 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021204730/https://www.wsj.com/articles/joe-biden-decides-not-to-enter-presidential-race-1445444657|url-status=live}}

Post-vice presidency (2017–2021)

File:58th Presidential Inaugural Ceremony 170120-D-BP749-1327.jpg and Donald Trump, at the latter's inauguration on January 20, 2017|alt=Photo of Trump speaking to Biden and Obama, with Trump's hand on Obama's shoulder]]

After leaving the vice presidency, Biden became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. Biden remained in that position into 2019.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2021/10/23/biden-administration-penn/|title=The Biden Administration Keeps Tapping Penn People for Major Roles: D.C.'s gain is Philly's loss|first=Sandy|last=Hingston|magazine=Philadelphia|date=October 23, 2021|accessdate=March 5, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305173530/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2021/10/23/biden-administration-penn/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Tamari |first=Jonathan |date=July 12, 2019 |title=Penn has paid Joe Biden more than $900K since he left the White House. What did he do to earn the money? |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-penn-salary-lectures-20190712.html |access-date=February 22, 2023 |magazine=Philadelphia |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222055817/https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-penn-salary-lectures-20190712.html |url-status=live}}

In 2017, Biden wrote a memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and went on a book tour.{{cite news|last=Kane|first=Paul|title=Biden wraps up book tour amid persistent questions about the next chapter|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/biden-wraps-up-book-tour-amid-persistent-questions-about-the-next-chapter/2018/06/11/33ebbe8e-6daf-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|date=June 11, 2018|access-date=November 10, 2020|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107171225/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/biden-wraps-up-book-tour-amid-persistent-questions-about-the-next-chapter/2018/06/11/33ebbe8e-6daf-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|url-status=live}} By 2019, he and his wife reported that they had earned over $15 million since the end of his vice presidency from speaking engagements and book sales.{{cite news|last1=Eder|first1=Steve|last2=Glueck|first2=Katie|date=July 9, 2019|title=Joe Biden's Tax Returns Show More Than $15 Million in Income After 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/09/us/politics/joe-biden-net-worth.html|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715211457/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/09/us/politics/joe-biden-net-worth.html|url-status=live}}

Biden remained in the public eye, endorsing candidates while continuing to comment on politics, climate change, and the presidency of Donald Trump.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/28/biden-backing-phil-murphy-says-nj-governors-race-single-most-important-112380|title=Biden backs Phil Murphy, says N.J. governor's race 'most important' in nation|first=Ryan|last=Hutchins|date=May 28, 2017|magazine=Politico|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230125059/https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/28/biden-backing-phil-murphy-says-nj-governors-race-single-most-important-112380|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/335859-biden-paris-deal-best-way-to-protect-us-leadership|title=Biden: Paris deal 'best way to protect' US leadership|first=Max|last=Greenwood|newspaper=The Hill|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225090215/https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/335859-biden-paris-deal-best-way-to-protect-us-leadership|url-status=live}} He also continued to speak out in favor of LGBT rights, continuing advocacy on an issue he had become more closely associated with during his vice presidency.{{cite magazine |first=Edward-Isaac|last=Dovere|title=VP's LGBT comments raise eyebrows |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/03/joe-biden-lgbt-workplace-discrimination-executive-order-human-rights-campaign-105018 |magazine=Politico |date=March 26, 2014 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103083142/https://www.politico.com/story/2014/03/joe-biden-lgbt-workplace-discrimination-executive-order-human-rights-campaign-105018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/joe-biden-to-lgbt-gala-hold-president-trump-accountable/|title=Joe Biden to LGBT gala: 'Hold President Trump accountable'|date=June 21, 2017|first=Steve|last=Peoples|newspaper=The Seattle Times|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090144/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/joe-biden-to-lgbt-gala-hold-president-trump-accountablehttps://|url-status=live}} In 2018, he gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.{{cite magazine|last=Friedman|first=Megan|date=August 30, 2018|title=Joe Biden Just Gave an Incredibly Powerful Speech at John McCain's Memorial|magazine=Town & Country|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a22877209/joe-biden-eulogy-john-mccain-memorial-full-transcript/|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610041411/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a22877209/joe-biden-eulogy-john-mccain-memorial-full-transcript/|url-status=live}} Biden continued to support cancer research.{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Sara Ashley |date=March 12, 2017 |title=Joe Biden: The fight against cancer is bipartisan |agency=CNN Business |url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/03/12/technology/sxsw-joe-biden-cancer/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526151625/https://money.cnn.com/2017/03/12/technology/sxsw-joe-biden-cancer/index.html |archive-date=May 26, 2019}}

2020 presidential campaign

= Speculation and announcement =

File:Biden9 (32932624647).jpg, May 2019|alt=Photo of Biden raising his fist while standing behind a lectern]]

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-201612-htmlstory.html#joe-biden-wouldnt-count-out-a-2020-run-for-president-but-he-was-asked-in-an-emotional-moment|title=Joe Biden wouldn't count out a 2020 run for president. But he was asked in an emotional moment|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=August 27, 2021|date=December 6, 2016|last=A. Memoli|first=Michael|archive-date=June 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090152/https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-201612-htmlstory.html#joe-biden-wouldnt-count-out-a-2020-run-for-president-but-he-was-asked-in-an-emotional-moment|url-status=live}} When asked if he would run, he gave varied and ambivalent answers, saying "never say never".{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/07/politics/joe-biden-colbert-interview-2020-buzz/|title=Biden stokes 2020 buzz on Colbert: 'Never say never' |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 8, 2016|date=December 7, 2016|last=Wright|first=David|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090156/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/07/politics/joe-biden-colbert-interview-2020-buzzhttps://|url-status=live}} A political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed in January 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.wvik.org/post/new-quad-city-super-pac-time-biden |title=New Quad City Super PAC: 'Time for Biden' |last=Charnetzki |first=Tori |publisher=WVIK |date=January 10, 2018 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090209/https://www.wvik.org/post/new-quad-city-super-pac-time-biden/ |url-status=live}} Biden launched his campaign on April 25, 2019,{{cite news |last1=Scherer |first1=Michael |last2=Wagner |first2=John |date=April 25, 2019 |title=Former vice president Joe Biden jumps into White House race |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/former-vice-president-joe-biden-jumps-into-white-house-race/2019/04/25/093ff596-0aef-11e9-88e3-989a3e456820_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526072655/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/former-vice-president-joe-biden-jumps-into-white-house-race/2019/04/25/093ff596-0aef-11e9-88e3-989a3e456820_story.html |archive-date=May 26, 2020}} saying he was worried by the Trump administration and felt a "sense of duty".{{cite news |last=Dovere |first=Edward-Isaac |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Biden's Anguished Search for a Path to Victory |work=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/02/joe-biden-close-running-president-despite-doubts/581956/|url-status=live|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090215/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/02/joe-biden-close-running-president-despite-doubts/581956https:// |archive-date=June 20, 2020}}

= Campaign =

{{Further|2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries|2020 United States presidential debates}}

As the 2020 campaign season heated up, public polling showed Biden as one of the best-performing Democratic candidates head-to-head against Trump.{{Cite web |first=Ashley Pratte |last=Oates |title=Opinion |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/joe-biden-democrats-best-chance-beat-trump-2020-no-other-ncna961836 |access-date=May 14, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |date=January 24, 2019 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003526/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/joe-biden-democrats-best-chance-beat-trump-2020-no-other-ncna961836 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2019 |title=Every 2020 Democrat Wants To Be The Electable Candidate |first1=Kevin |last1=Robillard |first2=Amanda |last2=Terkel |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/electability-2020_n_5cb73acbe4b0c53a1705763f |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=HuffPost |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003526/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/electability-2020_n_5cb73acbe4b0c53a1705763f |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Pramuk |first=Jacob |title=Here's how Biden, Sanders, Warren and other top Democrats are faring against Trump in national polls |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/05/how-biden-warren-and-sanders-fare-vs-trump-in-2020-election-polls.html |access-date=May 14, 2023 |publisher=CNBC |date=November 5, 2019 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003522/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/05/how-biden-warren-and-sanders-fare-vs-trump-in-2020-election-polls.html |url-status=live}} With Democrats keenly focused on "electability" for defeating Trump,{{Cite news |last=Barabak |first=Mark Z. |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Desperate to beat Trump, Democrats differ over who is best |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-31/democrats-electability-2020-iowa-caucus |access-date=May 14, 2023 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003532/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-01-31/democrats-electability-2020-iowa-caucus |url-status=live}} this boosted his popularity among Democratic voters.{{Cite magazine |last=Scocca |first=Tom |date=April 12, 2020 |title=Biden's Electability Only Works if There Is an Election |magazine=Slate |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/04/biden-won-without-votes.html |access-date=May 14, 2023 |issn=1091-2339 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003526/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/04/biden-won-without-votes.html |url-status=live}} It also made Biden a frequent target of Trump.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Mike |date=July 25, 2018 |title=Scoop: Trump fears Biden 2020, losing Pennsylvania |url=https://www.axios.com/2018/07/25/scoop-trump-fears-biden-losing-pennsylvania-1532514558 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Axios |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003522/https://www.axios.com/2018/07/25/scoop-trump-fears-biden-losing-pennsylvania-1532514558 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |first=Adam |last=Edelman |title=Trump says Biden would go down "fast" and "crying" in a fight |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-attacks-crazy-biden-tweet-physically-mentally-weak-n858981 |access-date=May 14, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |date=March 22, 2018 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003522/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-attacks-crazy-biden-tweet-physically-mentally-weak-n858981 |url-status=live}} In September 2019, it was reported that Trump had pressured Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Biden and his son Hunter Biden.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/world/europe/ukraine-trump-zelensky.html |title=Ukraine Pressured on U.S. Political Investigations |last=Kramer |first=Andrew E. |date=September 20, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=September 20, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920171010/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/20/world/europe/ukraine-trump-zelensky.html |url-status=live}} No evidence was produced of any wrongdoing by the Bidens.{{cite news |last=Isachenkov |first=Vladimir |title=Ukraine's prosecutor says there is no probe into Biden |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ukraines-prosecutor-says-there-is-no-probe-into-biden |access-date=October 1, 2019 |agency=Associated Press |date=September 27, 2019 |quote=Though the timing raised concerns among anti-corruption advocates, there has been no evidence of wrongdoing by either the former vice president or his son. |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001005328/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ukraines-prosecutor-says-there-is-no-probe-into-biden |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=White House 'tried to cover up details of Trump-Ukraine call' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49842895 |access-date=October 1, 2019 |work=BBC News |date=September 26, 2019 |quote=There is no evidence of any wrongdoing by the Bidens. |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930105132/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49842895 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Matthew |last1=Brown |date=January 15, 2021|accessdate=July 7, 2021|title=Fact check: False conspiracy theories allege connection between Biden victory and Ukraine |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/01/15/fact-check-conspiracy-theories-falsely-link-bidens-victory-ukraine/4149335001/|newspaper=USA Today|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608213107/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/01/15/fact-check-conspiracy-theories-falsely-link-bidens-victory-ukraine/4149335001/ |url-status=live}} Trump was perceived by many as attempting to hurt Biden's chances of winning the presidency,{{Cite magazine |last=Mackinnon |first=Amy |date=September 20, 2019 |title=Is Trump Trying to Get Ukraine to Take Out Biden for Him? |magazine=Foreign Policy |publisher=Graham Holdings |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/20/is-trump-trying-to-get-ukraine-to-take-out-biden-for-him/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920210034/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/20/is-trump-trying-to-get-ukraine-to-take-out-biden-for-him/ |archive-date=September 20, 2019}} resulting in a political scandal{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-defends-conversation-with-ukraine-leader-11568993176 |date=September 21, 2019 |title=Trump Repeatedly Pressed Ukraine President to Investigate Biden's Son |first1=Alan |last1=Cullison |first2=Rebecca |last2=Ballhaus |first3=Dustin |last3=Volz |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923092317/https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-defends-conversation-with-ukraine-leader-11568993176 |url-status=live}} and Trump's impeachment.{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2021 |title=This is why Donald Trump was impeached the first time – previous charges against former US president explained |first=Matt |last=Brooks |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/world/why-was-donald-trump-impeached-the-first-time-previous-charges-against-the-former-us-president-explained-3100617 |access-date=May 14, 2023 |newspaper=The Scotsman |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514003522/https://www.scotsman.com/news/world/why-was-donald-trump-impeached-the-first-time-previous-charges-against-the-former-us-president-explained-3100617 |url-status=live}}

In March 2019 and April 2019, eight women accused Biden of inappropriate physical contact, such as embracing, touching or kissing.{{cite web|title=All the Women Who Have Spoken Out Against Joe Biden|url=https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/joe-biden-accuser-accusations-allegations.html|work=The Cut|access-date=May 19, 2021|date=April 12, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201217214742/https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/joe-biden-accuser-accusations-allegations.html|url-status=live|first1=Amanda|last1=Arnold|first2=Claire|last2=Lampen}} Biden had previously called himself a "tactile politician" and admitted this behavior had caused trouble for him.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-joe-biden-kiss-lucy-flores-20190329-story.html |title=Nevada Democrat accuses Joe Biden of touching and kissing her without consent at 2014 event |access-date=December 30, 2019 |last=Brice-Saddler |first=Michael |date=March 29, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=June 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090227/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-joe-biden-kiss-lucy-flores-20190329-story.html/ |url-status=live}} Journalist Mark Bowden described Biden's lifelong habit of talking close, writing that he "doesn't just meet you, he engulfs you... scooting closer" and leaning forward to talk.{{Cite magazine |last=Bowden |first=Mark |date=August 30, 2010 |title=The Salesman |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/10/the-salesman/308226/ |access-date=March 27, 2023 |magazine=The Atlantic |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123045827/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/10/the-salesman/308226/ |url-status=live}} In April 2019, Biden pledged to be more "respectful of people's personal space".{{cite news|last1=Ember|first1=Sydney|last2=Martin|first2=Jonathan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/us/politics/joe-biden-women-video.html|title=Joe Biden, in video, says he will be 'more mindful' of personal space|date=April 3, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620090251/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/us/politics/joe-biden-women-video.html/|url-status=live}}

File:Joe Biden Rally at Hiatt Middle School - 49480899101.jpg

Throughout 2019, Biden stayed generally ahead of other Democrats in national polls.{{cite news |url=https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/nbc-wsj-poll-former-vice-president-joe-biden-frontrunner-in/article_24e6b0ee-2256-11ea-9a8d-e79be1ad7f68.html |title=NBC/WSJ poll: Former Vice-President Joe Biden frontrunner in race for Democratic nomination |date=December 19, 2019 |access-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213155327/https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/nbc-wsj-poll-former-vice-president-joe-biden-frontrunner-in/article_24e6b0ee-2256-11ea-9a8d-e79be1ad7f68.html |publisher=NBC News |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/biden-is-the-front-runner-but-there-is-no-clear-favorite/|title=Biden Is The Front-Runner, But There's No Clear Favorite |last=Silver |first=Nate |author-link=Nate Silver |date=January 10, 2020 |work=FiveThirtyEight |access-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214220639/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/biden-is-the-front-runner-but-there-is-no-clear-favorite/|url-status=live}} Despite this, he finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses and fifth in the New Hampshire primary.{{Cite news |title=2020 Iowa Democratic Caucuses Live Results |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/election-results/iowa/ |date=February 3, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207234356/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/election-results/iowa/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=February 11, 2020 |title=New Hampshire results |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-primary-elections/new-hampshire-results |access-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212082135/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-primary-elections/new-hampshire-results |url-status=live}} He performed better in the Nevada caucuses, reaching the 15% required for delegates, but still finished 21.6 percentage points behind Bernie Sanders.{{cite news|title=Nevada Election Results 2020|url=https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/nevada/|access-date=November 14, 2020|newspaper=Politico|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115105350/https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/nevada/|url-status=live}} Making strong appeals to Black voters on the campaign trail and in the South Carolina debate, Biden won the South Carolina primary by more than 28 points.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/b9872b58b495fd17044f359338ab3f2a|title=Biden wins South Carolina, aims for Super Tuesday momentum |date=February 29, 2020 |work=Associated Press News |access-date=March 1, 2020 |first1=Steve |last1=Peoples |first2=Meg |last2=Kinnard |first3=Bill |last3=Barrow |archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229231101/https://apnews.com/b9872b58b495fd17044f359338ab3f2a |url-status=live}} After the withdrawals and subsequent endorsements of candidates Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar, he made large gains in the Super Tuesday primaries. Biden won 18 of the next 26 contests, putting him in the lead.{{cite web |last1=Montanaro |first1=Domenico |date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |title=5 Takeaways From Super Tuesday And Joe Biden's Big Night |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/04/811868704/5-takeaways-from-super-tuesday-and-joe-bidens-big-night |publisher=NPR |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113205101/https://www.npr.org/2020/03/04/811868704/5-takeaways-from-super-tuesday-and-joe-bidens-big-night |url-status=live}} Elizabeth Warren and Mike Bloomberg soon dropped out, and Biden expanded his lead with victories over Sanders in four states on March 10.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/11/politics/2020-primary-election-takeaways/index.html |title=5 takeaways as Biden takes command of Democratic race on Super Tuesday II |publisher=CNN |access-date=March 11, 2020 |date=March 11, 2020 |first1=Eric |last1=Bradner |first2=Gregory |last2=Krieg |first3=Dan |last3=Merica |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311093752/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/11/politics/2020-primary-election-takeaways/index.html |url-status=live}}

In late March 2020, Tara Reade, one of the eight women who in 2019 had accused Biden of inappropriate physical contact, accused Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993.{{cite news |last1=Lerer |first1=Lisa |last2=Ember |first2=Sydney |title=Examining Tara Reade's Sexual Assault Allegation Against Joe Biden |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/us/politics/joe-biden-tara-reade-sexual-assault-complaint.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412090835/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/us/politics/joe-biden-tara-reade-sexual-assault-complaint.html |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2020 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 12, 2020}} There were inconsistencies between Reade's 2019 and 2020 allegations.{{cite news |last1=McGann |first1=Laura |title=The Agonizing Story of Tara Reade |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/5/7/21248713/tara-reade-joe-biden-sexual-assault-accusation |access-date=May 19, 2021 |work=Vox |date=May 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507224441/https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/2020/5/7/21248713/tara-reade-joe-biden-sexual-assault-accusation |archive-date=May 7, 2020 |url-status=live}} Biden and his campaign denied the sexual assault allegation.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sexual-assault-allegation-by-former-biden-senate-aide-emerges-in-campaign-draws-denial/2020/04/12/bc070d66-7067-11ea-b148-e4ce3fbd85b5_story.html|title=Sexual assault allegation by former Biden Senate aide emerges in campaign, draws denial |date=April 12, 2020|access-date=April 14, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post |first1=Beth |last1=Reinhard |first2=Elise |last2=Viebeck |first3=Matt |last3=Viser |first4=Alice |last4=Crites |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200428141345/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sexual-assault-allegation-by-former-biden-senate-aide-emerges-in-campaign-draws-denial/2020/04/12/bc070d66-7067-11ea-b148-e4ce3fbd85b5_story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Amber |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/04/30/who-is-tara-reade-biden-accuser/ |title=What we know about Tara Reade's sexual assault allegation against Joe Biden|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618153105/https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://politics/2020/04/30/who-is-tara-reade-biden-accuser/ |url-status=live}}

When Sanders suspended his campaign on April 8, 2020, Biden became the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee.{{cite news |last=Ember|first=Sydney|date=April 8, 2020|title=Bernie Sanders Drops Out of 2020 Democratic Race for President |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-drops-out.html |access-date=April 8, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408160232/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-drops-out.html |url-status=live}} On April 13, Sanders endorsed Biden.{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/us/politics/bernie-sanders-joe-biden-endorsement.html|title=Bernie Sanders Endorses Joe Biden for President|last1=Ember|first1=Sydney|last2=Glueck|first2=Katie|date=April 13, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413182004/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/us/politics/bernie-sanders-joe-biden-endorsement.html|url-status=live}} Barack Obama endorsed Biden the next day.{{Cite news |last1=Merica |first1=Dan |last2=Zeleny |first2=Jeff |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/politics/obama-endorses-biden/index.html |title=Obama endorses Biden for president in video message |date=April 14, 2020 |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414183659/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/politics/obama-endorses-biden/index.html |url-status=live}} On August 11, Biden announced U.S. senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, making her the first African American and first South Asian American vice-presidential nominee on a major-party ticket.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53739323 |title=Biden VP pick: Kamala Harris chosen as running mate |website=BBC News |date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010223842/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53739323 |url-status=live}} On August 18, 2020, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Biden officially became the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 2020 election.{{cite news |title=DNC Nominates Joe Biden to Lead Nation Through Pandemic |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-to-nominate-joe-biden-bill-clinton-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-to-speak-11597777946 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=August 19, 2020 |first1=Joshua |last1=Jamerson |first2=Chad |last2=Day |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818221830/https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-to-nominate-joe-biden-bill-clinton-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-to-speak-11597777946 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Joe Biden officially becomes the Democratic Party's nominee on convention's second night |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2020/08/18/democratic-national-convention-live-updates/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 19, 2020 |access-date=August 19, 2020 |first1=Toluse |last1=Olorunnipa |first2=Chelsea |last2=Janes |first3=Felicia |last3=Sonmez |first4=Colby |last4=Itkowitz |first5=John |last5=Wagner |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117190515/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2020/08/18/democratic-national-convention-live-updates/ |url-status=live}}

= Presidential transition =

File:ElectoralCollege2020.svg

Biden was elected the 46th president in November 2020, defeating the incumbent, Donald Trump.{{cite news |last=Santucci |first=Jeanine |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Timeline: Trump insists he won the election as Biden prepares to take the White House |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/09/bidens-transition-continues-trump-refuses-concede-timeline/3801714001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204403/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/09/bidens-transition-continues-trump-refuses-concede-timeline/3801714001/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |newspaper=USA Today}} Trump and numerous other Republicans repeatedly made false claims that widespread electoral fraud had occurred and that only he had legitimately won the election.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Rp|pages=3-4}}{{Rp|pages=195-233}}|name=TrumpMakesClaimsOfElectionFraud}} Biden's transition was delayed by several weeks as the White House ordered federal agencies not to cooperate.{{cite news |last1=Rein |first1=Lisa |last2=Viser |first2=Matt |last3=Miller |first3=Greg |last4=Dawsey |first4=Josh |date=November 9, 2020 |title=White House, escalating tensions, orders agencies to rebuff Biden transition team |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-transition-agencies-biden/2020/11/09/ad9f2ba2-22b7-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html |access-date=January 4, 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114063503/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-transition-agencies-biden/2020/11/09/ad9f2ba2-22b7-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html |url-status=live}} On November 23, General Services Administrator Emily W. Murphy formally recognized Biden as the apparent winner of the 2020 election and authorized the start of a transition process to the Biden administration.{{#invoke:cite news||publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/23/politics/transition-biden-gsa-begin/index.html|title=First on CNN: GSA tells Biden that transition can formally begin|first1=Kristen|last1=Holmes|first2=Jeremy|last2=Herb|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123232709/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/23/politics/transition-biden-gsa-begin/index.html|url-status=live}}

Although most resulting lawsuits were either dismissed or ruled against by numerous courts,{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Rp|pages=5-6}}{{Rp|pages=210-213}}{{Cite web |last1=Cummings |first1=William |last2=Garrison |first2=Joey |last3=Sergent |first3=Jim |date=2021-01-06 |title=By the numbers: President Donald Trump's failed efforts to overturn the election |url=https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/politics/elections/2021/01/06/trumps-failed-efforts-overturn-election-numbers/4130307001/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220120073536/https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/politics/elections/2021/01/06/trumps-failed-efforts-overturn-election-numbers/4130307001/ |archive-date=2022-01-20 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=USA Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Shamsian |first1=Jacob |last2=Sheth |first2=Sonam |date=2021-02-22 |title=Trump and Republican officials have won zero out of at least 42 lawsuits they've filed since Election Day |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-campaign-lawsuits-election-results-2020-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250309062112/https://web.archive.org/web/20210222224245/https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-campaign-lawsuits-election-results-2020-11 |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Business Insider}}{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Daniel |date=2024-11-02 |title=How Trump's challenges to the 2020 election unfolded in the courtroom |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-challenges-2020-election-unfolded-courtroom-rcna175490 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241103163133/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trumps-challenges-2020-election-unfolded-courtroom-rcna175490 |archive-date=2024-11-03 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kovacs-Goodman |first=Jacob |date=2021-03-10 |title=Post-Election Litigation Analysis and Summaries |url=https://web.mit.edu/healthyelections/www/sites/default/files/2021-06/Post-Election_Litigation_Analysis.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017143427/https://web.mit.edu/healthyelections/www/sites/default/files/2021-06/Post-Election_Litigation_Analysis.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-17 |access-date=2025-03-10 |publisher=Stanford-MIT Healthy Elections Project}}{{Rp|pages=4, 10-14}}{{Cite web |last=Wheeler |first=Russell |date=2021-11-30 |title=Trump's judicial campaign to upend the 2020 election: A failure, but not a wipe-out |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/trumps-judicial-campaign-to-upend-the-2020-election-a-failure-but-not-a-wipe-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250310063550/https://web.archive.org/web/20230729234453/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/trumps-judicial-campaign-to-upend-the-2020-election-a-failure-but-not-a-wipe-out/ |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website= |publisher=Brookings Institution |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Alison |date=2021-03-08 |title=Supreme Court Kills Last Trump Election Lawsuit |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/03/08/supreme-court-kills-last-trump-election-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250310063338/https://web.archive.org/web/20210309115552/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2021/03/08/best-ssds/?sh=4aca098f1533 |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}|name=CourtsDismissClaimsOfElectionFraud}} Trump nonetheless conspired{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jack |author-link=Jack Smith (lawyer) |date=2025-01-07 |title=Final Report of the Special Counsel Under 28 C.F.R. § 600.8 |url=https://www.justice.gov/storage/Report-of-Special-Counsel-Smith-Volume-1-January-2025.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114061624/https://www.justice.gov/storage/Report-of-Special-Counsel-Smith-Volume-1-January-2025.pdf |archive-date=2025-01-14 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=United States Department of Justice}}{{Rp|pages=33-53}} with his campaign team to submit documents in several states (all of which Biden had won) that falsely claimed to be legitimate electoral votes for President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Rp|pages=11-16}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-22 |title=Final Report of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-J6-REPORT/pdf/GPO-J6-REPORT.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223203001/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-J6-REPORT/pdf/GPO-J6-REPORT.pdf |archive-date=2022-12-23 |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=GovInfo}}{{Rp|pages=341-359}}{{Cite web |last=Breuninger |first=Kevin |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Trump had a direct role in plan to install fake electors. Key takeaways from the fourth Jan. 6 hearing |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/22/jan-6-probe-takeaways-trump-had-a-direct-role-in-plan-to-install-fake-electors.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622151510/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/22/jan-6-probe-takeaways-trump-had-a-direct-role-in-plan-to-install-fake-electors.html |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=July 29, 2022 |website=CNBC}}{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Daniel Villarreal NW- |date=2020-12-15 |title=Michigan Republicans Tried to Submit Fake Electoral Votes to Capitol |url=https://www.newsweek.com/michigan-republicans-tried-submit-fake-electoral-votes-capitol-1555028 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215235518/https://www.newsweek.com/michigan-republicans-tried-submit-fake-electoral-votes-capitol-1555028 |archive-date=2020-12-15 |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Costa |first1=Robert |author-link1=Robert Costa (journalist) |last2=Watson |first2=Kathryn |date=2023-08-09 |title=Newly unveiled memo cited in Trump indictment detailed false electors scheme |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fraudulent-electors-memo-kenneth-chesebro-trump-indictment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250310081414/https://web.archive.org/web/20230810043122/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fraudulent-electors-memo-kenneth-chesebro-trump-indictment/ |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}|name=TrumpFakeElectors}} After the submission of these documents, the Trump campaign intended that the presiding officer of the United States Senate, either President of the Senate Pence or President pro tempore Chuck Grassley, would claim the unilateral power to reject electors during the January 6, 2021 vote counting session; the presiding officer would reject all electors from the several states for which the Trump campaign had submitted false documents, leaving 232 votes for Trump and 222 votes for Biden, thereby overturning the election results in Trump's favor.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Rp|pages=20-22}}{{Rp|pages=343-346, 441-461}}{{cite news |last1=Haberman |first1=Maggie |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie |last3=Broadwater |first3=Luke |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Previously Secret Memo Laid Out Strategy for Trump to Overturn Biden's Win - The House Jan. 6 committee's investigation did not uncover the memo, whose existence first came to light in last week's indictment. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/us/politics/trump-indictment-fake-electors-memo.html |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230809142035/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/us/politics/trump-indictment-fake-electors-memo.html |archivedate=August 9, 2023 |accessdate=August 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Chesebro |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Chesebro |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Brief notes on 'President of the Senate' strategy |url=https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000189-db0d-d1b8-adff-fb4f5ae70000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810095224/https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000189-db0d-d1b8-adff-fb4f5ae70000 |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Politico}}{{Cite news |last=Eastman |first=John |author-link=John Eastman |date=2021-01-03 |title=John Eastman's second memo on 'January 6 scenario' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/john-eastman-s-second-memo-on-january-6-scenario/b3fd2b0a-f931-4e0c-8bac-c82f13c2dd6f/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109134450/https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/john-eastman-s-second-memo-on-january-6-scenario/b3fd2b0a-f931-4e0c-8bac-c82f13c2dd6f/ |archive-date=2022-11-09 |access-date=2024-07-03 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Legare |first=Robert |date=2022-06-03 |title=Email to Giuliani reveals plan to keep Trump in office on Jan. 6, court records show |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-news-giuliani-kenneth-chesebro-email-plan-january-6/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250310081258/https://web.archive.org/web/20220604072331/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-news-giuliani-kenneth-chesebro-email-plan-january-6/ |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Steck |first1=Em |last2=Kaczynski |first2=Andrew |author-link2=Andrew Kaczynski |last3=Cohen |first3=Marshall |last4=Gordon |first4=Allison |date=2024-02-26 |title=Exclusive: Key figure in fake electors plot concealed damning posts on secret Twitter account from investigators |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/26/politics/kenneth-chesebro-secret-twitter-account-kfile/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226211441/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/26/politics/kenneth-chesebro-secret-twitter-account-kfile/index.html |archive-date=2024-02-26 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-02-01 |title=Vice president doesn't have power to 'change the outcome' of elections |url=https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-275776015398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250310084737/https://web.archive.org/web/20220202042946/https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-275776015398 |archive-date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}|name=UnilateralRejectionOfElectors}} This plan failed after Pence refused to cooperate with it.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Rp|pages=20-24}}{{Rp|pages=461-462}}{{Cite web |last1=Swan |first1=Betsy Woodruff |last2=Cheney |first2=Kyle |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Inside Pence-world's preparation for a Jan. 6 legal showdown |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/30/pence-jan-6-legal-showdown-00021864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331010734/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/30/pence-jan-6-legal-showdown-00021864 |archive-date=2022-03-31 |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=Politico |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Glantz, Aaron |last2=The Center for Investigative Reporting |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Read Pence's full letter saying he can't claim 'unilateral authority' to reject electoral votes |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-pences-full-letter-saying-he-cant-claim-unilateral-authority-to-reject-electoral-votes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106190245/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-pences-full-letter-saying-he-cant-claim-unilateral-authority-to-reject-electoral-votes |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |work=PBS NewsHour |agency=Associated Press}}|name=PenceRefusesToRejectElectors}} Trump nevertheless urged his supporters on January 6 to march to the Capitol while the joint session of Congress was assembled there to count electoral votes and formalize Biden's victory, whereupon hundreds of people stormed the building and interrupted the count. During the attack, Biden addressed the nation, calling the events "an unprecedented assault unlike anything we've seen in modern times".{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/politics/biden-speaks-capitol-riots/|title=Joe Biden Calls on Donald Trump to 'Step Up' amid Chaos Led by 'Extremists' at Capitol |magazine=People |first=Lindsay |last=Kimble |date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126224534/https://people.com/politics/biden-speaks-capitol-riots/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Will |last1=Weissert |first2=Darlene |last2=Superville |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-capitol-c68378d16055c53e3942da66e968ea6b |title=Biden urges restoring decency after 'assault' on democracy |work=Associated Press News |date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129142525/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-capitol-c68378d16055c53e3942da66e968ea6b |url-status=live}} After the Capitol was cleared, Congress officially counted the election results, with Pence, in his role as president of the Senate, announcing Biden and Harris as the winners.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/01/06/congress-count-electoral-college-votes-biden-win/6556555002/ |last1=King |first1=Ledyard |last2=Groppe |first2=Maureen |last3=Wu |first3=Nicholas |last4=Jansen |first4=Bart |last5=Subramanian |first5=Courtney |last6=Garrison |first6=Joey |title=Pence confirms Biden as winner, officially ending electoral count after day of violence at Capitol |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=January 7, 2021 |date=January 6, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107100543/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/01/06/congress-count-electoral-college-votes-biden-win/6556555002/}} On January 7, Trump acknowledged the incoming administration without mentioning Biden's name.* {{Cite web |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Biden sets to work on reversing Trump policies with executive orders |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-55738746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210190233/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55738746 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |access-date=January 21, 2021 |website=BBC News}}

{{Cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |last2=Stracqualursi |first2=Veronica |last3=Malloy |first3=Allie |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Trump publicly acknowledges he won't serve a second term day after inciting mob |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/trump-biden-us-capitol-electoral-college-insurrection/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107095401/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/trump-biden-us-capitol-electoral-college-insurrection/index.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |work=CNN}}
{{Cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Zeke |last2=Colvin |first2=Jill |date=January 8, 2021 |title=After excusing violence, Trump acknowledges Biden transition |url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-orderly-transition-f03215c31a400f815a8f62960a430063 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107202934/https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-orderly-transition-f03215c31a400f815a8f62960a430063 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Associated Press News}}

Presidency (2021–2025)

= Inauguration =

File:Biden oath of office.jpg administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. at the Capitol, January 20, 2021.|alt=Photo of Biden raising his right hand, with his left hand placed on a thick Bible]]

Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021.{{#invoke:cite news||url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-inauguration/assuming-u-s-presidency-biden-tells-divided-nation-democracy-has-prevailed-idUSKBN29P0HG|title=Taking helm of divided nation, U.S. President Biden calls for end to 'uncivil war'|date=January 20, 2021|last1=Hunnicutt|first1=Trevor|last2=Zengerle|first2=Patricia|last3=Renshaw|first3=Jarrett|work=Reuters|access-date=January 20, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120171341/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-inauguration/assuming-u-s-presidency-biden-tells-divided-nation-democracy-has-prevailed-idUSKBN29P0HG|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Biden Inaugurated as the 46th President Amid a Cascade of Crises |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/us/politics/biden-president.html |access-date=May 11, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120165158/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/us/politics/biden-president.html |url-status=live }} At 78, he became the oldest person to assume the office.{{Cite news |last=Zak |first=Dan |date=January 12, 2021 |title=Joe Biden, 78, will lead an American gerontocracy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/joe-biden-age-oldest-president/2021/01/12/91353560-49fe-11eb-839a-cf4ba7b7c48c_story.html |access-date=May 11, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202203055/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/joe-biden-age-oldest-president/2021/01/12/91353560-49fe-11eb-839a-cf4ba7b7c48c_story.html |url-status=live }} He was the second Catholic U.S. president, after John F. Kennedy,{{cite news|date=January 19, 2021|title=Biden to become the second Catholic president in U.S. history, after JFK|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/biden-to-become-the-second-catholic-president-in-u-s-history-after-jfk-99673157918|access-date=January 20, 2021|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119212606/https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/biden-to-become-the-second-catholic-president-in-u-s-history-after-jfk-99673157918|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Sandstrom |first=Aleksandra |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Biden is only the second Catholic president, but nearly all have been Christians |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/01/20/biden-only-second-catholic-president-but-nearly-all-have-been-christians-2/ |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Pew Research Center}} and the first president elected from the state of Delaware.{{cite news|last1=Cormier|first1=Ryan|last2=Talorico|first2=Patricia|date=November 7, 2020|title=Delaware history is made: The First State gets its first president in Joe Biden|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/07/one-us-delaware-pride-soars-biden-makes-history/6121243002/|access-date=January 20, 2021|newspaper=The News Journal|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108021346/https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2020/11/07/one-us-delaware-pride-soars-biden-makes-history/6121243002/|url-status=live}} He was also the first person since George H. W. Bush to have been both vice president and president,{{Cite web |last=Kiger |first=Patrick J. |date=July 10, 2024 |title=US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President |url=https://www.history.com/articles/american-vice-presidents-who-became-president |access-date=March 23, 2025 |publisher=History Channel}} and the only president to date from the Silent Generation.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/b66a24e4-5eea-11ea-b0ab-339c2307bcd4|date=March 6, 2020|access-date=August 26, 2021|title=At long last, the silent generation's hour has come|newspaper=Financial Times|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126034429/https://www.ft.com/content/b66a24e4-5eea-11ea-b0ab-339c2307bcd4|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=January 23, 2021 |title=At 78 and the oldest president, Biden sees a world changed |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-inauguration-joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-ronald-reagan-pennsylvania-48d1659d4469999be87fbd87d560a52c |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}

Biden's inauguration was "a muted affair unlike any previous inauguration" due to COVID-19 precautions as well as massively increased security measures because of the January 6 United States Capitol attack. Trump did not attend, becoming the first outgoing president since 1869 to not attend his successor's inauguration.{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/why-joe-biden-swearing-in-will-be-muted-affair-unlike-previous-inaugurations-2353966|title=Masked Crowd, No Trump: Why Biden Inauguration Will Be Like No Other|date=January 18, 2021|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=NDTV|access-date=June 21, 2021}}

= First 100 days =

In his first two days as president, Biden signed 17 executive orders. By his third day, orders had included rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, ending the state of national emergency at the border with Mexico, directing the government to rejoin the World Health Organization, face mask requirements on federal property, measures to combat hunger in the United States,{{cite news |first1=Ricardo |last1=Alonso-Zaldivar |first2=Ellen |last2=Knickmeyer |first3=Ben |last3=Fox |first4=Elliot |last4=Spagat |first5=Matt |last5=Lee |first6=Josh |last6=Boak |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Biden's first act: Orders on pandemic, climate, immigration |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executive-orders-b5b409da08e42414b9a12e2c67ee2df6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120230130/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-executive-orders-b5b409da08e42414b9a12e2c67ee2df6 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |access-date=January 21, 2021 |work=Associated Press News}}{{cite web |last=Erikson |first=Bo |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Biden signs executive actions on COVID, climate change, immigration and more |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-executive-orders-watch-live-stream-today-2021-01-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120233631/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-executive-orders-watch-live-stream-today-2021-01-20/ |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |access-date=January 21, 2021 |publisher=CBS News}}{{cite news |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Joe Biden is taking executive action at a record pace |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/01/22/joe-biden-is-taking-executive-action-at-a-record-pace |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124002448/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/01/22/joe-biden-is-taking-executive-action-at-a-record-pace |archive-date=January 24, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Cassella |first=Megan |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Biden signs executive orders aimed at combating hunger, protecting workers |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/22/biden-executive-orders-hunger-workers-461270 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122112210/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/22/biden-executive-orders-hunger-workers-461270 |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |newspaper=Politico}} and revoking permits for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.{{cite web|last1=Allassan|first1=Fadel|first2=Ursula|last2=Perano|date=January 20, 2021|title=Biden will issue executive order to rescind Keystone XL pipeline permit|url=https://www.axios.com/biden-keystone-pipeline-9ffcedfb-42c1-4778-8183-27d858f0c966.html|website=Axios|access-date=January 25, 2021}}{{#invoke:cite news||last=Massie|first=Graeme|date=January 23, 2021|title=Canada's Trudeau 'disappointed' with Biden order to cancel Keystone pipeline|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trudeau-biden-keystone-xl-pipeline-b1791756.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220609/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trudeau-biden-keystone-xl-pipeline-b1791756.html|archive-date=June 9, 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|work=The Independent|access-date=January 25, 2021}}{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Nickel|first1=Rod|last2=Volcovici|first2=Valerie|date=January 21, 2021|title=TC Energy cuts jobs as Keystone pipeline nixed, but markets start to move on|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-keystone-idUSKBN29Q1T8|access-date=January 24, 2021}}

File:Cabinet members of Joe Biden.jpg, July 2021|alt=Group photo of Biden, Harris and cabinet members standing outdoors]]

On March 11, Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus and relief package that he had proposed to support the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |date=March 11, 2021 |title=H.R.1319 – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313014919/https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |publisher=United States Congress}} The package included direct payments to most Americans, an extension of increased unemployment benefits, funds for vaccine distribution and school reopenings, and expansions of health insurance subsidies and the child tax credit. Biden's initial proposal included an increase of the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, but after the Senate parliamentarian determined that including the increase in a budget reconciliation bill would violate Senate rules, Democrats removed it.{{cite news |last1=Luhby |first1=Tami |last2=Lobosco |first2=Katie |date=January 14, 2021 |title=Here's what's in Biden's $1.9 trillion economic rescue package |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/politics/biden-economic-rescue-package-coronavirus-stimulus/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218023132/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/politics/biden-economic-rescue-package-coronavirus-stimulus/index.html |archive-date=February 18, 2021}}{{Cite news |last1=Tankersley |first1=Jim |last2=Crowley |first2=Michael |date=January 14, 2021 |title=Here are the highlights of Biden's $1.9 trillion 'American Rescue Plan.' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/us/biden-american-rescue-plan.html |url-access=limited |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/us/biden-american-rescue-plan.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=Thomas |date=March 7, 2021 |title=What's in the Stimulus Bill? A Guide to Where the $1.9 Trillion Is Going |website=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/07/us/politics/whats-in-the-stimulus-bill.html |url-access=limited |access-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/07/us/politics/whats-in-the-stimulus-bill.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021}}{{cbignore}}

Also in March, amid a rise in migrants entering the U.S. from Mexico, Biden said migrant adults were "being sent back", in reference to the continuation of the Trump administration's Title 42 policy for quick deportations.{{cite news |date=March 17, 2021 |title=Biden administration faces pressure on immigration amid influx |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/biden-administration-faces-pressure-on-immigration-amid-surge |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319221757/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/biden-administration-faces-pressure-on-immigration-amid-surge |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} He earlier announced that his administration would not deport unaccompanied migrant children; the rise in arrivals of such children exceeded the capacity of facilities meant to shelter them, leading the Biden administration in March to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Miroff |first1=Nick |date=March 13, 2021|title=Biden will deploy FEMA to care for teenagers and children crossing border in record numbers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/fema-border-unaccompanied-minors/2021/03/13/738366a4-8455-11eb-bb5a-ad9a91faa4ef_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 23, 2021}}

On April 14, Biden announced that the United States would delay the withdrawal of all troops from the war in Afghanistan until September 11, signaling an end to the country's direct military involvement in Afghanistan after nearly 20 years.{{#invoke:cite news||last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=Shear |first2=Michael D. |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Biden, Setting Afghanistan Withdrawal, Says 'It Is Time to End the Forever War' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/politics/biden-afghanistan-troop-withdrawal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/politics/biden-afghanistan-troop-withdrawal.html|archive-date=December 28, 2021|url-access=limited |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=April 23, 2021}}{{cbignore}} In February 2020, the Trump administration had made a deal with the Taliban to completely withdraw U.S. forces by May 1, 2021.{{cite news |last1=E. Sanger |first1=David |date=August 15, 2021 |title=For Biden, Images of Defeat He Wanted to Avoid |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/15/us/politics/afghanistan-biden.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210816031133/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/15/us/politics/afghanistan-biden.html |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} Biden's decision met with a range of reactions, from support and relief to trepidation at the possible collapse of the Afghan government without American support.{{cite web |last=Wadington |first=Katie |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Afghanistan withdrawal draws strong Capitol Hill reactions, making some strange alliances |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/04/14/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-plan-draws-strong-reaction-capitol-hill/7220926002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422144959/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/04/14/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-plan-draws-strong-reaction-capitol-hill/7220926002/ |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |website=USA Today}} On April 22–23, Biden held an international climate summit at which he announced that the U.S. would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50%–52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.{{cite press release |title=New momentum reduces emissions gap, but huge gap remains – analysis |url=https://climateactiontracker.org/press/new-momentum-reduces-emissions-gap-but-huge-gap-remains-analysis/ |work=Carbon Action Tracker |publisher=climateactiontracker.org |date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426182048/https://climateactiontracker.org/press/new-momentum-reduces-emissions-gap-but-huge-gap-remains-analysis/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Newburger |first1=Emma |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Here's what countries pledged on climate change at Biden's global summit |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/22/biden-climate-summit-2021-what-brazil-japan-canada-others-pledged.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429043848/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/22/biden-climate-summit-2021-what-brazil-japan-canada-others-pledged.html |archive-date=April 29, 2021}} On April 28, the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress.{{cite web |last1=Lemire |first1=Jonathan |last2=Boak |first2=Josh |date=April 28, 2021 |title=Biden to the nation and world: 'America is rising anew' |url=https://www.startribune.com/biden-to-the-nation-and-world-america-is-rising-anew/600051057/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429023533/https://www.startribune.com/biden-to-the-nation-and-world-america-is-rising-anew/600051057/ |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |website=Star Tribune}}

= Domestic policy =

On June 17, Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which officially declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.{{cite web |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Most Federal Employees Will Receive Friday Off for Juneteenth |url=https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2021/06/most-federal-employees-will-receive-friday-juneteenth/174796/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618055747/https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2021/06/most-federal-employees-will-receive-friday-juneteenth/174796/ |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021 |website=Government Executive}} In July 2021, amid a slowing of the COVID-19 vaccination rate in the country and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, Biden said that it was "gigantically important" for Americans to be vaccinated.{{cite news |last1=Jaffe |first1=Alexandra |last2=Madhani |first2=Aamer |date=July 22, 2021 |title=Biden says getting COVID-19 vaccine 'gigantically important' |work=U.S. News & World Report |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-07-22/biden-says-getting-vaccinated-gigantically-important |url-status=live |access-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826071814/https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-07-22/biden-says-getting-vaccinated-gigantically-important |archive-date=August 26, 2021}}

In 2022, Biden endorsed a change to the Senate filibuster to allow for the passing of the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act.{{cite news |last=Subramanian |first=Courtney |date=January 11, 2022 |title='Let the majority prevail': Biden backs filibuster change to pass voting rights in Atlanta speech |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/11/biden-endorses-filibuster-change-voting-rights/9165060002/ |url-status=live |accessdate=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114062405/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/11/biden-endorses-filibuster-change-voting-rights/9165060002/ |archive-date=January 14, 2022}} The rules change failed when two Democratic senators joined Senate Republicans in opposing it.{{cite news |last1=Foran |first1=Clare |last2=Zaslav |first2=Ali |last3=Barrett |first3=Ted |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Senate Democrats suffer defeat on voting rights after vote to change rules fails |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/19/politics/senate-voting-legislation-filibuster/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409161903/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/19/politics/senate-voting-legislation-filibuster/index.html |archive-date=April 9, 2022}} In April 2022, Biden signed into law the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to revamp the finances and operations of the United States Postal Service agency.{{cite news |last1=Fossum |first1=Sam |last2=Vasquez |first2=Maegan |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Biden signs US Postal Service reform bill into law |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/06/politics/biden-postal-service-reform-law-signing/index.html |access-date=August 17, 2022}} Biden supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act aimed to address gun reform issues following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas;{{cite news |date=June 23, 2022 |title=Statement of Administration Policy |agency=White House |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Bipartisan-Safer-Communities-Act-SAP-1.pdf |access-date=August 17, 2022}} he signed the bill on June 25, 2022.{{cite news |last=Weissert |first=Will |date=June 25, 2022 |title=Biden signs landmark gun measure, says 'lives will be saved' |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-signs-gun-violence-bill-c21249287f976c2c164d8753205c2e6d |access-date=August 17, 2022}}

The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 was introduced in 2021 and signed into law by Biden on August 10, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Shabad |first1=Rebecca |last2=Egan |first2=Lauren |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Biden signs bill to expand benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/10/biden-signs-bill-to-expand-benefits-for-veterans-exposed-to-toxic-burn-pits.html |access-date=August 17, 2022}} The act intends to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, during military service.{{cite news |last1=Dean |first1=Jessica |last2=Zaslav |first2=Ali |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Senate passes long-sought bill to help veterans affected by burn pits |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/02/politics/senate-vote-burn-pits/index.html |access-date=August 17, 2022}}

In 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and requires the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages.{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Biden Signs Bill to Protect Same-Sex Marriage Rights |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/us/politics/biden-same-sex-marriage-bill.html |access-date=December 14, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}

In June 2024, Biden issued an executive action offering amnesty to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens. The program included a pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship and was expected to initially affect about 500,000 people. It was later struck down due to a lack of legislation empowering the president to enact the program.{{Cite news |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Biden immigration program offers legal status to 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens. Here's how it works. |publisher=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-immigration-program-offers-legal-status-immigrant-spouses-of-u-s-citizens/ |first=Camilo |last=Montoya-Galvez}}{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Judge rejects Biden plan for undocumented spouses |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5287xy71do}}

In January 2025, Biden declared the lapsed Equal Rights Amendment ratified as the "28th Amendment" to the constitution. The declaration has no formal effect{{cite news |last1=Stokols |first1=Eli |last2=Cancryn |first2=Adam |title=Biden declares the ERA the law of the land — but it likely will not matter |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/17/biden-era-amendment-004495 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |publisher=Politico}}{{cite news |title=Biden says Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, kicking off expected legal battle as he pushes through final executive actions |last1=Klein |first1=Betsy |last2=Saenz |first2=Arlette Saenz |date=January 17, 2025 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/joe-biden-equal-right-amendment/index.html |access-date=January 17, 2025}} and the National Archives has said it does not intend to certify the amendment as part of the constitution due to "established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions".{{cite press release|url=https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2025/nr25-004|title=Statement on the Equal Rights Amendment Ratification Process|date=December 17, 2024|access-date=January 17, 2025|publisher=The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration}}

== Economy ==

File:Inflation rate, United States and eurozone, January 2018 through November 2024.png

Biden entered office nine months into a recovery from the COVID-19 recession and his first year in office was characterized by robust growth in real GDP, employment, wages, and stock market returns, amid significantly elevated inflation. Real GDP grew 5.9%, the fastest rate in 37 years.{{cite news |last1=Mutikani |first1=Lucia |date=September 29, 2022 |title=U.S. economic growth revised up; gap between GDP and GDI narrows sharply |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-economic-growth-revised-up-gap-between-gdp-gdi-narrows-sharply-2022-09-29/}}{{cite news |last1=Tappe |first1=Anneken |date=January 27, 2022 |title=The US economy grew at the fastest rate in 2021 since the Reagan administration |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/economy/us-fourth-quarter-2021-gdp/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127201057/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/economy/us-fourth-quarter-2021-gdp/index.html |archive-date=January 27, 2022}} Amid record job creation, the unemployment rate fell at the fastest pace on record during the year.{{cite news |last1=Mutikani |first1=Lucia |date=January 7, 2022 |title=U.S. labor market eyes maximum employment despite underwhelming December payrolls |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-employment-growth-misses-expectations-unemployment-rate-falls-39-2022-01-07/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121221243/https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-employment-growth-misses-expectations-unemployment-rate-falls-39-2022-01-07/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Pickert |first1=Reade |date=January 7, 2022 |title=U.S. Sees Record Job Growth in 2021 After Millions Lost in 2020 |publisher=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-07/u-s-sees-record-job-growth-in-2021-after-millions-lost-in-2020 |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129065310/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-07/u-s-sees-record-job-growth-in-2021-after-millions-lost-in-2020 |archive-date=January 29, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PAYEMS|title=All Employees, Total Nonfarm|publisher=fred.stlouisfed.org|access-date=July 29, 2022}} By the end of 2021, inflation rates measured by the consumer price index (CPI) reached a nearly 40-year high of 7.1%, which was partially offset by the highest nominal wage and salary growth in at least 20 years. The inflation rate peaked at 9% in June 2022.{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Gabriel T. |date=January 28, 2022 |title=U.S. Wages, Benefits Rose at Two-Decade High as Inflation Picked Up |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-employers-labor-costs-inflation-11643331612 |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130032502/https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-employers-labor-costs-inflation-11643331612 |archive-date=January 30, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Smialek |first1=Jeanna |last2=Casselman |first2=Ben |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Inflation Continued to Run Hot and Consumer Spending Fell in December |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/business/pce-inflation-federal-reserve.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128134006/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/business/pce-inflation-federal-reserve.html |archive-date=January 28, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Iacurci |first1=Greg |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Wage growth may be slowing from 'breakneck' pace |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/31/wage-growth-may-be-slowing-from-breakneck-pace.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203205842/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/31/wage-growth-may-be-slowing-from-breakneck-pace.html |archive-date=February 3, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Graffeo |first1=Emily |last2=Wang |first2=Lu |date=November 3, 2021 |title=S&P 500 Is Up 37% Since Biden's Election One Year Ago, Setting Presidential Record |work=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-03/s-p-500-notches-best-one-year-run-after-a-presidential-election |url-status=live |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106213451/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-03/s-p-500-notches-best-one-year-run-after-a-presidential-election |archive-date=November 6, 2021}} The inflation rate reached 2.9% and core inflation rate reached 3.2% on an annual basis in December 2024, the last full month of Biden's term. Between December 2020 and December 2024, CPI rose 21.3% overall, with an annualized inflation rate of 5.3% throughout Biden's term in office. The inflation rate remained above the Federal Reserve's 2% target every month since March 2021, resulting in elevated interest rates to combat inflation. Average wages increased 19% throughout Biden's presidency, falling behind inflation. The unemployment rate declined by over 2% and real GDP grew 11% during Biden's term. Total household net worth increased by 28%, largely driven by stocks and real estate. The national debt grew to $36.2 trillion, with a debt to GDP ratio of 123% and a deficit to GDP ratio of 6% in FY 2024.{{cite magazine |first=Derek |last=Saul |date=January 15, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Inflation Ticked Up To 2.9% In December As Expected—Highest Since July |magazine=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2025/01/15/cpi-inflation-ticked-up-to-29-in-december-highest-since-july-as-economists-note-stalling-progress/}}{{cite news |date=January 19, 2025 |title=Charting the Biden economy: Despite all the growth and jobs, a deeply unpopular president |agency=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/19/charting-the-biden-economy-deeply-unpopular-despite-growth-and-jobs.html|quote=Joe Biden leaves the presidency with what appears to be a sterling economic record. There's just one problem, and it is one that will forever taint the 46th president's legacy. Inflation and its onerous burden on households, particularly at the lower end of the income spectrum, dwarfed all the other good that happened on Biden's watch.}}{{cite magazine |first=Megan |last=Leonhardt |date=January 2, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=The U.S. Can't Grow Its Way Out of Debt. Here's What It Can Do. |magazine=Barron's |url=https://www.barrons.com/amp/articles/us-national-debt-deficit-f64e6712}}

File:US Uninsured Under Age 65.png

Amid a surge in inflation and high gas prices, Biden's approval ratings declined, with his disapproval rating surpassing his approval rating in early 2022.{{cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |last2=Mattingly |first2=Phil |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Biden is aiming to hit the road to reset his presidency. He starts with yet another stop in Pennsylvania. |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/28/politics/joe-biden-pittsburgh-trip/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204225558/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/28/politics/joe-biden-pittsburgh-trip/index.html |archive-date=February 4, 2022}}{{cite web |title=President Biden Job Approval |url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president-biden-job-approval-7320.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124133936/https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president-biden-job-approval-7320.html |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |access-date=February 10, 2022 |website=RealClearPolitics}}{{Cite magazine |last=Daniel |first=Will |date=July 18, 2022 |title=Inflation drives President Biden's economic approval rating to a record low |url=https://fortune.com/2022/07/18/inflation-president-biden-approval-rating-lower-donald-trump/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |magazine=Fortune}} After 5.9% growth in 2021, real GDP growth cooled in 2022 to 2.1%, after slightly negative growth in the first half spurred recession concerns. Job creation and consumer spending remained strong through the year, as the unemployment rate fell to match a 53-year low of 3.5% in December. Inflation peaked at 9.1% in June before easing to 3.2% by October 2023. Stocks had had their worst year since 2008{{cite news |last1=Bhattarai |first1=Abha |date=January 26, 2023 |title=U.S. economy grew 2.1 percent in 2022, but recession fears linger |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/26/gdp-2022-q4-economy/}}{{cite news |author1=Jesse Pound |author2=Samantha Subin |date=December 30, 2022 |title=Stocks fall to end Wall Street's worst year since 2008, S&P 500 finishes 2022 down nearly 20% |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/29/stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html}}{{cite news |last1=Iacurci |first1=Greg |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Here's the inflation breakdown for December 2022 — in one chart |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/12/heres-the-inflation-breakdown-for-december-2022-in-one-chart.html}} before recovering. Widespread predictions of an imminent recession did not materialize in 2022 or 2023, and by late 2023 indicators showed sharply lower inflation with economic acceleration. GDP growth hit 4.9% in the third quarter of 2023 and the year ended with stocks near record highs, with robust holiday spending.{{cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=David |date=October 23, 2023 |title=The Economy Was Supposed to Slow by Now. Instead It's Revving Up. |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-economy-was-supposed-to-slow-by-now-instead-its-revving-up-3c0f7a2e |url-access=subscription |quote=Recent economic data suggest the economy is accelerating despite higher borrowing costs, the resumption of student-loan payments, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East ... Analysts, many of whom had expected a recession this year, are pushing up their forecasts ... After predicting a recession for the past year, economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal this month said they now believe that the economy will avoid a downturn in the next 12 months. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122184856/https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-economy-was-supposed-to-slow-by-now-instead-its-revving-up-3c0f7a2e |archive-date=November 22, 2023}}{{Cite news |date=October 26, 2023 |title=GDP surged 4.9% in the third quarter, defying the Fed's rate hikes |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gdp-third-quarter-4-9-economic-growth/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |publisher=CBS News}}{{cite news |title=Robust holiday shopping sends economy soaring into 2024 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/12/26/holiday-sales-retail-mastercard/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 26, 2023|first1=Rachel |last1=Siegel |first2=Aaron |last2=Gregg}}

Biden signed numerous major pieces of economic legislation in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Dustin |title=Despite infighting, it's been a surprisingly productive 2 years for Democrats |work=NPR |date=January 2023 |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/01/1143149435/despite-infighting-its-been-a-surprisingly-productive-2-years-for-democrats}} He signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law on August 9, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=Mason |first2=Jeff |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Biden signs bill to boost U.S. chips, compete with China |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/biden-sign-bill-boost-us-chips-compete-with-china-2022-08-09/ |access-date=August 17, 2022 |work=Reuters}} It provided billions of dollars in new funding to boost domestic research on and manufacture of semiconductors, to compete economically with China.{{Cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Lamar |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Biden ends slog on semiconductor bill with signature |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/09/biden-ends-slog-on-semiconductor-bill-with-signature-00050530 |access-date=August 9, 2022 |magazine=Politico}} In his third month in office, Biden also signed an executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour. The order went into effect for 390,000 workers in January 2022.{{cite news |title=Biden raising minimum wage for federal contractors to $15/hr |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-raises-minimum-wage-federal-contractors-15hr-2021-04-27/ |work=Reuters |date=April 27, 2021|author1=Nandita Bose|author2=Jarrett Renshaw}}{{cite news |first=Juliana |last=Kaplan |access-date=August 14, 2023 |title=Nearly 400,000 federal contractors will get paid $15 an hour starting this weekend. Biden's labor secretary says there's 'no question' it'll cut down on labor shortages. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/federal-contractors-15-hour-minimum-wage-could-end-labor-shortges-2022-1 |work=Business Insider |date=January 28, 2022}} His administration rigorously enforced antitrust law.

In 2022, Biden blocked a national railroad strike planned by multiple labor unions.{{Cite news |first1=David |last1=Shepardson |first2=Nandita |last2=Bose |date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |title=Biden signs bill to block U.S. railroad strike |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-signs-bill-block-us-railroad-strike-2022-12-02/ }} During the United Auto Workers strike, he expressed support for the workers in negotiations.{{Cite news |date=September 15, 2023 |title=UAW strike: Biden says striking car workers deserve 'fair share' |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66822558 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915171936/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66822558 |url-status=live }} Biden joined striking UAW workers' picket line in Michigan, becoming the first president to join a picket line.{{Cite news|date=September 26, 2023|title=Biden visits the picket line in Michigan to show solidarity with striking UAW|agency=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/26/politics/biden-picket-line-michigan-uaw/index.html|access-date=September 26, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926185932/https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/26/politics/biden-picket-line-michigan-uaw/index.html|url-status=live}} He refused to block a port strike from the International Longshoremen's Association in October 2024.{{Cite news |first1=Ry |last1=Rivard |first2=Cassandra |last2=Dumay |date=October 1, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Biden won't step in to stop dockworker strike |newspaper=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/01/biden-administration-dockworker-strike-00181839 }}

Over the course of five days in March 2023, three small- to mid-size U.S. banks failed, triggering a sharp decline in global bank stock prices and swift response by regulators to prevent potential global contagion. After Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, the first to do so, Biden expressed opposition to a bailout by taxpayers.{{cite news |last=Cathey |first=Libby |date=March 13, 2023 |title=Amid crisis, Biden tells Americans 'banking system is safe' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-speaks-banking-crisis/story?id=97820883 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |agency=ABC News}} He claimed that the partial rollback of Dodd-Frank regulations contributed to the bank's failure.{{cite news |last=Hunnicutt |first=Trevor |date=March 13, 2023 |title=Biden vows new bank rules after SVB collapse, cites Trump rollback |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/biden-defend-us-banking-system-after-svb-signature-collapse-2023-03-13/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |work=Reuters}}

At the beginning of the 118th Congress, Biden and congressional Republicans engaged in a standoff after the U.S. hit its debt limit, which raised the risk that the U.S. would default on its debt.{{cite news |last1=Diamond |first1=Jeremy |last2=Fox |first2=Lauren |last3=Zanona |first3=Melanie |last4=Mattingly |first4=Phil |last5=Saenz |first5=Arlette |last6=Liptak |first6=Kevin |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Inside a debt ceiling standoff 'far more dangerous than people will recognize' |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/31/politics/biden-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-behind-the-scenes/index.html |access-date=June 11, 2023}} Biden and House speaker Kevin McCarthy struck a deal to raise the debt limit, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which suspended the debt limit until January 2025. Biden signed it on June 3, averting a default.{{cite news |last1=Megerian |first1=Chris |date=June 3, 2023 |title=Biden signs debt ceiling bill that pulls US back from brink of unprecedented default |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053 |access-date=June 11, 2023}} The deal was generally seen as favorable to Biden.{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |date=June 1, 2023 |title=The Calm Man in the Capital: Biden Lets Others Spike the Ball but Notches a Win |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/us/politics/biden-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-deal-who-won.html |access-date=June 11, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Tankersley |first1=Jim |date=June 3, 2023 |title=Biden's Debt Deal Strategy: Win in the Fine Print |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/03/us/politics/biden-debt-ceiling-deal.html |access-date=June 11, 2023}}

Biden extended the COVID-19 student loan pause through September 2023, with an "on ramp" period that extended some of the pause's protections against credit reporting, collection efforts, and late payment fees through September 30, 2024.{{Cite magazine |last=Minsky |first=Adam S. |title=Huge Changes For Student Loan Repayment Begin In 5 Days For 30 Million Borrowers |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2024/09/25/huge-changes-for-student-loan-repayment-begin-in-5-days-for-30-million-borrowers/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |magazine=Forbes}} The Biden administration's attempts to implement student loan forgiveness and relief programs have faced legal challenges from a coalition of Republican-led states.{{Cite magazine |last=Minsky |first=Adam S. |title=2 Major Student Loan Forgiveness Rulings For IDR, New Biden Plan Expected In Just Weeks |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2024/09/20/2-major-student-loan-forgiveness-rulings-for-idr-new-biden-plan-expected-in-just-weeks/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |magazine=Forbes}} Biden's plans to forgive student loan debt were estimated to cost over $519 billion,{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2022 |title=The Biden Student Loan Forgiveness Plan: Budgetary Costs and Distributional Impact |url=https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2022/8/26/biden-student-loan-forgiveness#:~:text=We%20estimate%20that%20debt%20cancellation,will%20cost%20another%20$16%20billion. |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=Penn Wharton Budget Model}} and some critics called them a "disaster".{{Cite magazine |last=Camp |first=Emma |date=December 14, 2024 |title=Biden's attempts to forgive student debt were a disaster |url=https://reason.com/2024/12/14/student-debt-disaster/?utm_medium=reason_email&utm_source=new_at_reason&utm_campaign=reason_brand&utm_content=Senate%20Tees%20Up%20$200%20Billion%20Social%20Security%20Giveaway%20to%20Public%20Sector%20Workers&utm_term=&time=December%2016th,%202024&mpid=38717&mpweb=2534-5255-38717 |access-date=December 23, 2024 |magazine=Reason}}

== Judiciary ==

File:P20220407AS-0337 (52068715434).jpg watching the U.S. Senate vote on her confirmation, April 2022|alt=Photo of Biden and Jackson looking at an off-camera television screen]]

By the end of 2021, 40 of his nominees to the federal judiciary had been confirmed, more than any president in his first year in office since Ronald Reagan.{{cite news |last1=Raymond |first1=Nate |date=December 28, 2021 |title=Biden finishes 2021 with most confirmed judicial picks since Reagan |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/biden-finishes-2021-with-most-confirmed-judicial-picks-since-reagan-2021-12-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201053907/https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/biden-finishes-2021-with-most-confirmed-judicial-picks-since-reagan-2021-12-28/ |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |publisher=Reuters}} Biden prioritized diversity in his judicial appointments more than any president in U.S. history, with most of his appointees being women and people of color.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Carrie |date=December 28, 2021 |title=Biden had a productive year picking federal judges. The job could get tougher in 2022 |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/28/1067206141/biden-federal-judges-nominations-diverse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204171925/https://www.npr.org/2021/12/28/1067206141/biden-federal-judges-nominations-diverse |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |publisher=NPR}}

In January 2022, Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire. During his 2020 campaign, Biden vowed to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred,{{cite web |last=Totenberg |first=Nina |date=January 26, 2022 |title=Justice Stephen Breyer, an influential liberal on the Supreme Court, to retire |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/01/26/1075781724/justice-stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retires |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204091216/https://www.npr.org/2022/01/26/1075781724/justice-stephen-breyer-supreme-court-retires |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |publisher=NPR}} a promise he reiterated after Breyer announced his retirement.{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Andrew |last2=Hurley |first2=Lawrence |last3=Holland |first3=Steve |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Biden vows to nominate Black woman to U.S. Supreme Court by end of February |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/retiring-us-justice-breyer-appear-with-biden-white-house-2022-01-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202194132/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/retiring-us-justice-breyer-appear-with-biden-white-house-2022-01-27/ |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |work=Reuters}} On February 25, Biden nominated federal judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.{{cite press release |date=February 25, 2022 |title=President Biden Nominates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to Serve as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/25/president-biden-nominates-judge-ketanji-brown-jackson-to-serve-as-associate-justice-of-the-u-s-supreme-court/ |publisher=White House Office |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228102827/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/25/president-biden-nominates-judge-ketanji-brown-jackson-to-serve-as-associate-justice-of-the-u-s-supreme-court/ |url-status=live}} She was sworn in on June 30.{{cite web |last1=Bustillo |first1=Ximena |date=June 30, 2022 |title=Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in as first Black woman on the Supreme Court |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/30/1108714345/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-oath-swearing-in |access-date=July 5, 2022 |publisher=NPR}} By the end of his presidency, Biden had appointed 235 judges, more appointments in a single term than any other president in at least 50 years. 63% of Biden's judges were women and 60% were non-white.{{cite news |date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |first1=Cooper |last1=Burton |first2=Amina |last2=Brown |title=How Biden reshaped the judiciary |url=https://abcnews.go.com/538/biden-reshaped-judiciary/story?id=117717279 |agency =ABC News}}{{cite web |date=January 9, 2025 |title=How presidents compare on the racial, ethnic diversity of their appointed judges |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/09/how-biden-compares-with-other-recent-presidents-in-appointing-federal-judges/sr_25-01-09_biden-judges_3/ |publisher=Pew Research}} Biden expressed interest in judicial term limits and a binding ethics code for Supreme Court justices.{{cite news|last1=Madhani|first1=Aamer|last2=Long|first2=Colleen|title=Biden decries 'extremism' on Supreme Court, details plan for term limits, ethics code for justices|url=https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-reform-biden-harris-trump-ffd48f3a2023aeca841bb53c2147ef03|date=July 29, 2024|access-date=August 16, 2024|publisher=Associated Press}}

== Infrastructure and climate ==

{{Further|Build Back Better Plan|Environmental policy of the Joe Biden administration}}

File:P20211101AS-0357 (51846489866).jpg and UN secretary-general António Guterres at the opening ceremony of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on November 1, 2021|alt=Phot of Biden, Johnson and Guterres standing onstage]]

As part of Biden's Build Back Better agenda, in late March 2021, he proposed the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion package addressing issues including transport infrastructure, utilities infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, housing, schools, manufacturing, research and workforce development.{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Renshaw |first2=Jarrett |date=March 31, 2021 |title=Biden says $2 trillion jobs plan rivals the space race in its ambition |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-infrastructure-idUSKBN2BN13C |url-status=live |access-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413130443/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-infrastructure-idUSKBN2BN13C |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Siegel |first1=Rachel |date=March 31, 2021 |title=What's in Biden's $2 trillion jobs and infrastructure plan? |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/03/31/what-is-in-biden-infrastructure-plan/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401015541/https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/03/31/what-is-in-biden-infrastructure-plan/ |archive-date=April 1, 2021}} After months of negotiations among Biden and lawmakers, in August 2021 the Senate passed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,{{cite news |last1=Romm |first1=Tony |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Senate approves bipartisan, $1 trillion infrastructure bill, bringing major Biden goal one step closer |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/08/10/senate-infrastructure-bill-vote-biden/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929154828/https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/08/10/senate-infrastructure-bill-vote-biden/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Pramuk |first1=Jacob |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Senate passes $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, sending key part of Biden's economic agenda to the House |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/10/senate-to-pass-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108112959/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/10/senate-to-pass-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill.html |archive-date=November 8, 2021}} while the House, also in a bipartisan manner, approved that bill in early November 2021, covering infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.{{cite news |last1=Jalonick |first1=Mary Clare |date=November 7, 2021 |title=Roads, transit, internet: What's in the infrastructure bill |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-broadband-internet-congress-d89d6bb1b39cd9c67ae9fc91f5eb4c0d |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107214148/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-broadband-internet-congress-d89d6bb1b39cd9c67ae9fc91f5eb4c0d |archive-date=November 7, 2021}} Biden signed the bill into law in mid-November 2021.{{cite news |last1=Boak |first1=Josh |last2=Long |first2=Colleen |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Biden signs $1T infrastructure deal with bipartisan crowd |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144 |url-status=live |access-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116045821/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144 |archive-date=November 16, 2021}}

The other core part of the Build Back Better agenda was the Build Back Better Act, a $3.5 trillion social spending bill that expands the social safety net and includes major provisions on climate change.{{cite news |last=Pramuk |first=Jacob |date=August 11, 2021 |title=Senate approves framework of $3.5 trillion budget plan that would expand Medicare, tax credits and climate initiatives |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/11/senate-passes-3point5-trillion-budget-resolution-after-infrastructure-bill.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411025307/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/11/senate-passes-3point5-trillion-budget-resolution-after-infrastructure-bill.html |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |accessdate=April 13, 2022 |publisher=CNBC}}{{cite news |last=Frazin |first=Rachel |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Democratic senator: Reconciliation package to include clean electricity standard |url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/562983-senator-expects-clean-electricity-standard-to-be-part-of/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026222513/https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/562983-senator-expects-clean-electricity-standard-to-be-part-of |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |newspaper=The Hill |accessdate=April 13, 2022}} Democrats attempted to pass it on a party-line vote through budget reconciliation, but struggled to win the support of Senator Joe Manchin, even as the price was lowered to $2.2 trillion.{{cite web |first1=Nancy |last1=Cordes |first2=Ellis |last2=Kim |first3=Ed |last3=O'Keefe |first4=Weijia |last4=Jiang |first5=Jordan |last5=Freiman |date=October 5, 2021 |title=Biden sets $1.9 – $2.2 trillion price range for social safety net bill in call with House progressives |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-reconciliation-bill-house-democrats-progressives/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023023747/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-reconciliation-bill-house-democrats-progressives/ |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |accessdate=April 13, 2022 |publisher=CBS News}} After Manchin rejected the bill,{{cite web |last1=Seipel |first1=Arnie |last2=Hernandez |first2=Joe |date=December 19, 2021 |title=Joe Manchin says he won't support President Biden's Build Back Better plan |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/19/1065636709/joe-manchin-says-he-cannot-support-bidens-build-back-better-plan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411025452/https://www.npr.org/2021/12/19/1065636709/joe-manchin-says-he-cannot-support-bidens-build-back-better-plan |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |accessdate=April 13, 2022 |publisher=NPR}} it was comprehensively reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, covering deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.{{cite news |last=Dennis |first=Brady |date=August 14, 2022 |title=As Congress funds high-tech climate solutions, it also bets on a low-tech one: Nature |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/08/14/nature-climate-solutions-inflation-reduction-act/ |access-date=August 29, 2022}}

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was introduced by Manchin and Senator Chuck Schumer.{{cite news |last1=Bose |first1=Nandita |last2=Holland |first2=Steve |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Biden signs inflation act, hands pen to Manchin |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-signs-430-billion-climate-healthcare-tax-bill-2022-08-16/ |access-date=August 21, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Joanna |last2=Helmore |first2=Edward |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Joe Manchin hails expansive bill he finally agrees to as 'great for America' |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/31/joe-manchin-hails-deal-inflation-reduction-act |access-date=August 21, 2022}} The package aimed to raise $739 billion and authorize $370 billion in spending on energy and climate change, $300 billion in deficit reduction, three years of Affordable Care Act subsidies, prescription drug reform to lower prices, and tax reform.{{cite news |last=Greve |first=Joan E. |date=August 7, 2022 |title=Senate passes $739bn healthcare and climate bill after months of wrangling |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/07/inflation-reduction-act-senate-democrats-pass |access-date=August 21, 2022}} According to an analysis by the Rhodium Group, the bill will lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions between 31 percent and 44 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.{{cite news |last1=E Greve |first1=Joan |date=August 12, 2022 |title=US House passes Democrats' landmark healthcare and climate bill |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/12/us-house-passes-climate-bill-inflation-reduction-act |access-date=August 14, 2022}} On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the bill (as amended) on a 51–50 vote, with all Democrats voting in favor, all Republicans opposed, and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. Biden signed the bill on August 16.{{cite news |last=Pitas |first=Costas |date=August 13, 2022 |title=Biden to sign $430 billion climate and tax bill into law next week |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-sign-430-bln-climate-tax-bill-into-law-next-week-2022-08-12/ |access-date=August 14, 2022}}{{Cite news |last1=Shabad |first1=Rebecca |last2=Egan |first2=Lauren |date=August 16, 2022 |title=Biden signs major climate, health care and tax bill into law |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-sign-major-climate-health-care-spending-bill-rcna43269 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |publisher=NBC News}}

Before and during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Biden promoted an agreement that the U.S. and the European Union cut methane emissions by a third by 2030 and tried to add dozens of other countries to the effort.{{cite news |last1=Natter |first1=Ari |last2=A Dlouhy |first2=Jennifer |last3=Krukowska |first3=Ewa |title=U.S. and EU Vow Steep Methane Cuts Ahead of Climate Summit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-14/u-s-and-eu-to-pledge-steep-methane-cuts-ahead-of-climate-summit |access-date=September 17, 2021 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=September 14, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917193105/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-14/u-s-and-eu-to-pledge-steep-methane-cuts-ahead-of-climate-summit |url-status=live}} Biden pledged to double climate funding to developing countries by 2024.{{cite news |title=Biden pledges to double U.S. climate change aid; some activists unimpressed |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-seeks-double-climate-change-aid-developing-nations-biden-2021-09-21/ |first= Valerie |last=Volcovici |access-date=September 29, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=September 21, 2021 |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925130818/https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-seeks-double-climate-change-aid-developing-nations-biden-2021-09-21/ |url-status=live}} Also at COP26, the U.S. and China reached a deal on greenhouse gas emission reduction. The two countries are responsible for 40 percent of global emissions.{{cite news |title=COP26: Cautious welcome for unexpected US-China climate agreement |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59243434 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |publisher=BBC News |date=November 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114161429/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59243434 |url-status=live}} In July 2023, when heat waves hit the United States, Biden announced measures to protect the population and said the heat waves were linked to climate change.{{cite web |title=FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Workers and Communities from Extreme Heat |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/27/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-actions-to-protect-workers-and-communities-from-extreme-heat/ |publisher=The White House |date=July 27, 2023 |access-date=August 15, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Sprunt |first1=Barbara |title=Biden rolled out some new measures to respond to extreme heat as temperatures soar |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190435892/biden-extreme-heat-climate |access-date=August 15, 2023 |publisher=NPR |date=July 27, 2023}} In April 2024, he unveiled a plan to protect and restore natural water sources (3.2 million hectares of wetlands and 161,000 km of waterways).{{cite news |title=Biden sets new target to protect vast US water sources |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-sets-new-target-protect-vast-us-water-sources-2024-04-23/ |work=Reuters |date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025}}

Biden protected 674 million acres of land and ocean from natural resource exploitation, more than any other president. The vast majority of the conservation came from a ban on offshore drilling in 625 million acres of ocean.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Janet |last2=Coulter |first2=Tom |title=Biden to create two new national monuments in California |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/07/president-biden-new-national-monuments-california/77503768007/ |access-date=January 9, 2025 |newspaper=USA today |date=January 7, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Nilsen |first1=Ella |title=President Biden to establish two new national monuments in California |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/07/climate/biden-national-monuments/index.html |access-date=January 9, 2025 |agency=CNN |date=January 7, 2025}}

== Immigration ==

File:2000- Border apprehensions at southwest border.svg]]

Illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border began to surge in 2021 when Biden assumed office,{{Cite news |date=January 26, 2024 |title=Illegal border crossings from Mexico reach highest on record in December before January lull |url=https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-crossings-mexico-biden-18ac91ef502e0c5433f74de6cc629b32 |work = Associated Press News}}{{Cite news |date=January 2, 2024 |title=Migrant encounters along southwest border reach all-time high of 302,000 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/migrant-encounters-reach-time-high-southwest-border/story?id=106050779 |agency = ABC News}}{{Cite news |date=December 29, 2023 |title=December migrant surge at Southern border largest in more than two decades as mayors call for action |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/29/us/us-mexico-border-migration/index.html |publisher = CNN}}{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border hit a record high at the end of 2023 |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/15/migrant-encounters-at-the-us-mexico-border-hit-a-record-high-at-the-end-of-2023/ |publisher = Pew Research Center}} reaching an all-time monthly high in December 2023.{{cite news |last1=Debusmann |first1=Bernd Jr. |title=Three reasons why so many migrants want to cross from Mexico to US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68208637 |publisher=BBC News |date=February 7, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Gramlich |first1=John |title=2023 ended with more migrant encounters at U.S.-Mexico border than any month on record |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/15/migrant-encounters-at-the-us-mexico-border-hit-a-record-high-at-the-end-of-2023/sr_24-02-15_borderencounters_1-png/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=February 15, 2024}} Throughout 2024, crossings began to significantly decline from the December record, after Biden implemented restrictions on asylum claims from migrants who cross the border between ports of entry and urged Mexico to crack down on migrants.{{Cite news |date=July 1, 2024 |title=Illegal crossings at U.S.-Mexico border fall to 3-year low, the lowest level under Biden |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/border-crossings-us-mexico-border-june-2024/ |publisher = CBS News}}{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2024 |title=A quieter border eases pressure on Biden, with a hand from Mexico |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/04/30/united-states-mexico-border-surge-biden/ |newspaper = The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Biden border restrictions bring sharp drop in illegal crossings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/06/26/border-crossings-drop-biden-closures/ |newspaper = The Washington Post}} Deportations from October 2023 to September 2024 reached the highest level since 2014.{{Cite news |last=Alvarez |first=Priscilla |date=December 19, 2024 |title=Biden carried out the highest level of deportations since 2014, new report says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/19/politics/biden-deportations-report/index.html |access-date=December 21, 2024 |agency=CNN}} Biden used humanitarian parole to an unprecedented degree to mitigate illegal border crossings, allowing migrants to fly into the U.S. or schedule their entries through official entry points in the U.S.-Mexico border. Over a million migrants had been admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole as of January 2024.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 2024 |title=Biden administration has admitted more than 1 million migrants into U.S. under parole policy Congress is considering restricting |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-parole-biden-administration-1-million-migrants/ |publisher=CBS News}}{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2024|title=What Is Humanitarian Parole? How an Obscure Biden Immigration Policy Became So Controversial |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/humanitarian-parole-immigration-border-policy-controversy-eb4d63a9 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite news |date=March 8, 2024|title=Program that allows 30,000 migrants from 4 countries into the US each month upheld by judge |url=https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-fac9dc853231ba04ff0ea4e7442057ef |work=Associated Press News}}

File:Joe Biden at the Mexico border 2023-01-08.jpg

In January 2024, Biden expressed support for a proposed bipartisan immigration deal led by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and James Lankford. He had previously supported the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which he proposed on his first day in office.{{cite news |last=Jacobson |first=Don | url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/01/27/Biden-voices-support-Senate-border-bill-new-emergency-powers/7161706363564/ | title=Biden voices support for Senate border bill with new 'emergency' powers | work=United Press International | date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Montoya-Galvez |first1=Camilo |last2=Brennan |first2=Margaret |last3=Escobedo |first3=Richard | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immigration-deal-biden-senate-us-mexico-border-bill/ | title=Biden and senators on verge of striking immigration deal aimed at clamping down on illegal border crossings | agency=CBS News | date=January 28, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}} The proposed bipartisan bill would have allowed DHS to close the border when encounters reach a seven-day average of 5,000 or exceed 8,500 in a single day.{{cite web |last1=Desjardins |first1=Lisa |last2=Midura |first2=Kyle | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-the-bipartisan-border-deal-would-transform-the-u-s-immigration-system | title=How the bipartisan border deal would transform the U.S. immigration system | website=PBS News | date=February 4, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Scholtes |first1=Jennifer |last2=Emma |first2=Caitlin | url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/05/biden-bipartisan-immigration-deal-00139558 | title=Detention and that border 'shutdown': What's really in Biden's bipartisan immigration deal | newspaper=Politico | date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}} In addition, the bill would have mandated the detention of migrants seeking asylum and undergoing asylum interviews, with those failing the process repatriated to their home countries.{{cite web |last=Tsirkin |first=Julie | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/does-new-immigration-bill-5000-illegal-border-crossings-per-day-rcna136656 | title=The bipartisan border deal would not allow 5,000 illegal crossings per day, despite what Trump says | website=NBC News | date=January 31, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}} While not addressing the status of "Dreamers", it would have changed immigration law to allow the children of those with H-1B visas to get work authorizations and freeze their legal ages while waiting for green cards, rather than face deportation once they turn 21, and provide additional funding for immigration judges.{{cite news |last1=Kapur |first1=Sahil |last2=Wong |first2=Scott |last3=Tsirkin |first3=Julie |last4=Ainsley |first4=Julia | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/new-immigration-asylum-reform-bill-released-senate-text-rcna136602 | title=Senators unveil bipartisan bill to impose tougher asylum and border laws | agency=NBC News | date=February 4, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}

Former president Donald Trump announced his opposition to the legislation, calling on Congressional Republicans to oppose it; subsequently, leaders such as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced their opposition, halting further legislative action.{{cite news |last=Groves |first=Stephen | url=https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-058876834b48bacf5b3678b067d8dd9a | title=Biden urges Congress to embrace border bill. But House speaker suggests it may be 'dead on arrival' | work=Associated Press News | date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Shabad |first1=Rebecca |last2=Kapur |first2=Sahil | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-urge-congress-pass-bipartisan-border-security-bill-republicans-n-rcna137483 | title=Biden urges Congress to pass bipartisan immigration bill, says Republicans are 'caving' to Trump's demands |agency=NBC News | date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024}} As a result of continued high immigration levels throughout his tenure, some lawmakers and pundits have criticized Biden's handling of the southern border.{{cite web|last=Narea |first=Nicole |url=https://www.vox.com/politics/24153132/us-border-crisis-mexico-migrant-immigration-asylum |title=America's misunderstood border crisis, in 8 charts |website=Vox |date=June 3, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024}}{{cite news|last1=Bryant |first1=Christa Case |last2=Babcock |first2=Caitlin |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2024/0416/biden-trump-immigration-border-crossings |title=How Biden and Trump compare on border crossings and immigration |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Saad |first=Lydia |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/610322/immigration-leads-reasons-biden-detractors-disapprove.aspx |title=Immigration Leads Reasons Biden's Detractors Disapprove |publisher=Gallup, Inc. |date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024}} Criticism of the bill and broader immigration policy continued to be expressed by both sides, with some liberals considering his policies too harsh while some conservatives considered them too lax.{{Cite news |last=Debusmann |first=Bernd Jr. |date=May 17, 2024 |title=How Joe Biden and Donald Trump's border policies compare |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65574725 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last1=Miroff |first1=Nick |last2=Sacchetti |first2=Maria |last3=Frostenson |first3=Sarah |date=February 11, 2024 |title=Trump vs. Biden on immigration: 12 charts comparing U.S. border security |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/02/11/trump-biden-immigration-border-compared/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} On January 17, 2024, a Republican-led non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 225–187, with 211 Republicans and 14 Democrats supporting it.{{cite news |last1=Adragna |first1=Anthony |title=14 Dems vote with GOP as House condemns Biden handling of southern border |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/01/17/congress/house-gop-biden-border-rebuke-dems-00136221 |newspaper=Politico |access-date=January 18, 2025 |date=January 17, 2024}} In the final year of his presidency, the Biden administration worked to extend at least 14 contracts with private prison companies to run immigrant detention centers, despite his 2020 campaign promise to end the practice.{{Cite news |last=Olivares |first=José |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Revealed: Biden lays groundwork to expand immigration jails as Trump readies for office |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/05/biden-immigration-jails-trump-mass-deportation-plan |access-date=December 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} In June 2024, Biden issued an executive order allowing the president to restrict the Mexico–U.S. border.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/us/politics/biden-executive-order-border-asylum.html |title=Biden Issues Executive Order to Temporarily Seal the Border to Asylum Seekers |date=June 4, 2024 |last1=Kanno-Youngs |first1=Zolan |last2=Aleaziz |first2=Hamed |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=June 4, 2024}}

== Pardons and commutations ==

Biden issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other president. On October 6, 2022, he pardoned all Americans convicted of "small" amounts of cannabis possession under federal law.{{Cite magazine |last1=Daniels |first1=Eugene |last2=Fertig |first2=Natalie |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Biden pardons marijuana offenses, calls for review of federal law |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/06/biden-to-pardon-marijuana-offenses-call-for-review-of-federal-law-00060796 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |magazine=Politico}} On December 22, 2023, he pardoned Americans for cannabis use or possession on federal lands regardless of whether they had been charged or prosecuted.{{cite web |last=Shivaram |first=Deepa | url=https://www.npr.org/2023/12/22/1221230390/biden-pardons-clemency-marijuana-drug-offenses | title=Biden expands pardons for marijuana possession and grants clemency to 11 | publisher=NPR | date=December 22, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Zeke | url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-pardons-clemency-02abde991a05ff7dfa29bfc3c74e9d64 | title=Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington | work=Associated Press News | date=December 22, 2023}} On December 12, 2024, in the largest single-day clemency act in history, Biden granted clemency to about 1,500 nonviolent felons in home confinement who had previously been released from prison.{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Colleen | url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8 | title=Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single-day act of clemency | work=Associated Press News | date=December 12, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Keith |first1=Tamara |last2=Shivaram |first2=Deepa | url=https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5226683/biden-commutations-pardons | title=Biden commutes sentences for 1,500 people. Some say he could do a lot more | publisher=NPR | date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2024}} The act generated controversy, as it included felons such as Michael Conahan, a judge involved in the kids for cash kickback scandal, and Rita Crundwell, a comptroller responsible for the single largest municipal fraud in U.S. history. The Biden administration said the offenders who received clemency "deserve a second chance" and were selected based on meeting certain criteria in a uniform decision.{{cite news| url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/13/politics/joe-biden-commutations-pennsylvania-illinois/index.html | title=Victims 'shocked' after Biden grants clemency to 'kids-for-cash' judge and $54 million embezzler | agency=CNN | date=December 13, 2024}}{{cite magazine |last1=Danner |first1=Chas | url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/joe-biden-clemency-list-pardons-commutations.html | title=Everyone Biden Has Granted Presidential Pardons and Commutations | magazine=New York | date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2024}} On December 23, 2024, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates.{{cite news |first=Ruth |last=Comerford |title=Biden commutes most federal death sentences |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkxe4xlvgxo |agency=BBC News |date=December 23, 2024 |access-date=January 2, 2025}} On his last day in office, Biden commuted the sentence of Leonard Peltier, convicted of murdering two FBI agents, to house arrest.{{cite news |first1=Luke |last1=Barr |first2=Mark |last2=Osborne |title=Biden sparks outrage with last-minute commutation of man convicted of killing FBI agents |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-sparks-outrage-minute-commutation-leonard-peltier-man/story?id=117909582 |agency=ABC News |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025}}

== Pardons of family members and political figures==

File:2024-12-01 Biden pardon Hunter Biden.jpg

Biden issued more pardons for members of his family than any other president. On December 1, 2024, he issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden that covered all federal offenses between 2014 and December 1, 2024. The pardon's sweeping extent was "unprecedented".{{Cite magazine |last=Soave |first=Robby |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Hunter Biden's pardon is unprecedented |url=https://reason.com/2024/12/05/hunter-bidens-pardon-is-unprecedented/?utm_medium=reason_email&utm_source=new_at_reason&utm_campaign=reason_brand&utm_content=Remy:%20Pardon%20My%20Son&utm_term=&time=December%206th,%202024&mpid=38717&mpweb=2534-5159-38717 |access-date=December 9, 2024 |magazine=Reason}} According to Reason magazine, Hunter Biden's pardon was even more far-reaching than Richard Nixon's or other "controversial" pardons:

The Hunter pardon is far more comprehensive...in that it covered not just his convictions for drug-related activities and tax fraud, but any other criminal behavior since 2014—the year that Hunter joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. It has been alleged that Hunter's job was essentially to trade on the family name and sell his access to dad. This may not have been illegal, but it does mean that the pardon is clearly designed to offer preemptive protection not just to Hunter, but to Joe Biden himself. These features make the pardon unprecedented, though perfectly in line with the president's executive powers.

Hunter had been convicted on charges related to tax and gun offenses, after which Joe made numerous promises not to pardon him. He and his staff continued to say that Hunter would not be pardoned as late as November, although internal staff discussions affirmed that the option remained on the table even as Biden said otherwise.{{Cite news |last1=Hubbard |first1=Kaia |last2=Freiman |first2=Jordan |date=December 1, 2024 |title=President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden |agency=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hunter-biden-padon/ |access-date=December 2, 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Samuels |first=Brett |date=December 2, 2024 |title=Joe Biden pardons his son, Hunter Biden |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5016851-biden-pardons-his-son-hunter/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Hill}} Biden and his family finalized the decision to pardon Hunter without consulting senior staff.{{Cite news |date=December 2, 2024 |title=How Biden Changed His Mind on Pardoning Hunter: 'Time to End All of This' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/politics/hunter-biden-pardon-decision.html |newspaper=The New York Times}} In a statement announcing the pardon, Biden said he believed his son was "selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted", blaming "political pressure" for the collapse of a plea bargain. The plea bargain actually fell apart after the presiding judge asked about its unusual construction.{{Cite news |last=Morin |first=Rebecca |title=President Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden despite pledges not to |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/01/president-joe-biden-hunter-biden-pardon/76693183007/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |newspaper=USA Today}}{{Cite web |first1=Katie |last1=Rogers |first2=Glenn |last2=Thrush |date=December 2, 2024 |title=Judge Scuppered Hunter Biden Plea Deal, Not Political Pressure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/us/politics/biden-pardon-political-pressure.html |website=The New York Times}} Biden's pardon came amid incoming December sentencing dates for Hunter for his convictions and concerns about the succeeding Trump administration potentially targeting political rivals for prosecution. Biden said, "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision."{{Cite news |first1=Marshall |last1=Cohen |first2=Betsy |last2=Klein |date=December 2, 2024 |title=President Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/01/politics/hunter-biden-joe-biden-pardon/index.html |access-date=December 2, 2024 |website=CNN}}

On his last day in office, Biden issued pardons for more of his family members and other high-profile figures.{{Cite news |first1=Peter |last1=Baker |first2=Michael D. |last2=Shear |authorlink2=Michael D. Shear |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Biden in Final Hours Pardons Relatives and Others to Thwart Trump Reprisals |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-fauci-milley-cheney-jan-6.html |newspaper = The New York Times |access-date=March 1, 2025}} The pardons covered Biden's siblings and their spouses, including James Biden, who was interviewed as part of an impeachment probe into Biden. Others pardoned that day include former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, and members and participants in the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, despite many of those pardoned not having been under criminal investigation.{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Biden pardons Fauci, Milley and the Jan. 6 panel. It's a guard against potential 'revenge' by Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-fauci-milley-pardons-january-6-3cba287f89051513fb48d7ae700ae747 |work = Associated Press News}} Biden justified the pardons by citing his concern about "baseless and politically motivated investigations" during Trump's second term.{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Biden pardons his family in final minutes in office |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-family-members.html |agency = CNBC}}{{cite news |last1=Debusmann |first1=Bernd Jr. |last2=Wong |first2=Vicky | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r5g5dezk4o | title=Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for siblings, Fauci and Jan 6 riot panel | website=BBC News | date=January 10, 2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |last2=Saenz |first2=Arlette | url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/joe-biden-preemptive-pardons/index.html | title=Biden issues preemptive pardons for Trump critics and Biden family members | website=CNN | date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025}} Biden added that the pardons were preemptive and should not be seen as implying their recipients' guilt.{{Cite news |first1=Michelle |last1=Stoddart |first2=Lucien |last2=Bruggeman |date=January 20, 2025 |title=President Biden pardons family members in final minutes of presidency |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-biden-pardons-family-members-final-minutes-presidency/story?id=117893348 |website = ABC News}}{{Cite news |first=Erin |last=Doherty |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Biden pardons family members minutes before leaving office |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/01/20/biden-family-pardons-white-house-donald-trump |website = Axios}} The pardons Biden granted to his family and other political figures had a sweeping scope similar to the one he granted Hunter, covering federal offenses the recipients committed or may have committed between 2014 and the day of the pardon.{{Cite web |first=Kyle |last=Cheney |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Joe Biden pardons several family members |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-family-members-00199331 |website = Politico}}

Biden also pardoned two other Democratic officials on his last day in office: Ernest William Cromartie, convicted of tax evasion, and Gerald G. Lundergan, convicted of a scheme to funnel money to his daughter's Senate campaign.{{Cite news |first=Michael D. |last=Shear |authorlink=Michael D. Shear |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Biden Pardons 5 Members of His Family in Final Minutes in Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-family.html |newspaper = The New York Times |access-date=March 1, 2025}}{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Biden pardons former Ky. Democratic Party leader moments before leaving office |url=https://www.wkyt.com/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-former-ky-democratic-party-leader-moments-before-leaving-office/ |website = WKYT-TV}}{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Former Columbia councilman Cromartie, previously jailed for tax evasion, pardoned by Biden |url=https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article298849453.html |newspaper = The State}}

==2022 elections==

File:Biden rally at Bowie State University (52485660899).jpg in Maryland for gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore, November 7, 2022|alt=Photo of Biden holding a microphone at a campaign rally, with his jacket off and sleeves rolled up]]

On September 2, 2022, in a nationally broadcast Philadelphia speech, Biden called for a "battle for the soul of the nation". Off camera, he called Trump supporters "semi-fascists", which Republican commentators denounced.{{cite news |last1=O'Keefe |first1=Ed |last2=Cook |first2=Sara |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Biden delivers prime-time speech on the "battle for the soul of the nation" in Philadelphia |publisher=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/biden-speech-philadelphia-democracy-watch-live-stream-today-2022-09-01/ |access-date=October 14, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Four takeaways from President Biden's speech in Philadelphia |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-aud-nw-nyt-biden-philadelphia-speech-20220902-zsfckr7n7jf4rbowcu6e2pre2i-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Naughtie |first=Andrew |date=September 5, 2022 |title=Jan 6 committee members back Biden remarks on Trump 'fascism' after rally guest defends neo-Nazi rioter: Joe Biden's warnings of creeping fascism on the pro-Trump right have fired up ex-president's followers and dissenters alike |newspaper=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jan-6-trump-fascism-rally-lofgren-raskin-b2159938.html |access-date=October 14, 2022}} A predicted Republican wave election did not materialize and the race for U.S. Congress control was much closer than expected, with Republicans securing a slim majority of 222 seats in the House of Representatives,{{cite news |last=Hounshell |first=Blake |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Five Takeaways From a Red Wave That Didn't Reach the Shore |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/09/us/politics/midterm-elections-takeaways.html |access-date=November 9, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |last1=Knowles |first1=Hannah |last2=Scherer |first2=Michael |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Democrats show strength, leaving fight for control of Congress unresolved |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2022/11/08/house-senate-race/ |access-date=November 9, 2022}}{{cite magazine |last=McGraw |first=Meridith |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Trump's biggest midterm bets don't pay out |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/09/trump-endorsed-candidates-2022-election-results |access-date=November 9, 2022 |magazine=Politico}}{{cite news |last=Breuninger |first=Kevin |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Republicans take control of the House, NBC News projects |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/16/midterm-house-elections-2022-republicans-take-control-of-the-house.html |access-date=November 16, 2022}} and the Democratic caucus keeping control of the U.S. Senate.{{cite web |date=November 8, 2022 |title=2022 Election: Live Analysis and Results |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2022-midterm-election/ |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=FiveThirtyEight}}{{efn|Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, whose seats were not up for election in 2022, left the Democratic Party and became independent politicians in December 2022 and May 2024, respectively. As a result, 47 Democrats (rather than 49), plus Angus King and Bernie Sanders, independents who caucus with Democrats, were in the Senate of the 118th United States Congress, on May 31, 2024. Manchin continued to caucus with Democrats while Sinema opted to caucus with neither party but to align with the Democrats, bringing the Democratic Senate majority to 51 seats.{{USCongRec|2023|S22|January 3, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Skelley |first=Geoffrey |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Why Kyrsten Sinema Left The Democratic Party |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-kyrsten-sinema-left-the-democratic-party/ |access-date=December 11, 2022 |website=FiveThirtyEight|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606220147/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-kyrsten-sinema-left-the-democratic-party/ |archive-date=June 6, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Watson|first=Kathryn|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/democrat-joe-manchin-registers-independent/|title=Sen. Joe Manchin leaves Democratic Party, registers as an independent|publisher=CBS News|date=May 31, 2024|accessdate=May 31, 2024}}}}

It was the first midterm election since 1986 in which the incumbent president's party achieved a net gain in governorships, and the first since 1934 in which the president's party lost no state legislative chambers.{{Cite news |last=Enten |first=Harry |date=November 13, 2022 |title=How Joe Biden and the Democratic Party defied midterm history |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/13/politics/democrats-biden-midterm-elections-senate-house/index.html |access-date=November 28, 2022 |publisher=CNN}} Democrats credited Biden for their unexpectedly strong performance,{{Cite web |first=Lauren |last=Gambino |date=November 20, 2022 |title='You did it!': Biden basks in midterms afterglow after beating expectations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/20/joe-biden-midterms-democrats-presidency |access-date=November 28, 2022 |newspaper=The Guardian}} but they likely overperformed for other reasons, including the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and poor Republican candidate quality in many races.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/democrats-2022-error-message/680661/|title=The Democrats' 2022 Error Message|quote=Swing-state successes in the last midterms gave the party false optimism about 2024.|first1=Ronald|last1=Brownstein|website=The Atlantic|date=November 14, 2024|access-date=November 28, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Silver |first=Nate |authorlink=Nate Silver |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Candidate Quality Mattered |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/candidate-quality-mattered/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=FiveThirtyEight}}

= Foreign policy =

In June 2021, Biden took his first trip abroad as president, visiting Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. He attended a G7 summit, a NATO summit, and an EU summit, and held one-on-one talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/bidens-first-trip-abroad-whirlwind-of-meetings-with-allies-rivals-2021-6 |title=Biden's first trip abroad will be a whirlwind of major meetings with key allies and top rivals |last=Haltiwanger |first=John |date=June 3, 2021 |work=Business Insider |access-date=June 19, 2021}}

In September 2021, Biden announced AUKUS, a security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, to ensure "peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific".{{cite news |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |last2=Lemire |first2=Jonathan |title=Biden announces Indo-Pacific alliance with UK, Australia |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-china-australia-united-states-1b2e597918bc1c8dd1aab26ab32c9621 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009141945/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-china-australia-united-states-1b2e597918bc1c8dd1aab26ab32c9621 |url-status=live}}

In February 2021, the Biden administration announced that the United States was ending its support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen and revoked the designation of Yemen's Houthis as terrorists.{{cite news |last1=Knickmeyer |first1=Ellen |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Biden ending US support for Saudi-led offensive in Yemen |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-end-support-saudi-offenseive-yemen-b68f58493dbfc530b9fcfdb80a13098f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023211712/https://apnews.com/article/biden-end-support-saudi-offenseive-yemen-b68f58493dbfc530b9fcfdb80a13098f |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=Associated Press News}}{{cite news |last1=Knickmeyer |first1=Ellen |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Biden revokes terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthis |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-civil-wars-yemen-d17b50e3995827838a19fb8bd09e9f64|work=Associated Press News}} In early February 2022, Biden ordered the counterterrorism raid in northern Syria that resulted in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, the second leader of the Islamic State.{{Cite press release |date=February 3, 2022|title=Statement by President Joe Biden|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/03/statement-by-president-joe-biden-3/|access-date=February 3, 2022|publisher=The White House|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203132343/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/03/statement-by-president-joe-biden-3/|url-status=live}} In late July, Biden approved the drone strike that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the second leader of Al-Qaeda, and an integral member in the planning of the September 11 attacks.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/01/us/politics/al-qaeda-strike-afghanistan.html |title=U.S. Drone Strike Kills Ayman al-Zawahri, Top Qaeda Leader |date=August 1, 2022 |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |last2=Cooper |first2=Helene |last3=Barnes |first3=Julian |last4=Schmitt |first4=Eric |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801215209/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/01/us/politics/al-qaeda-strike-afghanistan.html |url-status=live}} The 2022 OPEC+ oil production cut caused a diplomatic spat with Saudi Arabia, threatening a longstanding alliance.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/11/us/politics/biden-saudi-arabia-oil-production-cut.html | title=Biden Vows 'Consequences' for Saudi Arabia After Oil Production Cut | newspaper=The New York Times | date=October 11, 2022 | last1=Baker | first1=Peter}}{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/1a5cfd12-a202-4242-b0ad-bed56f377142 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/1a5cfd12-a202-4242-b0ad-bed56f377142 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title=Joe Biden warns of 'consequences' for Saudi Arabia after oil production cuts | newspaper=Financial Times | date=October 12, 2022}}

In August 2024, Biden negotiated and oversaw the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange, the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War. It involved the release of 26 people, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan.{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2024 |title=Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa |access-date=August 5, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |quote=The U.S. and Russia on Thursday completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history... |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802233705/https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa |url-status=live }} In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it had helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict.{{Cite news |last1=Gebeily |first1=Maya |last2=Taher |first2=Aziz |date=November 27, 2024 |title=Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds in first hours, Lebanese civilians start to return home |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-takes-effect-2024-11-27/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last=Geller |first=Adam |date=November 26, 2024 |title=What to know about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-3ed296f8317ecaa89c4e3548c75c9602 |access-date=November 27, 2024 |work=Associated Press News}}{{Cite news |last=Rasmussen |first=Sune Engel |date=November 27, 2024 |title=The Impossible Mission to Enforce an Israel-Hezbollah Cease-Fire |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-impossible-mission-to-enforce-an-israel-hezbollah-cease-fire-9402a682 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite news |last1=Diamond |first1=Jeremy |last2=Edwards |first2=Christian |last3=Qiblawi |first3=Tamara |last4=Yosef |first4=Eugenia |date=November 26, 2024 |title=Israeli security cabinet approves Lebanon ceasefire deal, after 11th-hour strikes on central Beirut |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/26/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ceasefire-deal-approve-hezbollah-intl/index.html |access-date=November 27, 2024 |website=CNN}}

== Withdrawal from Afghanistan ==

File:President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris meet with their national security team and senior officials.jpg and the U.S. National Security team, discussing the Fall of Kabul on August 15, 2021|alt=Photo of Biden seated alone at a table, looking at a videoconference screen]]

American forces had begun withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2020, under the provisions of a February 2020 US-Taliban agreement that set a May 1, 2021, deadline.{{cite web |last1=Kiely |first1=Eugene |last2=Farley |first2=Robert |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2021/08/timeline-of-u-s-withdrawal-from-afghanistan/ |title=Timeline of U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan |work=FactCheck.org |date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817224525/https://www.factcheck.org/2021/08/timeline-of-u-s-withdrawal-from-afghanistan/ |url-status=live}} The Taliban began an offensive on May 1.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/16/politics/biden-afghanistan-speech/index.html|title=Biden admits Afghanistan's collapse 'did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated'|first1=Kevin|last1=Liptak|first2=Jeff|last2=Zeleny|first3=Kaitlan|last3=Collins|first4=Jennifer|last4=Hansler|first5=Maegan|last5=Vazquez|date=August 16, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2021|website=CNN|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830160957/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/16/politics/biden-afghanistan-speech/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Nomaan|last1=Merchant|first2=Zeke|last2=Miller|url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-evacuations-32bb6a22846f649b626a3130f8c5dffb|title=Misread warnings helped lead to chaotic Afghan evacuation|date=August 19, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2021|work=Associated Press News|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829230019/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-evacuations-32bb6a22846f649b626a3130f8c5dffb|url-status=live}} By early July, most American troops in Afghanistan had withdrawn. Biden addressed the withdrawal in July, saying, "The likelihood there's going to be the Taliban overrunning everything and owning the whole country is highly unlikely."

On August 15, the Afghan government collapsed under the Taliban offensive, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.{{cite news |title=Biden defends 'messy' US pullout from Afghanistan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58238497 |access-date=August 17, 2021 |website=BBC News |date=August 17, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023163517/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58238497 |url-status=live}} Biden reacted by ordering 6,000 American troops to assist with evacuating American personnel and Afghan allies.{{cite news |last1=Prakash |first1=Nidhi |title=Joe Biden Blamed Afghan Leaders For Giving Up As The Taliban Took Control |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nidhiprakash/biden-afghanistan-speech-taliban-take-over |access-date=August 17, 2021 |work=Buzzfeed News |date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008133113/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nidhiprakash/biden-afghanistan-speech-taliban-take-over |url-status=live}} He faced bipartisan criticism for the manner of the withdrawal,{{cite news |last1=Edmondson |first1=Catie |title=Lawmakers Unite in Bipartisan Fury Over Afghanistan Withdrawal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/16/us/politics/afghanistan-withdrawal-congress.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=March 1, 2022 |date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210816201146/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/16/us/politics/afghanistan-withdrawal-congress.html |url-status=live}} with the evacuations described as chaotic and botched.{{cite magazine |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |title=Top generals contradict Biden, say they urged him not to withdraw from Afghanistan |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/28/top-generals-afghanistan-withdrawal-congress-hearing-514491 |magazine=Politico |date=September 28, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929165155/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/28/top-generals-afghanistan-withdrawal-congress-hearing-514491 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Melanie |last1=Zanona |first2=Lauren |last2=Fox |title=House Republicans vow to probe Biden's Afghanistan exit if they win in 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/20/politics/house-republicans-afghanistan-biden-benghazi/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822125620/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/20/politics/house-republicans-afghanistan-biden-benghazi/index.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first1=Christopher |last1=Cadelago |first2=Natasha |last2=Korecki |first3=Laura |last3=Barrón-López |title=Biden scrambles to tamp down panic over Afghanistan |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/18/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-506065 |magazine=Politico |date=August 18, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126220827/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/18/biden-afghanistan-withdrawal-506065 |url-status=live}} On August 16, Biden addressed the "messy" situation, taking responsibility for it, and admitting that the situation "unfolded more quickly than we had anticipated".{{cite news |last1=Watson |first1=Kathryn |title=Biden says 'buck stops with me' and defends Afghanistan withdrawal |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-afghanistan-taliban-watch-live-stream-today-2021-08-16/ |access-date=August 17, 2021 |website=CBS News |date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817054019/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-afghanistan-taliban-watch-live-stream-today-2021-08-16/ |url-status=live}} He defended his decision to withdraw, saying that Americans should not be "dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves".{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |title=Biden says the 'buck stops with me' — while pinning blame on Trump and many Afghans |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/08/16/biden-says-buck-stops-with-me-while-pinning-blame-trump-lots-afghans/ |access-date=August 17, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817153113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/08/16/biden-says-buck-stops-with-me-while-pinning-blame-trump-lots-afghans/ |url-status=live}}

On August 26, a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport killed 13 U.S. service members and 169 Afghans. On August 27, an American drone strike killed two ISIS-K targets, who were "planners and facilitators", according to a U.S. Army general.{{cite news|first1=Michael|last1=Collins|first2=Tom Vanden|last2=Brook|first3=Deirdre|last3=Shesgreen|title=Biden said US would 'hunt' down Kabul airport attackers. A day later, a drone strike killed two ISIS-K targets|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/28/kabul-bombing-u-s-issues-drone-strike-against-isis-k-planner/5628326001/|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830163452/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/28/kabul-bombing-u-s-issues-drone-strike-against-isis-k-planner/5628326001/|url-status=live}} The U.S. military completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30. Biden called the extraction of over 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and other allies "an extraordinary success".{{cite news |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |last2=Freking |first2=Kevin |title=Biden defends departure from 'forever war,' praises airlift |url=https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b |access-date=September 5, 2021 |work=Associated Press News |date=September 1, 2021 |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908160545/https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b |url-status=live}} He acknowledged that up to 200 Americans who wanted to leave did not, despite his August 18 pledge to keep troops in Afghanistan until all Americans who wanted to leave had left.{{cite web |last1=Gore |first1=D'Angelo |last2=Farley |first2=Robert |last3=Robertson |first3=Lori |title=How Many Americans and Allies Are Left in Afghanistan? |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2021/09/how-many-americans-and-allies-are-left-in-afghanistan/ |access-date=September 5, 2021 |website=Factcheck.org |date=September 2, 2021 |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908104952/https://www.factcheck.org/2021/09/how-many-americans-and-allies-are-left-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=live}}

After the withdrawal, the U.S. continued to send aid to Afghanistan, remaining its biggest aid donor as of August 2024 and spending at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal. U.S. funding has helped support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy.{{cite news |title=US aid is still vital to Afghanistan |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/08/28/us-aid-is-still-vital-to-afghanistan_6722732_4.html|work=Le Monde |date=August 28, 2024}}{{cite news |title=US aid vetting failures may have benefited militants in Afghanistan, watchdog finds |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-aid-vetting-failures-may-have-benefited-militants-afghanistan-watchdog-finds-2024-07-17/l|work=Reuters |date=July 17, 2024}} On September 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with ten Democrats and all Republicans voting in favor.{{cite news |last1=Groves |first1=Stephen |title=House approves GOP resolution condemning Biden and Harris over Afghanistan withdrawal |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-harris-afghanistan-house-republicans-794de9e0a7685dbf7d9f2175728f4d51 |work=Associated Press News |access-date=January 18, 2025 |date=September 25, 2024}}

==Russian invasion of Ukraine==

File:President Biden met with refugees from Ukraine in Warsaw.jpg in Warsaw, Poland, March 2022|alt=Photo of a smiling Biden holding a child, with a mask lowered onto his chin]]

In February 2022, the Russian Armed Forces under President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. After warning for several weeks that an attack was imminent, Biden responded by imposing severe sanctions on Russia and authorizing over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine.{{Cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |authorlink1=Michael D. Shear |last2=Kanno-Youngs |first2=Zolan |last3=Rogers |first3=Katie |date=February 28, 2022 |title=10 Consequential Days: How Biden Navigated War, Covid and the Supreme Court |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/us/politics/biden-ukraine-covid-supreme-court.html |access-date=March 17, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321104514/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/us/politics/biden-ukraine-covid-supreme-court.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ashley |last2=Harris |first2=Shane |last3=Birnbaum |first3=Michael |last4=Hudson |first4=John |date=February 25, 2022 |title=13 days: Inside Biden's last-ditch attempts to stop Putin in Ukraine |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/02/25/inside-biden-putin-ukraine/ |access-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226045105/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/02/25/inside-biden-putin-ukraine/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Jeff |last2=Bose |first2=Nandita |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal,' sending more weapons to Ukraine |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-announce-new-security-assistance-ukraine-after-signing-massive-spending-2022-03-16/ |access-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319080135/https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-announce-new-security-assistance-ukraine-after-signing-massive-spending-2022-03-16/ |url-status=live}} On April 29, he asked Congress for $33 billion for Ukraine,{{cite news |title=War in Ukraine: U.S. dramatically upgrades its aid package to Kyiv |first=Piotr |last=Smolar |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/04/29/war-in-ukraine-u-s-dramatically-upgrades-its-aid-package-to-kyiv_5981990_4.html |newspaper=Le Monde |date=April 29, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510001810/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/04/29/war-in-ukraine-u-s-dramatically-upgrades-its-aid-package-to-kyiv_5981990_4.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Biden seeks $33B for Ukraine, signaling long-term commitment |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-economy-5656f58ae48cb3cf37da0d0c431a15b8 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |first1=Alan |last1=Fram |first2=Zeke |last2=Miller |first3=Aamer |last3=Madhani}} but lawmakers later increased it to about $40 billion.{{cite news |title=House approves $40B in Ukraine aid, beefing up Biden request |first=Alan |last=Fram |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-0ac5c758d32dbea64c437b50e829bbb2 |publisher=Associated Press |date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511000720/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-0ac5c758d32dbea64c437b50e829bbb2 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Sonmez |first1=Felicia |last2=Jeong |first2=Andrew |date=May 10, 2022 |title=House approves nearly $40 billion in aid to Ukraine as it fights off Russian aggression |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/05/10/house-poised-approve-additional-40-billion-aid-ukraine/ |access-date=May 11, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Zengerle |first=Patricia |date=May 19, 2022 |title=After delay, U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approves $40 billion in Ukraine aid |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/after-delay-congress-sends-40-billion-ukraine-aid-package-biden-2022-05-19/ |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=Reuters}} Biden blamed Putin for the emerging energy and food crises.{{cite news |title=Biden blames 'Putin's invasion of Ukraine' for rising gas, food prices globally |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/biden-blames-putin-s-invasion-of-ukraine-for-rising-gas-food-prices-globally-101648873914167.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=April 2, 2022 |first=Shubhangi |last=Gupta|access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516164119/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/biden-blames-putin-s-invasion-of-ukraine-for-rising-gas-food-prices-globally-101648873914167.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Ukraine war: Hungry Africans are victims of the conflict, Macky Sall tells Vladimir Putin |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61685383 |website=BBC News |date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611165237/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61685383 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Nichols |first2=Michelle |date=September 21, 2022 |title=Biden accuses Putin of irresponsible nuclear threats, violating U.N. charter |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-announce-29-bln-food-security-funding-during-un-speech-white-house-2022-09-21/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511024035/https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-announce-29-bln-food-security-funding-during-un-speech-white-house-2022-09-21/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024}}

In 2022, Congress approved about $113 billion in aid to Ukraine.{{cite news |title=$113 billion: Where the US investment in Ukraine aid has gone |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/war-funding-ukraine-what-matters/index.html |website=CNN |date=September 21, 2023 |first=Zachary B. |last=Wolf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505224731/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/war-funding-ukraine-what-matters/index.html |url-status=live |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 }} In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the year ahead,{{cite news |title=The White House is asking for almost $106 billion for Israel, Ukraine and the border |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/20/1206301577/biden-ukraine-israel-congress-funding-request |website=NPR |date=October 26, 2023 |first=Deepa |last=Shivaram |access-date=August 13, 2024 }} but delays in the passage of further aid by the House of Representatives inhibited progress, with the additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine added in April 2024.{{cite news |last1=Zengerle |first1=Patricia |last2=Cowan |first2=Richard |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/long-awaited-aid-ukraine-israel-taiwan-poised-pass-us-congress-2024-04-23/ |title=US Congress passes Ukraine aid after months of delay |work=Reuters |date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Michael |last2=Saenz |first2=Arlette |last3=Liptak |first3=Kevin |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/24/politics/biden-signs-foreign-aid-bill/index.html |title=Biden signs foreign aid bill providing crucial military assistance to Ukraine |website=CNN |date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Myre |first=Greg |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/04/24/1246839045/biden-signs-95-billion-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-israel-and-taiwan |title=Biden signs $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan |website=NPR |date=April 24, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}} Actually delivered aid often differed from announced levels and was also often delayed. The Government Accountability Office and Pentagon Inspector General found that the Biden administration seemed unaware of the pace of weapons deliveries.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigations/biden-administration-beset-by-doubts-slowed-ukraine-weapons-shipments-until-2025-02-03/|title=Biden administration slowed Ukraine arms shipments until his term was nearly done |work=Reuters|date=February 3, 2025|access-date=March 1, 2025}}

Throughout the conflict, Biden consistently refused Ukrainian requests to allow them to utilize weapons against Russian military targets inside Russia. An exception was granted in May 2024 for targets in the vicinity of Kharkiv for "counter-fire" purposes.{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Pamuk |first2=Humeyra |last3=Stewart |first3=Phil |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-allows-ukraine-use-us-supplied-arms-strike-inside-russia-near-kharkiv-area-2024-05-30/ |title=Biden allows Ukraine limited use of US arms to strike inside Russia, say US officials |work=Reuters |date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite magazine |last=Bushard |first=Brian |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/05/30/biden-will-let-ukraine-strike-inside-russia-with-us-weapons-in-major-policy-reversal-but-only-in-one-region/?sh=1e654e4e3471 |title=Biden Will Let Ukraine Strike Inside Russia With U.S. Weapons—But Only In One Region |magazine=Forbes |date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy770l9llnzo |title=Biden allows Ukraine to hit some targets in Russia with US weapons |agency=BBC News |date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4767636-biden-ukraine-weapons-restrictions/ |title=Biden maintains limit on Ukrainian strikes despite Zelensky's push |newspaper=The Hill |date=July 11, 2024}} Biden also blocked access for some weapons systems altogether, typically citing fears of escalation, only to permit deliveries for some weapons later on.{{cite magazine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/12/biden-ukraine-support-putin-armageddon/ |title=Biden's Soft Underbelly on Ukraine |magazine=Foreign Policy |date=October 12, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/17/us/politics/ukraine-biden-weapons.html |title=Ukraine Wants the U.S. to Send More Powerful Weapons. Biden Is Not So Sure. |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 17, 2022}}{{cite magazine |first=Elliot |last=Ackerman |url=https://time.com/6548816/ukraine-biden-administration-military-aid/ |title=The Biden Administration's Slow Yes Has Doomed Ukraine |magazine=Time |date=December 18, 2023}}{{cite magazine |first=Edward Hunter |last=Christie | url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/11/ukraine-russia-war-biden-us-escalation-management-military-aid/ |title=Biden's 'Escalation Management' in Ukraine Makes the West Less Safe |magazine=Foreign Policy |date=September 11, 2024}}{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Kaminski |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/09/18/america-ukraine-russia-biden-00179657 |title=Does America Want Ukraine to Defeat Russia? It Doesn't Look That Way. |website=Politico |date=September 18, 2024}}

== China affairs ==

{{Further|China–United States relations#Biden administration (2021–2025)}}

File:President Biden met with Xi Jinping before the 2022 G20 Bali Summit.jpg during the G20 summit in Bali, November 14, 2022]]

The Solomon Islands-China security pact caused alarm in late 2022, as China could build military bases across the South Pacific. Biden sought to strengthen ties with Australia and New Zealand in the wake of the deal.{{Cite news |first=Ralph |last=Jennings |title=US Beefs Up South Pacific Aid, Diplomacy as China Spreads Its Influence |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/us-beefs-up-south-pacific-aid-diplomacy-as-china-spreads-its-influence-/6658148.html |date=July 13, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |website=Voice of America}}{{Cite news |date=May 24, 2022 |title=In meeting with Biden, Australia's Albanese recalls colourful first trip to U.S. |work=Reuters |first=Kirsty |last=Needham |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/meeting-with-biden-australias-albanese-recalls-colourful-first-trip-us-2022-05-24/ |access-date=July 18, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=What the China-Solomon Islands Pact Means for the U.S. and South Pacific |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/china-solomon-islands-security-pact-us-south-pacific |date=May 4, 2022 |first=Zongyuan Zoe |last=Liu |access-date=July 18, 2022 |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations}} In a September 2022 interview with 60 Minutes, Biden said that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of "an unprecedented attack" by the Chinese,{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Ruwitch |title=Biden, again, says U.S. would help Taiwan if China attacks |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123759127/biden-again-says-u-s-would-help-taiwan-if-china-attacks |work=NPR |date=September 19, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2023}} which is in contrast to the long-standing U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity" toward China and Taiwan.{{cite magazine |last1=Kine |first1=Phelim |title=Biden leaves no doubt: 'Strategic ambiguity' toward Taiwan is dead |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/19/biden-leaves-no-doubt-strategic-ambiguity-toward-taiwan-is-dead-00057658 |magazine=Politico |date=September 19, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2023}}{{cite news |title=A bristling China says Biden remarks on Taiwan 'severely violate' U.S. policy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-biden-taiwan-remarks-angry-reaction/ |agency=CBS News |date=September 19, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2023}}{{cite news|title=Biden's most hawkish comments on Taiwan yet |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/09/19/biden-taiwan-china-defense/ |date=September 19, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 28, 2023 |first=Aaron |last=Blake}} The September comments came after three previous comments by Biden that the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Adam |title=Three theories on Biden's repeated Taiwan gaffes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/24/taiwan-biden-gaffe/ |date=May 24, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 29, 2023}} Amid increasing tension with China, Biden's administration has repeatedly walked back his statements and asserted that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed.{{cite magazine |title=Joe Biden Keeps Being More Hawkish on Taiwan Than His Administration Wants to Be |first=Eric |last=Lutz |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/09/joe-biden-says-us-will-defend-taiwan-if-china-attacks |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=January 29, 2023 |date=September 19, 2022}} In late 2022, Biden issued several executive orders and federal rules designed to slow Chinese technological growth, and maintain U.S. leadership over computing, biotech, and clean energy.{{Cite magazine |last=Bade |first=Gavin |title='A sea change': Biden reverses decades of Chinese trade policy |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/26/china-trade-tech-00072232 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |magazine=Politico |date=December 26, 2022}}

On February 4, 2023, Biden ordered the United States Air Force to shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.{{cite news |last1=Baldor |first1=Lolita C. |last2=Copp |first2=Tara |title=China balloon: Many questions about suspected spy in the sky |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-antony-blinken-china-b1b03193b7abeb7bbeca169bbc7c2c53 |work=Associated Press News |date=February 4, 2023 |access-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209010911/https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-antony-blinken-china-b1b03193b7abeb7bbeca169bbc7c2c53 |url-status=live}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3288543/f-22-safely-shoots-down-chinese-spy-balloon-off-south-carolina-coast/ |title=F-22 Safely Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off South Carolina Coast |last=Garamone |first=Jim |date=February 4, 2023 |publisher=United States Department of Defense |access-date=February 12, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211012305/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3288543/f-22-safely-shoots-down-chinese-spy-balloon-off-south-carolina-coast/ |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |quote=A U.S. Air Force fighter safely shot down a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a written statement.}} The Chinese government denied that the balloon was a surveillance device, instead claiming it was a civilian airship that had blown off course.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Matthew |date=February 4, 2023 |title=Chinese balloon soars across US; Blinken scraps Beijing trip |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6 |url-status=live |work=Associated Press News |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205001417/https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6 |archive-date=February 5, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Swire |first=Sonnet |date=February 4, 2023 |title=What to know about the suspected Chinese spy balloon |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/04/politics/chinese-spy-balloon-us-latest/index.html |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=CNN}} Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned visit to China as the incident further damaged U.S.-China relations.{{Cite news |last1=Pamuk |first1=Humeyra |last2=Ali |first2=Idrees |last3=Martina |first3=Michael |last4=Ali |first4=Idrees |date=February 4, 2023 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |title=Blinken postpones China trip over 'unacceptable' Chinese spy balloon |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china-expresses-regret-that-civilian-airship-strays-over-us-2023-02-03/}}{{cite news |last1=Cadell |first1=Cate |last2=Hudson |first2=John |last3=Abutaleb |first3=Yasmeen |title=Blinken postpones China trip as suspected spy balloon detected over U.S. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/02/03/blinken-postpones-china-trip-suspected-spy-balloon-detected-over-us/ |date=February 3, 2023 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 5, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Hansler |first1=Jennifer |last2=Liptak |first2=Kevin |last3=Herb |first3=Jeremy |last4=Atwood |first4=Kylie |last5=Sciutto |first5=Kylie |last6=Liebermann |first6=Oren |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Blinken postpones trip to Beijing after Chinese spy balloon spotted over US, officials say |website=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/03/politics/china-us-balloon-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204022758/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/03/politics/china-us-balloon-intl/index.html |archive-date=February 4, 2023}} In May 2024, the Biden administration doubled tariffs on solar cells imported from China and more than tripled tariffs on lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries imported from China.{{Cite news |last1=Boak |first1=Josh |last2=Hussein |first2=Fatima |last3=Wiseman |first3=Paul |last4=Tang |first4=Didi |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Biden hikes tariffs on Chinese EVs, solar cells, steel, aluminum — and snipes at Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-china-tariffs-electric-vehicles-evs-solar-2024ba735c47e04a50898a88425c5e2c |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Associated Press News}} It also raised tariffs on imports of Chinese steel, aluminum, and medical materials.

In April 2024, Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would ban social networking services if they are determined by the president and relevant provisions to be a "foreign adversary controlled application". The act explicitly applies to ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which are based in China. It ceases to be applicable if the application is divested and no longer considered to be controlled by a foreign adversary of the United States. Biden had signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act in December 2022, prohibiting the use of TikTok on devices owned by the federal government.{{Cite web |last=Lawler |first=Richard |date=January 19, 2025 |title=TikTok is down in the US |url=https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/18/24346961/tiktok-shut-down-banned-in-the-us |access-date=January 19, 2025 |website=The Verge}}{{Cite news |first1=Megan |last1=Lebowitz |first2=Ben |last2=Goggin |first3=Kat |last3=Tenbarge |date=January 19, 2025 |title=TikTok makes app unavailable for U.S. users ahead of ban |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/tiktok-makes-app-unavailable-us-users-ahead-ban-rcna188294 |access-date=January 19, 2025 |website=NBC News }}{{Cite news |first1=Yvette |last1=Tan |first2=Fan |last2=Wang |title=RedNote: Americans and Chinese share jokes on 'alternative TikTok' as US ban looms |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c983lr756xwo |date=January 17, 2025 |access-date=January 19, 2025 |website=BBC News}}

==Gaza war==

File:Isaac Herzog at Ben Gurion Airport, October 2023 (ABG 4491).jpg and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023]]

In October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that devolved into an intensified conflict, jeopardizing the administration's push to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.{{Cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Edward |last2=Mazzetti |first2=Mark |last3=Nereim |first3=Vivian |date=October 9, 2023 |title=U.S. Continues Push for Saudi-Israel Ties Even as War With Hamas Begins |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/08/us/politics/saudi-arabia-israel-palestinians-hamas.html |access-date=October 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Biden stated his unequivocal support for Israel and condemned the attack by Hamas.{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=October 10, 2023 |title=In Unforgiving Terms, Biden Condemns 'Evil' and 'Abhorrent' Attack on Israel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012001950/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} He deployed aircraft carriers in the region to deter others from joining the war,{{Cite news |last=Collinson |first=Stephen |date=October 18, 2023 |title=What Biden did and didn't achieve during his trip to Israel |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/politics/middle-east-conflict-biden-israel/index.html |access-date=October 31, 2023 |publisher=CNN}} and called for an additional $14 billion in military aid to Israel.{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=October 20, 2023 |title=Details of Biden's $105 Billion Funding Request for Israel and Ukraine |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/20/us/politics/bidens-funds-israel-ukraine.html |access-date=October 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} He later began pressuring Israel to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.{{Cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |authorlink1=Michael D. Shear |last2=Sanger |first2=David E. |last3=Wong |first3=Edward |date=October 30, 2023 |title=Biden's Support for Israel Now Comes With Words of Caution |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/us/politics/biden-israel.html |access-date=October 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Biden rejected calls for a ceasefire but said he supported "humanitarian pauses" to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip.{{cite news |last1=Bendery |first1=Jennifer |title=Joe Biden On The Chances Of A Gaza Cease-Fire: 'None. No Possibility.' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-gaza-cease-fire-no-possibility_n_654d0b36e4b088d9a74da287 |work=Huffington Post |date=November 9, 2023}} He asked Israel to pause its invasion of Gaza for at least three days to allow for hostage negotiations; Israel agreed to daily four-hour pauses.{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2023 |title=Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee, White House says |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-pauses-b8fc613ffd8b9351c0dc37b90b6e10dd |access-date=November 13, 2023 |work=Associated Press News |first1=Aamer |last1=Madhani |first2=Zeke |last2=Miller |first3=Ellen |last3=Knickmeyer}} He also directed the U.S. military to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Biden Ordering US Military to Build Port in Gaza to Facilitate Aid |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-orders-us-military-to-build-port-in-gaza-to-facilitate-aid/7518026.html |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Voice of America |first=Patsy |last=Widakuswara}} Biden has said he is a Zionist.{{Cite news |last1=Spetalnick |first1=Matt |last2=Mason |first2=Jeff |last3=Holland |first3=Steve |last4=Zengerle |first4=Patricia |date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |title='I am a Zionist': How Joe Biden's lifelong bond with Israel shapes war policy |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/i-am-zionist-how-joe-bidens-lifelong-bond-with-israel-shapes-war-policy-2023-10-21/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |title='I am a Zionist,' says Biden at Hanukkah event, promises continued military assistance to Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/biden-were-there-no-israel-there-wouldnt-be-a-jew-in-the-world-who-is-safe/ |newspaper=The Times of Israel}} He has faced criticism for his unwavering support for Israel. Officials have urged him to take a harder stance against Israel, criticizing his administration's leniency and support despite the Israeli government's contentious offensive, which has led to significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.{{Cite news |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Biden pressure on Israel not enough, say dissenting US officials |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68773400 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |first=Tom |last=Bateman |website=BBC News}}{{Cite news |title=Biden: What's happening in Gaza 'is not genocide' |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/20/biden-gaza-not-genocide-israel-00159020 |newspaper=Politico |first1=Elena |last1=Schneider |first2=Jennifer |last2=Haberkorn |first3=Eli |last3=Stokols |date=May 20, 2024}}{{Cite news |title=Dozens of former U.S. officials urge Biden to take harder line with Israel |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/dozens-former-us-officials-urge-biden-take-harder-line-with-israel-2024-03-20/ |work=Reuters |date=March 21, 2024}}

{{#invoke:multiple image||

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| image1 = March on Washington Free Palestine - 1.jpg

| image2 = 215a.FreePalestineRally.WDC.4November2023 (53338192232).jpg

| footer = A crowd in Washington D.C. holding signs protesting the Biden administration's aid to Israel on November 4, 2023

}}

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, Biden said the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient.{{Cite web |last=Ewing |first=Giselle Ruhiyyih |date=March 2, 2024 |title=Gaza airdrop has begun, Biden says, but more needed |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/02/gaza-aid-airdrop-biden-00144563 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=Politico}} On March 3, the U.S. military began airdropping food aid into Gaza.{{Cite news |date=March 2, 2024 |title=US military aircraft airdrop thousands of meals into Gaza in emergency humanitarian aid operation |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-airdrop-humanitarian-assistance-f8bc071193f89906abf21478bc70a084 |access-date=March 7, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |first1=Tara |last1=Copp |first2=Seung |last2=Min Kim}} Several experts called the U.S. airdrops performative and said they would do little to alleviate the famine in Gaza.{{cite news |title=Airdropping aid is inefficient — so why is the U.S. doing it in Gaza anyway? |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/03/06/1236019060/gaza-israel-airdrop-aid-humanitarian-united-states |website=NPR |date=March 6, 2024 |first1=Ari |last1=Shapiro |first2=Linah |last2=Mohammad |first3=Elena |last3=Burnett}}

As of May 2024, Biden has continued to support Israel during the course of the war despite significant domestic opposition to American involvement in it and subsequent widespread protests. A March 2024 Gallup poll found that a strong majority of Americans disapproved of Israeli conduct during the war.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey |date=March 27, 2024 |title=Majority in U.S. Now Disapprove of Israeli Action in Gaza |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/642695/majority-disapprove-israeli-action-gaza.aspx |access-date=April 3, 2024 |publisher=Gallup Inc.}} Beginning in April 2024, widespread Gaza war protests emerged on university campuses, denouncing Biden.{{Cite news |last=Astor |first=Maggie |date=April 30, 2024 |title=College Democrats Back Protests and Criticize Biden's Israel Policy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/us/politics/biden-israel-college-protest.html |access-date=May 1, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}

On May 31, 2024, Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, saying that Hamas was "no longer capable" of another large-scale attack.{{cite web |last1=Berg |first1=Matt |last2=Ward |first2=Alexander | url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/31/hamas-no-longer-poses-major-threat-to-israel-biden-says-00161053 | title=Hamas no longer poses major threat to Israel, Biden says | website=Politico | date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Khalid |first=Asma | url=https://www.npr.org/2024/05/31/g-s1-2320/biden-israel-hamas-ceasefire-proposal | title=President Biden unveils and endorses details of a new Israeli cease-fire proposal | publisher=NPR | date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Kanishka | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/whats-new-israel-ceasefire-proposal-biden-announced-2024-05-31/ | title=What's in the new Israel ceasefire proposal Biden announced? | work=Reuters | date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}} The proposal, which would establish a permanent ceasefire, release all hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip, was supported by Hamas officials after mediation by Egypt and Qatar.{{cite web |last=Magid |first=Jacob | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/time-for-this-war-to-end-biden-tells-hamas-to-accept-israels-hostage-ceasefire-offer/ | title='Time for this war to end': Biden tells Hamas to accept Israel's hostage-ceasefire offer | website=The Times of Israel | date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Mackenzie |first2=James | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/biden-unveils-new-gaza-truce-proposal-hamas-responds-positively-2024-05-31/ | title=Biden details Gaza truce proposal, Hamas responds positively | work=Reuters | date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}} The Netanyahu administration responded that Israel's goals regarding "the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities" had not changed and that conditions would need to be met before it would agree to a ceasefire.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Benjamin |last2=Tanno |first2=Sophie | url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/01/europe/netenyahu-ceasefire-hamas-contradiction-biden-intl/index.html | title=Netanyahu says no Gaza ceasefire until Israel's war aims are achieved, raising questions over Biden peace proposal | publisher=CNN | date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Berman |first=Lazar | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-official-says-under-ceasefire-proposal-israel-can-renew-fighting-at-any-time-should-hamas-violate-terms/ | title=Israeli official to ToI: Under proposal, Israel can achieve all war goals before permanent ceasefire takes effect | newspaper=The Times of Israel | date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |last2=Megerian |first2=Chris |last3=Superville |first3=Darlene | url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8/ | title=Biden details a 3-phase hostage deal aimed at winding down the Israel-Hamas war | publisher=Associated Press | date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2024}} In the first year of the war, it was estimated that the Biden administration had sent Israel at least $17.9 billion in military aid, a record.{{cite news |last1=Knickmeyer |first1=Ellen |title=US spends a record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since last Oct. 7 |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-us-military-spending-8e6e5033f7a1334bf6e35f86e7040e14 |access-date=November 10, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |date=October 7, 2024}} In about the same period, it sent Palestinians $1.2 billion in humanitarian aid.{{cite news |last1=Ching |first1=Nike |title=Blinken announces $135M in additional US aid for Palestinians |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/blinken-announces-135-million-in-additional-us-aid-for-palestinians/7837681.html |access-date=December 10, 2024 |agency=Voice of America |date=October 24, 2024}} In the last week of Biden's presidency, Qatari officials announced that Hamas had accepted the ceasefire deal, with 33 hostages to be released pending Israeli approval. Biden hailed the deal, saying "it is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin" in a press release the same day.{{cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/15/statement-from-president-joe-biden-14/|title=Statement From President Biden: January 15, 2025|access-date=January 15, 2025|publisher=The White House|date=January 15, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/15/israel-hamas-ceasefire-hostage-deal-agreed-to-in-principle.html|title=Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal |access-date=January 15, 2025 |agency=CNBC |date=January 15, 2025}}

==NATO enlargement==

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Biden expressed support for expanding NATO to cover Sweden and Finland.{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/biden-discuss-nato-bid-with-swedens-kristersson-2023-07-05/ | title=Biden shows support for Sweden's NATO bid in talks with PM | work=Reuters | date=July 5, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Mason |first2=Jeff | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-meet-leaders-finland-sweden-nato-expansion-2022-05-19/ | title=Biden cheers Finland, Sweden NATO plans as Turkey balks | work=Reuters | date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2024}} On August 9, 2022, he signed the instruments of ratification stipulating U.S. support for the two countries' entry into NATO.{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Jeff |last2=Zengerle |first2=Patricia | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-sign-documents-backing-sweden-finland-nato-2022-08-09/ | title=Biden signs documents of U.S. support for Sweden, Finland to join NATO | work=Reuters | date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2024}}{{Cite news |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Biden formalizes US support for Finland, Sweden joining NATO |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-biden-finland-6a04422190bdd7e75440f7e176a88109 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press |first=Zeke |last=Miller}} Finnish ascension occurred on April 4, 2023, but opposition by Turkey and Hungary to Swedish entry led to a stalemate.{{cite web |last=John |first=Tara |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/04/europe/finland-joins-nato-intl/index.html | title=Finland joins NATO, doubling military alliance's border with Russia in a blow for Putin | publisher=CNN | date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}} Biden led diplomatic talks resulting in formal Swedish ascension into NATO on March 7, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Pettypiece |first1=Shannon |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-meets-heads-finland-sweden-show-support-nato-membership-rcna29621 | title=Biden meets with heads of Finland, Sweden in show of support for NATO membership | publisher=NBC News | date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Min Kim |first1=Seung |last2=Megerian |first2=Chris |last3=Tanner |first3=Jari | url=https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-white-house-nato-finland-716380d2299ccbfcfd73745a8327119a | title=Biden proclaims NATO alliance 'more united than ever' in contrast to predecessor Trump | publisher=Associated Press | date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}} He has also expressed openness to Ukrainian entry into NATO following the end of the conflict,{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=A |last2=Khalid |first2=Asma | url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/10/1186712386/biden-is-in-europe-to-focus-on-u-s-alliances-and-nato-expansion | title=Biden is in Europe to focus on U.S. alliances and NATO expansion | publisher=NPR | date=July 10, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}} supporting an expedited timetable in its ascension and the removal of steps such as the Membership Action Plan typically required for NATO entry.{{cite web |last=Klein |first=Betsy | url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/politics/joe-biden-nato-summit-day-2/index.html | title=Assurances that Ukraine's future is in NATO and new security guarantees calm worries at final day of summit | publisher=CNN | date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |last2=Hansler |first2=Jennifer |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/14/politics/ukraine-nato-joe-biden/index.html | title=Biden holding firm on Ukraine joining NATO | publisher=CNN | date=June 14, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024}}

= Investigations =

==Retention of classified documents==

In November 2022, Biden's attorneys found classified documents dating from his vice presidency in a "locked closet" at the Penn Biden Center.{{cite news |last5=Collins |first1=Phil |last1=Mattingly |first2=Evan |last2=Perez |first3=Maegan |last3=Vazquez |first4=Kevin |last4=Liptak |first5=Kaitlan |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Biden's legal team found another batch of classified documents in search of second location |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/11/politics/biden-classified-documents/index.html |access-date=January 12, 2023 |publisher=CNN}}{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |last2=Savage |first2=Charlie |last3=Thrush |first3=Glenn |last4=Goldman |first4=Adam |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Biden Lawyers Found Classified Material at His Former Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/us/politics/biden-classified-documents.html |access-date=January 12, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times}} According to the White House, the documents were reported to the U.S. National Archives, which recovered them the next day. On November 14, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed John R. Lausch Jr. to conduct an investigation.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/us/politics/biden-documents-timeline.html|title=Timeline of the Biden Documents Case: What We Know So Far|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=January 12, 2023|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114124700/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/us/politics/biden-documents-timeline.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Maureen |last2=Hammond |first2=Elise |last3=Meyer |first3=Matt |last4=Sangal |first4=Aditi |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Garland lays out timeline of investigation into Biden classified documents so far |url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/garland-attorney-general-statement-01-12-23/h_d0728a48029a6407e468b05806963497 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113030157/https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/garland-attorney-general-statement-01-12-23/h_d0728a48029a6407e468b05806963497 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |publisher=CNN}} On December 20, a second batch of classified documents was discovered in the garage of Biden's Wilmington residence.{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Charlie |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Second Set of Classified Documents Were Found at Biden's Wilmington Home, White House Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/us/politics/biden-documents.html |access-date=January 12, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times}}

On January 12, Garland appointed Robert K. Hur as special counsel to investigate "possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or other records".{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Carrie |date=January 12, 2023 |title=A special counsel will probe government documents at Biden's home and private office |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148425062/special-counsel-biden-classified-documents-robert-hur |access-date=January 12, 2023}} On January 20, after a 13-hour consensual search by FBI investigators, six more items with classified markings were recovered from Biden's Wilmington residence.{{cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |last2=Rogers |first2=Katie |date=January 22, 2023 |title=Investigators Seize More Classified Documents From Biden's Home |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/21/us/politics/biden-documents.html |access-date=January 22, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times}} FBI agents searched Biden's home in Rehoboth Beach on February 1 and collected papers from his time as vice president, but did not find any classified information.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/fbi-searching-biden-home-in-rehoboth-delaware.html|title=FBI found no classified documents in search of Biden home in Rehoboth, lawyer says|last=Mangan|first=Dan|date=February 1, 2023|publisher=CNBC|access-date=February 16, 2023}} On February 8, 2024, Hur announced that no charges would be brought against Biden.{{Cite news |first1=Rebecca |last1=Beitsch |first2=Brett |last2=Samuels |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Special counsel finds Biden 'willfully' retained classified documents, no charges filed |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4456524-special-counsel-biden-classified-documents-probe-no-charges/ |newspaper=The Hill |access-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208201505/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4456524-special-counsel-biden-classified-documents-probe-no-charges/ |url-status=live}}

== Business activities ==

{{main|United States House Oversight Committee investigation into the Biden family}}

On January 11, 2023, the House of Representatives launched an investigative committee into the foreign business activities of Biden's son, Hunter, and brother, James.{{cite news |last1=Sforza |first1=Lauren |title=New GOP Oversight chair launches probes into Biden finances, Hunter Biden laptop story |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3808729-new-gop-oversight-chair-asks-treasury-for-biden-family-financial-information/ |work=The Hill |date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112174111/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3808729-new-gop-oversight-chair-asks-treasury-for-biden-family-financial-information/ |url-status=live}} The committee's chair, Representative James Comer, simultaneously investigated alleged corruption related to the Hunter Biden laptop controversy.{{cite news |last1=Wolf |first1=Zachary B. |title=Here's what to know about GOP claims of a Biden scandal |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/09/politics/hunter-biden-republicans-what-matters/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=June 9, 2023}}

On September 12, House speaker Kevin McCarthy initiated a formal impeachment inquiry against Biden, saying that the House investigations "paint a picture of corruption" by Biden and his family.{{cite news |last1=Mascaro |first1=Lisa |last2=Farnoush |first2=Amiri |title=Speaker McCarthy directs the House to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden |url=https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4 |work=Associated Press News |access-date=September 12, 2023 |date=September 12, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Zanona |first1=Melania |last2=Tablot |first2=Haley |last3=Fox |first3=Lauren |last4=Grayer |first4=Annie |title=McCarthy calls for formal impeachment inquiry into Biden amid pressure from conservatives |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/12/politics/biden-impeachment-house-gop/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 12, 2023 |date=September 12, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Cortellessa |first1=Eric |title=McCarthy Lacks the Votes For an Impeachment Inquiry. Trump's Allies Have a Plan to Get Them. |url=https://time.com/6311911/impeachment-biden-marjorie-greene-hunter/#:~:text=Republicans%20have%20only%20a%20slim,after%20a%20full%20House%20vote. |magazine=Time |date=September 8, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Griffing |first1=Alex |title='He Doesn't Have Enough Votes': CNN's Manu Raju Explains Why McCarthy Backtracked on Impeachment Vote |url=https://www.mediaite.com/tv/he-doesnt-have-enough-votes-cnns-manu-raju-says-mccarthy-backtracked-on-impeachment-vote/ |publisher=Mediaite |date=September 12, 2023}} Congressional investigations, including by the House Oversight committee, have discovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Biden as of December 2023.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=House Republican Report Finds No Evidence of Wrongdoing by President Biden |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/us/politics/hunter-biden-house-republicans-report.html |work=The New York Times |date=May 10, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Demirjian |first1=Karoun |title=Republicans Are Divided on Impeaching Biden as Panel Begins New Inquiry |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/04/us/republicans-biden-inquiry.html |work=The New York Times |date=July 4, 2023}}{{cite news |title=How a fight over immunity unraveled Hunter Biden's plea deal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/17/hunter-biden-plea-deal/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 17, 2023|first1=Perry |last1=Stein |first2=Devlin |last2=Barrett |first3=Matt |last3=Viser}}{{cite magazine |last1=Otten |first1=Tori |title=McCarthy Plans Biden Impeachment Inquiry—With No Evidence and Not Enough Votes |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/175504/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-inquiry-no-evidence-not-enough-votes |magazine=The New Republic |date=September 12, 2023}} On December 13, 2023, the House of Representatives voted 221–212 to formalize an impeachment inquiry into Biden.{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Emily |title=Biden impeachment inquiry risks backfiring on House GOP |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4362989-biden-impeachment-inquiry-backfiring-on-house-gop/ |newspaper=The Hill |date=December 17, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023}}{{Cite news |last1=Diver |first1=Tony |last2=Staff |first2=Our Foreign |date=December 13, 2023 |title=US House votes to open Biden impeachment inquiry |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/12/13/hunter-biden-us-capitol-statement/ |access-date=December 15, 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite news |last=Rebecca Beitsch |first=Emily Brooks |date=December 13, 2023 |title=House formally approves Biden impeachment inquiry |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4358911-biden-impeachment-inquiry-house-gop/ |access-date=December 14, 2023 |newspaper=The Hill}}

In February 2024, Alexander Smirnov, a former intelligence informant who was prominent in the bribery allegations against Biden, was charged with making false statements.{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=Arthur |date=February 15, 2024 |title=Justice Department Charges FBI Informant With Falsely Alleging Joe Biden Paid Bribes |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alexander-smirnov-joe-biden-bribe_n_65ce83d9e4b043f1c0aa7d26 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=HuffPost |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215224018/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alexander-smirnov-joe-biden-bribe_n_65ce83d9e4b043f1c0aa7d26 |url-status=live }} Smirnov admitted he had publicized a false story given to him by Russian intelligence officials with the goal of damaging Biden's reelection campaign.{{cite news |last1=Rabinowitz |first1=Hannah |date=February 20, 2024 |title=Indicted ex-FBI informant told investigators he got Hunter Biden dirt from Russian intelligence officials |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/20/politics/biden-former-fbi-informant-russian-intelligence/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221020240/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/20/politics/biden-former-fbi-informant-russian-intelligence/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Informant charged with lies about Bidens also claimed Russian contacts, feds say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/20/hunter-biden-smirnov-lying-indictment-lowell/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 20, 2024 |last1=Barrett |first1=Devlin |issn=0190-8286 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302220625/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/20/hunter-biden-smirnov-lying-indictment-lowell/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Mascaro |first1=Lisa |title=Republicans make last-ditch request for Biden to testify as impeachment inquiry winds down |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f |publisher=Associated Press |date=March 20, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513055832/https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-hunter-biden-comer-f09ba1ae3b7bda703a5a84530f56d70f |url-status=live }}

= Age and health concerns =

File:Joe Biden 81st birthday.jpg

Biden was the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. His cognitive health was perceived to have declined by Republicans and some media figures,

{{Cite news |last=Klein |first=Betsy |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Biden's birthday prompts debate about age and wisdom of America's oldest president |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/20/politics/joe-biden-birthday-81/index.html |access-date=March 30, 2024 |publisher=CNN}}
{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=November 19, 2023 |title=For an Aging President, a Birthday With a Bite |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/us/politics/biden-birthday-age.html |access-date=March 30, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times}} and privately by some Democrats. Members of Biden's family and White House staffers insulated Biden from scrutiny of his advanced aging and decline in acuity.
{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=How Biden's Inner Circle Worked to Keep Signs of Aging Under Wraps |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/joe-biden-age-public-election-campaign-343a47bf |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}
{{Cite news |date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Biden's aging is seen as accelerating; lapses described as more common |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/05/biden-aging-recent-months/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}
{{Cite news |date=July 2, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Biden's Lapses Are Said to Be Increasingly Common and Worrisome |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/us/politics/biden-lapses.html |newspaper=The New York Times}}
{{Cite news |date=July 30, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |title=Top aides shielded Biden from staff, but couldn't hide the debate |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/06/30/top-aides-shielded-biden-white-house-debate |work=Axios}}{{Cite news |date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 29, 2024 |title=How the White House Functioned With a Diminished Biden in Charge |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/biden-white-house-age-function-diminished-3906a839 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite news |date=January 17, 2025 |title=How Biden's Inner Circle Protected a Faltering President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/politics/biden-age.html |newspaper=The New York Times}}

The media widely covered public concern about Biden's mental acuity after a weak performance in a June 2024 presidential debate,{{Cite news |last1=Salvanto |first1=Anthony |last2=Backus |first2=Fred |last3=Pinto |first3=Jennifer De |last4=Khanna |first4=Kabir |date=July 1, 2024 |title=Increasing numbers of voters don't think Biden should be running after debate with Trump — CBS News poll |publisher=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-debate-should-biden-be-running-mental-abilities/ |access-date=August 14, 2024}} but gave it limited coverage beforehand, in part due to harsh pushback from White House officials.{{Cite news |date=July 2, 2024|title = Biden's mental fitness could have been better covered leading up to the debate, some White House reporters acknowledge |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/02/media/biden-mental-fitness/index.html}} Biden repeatedly said he was fit to serve two terms as president,

{{Cite news |last=Siegel |first=Dr. Marc |title=Should the nation be concerned about Biden's cognitive abilities? |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/591990-should-the-nation-be-concerned-about-bidens-cognitive-abilities/ |newspaper=The Hill}}
{{Cite news |last=Stolberg |first=Sheryl Gay |date=November 19, 2022 |title=President Biden Is Turning 80. Experts Say Age Is More Than a Number. |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/us/politics/biden-age-health.html |access-date=September 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}
{{Cite news |first=Anthony |last=Zurcher |date=April 25, 2023 |title=How Joe Biden's campaign hopes to overcome his age problem |publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65389142 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}
{{Cite news |title=Joe Biden: 'Why the hell would I take a cognitive test?' |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-53671679 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} but later acknowledged that he may have been too old to serve a second term.{{Cite news |title=Biden Admits He Might Be Too Old To Have Served Another Term |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/01/08/biden-admits-he-might-be-too-old-to-have-served-another-term/ |date = January 8, 2025}} Upon concluding the investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, special counsel Robert Hur suggested that Biden would be able to present himself to a jury as an "elderly man with poor memory" and wrote that his memory "appeared to have significant limitations".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68245617 |title=No charge for Biden over classified documents but report questions memory |date=February 8, 2024 |website=BBC News |first1=Max |last1=Matza |accessdate=January 1, 2025 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209073525/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68245617 |url-status=live }}

On July 21, 2022, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 with reportedly mild symptoms.{{cite news |last1=Wingrove |first1=Josh |last2=Sink |first2=Justin |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Biden Tests Positive for Covid, Has Mild Symptoms, White House Says |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-21/biden-is-positive-for-covid-has-mild-symptoms-white-house-says |access-date=July 21, 2022 |publisher=Bloomberg News}}{{Cite news |date=July 22, 2022|title=Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has 'very mild symptoms' |url=https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-fec6b4a56384b1f2bf7582aecb46aa36 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}} According to the White House, he was treated with Paxlovid.{{Cite web |last=Shear |first=Michael |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Biden, 79, is experiencing fatigue, a runny nose and a dry cough after testing positive. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/21/us/politics/biden-covid-positive.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times}} He worked in isolation in the White House for five days{{Cite news |last1=Liptak |first1=Kevin |last2=Klein |first2=Betsy |last3=Sullivan |first3=Kate |date=July 27, 2022 |title=Biden 'feeling great' and back to work in person after testing negative for Covid-19 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/27/politics/joe-biden-negative-covid-test/index.html |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=CNN}} and returned to isolation when he tested positive again on July 30, 2022.{{Cite news |first=Kevin |last=Liptak |date=July 30, 2022 |title=President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19 again |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/30/politics/joe-biden-covid-19-positive/index.html |access-date=July 30, 2022 |publisher=CNN}}{{Cite news |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Biden tests positive for COVID-19, returns to isolation |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press |first1=Zeke |last1=Miller |first2=Josh |last2= Boak}} On July 17, 2024, Biden again tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite news |date=July 17, 2024 |title=Biden tests positive for Covid-19 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/president-joe-biden-tests-positive-covid-19-rcna162435 |access-date=July 17, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |first1=Lebowitz |last1=Megan}}{{Cite news |date=July 17, 2024 |title=President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/17/politics/joe-biden-tests-positive-covid-19/index.html |access-date=July 17, 2024 |publisher=CNN |first1=Donald |last1=Judd |first2=Sam |last2=Fossum |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240717221451/https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/17/politics/joe-biden-tests-positive-covid-19/index.html |archive-date = July 17, 2024 |url-status = live}}

= 2024 presidential campaign =

{{Further|2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries|Abandon Biden|2024 Joe Biden–Donald Trump presidential debate|Withdrawal of Joe Biden from the 2024 United States presidential election}}

File:President Joe Biden delivers remarks from the Oval Office 4.jpg]]

Ending months of speculation,{{cite news|url =https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/12/13/2024-campaigns-trump-biden-00073548 |title = Why the 2024 Race Is Eerily Quiet|last = Martin |first = Jonathan |newspaper = Politico|date = December 13, 2022|accessdate = July 26, 2023}}{{cite news|url =https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-reelection-bid-announcement-after-state-of-the-union-address/ |title = Biden likely to announce 2024 reelection bid not long after State of the Union address |last1 = Cordes |first1 = Nancy |last2 = O'Keefe |first2 = Ed |last3 = Gomez |first3 = Fin |publisher = CBS News|date = January 19, 2023 |accessdate = July 26, 2023}} on April 25, 2023, Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Harris again as his running mate.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Zeke |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Biden announces 2024 reelection bid: 'Let's finish this job' |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b |accessdate=April 25, 2023}} On the day of his announcement, a Gallup poll found that Biden's approval rating was 37 percent, with most of those surveyed saying the economy was their biggest concern.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Biden Begins Reelection Bid at Low Point in His Presidency |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/505202/biden-begins-reelection-bid-low-point-presidency.aspx |accessdate=July 26, 2023 |work=Gallup Inc.}} During his campaign, Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery.{{Cite press release |date=June 22, 2023 |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WH-Bidenomics-Deck-6.22.23.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626120055/https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WH-Bidenomics-Deck-6.22.23.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 26, 2023|title=Bidenomics: President Biden and Congressional Democrats' Plan to Grow the Economy from the Bottom Up and Middle Out, Not the Top Down, Is Delivering for the American People |publisher=White House |access-date=June 28, 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/eyes-2024-bidenomics-back-campaign-trail-rcna95285 |title=Eyes on 2024: Bidenomics back on the campaign trail |last1=Marquez |first1=Alexandra |last2=Bowman |first2=Bridget |last3=Kamisar |first3=Ben |publisher=NBC News |date=July 20, 2023 |accessdate=July 26, 2023}} He frequently stated his intention to "finish the job" as a political rallying cry.{{cite news |title='It's Time to Finish the Job,' Biden Tells Union Workers as He Starts '24 Race|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/20/us/biden-2024-president-election-news#biden-running-2024-president |first=Peter |last=Baker |work=The New York Times|date=April 25, 2023|access-date=January 7, 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Lemire |first=Jonathan |date=February 7, 2023 |title=Biden urges GOP lawmakers to 'finish the job' and takes a few swipes at them too |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/07/biden-state-of-the-union-address-2023-00081651 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=Politico}}

U.S. Representative Dean Phillips ran against Biden in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries,{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Arit |last2=McKend |first2=Eva |last3=Pellish |first3=Aaron |title=House Democrat Dean Phillips launches primary challenge against President Biden |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/26/politics/dean-phillips-presidential-campaign-launch/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 4, 2024 |date=October 27, 2023}} campaigning as a younger alternative who would be a stronger opponent to Trump.{{cite news |last1=Skelley |first1=Geoffrey |title=The curious case of Dean Phillips's last-minute primary challenge |url=https://abcnews.go.com/538/curious-case-dean-phillipss-minute-primary-challenge/story?id=104482909 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=January 1, 2025 |date=October 31, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Scott |last2=Vitali |first2=Ali |last3=Traylor |first3=Jake |title='A head scratcher': Dems baffled by Dean Phillips' quixotic bid against Biden |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/-head-scratcher-dems-baffled-dean-phillips-quixotic-bid-biden-rcna122506 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=January 1, 2025 |date=October 27, 2023}} Biden was not on the ballot in the January 23 New Hampshire primary, but won it in a write-in campaign with 63.8% of the vote.{{cite news |last1=Faircloth |first1=Ryan |title=Minnesota's Dean Phillips loses to President Joe Biden in New Hampshire's Democratic primary |url=https://www.startribune.com/dean-phillips-seeks-to-shock-democrats-country-in-tuesdays-new-hampshire-presidential-primary/600337784 |publisher=The Minnesota Star Tribune |access-date=December 4, 2024 |date=January 24, 2024}} He had wanted South Carolina to be the first primary, and won that state on February 3 with 96.2% of the vote.{{cite news |title=South Carolina Democratic Primary Results |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 3, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/03/us/elections/results-south-carolina-democratic-primary.html |access-date=February 4, 2024}} Biden received 89.3% of the vote in Nevada and 81.1% of the vote in Michigan. On March 5 ("Super Tuesday"), he won 15 of 16 primaries, netting 80% or more of the vote in 13.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/results/2024/03/05/super-tuesday/ |newspaper=Washington Post |title=Super Tuesday: Election Results 2024 |date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/05/us/elections/results-super-tuesday-key-races.html |title=Super Tuesday Results: Key Races to Watch |access-date=August 13, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 5, 2024}} Biden lost the American Samoa contest to venture capitalist Jason Palmer, becoming the first incumbent president to lose a contest while appearing on the ballot since Jimmy Carter in 1980.{{cite news |last1=Megerian |first1=Chris |title=Who is Jason Palmer? A previously unknown Democrat beats Biden in American Samoa's Democratic caucus |url=https://apnews.com/article/who-is-jason-palmer-american-samoa-primary-c4bc109a16c7ee7b083f6216b44ba0c4 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=October 13, 2024 |date=March 6, 2024}} On March 6, Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Dean Phillips ends presidential campaign and endorses Biden|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/dean-phillips-ends-presidential-campaign-rcna142091 |access-date=December 4, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |last1=Shabad |first1=Rebecca |last2=Egwuonwu |first2=Nnamdi}} On March 12, Biden reached more than the 1,968 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, becoming the presumptive nominee.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-12 |title=How Biden won enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-biden-won-enough-delegates-to-become-the-presumptive-democratic-nominee |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}{{cite news|last=Schneider|first=Elena|title=Biden officially clinches Democratic nomination for president|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/12/biden-cllinches-democratic-presidential-nomination-00146648 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |newspaper=Politico|date=March 12, 2024}}{{Cite news |date=March 12, 2024 |title=How Biden won enough delegates for another Democratic presidential nomination |first1=Robert |last1=Yoon |first2=Maya |last2=Sweedler |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-democrats-nomination-president-delegate-34a06d45d909c077fbeed17014f92986 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}

The first presidential debate was held on June 27, 2024, between Biden and Trump. Biden's performance was widely criticized, with commentators saying he frequently lost his train of thought and gave meandering answers.{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Reid |first2=Tim |last3=Morgan |first3=David |title=Biden acknowledges age, bad debate performance but vows to beat Trump |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democrats-scramble-limit-damage-after-bidens-wobbly-debate-showing-against-trump-2024-06-28/ |work=Reuters |date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=June 29, 2024}}{{Cite news |date=June 27, 2024 |title=A halting Biden tries to confront Trump at debate but stirs Democratic panic about his candidacy |first1=Zeke |last1=Miller |first2=Michelle L. |last2=Price |first3=Will |last3=Weissert |first4=Bill |last4=Barrow |first5=Darlene |last5=Superville |url=https://apnews.com/article/bidentrumppresidentialdebate-0e7577e9a354a69f50675494fea54ca9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628073822/https://apnews.com/article/bidentrumppresidentialdebate-0e7577e9a354a69f50675494fea54ca9 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=June 28, 2024 |work=Associated Press News}}{{Cite news |last1=Kashinsky |first1=Lisa |last2=Cancryn |first2=Adam |last3=Daniels |first3=Eugene |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Dems freak out over Biden's debate performance: 'Biden is toast' |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595 |access-date=June 28, 2024 |newspaper=Politico |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628024715/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/27/biden-debate-opening-concerns-00165595 |url-status=live }} Several newspaper columnists declared Trump the winner,{{cite news|last=Greenfield|first=Jeff|title=The Worst Debate Performance in American History|url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/worst-debate-performance-history-opinion-00165686|newspaper=Politico|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628202227/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/06/28/worst-debate-performance-history-opinion-00165686|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Rappeport|first=Alan|title=Who Won the Debate? Biden Stumbles Left Trump on Top|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/us/politics/biden-trump-debate-who-won.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 27, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628230244/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/us/politics/biden-trump-debate-who-won.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Potas|first=Dace|title=Republicans deserve the version of Trump we saw during the debate. Too bad it won't last.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/06/28/trump-won-debate-biden-failed/74241366007/|newspaper=USA Today|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628230346/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/06/28/trump-won-debate-biden-failed/74241366007/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Prokop|first=Andrew|title=2 winners and 2 losers from the first Biden-Trump debate|url=https://www.vox.com/politics/357788/biden-trump-debate-winners-losers|website=Vox|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628151404/https://www.vox.com/politics/357788/biden-trump-debate-winners-losers|url-status=live}} and polling indicated the majority of viewers believed Trump won.{{cite news|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-trump-june-debate-poll/|title=Who Won The First Biden-Trump Presidential Debate? |first1=Aaron |last1=Bycoffe |first2=Amina |last2=Brown |first3=Nathaniel |last3=Rakich|website=FiveThirtyEight|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|archive-date=June 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627224514/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-trump-june-debate-poll/|url-status=dead}} After the debate raised questions about his health and age, Biden faced calls to withdraw from the race, including from fellow Democrats{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Jonathan |title=Some Democrats start calling for Biden to step aside and 'throw in the towel' on 2024 |date=June 28, 2024 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/democrats-biden-step-aside-throw-towel-2024-rcna159368 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=June 29, 2024}} and the editorial boards of several major news outlets.{{Cite news |date=June 28, 2024 |title=To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/28/opinion/biden-election-debate-trump.html |access-date=June 28, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628220351/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/28/opinion/biden-election-debate-trump.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=June 30, 2024 |title=These major media outlets have called for Biden to drop out |first=Nick |last=Robertson |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/4748637-biden-debate-step-aside-newspapers/ |access-date=July 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Hill}}

File:P20241113CS-0503 (cropped).jpg meet in the Oval Office as part of the presidential transition on November 13, 2024]]

Biden initially insisted that he would remain a candidate,{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/07/03/nx-s1-5028147/biden-presidential-race|title='I'm in this race to the end,' Biden tells campaign staffers|first1=Tamara|last1=Keith|first2=Deepa|last2=Shivaram|publisher=NPR|date=July 3, 2024|accessdate=July 3, 2024}} but on July 21, he withdrew his candidacy, writing that this was "in the best interest of my party and the country".{{Cite tweet |user=JoeBiden |number=1815080881981190320 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |title=My Fellow Americans |date=July 21, 2024 |last=Biden |first=Joseph R. Jr.}}{{Cite news |last1=Wynder |first1=Ehren |last2=Schrader |first2=Adam |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Biden ends his presidential re-election campaign |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/07/21/biden-ends-2024-presidential-campaign/3971721584879 |access-date=July 21, 2024 |publisher=United Press International}} He endorsed Harris as his successor.{{Cite tweet |user=JoeBiden |number=1815087772216303933|title=My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this. |date=July 21, 2024 |last=Biden |first=Joseph R. Jr.}}{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Live Updates: Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Endorses Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/21/us/trump-biden-election |access-date=July 21, 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} On August 6, 2024, Harris was confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee.{{Cite news |first1=Oren |last1=Oppenheim |first2=Brittany |last2=Shepherd |first3=Isabella |last3=Murray |title=Kamala Harris certified as Democratic presidential nominee after earning majority of roll call votes |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-nominee-DNC-majority-democratic-roll-call-votes/story?id=112580918 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |publisher=ABC News}} This was the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.{{cite web |last1=Montanaro |first1=Domenico |title=6 political takeaways from Biden's decision to step aside |date=July 22, 2024 |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/07/22/nx-s1-5048115/biden-harris-drop-out-election-analysis |publisher=NPR |access-date=July 22, 2024}}

In the general election, Trump defeated Harris. The Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018. In a nationally televised speech after the election, Biden congratulated Trump and promised a "peaceful and orderly" transition of power.{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/biden-congratulates-trump-invites-him-to-meeting-at-white-house/ar-AA1tDj6U |title=Biden congratulates Trump, invites him to meeting at White House |agency=ABC News |via=MSN |date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=November 10, 2024}} In a January 2025 interview, Biden claimed he could have defeated Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite lagging behind Trump in polling.{{cite web |last=Page |first=Susan |title=In exclusive sit-down, Biden reveals his biggest regret and the compliment Trump gave him |date=January 8, 2025 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/08/exclusive-joe-biden-interview-donald-trump-election/77378693007/ |publisher=USA Today |access-date=January 10, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Sommerlad |first=Joe |title=Biden still believes he could have beaten Trump and says successor 'very complimentary' in private |date=January 8, 2025 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-interview-trump-harris-election-b2675767.html |work=The Independent |access-date=January 10, 2025}} A YouGov poll conducted on November 6–7, 2024, found that if Biden had been the Democratic nominee, Trump would have won the popular vote by 49% to 42%. Trump won the popular vote over Harris by 49.8% to 48.3%.{{Cite web |url=https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econTabReport_KJi77QW.pdf#page=68 |date=November 8, 2024 |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=YouGov |title=40. Trial Heat - Biden v Trump}}

=Assessments=

A February 2024 American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Biden as the 14th-greatest president, diverging from public assessments. The pollsters noted that Biden's ranking was unusually high for a presidency without military victories or institutional expansion, and with personal scandals such as Hunter Biden's. The experts polled generally regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election, which was perceived as helping to protect and restore political and institutional norms in American government.{{Cite web|date = 18 February 2024|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/us/politics/biden-trump-presidential-rankings.html|title=Poll Ranks Biden as 14th-Best President, With Trump Last|website=The New York Times}}{{Cite news|date = 18 February 2024|url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-02-18/trump-biden-presidents-day-ranking-poll-election-2024|title=Opinion: We know how voters feel about Trump and Biden. But how do the experts rank their presidencies?|newspaper=LA Times}}{{Cite web|last=Chappell|first=Bill|date = 19 February 2024|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/02/19/1232447088/historians-presidents-survey-trump-last-biden-14th|title=In historians' Presidents Day survey, Biden vs. Trump is not a close call|website=NPR}}

Journalist Amy Walter, editor of the nonpartisan The Cook Political Report, argued that Biden's presidency was deemed a failure by the public particularly due to frustration over inflation. Walter said that voters considered inflation the most important factor with respect to the economy, more important than the stock market, low unemployment, or household income.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/national/national-politics/democrats-solution-winning-2028-wont-come-over-analyzing-2024?check_logged_in=1 |title=Democrats' Solution For Winning in 2028 Won't Come From Over-Analyzing 2024 Results |date=December 11, 2024 |first1=Amy |last1=Walter |website=The Cook Political Report |access-date=December 11, 2024}} The extent to which Biden's policies were responsible for inflation is debated by economists,{{Cite web|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/post-neoliberal-delusion|title=The Post-Neoliberal Delusion and the Tragedy of Bidenomics|first1=Jason|last1=Furman|date=February 10, 2025|access-date=February 10, 2025|quote=Jason Furman is Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard University. He was Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers from 2013 to 2017.|website=Foreign Affairs}} but according to Gallup, public perception of the economy in 2024 was worse only in 2008 and 1992, helping Trump win the 2024 presidential election.{{Cite web |url=https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/653303/political-fundamentals-foreshadowed-trump-victory.aspx |title=Political Fundamentals Foreshadowed Trump Victory |date=November 8, 2024 |access-date=November 15, 2024 |publisher=Gallup, Inc. |first1=Megan |last1=Brenan |first2=Jeffrey M. |last2=Jones |first3=Lydia |last3=Saad}}

Post-presidency (2025–present)

File:26.04.2025 - Missa Exequial em intenção de Sua Santidade o Papa Francisco (54476156402).jpg) attending Pope Francis's funeral on April 26, 2025]]

Biden's term ended on January 20, 2025, upon Trump's second inauguration.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/where-are-the-bidens-headed-after-the-inauguration/6114539/|title=Where are the Bidens headed after the inauguration?|first1=Kelly|last1=O'Donnell|date=January 20, 2025|access-date=January 20, 2025|agency=WNBC}}

At the end of his presidency, Biden designated former senior advisors Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini to raise funds for the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Library.{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Mike |title=Behind the Curtain: Biden's haunting twin sins |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/joe-biden-pardon-hunter-biden-presidential-library |access-date=January 1, 2025 |website=Axios |date=December 5, 2024}} He later signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which previously represented him from 2017 to 2020, to represent him in public engagements.{{Cite magazine |last=Hayden |first=Erik |date=February 3, 2025 |title=Joe Biden Is Ready to Make Some Hollywood Deals, Signs With CAA |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/joe-biden-is-ready-to-make-some-hollywood-deals-signs-with-caa-1236126286/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite news |title=Former President Biden signs with Hollywood talent agency CAA |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-02-03/biden-signs-with-hollywood-talent-agency-caa|newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=February 3, 2025}}

On February 7, 2025, Donald Trump revoked Biden's security clearance, ending his access to classified information.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn57p5r99xyo |publisher=BBC News |last=Davies |first=Alys |date=February 7, 2025 |title=Trump says he is revoking Biden's security clearance |access-date=March 1, 2025}} Former presidents have traditionally been granted access to intelligence briefings, though such access is at the sitting president's discretion. In 2021, Biden revoked Trump's security clearance for his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol attack.{{Cite news |date=February 8, 2025 |title=Trump revokes security clearances for top diplomat, security official under Biden |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/trump-revokes-security-clearances-for-top-diplomat-security-official-under-biden/ |agency=Reuters |via=CTV News}}{{Cite news |last1=Green |first1=Erica L. |last2=Meko |first2=Hurubie |last3=Feuer |first3=Alan |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Trump to Revoke Security Clearances for Antony Blinken, Letitia James and Alvin Bragg |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/09/us/politics/trump-blinken-james-bragg-security-clearances.html |access-date=February 11, 2025 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}

Biden made his first major public appearance since leaving office on April 15, 2025, delivering remarks at an Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago.{{cite news |last1=Mueller |first1=Julia |title=Biden says Trump administration has 'done so much damage' since taking office |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5250868-biden-trumps-admin-damage/ |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=The Hill |date=15 April 2025}} In his address, he criticized the Trump administration's handling of the Social Security Administration.{{cite news |last1=Peoples |first1=Steve |last2=Hussein |first2=Fatima |title=Biden alleges Trump has 'taken a hatchet' to Social Security in his first post-presidency speech |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-speech-return-democrat-president-trump-f3e2a163db5e4e73635a60a8a61e1c7a |access-date=16 April 2025 |work=Associated Press |date=15 April 2025}}

Political positions

File:Barack Obama & Joe Biden with Mikhail Gorbachev 3-20.09.jpg (right) being introduced to President Obama by Joe Biden, March 2009. U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul is pictured in the background.|alt=Photo of Obama, Biden and Gorbachev smiling at each other]]

File:Pope Francis and Joe Biden at the White House.jpg (left) meets Joe Biden at the White House, September 2015.]]

As a senator, Biden was regarded as a moderate Democrat.{{Cite web |first=John |last=Kruzel |url=https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2019/may/06/joe-biden/joe-biden-claims-he-was-staunch-liberal-senate-he-/ |date=May 6, 2019 |title=Joe Biden claims he was a staunch liberal in the Senate. He wasn't |publisher=PolitiFact |access-date=May 6, 2019 |archive-date=May 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506170707/https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2019/may/06/joe-biden/joe-biden-claims-he-was-staunch-liberal-senate-he-/ |url-status=live}} As a presidential nominee, Biden's platform had been called the most progressive of any major party platform in history, although not within his party's ideological vanguard.{{Cite web |first=Louis |last=Jacobson |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/apr/17/barack-obama/joe-bidens-platform-progressive-obama-says/|date=April 17, 2020 |title=Is Joe Biden's platform as progressive as Obama says? |publisher=PolitiFact}} Biden says his positions are deeply influenced by Catholic social teaching.{{Cite book |last=Lamport |first=Mark |title=The Rowman & Littlefield Handbook of Contemporary Christianity in the United States |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |year=2022 |isbn=9781538138816 |pages=113}}{{Cite news |last=Rocca |first=Francis X. |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Can Catholic Social Teaching Unite a Divided America? |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-catholic-social-teaching-unite-a-divided-america-11612540382 |access-date=September 28, 2023 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web |last=O'Dowd |first=Niall |author-link=Niall O'Dowd |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Joe Biden's Catholic social teaching central to his presidency |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/niallodowd/joe-bidens-catholic-social-teaching-central-presidency |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=IrishCentral}}

According to political scientist Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, Biden represents an Americanized form of Christian democracy, taking positions characteristic of both the center-right and center-left.{{Cite magazine |last=Accetti |first=Carlo Invernizzi |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Joe Biden Isn't a Liberal or a Moderate. He's a Christian Democrat. |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/16/joe-biden-election-liberal-moderate-christian-democrat/ |access-date=October 20, 2023 |magazine=Foreign Policy}} Biden has cited the Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain, credited with starting the Christian democratic movement, as immensely influential in his thinking.{{Cite magazine |last=Cairns |first=Madoc |date=May 3, 2023 |title=The Red Christian |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2023/05/red-christian-democracy-history-philosophy |access-date=October 20, 2023 |magazine=New Statesman}} Other analysts have likened his ideology to traditional liberalism, "a doctrine of liberty, equality, justice and individual rights that relies... on a strong federal government for enforcement".{{cite news|last=Greenberg|first=David|date=September 12, 2019|title=The danger of confusing liberals and leftists|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/09/12/stop-calling-bernie-sanders-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-liberals/|access-date=August 6, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2019/08/04/the-difference-between-left-and-liberal-and-why-voters-need-to-know_partner/|title=The difference between "left" and "liberal" — and why voters need to know|last=Broich|first=John|website=Salon|date=August 4, 2019}} In 2022, journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote that Biden's "most valuable political skill" was "an innate compass for the ever-shifting mainstream of the Democratic Party".{{cite news |last=Issenberg |first=Sasha |authorlink=Sasha Issenberg |date=May 6, 2022 |title=How Same-Sex Marriage Shaped Joe Biden |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/05/06/joe-biden-gay-marriage-00030367 |access-date=May 6, 2022 |newspaper=Politico}} Some critics claimed Biden's climate policy was socialist.{{cite web |title=Waste Watch: Biden's Socialist Wish List |url=https://oversight.house.gov/blog/waste-watch-bidens-socialist-wish-list/ |website=Committee on Oversight and Government Reform |date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=12 March 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Collinson |first1=Stephen |title=The momentum behind Biden's climate ambitions |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/22/world/meanwhile-in-america-december-22-intl/index.html |access-date=12 March 2025 |agency=CNN |date=22 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Folley |first1=Aris |last2=Jagoda |first2=Naomi |last3=Lillis |first3=Mike |title=Five takeaways: House passes Biden's sweeping benefits bill |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/582418-five-takeaways-house-passes-bidens-sweeping-benefits-bill/ |access-date=12 March 2025 |agency=The Hill |date=20 November 2021}}

Biden proposed partially reversing the corporate tax cuts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=Zeballos-Roig|date=September 11, 2020|title=Joe Biden pledges to roll back Trump's corporate tax cuts on 'day one,' saying it won't hurt businesses' ability to hire|work=Business Insider|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-trumps-tax-cuts-day-one-presidency-economy-2020-9|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122232506/https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-trumps-tax-cuts-day-one-presidency-economy-2020-9|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Megan|last=Henney|date=June 30, 2020|title=Biden pledges to roll back Trump's tax cuts: 'A lot of you may not like that'|agency=Fox Business|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/biden-pledges-to-undo-trumps-tax-cuts-a-lot-of-you-may-not-like-that|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112205316/https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/biden-pledges-to-undo-trumps-tax-cuts-a-lot-of-you-may-not-like-that|url-status=live}} He voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA){{cite web |url-status=dead |title=Final Senate Vote on NAFTA |publisher=Public Citizen |url=https://www.citizen.org/print_article.cfm?ID=15960 |access-date=August 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608182639/https://www.citizen.org/print_article.cfm?ID=15960 |archive-date=June 8, 2008}} and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Lillis |date=January 28, 2016 |title=Biden coaxes Dems on Obama trade deal |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/267420-biden-coaxes-dems-on-obama-trade-deal |newspaper=The Hill |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107075246/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/267420-biden-coaxes-dems-on-obama-trade-deal |url-status=live}} Biden is a staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Diamond|date=July 15, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2021|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/15/joe-biden-health-care-plan-1415850|title=Biden unveils health care plan: Affordable Care Act 2.0|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103083823/https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/15/joe-biden-health-care-plan-1415850|archive-date=January 3, 2021|newspaper=Politico}}{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Barrow|date=July 15, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2021|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-aggressively-defends-the-affordable-care-act|title=Biden aggressively defends the Affordable Care Act|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103083902/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-aggressively-defends-the-affordable-care-act|archive-date=January 3, 2021|agency=Associated Press|publisher=PBS}} He promoted a plan to build upon it, aiming to expand health insurance coverage to 97% of Americans, including by creating a public health insurance option.{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Dylan |date=August 20, 2020 |title=Joe Biden has a chance to finish the work of Obamacare |url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/8/20/21372511/joe-biden-obamacare-health-care-plan|access-date=November 27, 2020 |website=Vox |archive-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105044015/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/8/20/21372511/joe-biden-obamacare-health-care-plan |url-status=live}}

Biden did not support national same-sex marriage rights while in the Senate and voted for the Defense of Marriage Act,{{Cite web |title=Roll Call Votes 104th Congress – 2nd Session |date=September 10, 1996 |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1042/vote_104_2_00280.htm |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=United States Senate}} but opposed proposals for constitutional amendments that would have banned same-sex marriage nationwide.{{Cite web |title=Roll Call Vote 109th Congress – 2nd Session |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1092/vote_109_2_00163.htm |date=June 7, 2006 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=United States Senate}} Biden has supported same-sex marriage since 2012.{{cite news |date=May 6, 2012|title=May 6: Joe Biden, Kelly Ayotte, Diane Swonk, Tom Brokaw, Chuck Todd |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47311900 |access-date=April 5, 2013 |archive-date=April 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405045344/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/47311900/ns/meet_the_press-transcripts/t/may-joe-biden-kelly-ayotte-diane-swonk-tom-brokaw-chuck-todd/ |url-status=live}} As a senator, Biden forged deep relationships with police groups and was a chief proponent of a Police Officer's Bill of Rights measure that police unions supported but police chiefs opposed.{{cite news |last=Kranish |first=Michael |date=June 9, 2020 |title=Joe Biden let police groups write his crime bill. Now, his agenda has changed.|newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/joe-biden-let-police-groups-write-his-crime-bill-now-his-agenda-has-changed/2020/06/08/82ab969e-a434-11ea-8681-7d471bf20207_story.html|url-status=live|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112174038/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/joe-biden-let-police-groups-write-his-crime-bill-now-his-agenda-has-changed/2020/06/08/82ab969e-a434-11ea-8681-7d471bf20207_story.html|archive-date=November 12, 2020}}{{cite news|last1=McDermott|first1=Nathan|last2=Steck|first2=Em|date=June 10, 2020|title=Biden repeatedly pushed bill in Senate that critics said would have made investigating police officers for misconduct more difficult|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/10/politics/biden-senate-police-officers-kfile/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116122904/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/10/politics/biden-senate-police-officers-kfile/index.html|archive-date=November 16, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020|publisher=CNN}} In 2020, Biden also ran on decriminalizing cannabis,{{cite web |date=December 28, 2020 |title=President-Elect Joe Biden and the Future of Cannabis Policy in America |first=Whitt |last=Steineker |publisher=Bradley Arant Boult Cummings |url=https://www.bradley.com/insights/publications/2020/12/president-elect-joe-biden-and-the-future-of-cannabis-policy-in-america |access-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217144322/https://www.bradley.com/insights/publications/2020/12/president-elect-joe-biden-and-the-future-of-cannabis-policy-in-america |url-status=dead }} after advocating harsher penalties for drug use as a senator.{{cite news |date=October 9, 1982 |title=U.S. Plans A New Drive On Narcotics |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/09/us/us-plans-a-new-drive-on-narcotics.html |first=Leslie |last=Maitland |access-date=August 22, 2023}}{{Cite web |title=Democratic Response to Drug Policy Address |url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?8997-1/democratic-response-drug-policy-address |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=C-SPAN.org}}

Biden believes action must be taken on climate change. As a senator, he co-sponsored the Boxer–Sanders Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, the most stringent climate bill in the United States Senate.{{cite magazine|date=January 3, 2008|title=A look at the environmental record of Joe Biden, Barack Obama's running mate|magazine=Grist|url=https://grist.org/article/biden_factsheet/|access-date=May 4, 2008|archive-date=May 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526083021/https://www.grist.org/article/biden_factsheet/|url-status=live}} Biden supports nature conservation. According to a report from the Center for American Progress, he broke several records in this domain.{{cite web |title=Biden reached conservation records in 2023 |url=https://westernpriorities.org/2023/12/biden-reached-conservation-records-in-2023/ |website=Center for Western Priorities |date=December 21, 2023 |access-date=January 31, 2024}} He took steps to protect old-growth forests.{{cite news |last1=Aratani |first1=Lauren |title=Joe Biden plans to ban logging in US old-growth forests in 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/19/biden-forest-logging-ban-old-trees |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=December 19, 2023}} Biden opposes drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.{{cite web |title=Presidential Candidates views on ANWR, The Democrats |url=https://www.anwr.org/Politics/Presidential-Candidates-views-on-ANWR-The-Democrats.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807162357/https://www.anwr.org/Politics/Presidential-Candidates-views-on-ANWR-The-Democrats.php |archive-date=August 7, 2008 |access-date=August 25, 2008 |publisher=Arctic National Wildlife Refuge}} He wants to achieve a carbon-free power sector in the U.S. by 2035 and stop emissions completely by 2050.{{cite news|last1=Carr|first1=Bob|date=September 2, 2020|title=Joe Biden's bold climate policies would leave Australia behind|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/02/joe-bidens-bold-climate-policies-would-leave-australia-behind|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921170525/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/02/joe-bidens-bold-climate-policies-would-leave-australia-behind|url-status=live}} His program included reentering the Paris Agreement, green building and more.{{cite news|last1=Moore |first1=Elena |date=October 16, 2020 |title=Trump's And Biden's Plans For The Environment |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/10/16/920484187/trumps-and-biden-s-plans-for-the-environment |access-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030113807/https://www.npr.org/2020/10/16/920484187/trumps-and-biden-s-plans-for-the-environment |url-status=live}} Biden supports environmental justice, including climate justice and ocean justice.{{cite news |last1=Rice |first1=Doyle |last2=Voyles Pulver |first2=Dinah |title=Biden Administration announces first-ever Ocean Justice Strategy. What's that? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/07/biden-administration-announces-an-ocean-justice-strategy/71840427007/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 7, 2023}}{{cite book |title=OCEAN JUSTICE STRATEGY |date=December 2023 |publisher=OCEAN POLICY COMMITTEE |page=23 |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ocean-Justice-Strategy.pdf |access-date=December 18, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Joselow |first1=Maxine |title=Biden announces new fund to help low-income housing get climate upgrades |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/05/11/hud-climate-housing-program/ |access-date=May 14, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 11, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Higgins |first1=Marisa |title=Biden Administration Allocates $830 Million in Energy-Efficient Low-Income Housing |url=https://www.environmentalleader.com/2023/05/biden-administration-invests-over-830-million-in-energy-efficient-low-income-housing/ |website=Environmental + Energy leader |date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622164907/https://www.environmentalleader.com/2023/05/biden-administration-invests-over-830-million-in-energy-efficient-low-income-housing/ |url-status=dead }} Biden called global temperature rise above the 1.5 degree limit the "only existential threat humanity faces even more frightening than a nuclear war".{{cite news |last1=Clifford |first1=Catherine |title=Biden says global warming topping 1.5 degrees in the next 10 to 20 years is scarier than nuclear war |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/11/biden-global-warming-even-more-frightening-than-nuclear-war.html |access-date=October 27, 2023 |publisher=CNBC |date=September 11, 2023}} Despite his clean energy policies and congressional Republicans characterizing them as a "War on American Energy", domestic oil production reached a record high in October 2023.{{cite news |last1=Borenstein |first1=Seth |title=US oil production hits all-time high, conflicting with efforts to cut heat-trapping pollution |url=https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc |work=Associated Press News |date=October 20, 2023}}

Biden has said the U.S. needs to "get tough" on China, calling it the "most serious competitor" that poses challenges to the United States' "prosperity, security, and democratic values".{{cite magazine |title=Why America Must Lead Again |last=Biden |first=Joseph R. Jr. |magazine=Foreign Affairs |date=January 23, 2020 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-01-23/why-america-must-lead-again}}{{cite web |title=Remarks by President Biden on America's Place in the World |publisher=The White House |date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |url= https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/02/04/remarks-by-president-biden-on-americas-place-in-the-world/}} Biden has spoken about human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region to the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, pledging to sanction and commercially restrict Chinese government officials and entities who carry out repression.{{cite news|last1=Edward |first1=Wong |last2=Crawley |first2=Michael |last3=Swanson |first3=Ana |date=September 6, 2020 |title=Joe Biden's China Journey |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/us/politics/biden-china.html|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112163033/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/us/politics/biden-china.html |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first1=Peter |last1=Martin |first2=Saleha |last2=Mohsin |first3=Nick |last3=Wadhams |first4=Jenny |last4=Leonard |title=President Biden Raises Human Rights and Trade Concerns in First Call With China's Xi |url=https://time.com/5938307/biden-xi-china-first-call/ |magazine=Time |date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=February 8, 2021}} Biden has said he is against regime change but is for providing non-military support to opposition movements.{{cite news|date=February 6, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/politics/joe-biden-foreign-policy.html |title=Foreign Policy, Joseph R. Biden Jr. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811235654/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/politics/joe-biden-foreign-policy.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |newspaper=The New York Times}} He opposed direct U.S. intervention in Libya,{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Baker |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2021|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/10/us/politics/a-biden-run-would-expose-foreign-policy-differences-with-hillary-clinton.html |title=A Biden Run Would Expose Foreign Policy Differences With Hillary Clinton |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201216223923/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/10/us/politics/a-biden-run-would-expose-foreign-policy-differences-with-hillary-clinton.html|archive-date=December 16, 2020|newspaper=The New York Times}} voted against U.S. participation in the Gulf War,{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Wehner |title=Biden Was Wrong On the Cold War|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122049148440397625 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006022121/https://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB122049148440397625.html |date=September 4, 2008 |archive-date=October 6, 2008|access-date=August 26, 2021}} voted in favor of the Iraq War,{{cite web|first=Robert |last=Farley |date=September 10, 2019|title=Biden's Record on Iraq War |website=FactCheck.org |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2019/09/bidens-record-on-iraq-war/|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107172331/https://www.factcheck.org/2019/09/bidens-record-on-iraq-war/|url-status=live}} and supports a two-state solution in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite news|date=December 12, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2021|url= https://www.jta.org/2019/12/12/united-states/where-does-joe-biden-stand-on-anti-semitism-israel-and-other-issues-that-matter-to-jewish-voters-in-2020|title=Where does Joe Biden stand on anti-Semitism, Israel and other issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111070241/https://www.jta.org/2019/12/12/united-states/where-does-joe-biden-stand-on-anti-semitism-israel-and-other-issues-that-matter-to-jewish-voters-in-2020|archive-date=January 11, 2021|agency=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}} Biden pledged to end U.S. support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen and to reevaluate the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia.{{cite magazine|title=The Democratic candidates on foreign policy|magazine=Foreign Policy|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020-election/|archive-date=June 16, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616084737/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020-election/|url-status=dead}} Biden supported extending the New START arms control treaty with Russia to limit the number of nuclear weapons deployed by both sides.{{cite news |first1=Jonathan|last1=Landay|first2=Arshad|last2=Mohammed |title=Biden urged to extend U.S.-Russia arms treaty for full 5 years without conditions |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-biden-armscontrol-idUSKBN2852Y0 |work=Reuters |date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512204150/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-biden-armscontrol-idUSKBN2852Y0 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Pifer |first1=Steven |title=Reviving nuclear arms control under Biden |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/12/01/reviving-nuclear-arms-control-under-biden/ |publisher=Brookings Institution |date=December 1, 2020 |access-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201173216/https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/12/01/reviving-nuclear-arms-control-under-biden/ |url-status=live}} In 2021, Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Liptak|title=Biden officially recognizes the massacre of Armenians in World War I as a genocide|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/24/politics/armenian-genocide-biden-erdogan-turkey/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=April 24, 2021|access-date=April 25, 2021}}{{efn|In 1981, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Armenian genocide in passing in a statement regarding The Holocaust, but never made a formal declaration recognizing it.{{cite news |last1=Borger |first1=Julian |last2=Chulov |first2=Martin |title=Biden becomes first US president to recognise Armenian genocide |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/24/joe-biden-armenian-genocide-recognition |newspaper=The Observer |access-date=February 27, 2023 |date=April 24, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Blake |first1=Aaron |date=April 24, 2021 |title=Analysis {{!}} Biden goes where his predecessors wouldn't in recognizing Armenian genocide |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/04/22/bidens-bold-move-recognize-armenian-genocide/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=February 27, 2023}}}}

Biden supported abortion rights throughout his presidency, though he personally opposes abortion because of his Catholic faith.{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Michael |last2=Jackson |first2=David |title=Abortion shapes Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's legacies. It may help one of them win reelection. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/13/abortion-joe-biden-donald-trumps-legacies-reelection/73121953007/ |website=USA Today |date=April 13, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Quinn |first1=Melissa |title=Biden says he's "not big on abortion" because of Catholic faith, but Roe "got it right" |website=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-abortion-catholic-faith-roe-v-wade-got-it-right/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |date=June 28, 2023}} In 2019, he said he supported Roe v. Wade and repealing the Hyde Amendment.{{cite news|last=Lerer|first=Lisa|date=March 29, 2019|title=When Joe Biden Voted to Let States Overturn Roe v. Wade|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/us/politics/biden-abortion-rights.html|access-date=August 8, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806121254/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/us/politics/biden-abortion-rights.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Siders |first=Dave |date=June 22, 2019 |title=Biden calls for enshrining Roe v. Wade in federal law |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/22/biden-roe-v-wade-2020-1376712 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402175549/https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/22/biden-roe-v-wade-2020-1376712 |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=April 19, 2020 |newspaper=Politico}} After Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, he criticized near-total bans on abortion access passed in a majority of Republican-controlled states,{{Cite news |last=Leonhardt |first=David |date=April 6, 2023 |title=The Power and Limits of Abortion Politics |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/world/wisconsin-chicago-elections-abortion.html |access-date=April 7, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=After the Supreme Court overturned Roe last June and allowed states to ban abortion, more than a dozen quickly imposed tight restrictions. Today, abortion is largely illegal in most of red America, even though polls suggest many voters in these states support at least some access.}} and took measures to protect abortion rights in the United States.{{Cite news |last=Panetta |first=Grace |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Biden calls out abortion by name and skewers 'extreme' bans in State of the Union address |url=https://19thnews.org/2023/02/biden-abortion-state-of-the-union/ |access-date=April 10, 2023 |agency=The 19th}} He vowed to sign a bill codifying the protections of Roe into federal law; such a bill passed the House in 2022, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.{{Cite news |last=Kinery |first=Emma |title=Biden promises to codify Roe if two more Democrats are elected to the Senate |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/23/biden-promises-to-codify-roe-if-two-more-democrats-are-elected-to-the-senate.html |access-date=May 13, 2023 |publisher=CNBC |date=September 23, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Hutzler |first=Alexandra |title=House passes bills to codify Roe, protect interstate travel for abortion |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-vote-codifying-abortion-rights-travel-protections/story?id=86884239 |date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=ABC News}}

Public image

Biden was consistently ranked one of the least wealthy members of the Senate,{{cite news|last=Wallsten|first=Peter|date=August 24, 2008|title=Demographics part of calculation: Biden adds experience, yes, but he could also help with Catholics, blue-collar whites and women|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-assess24-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515025410/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-na-assess24-story.html|archive-date=May 15, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Broder|first=John M.|date=September 13, 2008|title=Biden Releases Tax Returns, in Part to Pressure Rivals|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/us/politics/13biden.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425024153/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/us/politics/13biden.html|archive-date=April 25, 2011}} which he attributed to having been elected young.{{cite news|last=Mooney|first=Alexander|date=September 12, 2008|title=Biden tax returns revealed|publisher=CNN|url=https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/12/biden-tax-returns-revealed/|url-status=dead|access-date=September 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913001912/https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/12/biden-tax-returns-revealed/|archive-date=September 13, 2008}} Feeling that less-wealthy public officials may be tempted to accept contributions in exchange for political favors, he proposed campaign finance reform measures during his first term. {{As of|2009|November}}, Biden's net worth was $27,012.{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Montopoli|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/237-millionaires-in-congress/|title=237 Millionaires in Congress|publisher=CBS News|date=November 6, 2009|access-date=August 25, 2021|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145713/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/237-millionaires-in-congress/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2020|November|alt=By November 2020}}, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.{{cite web|date=January 7, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2021|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-net-worth-lifestyle-real-estate-family-wealth-assets-2020-1|title=President-elect Joe Biden just turned 78. Here's how he went from 'Middle-Class Joe' to millionaire.|first=Taylor|last=Borden|website=Business Insider|archive-date=March 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319163402/https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-net-worth-lifestyle-real-estate-family-wealth-assets-2020-1|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2019/08/28/joe-bidens-net-worth-how-the-2020-presidential-candidate-built-a-9-million-fortune/|title=Here's How Much 2020 Presidential Candidate Joe Biden Is Worth|first=Michela|last=Tindera|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2021|magazine=Forbes|archive-date=March 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319162048/https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2019/08/28/joe-bidens-net-worth-how-the-2020-presidential-candidate-built-a-9-million-fortune/|url-status=live}}

Political columnist David S. Broder wrote that Biden has grown over time: "He responds to real people—that's been consistent throughout. And his ability to understand himself and deal with other politicians has gotten much, much better." Journalist James Traub has written that "Biden is the kind of fundamentally happy person who can be as generous toward others as he is to himself". Particularly since the 2015 death of his elder son Beau, Biden has been noted for his empathetic nature and ability to communicate about grief.{{cite magazine|last=Baldoni|first=John|title=How Empathy Defines Joe Biden|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbaldoni/2020/08/20/how-empathy-defines-joe-biden/|date=August 20, 2020|access-date=March 17, 2021|magazine=Forbes|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618172934/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbaldoni/2020/08/20/how-empathy-defines-joe-biden/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Nagle|first=Molly|date=December 19, 2020|title=Nearly 50 years after death of wife and daughter, empathy remains at Joe Biden's core|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/50-years-death-wife-daughter-empathy-remains-joe/story?id=74814251|access-date=March 17, 2021|agency=ABC News|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302080416/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/50-years-death-wife-daughter-empathy-remains-joe/story?id=74814251|url-status=live}}

Journalist and TV anchor Wolf Blitzer has called Biden loquacious;{{cite news|date=January 12, 2006|title=Transcripts|work=The Situation Room|publisher=CNN|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/12/sitroom.01.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719103425/https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/12/sitroom.01.html|archive-date=July 19, 2008}} journalist Mark Bowden has said that he is famous for "talking too much", leaning in close "like an old pal with something urgent to tell you". He often deviates from prepared remarks,{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Ben|date=December 2, 2008|title=Biden, enemy of the prepared remarks|newspaper=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/12/biden-enemy-of-the-prepared-remarks-014500|url-status=live|access-date=December 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911131530/https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/12/biden-enemy-of-the-prepared-remarks-014500|archive-date=September 11, 2015}} and sometimes "puts his foot in his mouth".{{cite news|last=Tapper|first=Jake|author-link=Jake Tapper|date=January 31, 2007|title=A Biden Problem: Foot in Mouth|agency=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=2838420|url-status=live|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827211803/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=2838420|archive-date=August 27, 2008}}{{cite magazine|last=Halperin|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Halperin|date=August 23, 2008|title=Halperin on Biden: Pros and Cons|magazine=Time|url=https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1835480,00.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722092813/https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1835480,00.html|archive-date=July 22, 2014}} Biden has a reputation for being prone to gaffes.{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/joe-biden-news-joe-biden-gaffe-joe-biden-speech-mistakes-watch-joe-biden-in-latest-gaffe-has-two-words-to-say-made-in-america-101665383434183.html |access-date=August 23, 2023 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |first=Mallika |last=Bhagat |title=Watch: Joe Biden's latest gaffe- a rocky start and a counting problem |quote='Let me start off with two words: Made in America' |date=October 10, 2022}}{{cite news |first=Luke |last=O'Neil |date=April 25, 2019 |title='I am a gaffe machine': a history of Joe Biden's biggest blunders |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/25/joe-biden-2020-public-gaffes-mistakes-history |access-date=January 26, 2021 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202133135/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/25/joe-biden-2020-public-gaffes-mistakes-history |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Broder |first=John M. |date=September 11, 2008 |title=Hanging On to Biden's Every Word: Biden living up to his gaffe-prone reputation |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/us/politics/12biden.html |access-date=February 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=But, boy, does he say some curious things. A day on the campaign trail without a cringe-inducing gaffe is a rare blessing. He has not been too blessed lately.... a human verbal wrecking crew.}} The New York Times wrote that Biden's "weak filters make him capable of blurting out pretty much anything".

According to The New York Times, Biden often embellishes elements of his life or exaggerates, a trait also noted by The New Yorker in 2014.{{Cite magazine |last=Osnos |first=Evan |date=July 20, 2014 |title=The Evolution of Joe Biden |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/07/28/biden-agenda |access-date=December 6, 2022 |magazine=The New Yorker}}{{cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |last2=Qiu |first2=Linda |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Biden, Storyteller in Chief, Spins Yarns That Often Unravel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/10/us/politics/biden-exaggeration-falsehood.html |accessdate=October 11, 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times}} For instance, he has claimed to have been more active in the civil rights movement than he actually was, and has falsely recalled being an excellent student who earned three college degrees. The Times wrote, "Mr. Biden's folksiness can veer into folklore, with dates that don't quite add up and details that are exaggerated or wrong, the factual edges shaved off to make them more powerful for audiences."

= Job approval =

{{See also|2021 opinion polling on the Joe Biden administration|l1=2021|2022 opinion polling on the Joe Biden administration|l2=2022|2023 opinion polling on the Joe Biden administration|l3=2023|2024–2025 opinion polling on the Joe Biden administration}}

According to Morning Consult polling, Biden maintained an approval rating above 50% during his presidency's first eight months. In August 2021, it began to decline, reaching the low forties by December.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=December 21, 2021 |title=Joe Biden's Job Approval Rating Steady in December |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/358343/joe-biden-job-approval-rating-steady-december.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123222342/https://news.gallup.com/poll/358343/joe-biden-job-approval-rating-steady-december.aspx |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |access-date=February 2, 2022 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}} This was attributed to the Afghanistan withdrawal, increasing hospitalizations from the Delta variant, high inflation and gas prices, disarray within the Democratic Party, and a general decline in popularity customary in politics.{{cite web |last1=Frostenson |first1=Sarah |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Why Has Biden's Approval Rating Gotten So Low So Quickly? |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-has-bidens-approval-rating-gotten-so-low-so-quickly/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012100615/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-has-bidens-approval-rating-gotten-so-low-so-quickly/ |archive-date=October 12, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |website=FiveThirtyEight}}{{cite magazine |last1=Graham |first1=David A. |date=November 19, 2021 |title=Six Theories of Joe Biden's Crumbling Popularity |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/biden-approval-rating/620751/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112230703/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/biden-approval-rating/620751/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2022 |magazine=The Atlantic}}{{cite web |last1=Rupar |first1=Aaron |date=September 20, 2021 |title=Why Biden's approval numbers have sagged, explained by an expert |url=https://www.vox.com/2021/9/20/22678173/biden-polls-approval-rating-morning-consult |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028195231/https://www.vox.com/2021/9/20/22678173/biden-polls-approval-rating-morning-consult |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |website=Vox}}{{cite web |last1=Montanaro |first1=Domenico |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Biden's Approval Rating Hits A New Low After The Afghanistan Withdrawal |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033433959/biden-approval-rating-afghanistan-withdrawal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027035207/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033433959/biden-approval-rating-afghanistan-withdrawal |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |publisher=NPR}} In 2023, Biden's approval rating was the lowest of any modern{{Efn|The source defines "modern" presidents as all 7 presidents before Biden, or presidents since 1979, which comprise Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.|name=}} U.S. president after three years in office.{{Cite web|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx|title=Biden Ends 2023 With 39% Job Approval|first=Megan|last=Brenan|date=December 22, 2023|publisher=Gallup, Inc.}}

Gallup, Inc. found Biden's approval ratings to be consistently above 50% during his first few months in office,{{cite web|first=Jeffrey M.|last=Jones|date=February 4, 2021|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/329348/biden-begins-term-job-approval.aspx|title=Biden Begins Term With 57% Job Approval|publisher=

Gallup, Inc.|accessdate=November 9, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Saad |first=Lydia |date=April 23, 2021 |title=Biden Job Approval a Respectable 57% at 100 Days |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/348974/biden-job-approval-respectable-100-days.aspx |access-date=October 1, 2021 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}} but by August, his ratings began to decline.{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Cillizza|authorlink=Chris Cillizza|date=August 18, 2021|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/18/politics/joe-biden-polls-president-afghanistan/index.html|title=Joe Biden's political honeymoon is officially over|agency=CNN|accessdate=November 9, 2024}} He had a 98% approval rating from Democrats in February 2021, but by December only 78% approved of his presidency.{{Cite web |title=Presidential Job Approval Center |url=https://news.gallup.com/interactives/185273/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx |access-date=July 31, 2022 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}} By October 2023, his rating among Democrats had reached a record low of 75%.{{cite web|first=Megan|last=Brenan|date=October 26, 2023|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/513305/democrats-ratings-biden-slip-overall-approval.aspx|title=Democrats' Rating of Biden Slips; Overall Approval at 37%|publisher=Gallup, Inc.|accessdate=November 9, 2024}} His approval rating among Republicans has been consistently in the single digits, aside from his first few months in office. Additionally, Gallup noted that Biden's public support eroded each year he was in office: he averaged 49% approval in his first year,{{cite web|first=Jeffrey M.|last=Jones|date=January 18, 2022|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/389033/biden-year-one-approval-ratings-subpar-extremely-polarized.aspx|title=Biden Year One Approval Ratings Subpar, Extremely Polarized|publisher=Gallup, Inc.|accessdate=November 9, 2024}} 41% in his second,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=January 25, 2023 |title=Biden Averaged 41% Job Approval in His Second Year |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/468806/biden-averaged-job-approval-second-year.aspx |access-date=January 9, 2024 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}} 40% in his third,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Biden's Third-Year Job Approval Average of 39.8% Second Worst |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/609188/biden-third-year-job-approval-average-second-worst.aspx |access-date=January 28, 2024 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}} and 39% in his fourth. In July 2024, just before he withdrew from the 2024 presidential election, Gallup found his approval rating had fallen to an all-time low of 36%.{{Cite web |first=Megan |last=Brenan |date=July 23, 2024 |title=Biden's Approval Rating Hit New Low Before Exit From Race|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/647633/biden-approval-rating-hit-new-low-exit-race.aspx|access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=Gallup.com}} Gallup found that Biden had an average approval rating of 42.2% throughout his presidency, which was lower than all other presidents' except Trump's first term, at 41.1%. Biden's final approval rating in January 2025 was 40%, which was low but still higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings. Gallup's averaged polls of Biden's presidency found that he was the second-least popular president in its polling history, ahead of Trump.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Jeffrey M. |date=January 17, 2025 |title=Biden Job Approval Second Lowest Among Post-WWII Presidents |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/655298/biden-job-approval-second-lowest-among-post-wwii-presidents.aspx |access-date=2025-03-14 |publisher=Gallup, Inc.}}

CNN and CBS News found Biden's final approval rating to be 37% and 36%, respectively.{{Cite web |last1=De Pinto |first1=Jennifer |last2=Salvanto |first2=Anthony |last3=Backus |first3=Fred |last4=Khanna |first4=Kabir |date=2025-01-19 |title=Biden's presidency viewed negatively by most Americans — CBS News poll - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-presidency-opinion-poll-2025-01-19/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Agiesta |first=Jennifer |date=2025-01-15 |title=CNN Poll: Biden leaves office with his approval rating matching the lowest of his term |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/15/politics/cnn-poll-biden-presidency/index.html |access-date=2025-03-14 |publisher=CNN |language=en}} Polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight found that Biden had a final average approval rating of 37%.{{Cite web|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-approval-rating/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210128161428/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-approval-rating/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2021|title=How popular is Joe Biden?|website=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=February 3, 2025}}

= Media depictions =

Nine men have portrayed Biden on Saturday Night Live, starting with Kevin Nealon in 1991. Jason Sudeikis portrayed Biden during the 2008 election season and reprised the role many times. During the 2020 election season, Biden was played by John Mulaney, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Carrey. In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role.{{cite web|url= https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/joe-biden-snl-actors|title= Everyone Who Has Played Joe Biden on SNL|publisher= NBC|date= September 27, 2024|accessdate= October 12, 2024}}{{cite magazine|url= https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/saturday-night-live-nate-bargatze-dana-carvey|title= Dana Carvey's Joe Biden Is the Real Star of 'Saturday Night Live'|magazine= Vanity Fair|accessdate= October 12, 2024}} In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Biden in the HBO television film Confirmation, about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=June 10, 2016 |title=Greg Kinnear Doesn't Do Impressions, But He Did Channel Joe Biden in 'Confirmation' (Consider This) |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/greg-kinnear-joe-biden-confirmation-emmys-1201682835/ |access-date=November 10, 2024 |website=IndieWire}}

Legacy

When Biden left office in 2025, journalists and even many Democrats viewed his presidency as a failure—due to age and health concerns, public frustration over inflation, and the defeat of his vice president, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 presidential election by Donald Trump.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/politics/394712/joe-biden-president-legacy-inflation-manchin|title=The president who could not choose|date=January 14, 2025|access-date=January 16, 2025|website=Vox|first1=Dylan|last1=Matthews}} The Guardian called the conclusion of Biden's presidency a "tragedy", particularly because Biden was succeeded by Trump after previously defeating him.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/jan/18/biden-presidency-legacy-trump-election|title=An American tragedy: how Biden paved the way for Trump's White House return|first1=David|last1=Smith|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=January 18, 2025|date=January 18, 2025|quote=To admirers, Biden will remain one of the most consequential one-term presidents in US history - to detractors, he was undone by a fatal flaw.}}

Biden's life has been marked by tragedy, including the death of his first wife and daughter in a car accident after his election to the Senate in 1972 and the death of his son Beau Biden from brain cancer in 2015. NBC News called Biden's life "one of the great tragedies of American politics."{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/joe-biden-ends-5-decades-public-life-one-greatest-tragedies-american-p-rcna183989|title='One of the great tragedies of American politics': Biden ends 5 decades in public life|date=January 16, 2025|access-date=January 16, 2025|first1=Natasha|last1=Korecki|first2=Carol E.|last2=Lee|first3=Jonathan|last3=Allen|agency=NBC News|quote=Biden leaves behind a complicated legacy of legislative wins, economic gains and a trail of fractured relationships and grievances within his own party.}}

Journalist Ronald Brownstein of The Atlantic compared Biden to Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, and whom Biden eulogized on January 9, 2025. Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021–2023 inflation surge, much as the 1970s energy crisis and stagflation overshadowed Carter's presidency. Both men were Democrats and served a single term as president, with Carter losing reelection in 1980 to Ronald Reagan and Biden's party losing in 2024 to Donald Trump.{{Cite magazine |last1=Brownstein |first1=Ronald |title=Why 'Late Regime' Presidencies Fail |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/coalition-collapse-biden-carter/681254/ |access-date=January 9, 2025 |magazine=The Atlantic |quote=The coalition collapse that doomed Biden follows a grim precedent set by another Democratic leader: Jimmy Carter.}}

Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election was compared to Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election, with Johnson's vice president, Hubert Humphrey, losing in 1968 to Richard Nixon and Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, losing in 2024 to Trump. Johnson and Biden were both initially popular but saw their approval ratings decline throughout their presidencies. Johnson and Biden also previously served as vice president, under John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/12/harris-team-election/680844/|title=Why They Lost|date=December 2, 2024|website=The Atlantic|first1=Ronald|last1=Brownstein|access-date=December 4, 2024|quote=The Harris-campaign leadership believes that the Democrats narrowed the gap on Trump that Biden left—but not by enough.}}

A December 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans thought Biden's presidency was below average or poor, 26% average, and 19% above average or outstanding.{{Cite web|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/654878/americans-think-history-rate-biden-presidency-negatively.aspx|title=Americans Think History Will Rate Biden Presidency Negatively|date=January 7, 2025|publisher=Gallup|first1=Jeffrey M.|last1=Jones|access-date=January 10, 2025}} Gallup found that Americans largely offered negative assessments of Biden's presidency on economic, national, and international issues. Of 18 issue areas Gallup tracked, a majority of Americans said the U.S. lost ground in six, including the economy in general, immigration, and the country's position in the world. A plurality found that the U.S. declined in six other areas, including national infrastructure and energy, education, and trade relations with other countries. Americans perceived standstills in climate change and black people's situation, and were divided between standstills and declines in their perception of healthcare, national defense, and taxes. A plurality felt the U.S. made progress in only one indicator under Biden: the conditions of gay, lesbian, and transgender people.{{Cite web|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/655112/americans-little-progress-key-areas-biden.aspx|title=Americans See Little Progress in Key Areas Under Biden|date=January 14, 2025|publisher=Gallup|first1=Megan|last1=Brenan|access-date=January 15, 2025|quote=More think the U.S. lost than gained ground in a majority of economic, national and international areas}}

= Scholarly rankings =

The Siena College Research Institute's 2022 survey ranked Biden 19th out of 45 presidents.{{cite web|url=https://scri.siena.edu/2022/06/22/american-presidents-greatest-and-worst/|title=American Presidents: Greatest and Worst|publisher=Siena College Research Institute|date=June 22, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2025}} The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert survey ranked Biden the 14th best president.

Notes

References

= Citations =

= Works cited =

{{cite book |last=Bronner |first=Ethan |author-link=Ethan Bronner |title=Battle for Justice: How the Bork Nomination Shook America |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-393-02690-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/battleforjustice00bron_0}}
{{cite book |last=Gadsden |first=Brett |title=Between North and South: Delaware, Desegregation, and the Myth of American Sectionalism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZFQE3bLDsS4C |date=October 8, 2012 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-0797-2}}
{{cite book |last1=Mayer |first1=Jane |author-link=Jane Mayer |last2=Abramson |first2=Jill |author-link2=Jill Abramson |title=Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-395-63318-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/strangejusticese00maye}}
{{Cite book |first=Richard |last=Wolffe |author-link=Richard Wolffe |title=Renegade: The Making of a President |publisher=Crown Publishers |location=New York |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-307-46312-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/renegademakingof00wolf}}
{{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JMxWRDTR_sMC |title=See How They Run: Electing the President in an Age of Mediaocracy |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-394-57059-4 }}
{{Cite book |last=Witcover |first=Jules |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780061791987 |title=Joe Biden: A Life of Trial and Redemption |publisher=William Morrow |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-06-179198-7 |location=New York City |author-link=Jules Witcover }}

External links

= Official =

[https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/president-biden/ President Joe Biden] official website (archived)
{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718211814/https://joebiden.com/ |date=July 18, 2024 |title=Presidential campaign website}}
[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/vp Obama White House biography] (archived)
[https://www.congress.gov/member/joseph-biden/B000444 Senator Joseph R. Biden] (1973–2009)