Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joe Biden

Discover the career path of Joe Biden, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who served as the 46th U.S. president (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously held the position of the 47th vice president (2009-2017). Prior to his executive roles, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009, marking a lengthy career in American politics.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1968: Clerked at Wilmington Law Firm

In 1968, Biden clerked at a Wilmington law firm and supported Russell W. Peterson for governor.

1968: Lyndon B. Johnson's Withdrawal

In 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson withdrew from the presidential election. In 1968 Johnson's vice president, Hubert Humphrey, losing in 1968 to Richard Nixon.

1969: Practiced Law and Reregistered as a Democrat

In 1969, Biden practiced law, first as a public defender, then at a law firm, and subsequently reregistered as a Democrat.

1969: Admitted to Delaware Bar

In 1969, Biden was admitted to the Delaware bar.

1970: Ran for New Castle County Council

In 1970, Biden ran for the fourth district seat on the New Castle County Council.

January 5, 1971: Took Office on New Castle County Council

On January 5, 1971, Biden took office on the New Castle County Council.

1972: Elected U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. senator from Delaware.

1972: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 1972, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate.

January 1, 1973: End of Term on New Castle County Council

Joe Biden's time on the New Castle County Council ended on January 1, 1973.

1973: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1973, Joe Biden began his service as a U.S. Senator representing Delaware.

1976: Endorsed Jimmy Carter

In 1976, Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Governor Jimmy Carter for president in the Democratic primary.

1976: Supported Measure Forbidding Federal Funds for Busing

In 1976, Joe Biden supported a measure forbidding the use of federal funds for transporting students beyond the school closest to them.

1977: Co-sponsored Amendment Closing Loopholes

In 1977, Joe Biden co-sponsored an amendment closing loopholes in the measure forbidding federal funds for busing.

1978: President Carter signed co-sponsored ammendment into law

In 1978, President Carter signed into law the amendment co-sponsored by Joe Biden, closing loopholes in the measure forbidding federal funds for busing.

1978: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978.

1979: SALT II Treaty

In 1979, After Congress failed to ratify the SALT II Treaty , Biden met with Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko and secured changes that addressed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's objections.

1980: Carter Loses Reelection

In 1980, Jimmy Carter lost his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan.

1981: Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1981, Biden became a ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He held this position until 1987.

1984: Floor Manager for Comprehensive Crime Control Act

In 1984, Joe Biden was a Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act.

1984: Objected to Strategic Defense Initiative

In a congressional hearing in 1984, Joe Biden objected to the Strategic Defense Initiative plan.

1984: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1984.

June 9, 1987: Declared Candidacy for 1988 Democratic Presidential Nomination

On June 9, 1987, Biden declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. He was considered a strong candidate due to his moderate image and speaking ability.

September 23, 1987: Withdrew from Presidential Candidacy

On September 23, 1987, Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 presidential election following plagiarism accusations and false claims about his academic record.

1987: Chairs Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1987, Biden became the chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, a position he held until 1995.

1988: Ran for Democratic presidential nomination

Biden ran for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, launching his campaign in 1987.

1988: Unsuccessful Presidential Nomination

In 1988, Joe Biden ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.

1988: Presided over Robert Bork Confirmation Hearing

In 1988, as chair, Biden presided over the contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing of Robert Bork, ultimately objecting to Bork's nomination due to conflicts with constitutional rights. Bork's nomination was rejected in the committee by a 5–9 vote and then in the full Senate, 42–58.

1990: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1990.

1991: Clarence Thomas Nomination Hearings

During Clarence Thomas's nomination hearings in 1991, Biden's questioning style was criticized, and he faced scrutiny for his handling of Anita Hill's accusations against Thomas. Liberal legal advocates and women's groups felt strongly that Biden had mishandled the hearings and not done enough to support Hill. The full Senate confirmed Thomas by a 52–48 vote, with Biden opposed.

1991: Adjunct Professor at Widener University

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

1991: Opposed the Gulf War

In 1991, Biden opposed the Gulf War.

1991: Opposed Gulf War Authorization and interested in Yugoslav Wars

In 1991, Biden voted against authorization for the Gulf War and became interested in the Yugoslav Wars after hearing about Serbian abuses during the Croatian War of Independence.

April 1993: Tense Meeting with Slobodan Milošević

In April 1993, Biden had a tense three-hour meeting with Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević regarding the Bosnian War.

1993: Voted for Provision Banning Gays from Military

In 1993, Joe Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, banning gay people from serving in the armed forces.

1994: Passed Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Joe Biden helped pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, including the Violence Against Women Act, later expressing regret for passing the bill.

1995: End of term as chair of Senate Judiciary Committee

In 1995, Biden's term as chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary came to an end. He continued as a ranking minority member.

1996: Voted for Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Joe Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

1996: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996.

1997: Ranking Minority Member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 1997, Biden became the ranking minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

1997: Resumes Role as Ranking Minority Member

In 1997, Biden resumed his role as a ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary after having chaired the committee from 1987 to 1995.

1999: Supported NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, during the Kosovo War, Biden supported the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. He co-sponsored the McCain-Biden Kosovo Resolution, which called on Clinton to use all necessary force to confront Milošević.

2000: Clinton Vetoes Bankruptcy Legislation

In 2000, Bill Clinton vetoed bankruptcy legislation that was sponsored by Biden and sought by credit card issuers.

2000: William Roth Defeated

Until William Roth was defeated in 2000, Joe Biden was junior senator to him.

June 2001: Chairs Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In June 2001, Biden became the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he held until 2003.

October 2002: Voted for Iraq War Authorization

In October 2002, Biden 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.

2002: Voted for Iraq War Resolution

In 2002, Biden voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution.

2002: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002.

2003: End of term as chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 2003, Biden's term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to an end.

2005: Called Iraq War Vote a Mistake

By 2005, Biden called his 2002 vote in favor of the Iraq War a "mistake", though he did not push for withdrawal and supported the appropriations for the occupation.

2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act Passes

In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed, with Biden being one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, despite opposition from leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations. Bill Clinton had vetoed the bill in 2000.

2006: Shifted Stance on Iraq War

By late 2006, Biden's stance on the Iraq War had shifted considerably.

2006: Biden-Gelb Iraqi Federalization Plan

In 2006, the Biden-Gelb Iraqi federalization plan was created.

January 2007: Declared Candidacy for 2008 Elections

In January 2007, Biden declared his candidacy in the 2008 elections, focusing on the Iraq War and his foreign-policy experience.

September 2007: Proposed Dividing Iraq into Ethnic States

In September 2007, Biden advocated dividing Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states. A non-binding resolution endorsing the plan passed the Senate, but the idea failed to gain traction.

2007: Biden and Obama relationship during 2007

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".

2007: Chairs Senate Foreign Relations Committee Again

In 2007, Biden once again became the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he held until 2009.

January 3, 2008: Placed Fifth in Iowa Caucuses and Withdrew from Race

On January 3, 2008, Biden placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses, garnering slightly less than one percent of the state delegates, and withdrew from the race that evening.

August 2008: Selected as Obama's Running Mate

In August 2008, Obama and Biden met in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration, and developed a strong personal rapport. On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate, and Biden was officially nominated for vice president on August 27 at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

September 2008: Voted for Emergency Economic Stabilization Act

As the 2008 financial crisis reached a peak in September 2008, Biden voted for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which passed in the Senate.

2008: Adjunct Professor at Widener University

From 1991 to 2008, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

2008: Chosen as Obama's Running Mate

In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election.

2008: Ran for president

In 2008, Biden ran for president. During 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."

2008: Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world

In 2008, Biden's 2008 campaign raised his stature in the political world. In particular, it changed the relationship between Biden and Obama.

2008: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008.

January 2009: Resigned from the Senate

After being reelected to the Senate as well as the vice presidency, Biden resigned from the Senate on January 15, 2009, after being sworn in for his seventh term.

January 20, 2009: Biden Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2009, Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. He was the first vice president from Delaware and the first Roman Catholic vice president.

April 2009: Biden's Swine Flu Outbreak Response

In April 2009, Biden's off-message response to a question during the beginning of the swine flu outbreak led to a swift retraction by the White House and revived Biden's reputation for gaffes.

May 2009: Biden Visits Kosovo

In May 2009, Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".

July 2009: Biden Acknowledges Economic Misjudgment

In July 2009, confronted with rising unemployment, Biden acknowledged that the administration had "misread how bad the economy was", but expressed confidence that the stimulus package would create jobs once expenditures increased.

2009: End of term as chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee again

In 2009, Biden's term as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to an end again.

2009: Became Vice President

In 2009, Joe Biden became the 47th Vice President of the United States.

March 23, 2010: Biden's Hot Mic Moment

On March 23, 2010, a hot mic picked up Biden telling Obama that his signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was "a big fucking deal".

October 2010: Obama asked Biden to remain as running mate

In October 2010, Biden said Obama had asked him to remain as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election

December 2010: Biden's Role in Compromise Tax Package

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, which included a temporary extension of the Bush tax cuts. The package passed as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

February 2011: Biden Completes Oversight of Stimulus Spending

In February 2011, Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package, reporting that fraud incidents with stimulus monies had been less than one percent.

May 2011: Biden's Alleged Opposition to Osama bin Laden Mission

Some reports suggest that in May 2011, Biden opposed proceeding with the U.S. mission to kill Osama bin Laden, fearing failure could adversely affect Obama's reelection prospects.

2011: Biden Oversees Iraq Policy

In 2011, Obama delegated Biden to oversee Iraq policy. He became the administration's point man in delivering messages to Iraqi leadership before the exit of U.S. troops.

2011: Polling Conducted on Replacing Biden

In late 2011, White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley conducted some secret polling and focus group research on the idea of replacing Biden with Hillary Clinton for the 2012 election. The notion was dropped when the results showed no appreciable improvement.

May 2012: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2012, Biden's statement that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage gained considerable public attention and prompted Obama to announce his support for same-sex marriage within days.

August 2012: Remarks on Wall Street Regulations

In August 2012, Biden's remark before a mixed-race audience that Republican proposals to relax Wall Street regulations would "put y'all back in chains" drew attention to his propensity for colorful remarks.

December 2012: Biden to Head Gun Violence Task Force

In December 2012, 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.

2012: Obama Running Mate in 2012

Biden was Obama's running mate for the 2012 presidential election.

January 20, 2013: Biden Inaugurated for Second Term

On January 20, 2013, Biden was inaugurated for his second term as Vice President at a small ceremony at Number One Observatory Circle, his official residence. Justice Sonia Sotomayor presided over the ceremony.

October 2013: Biden Cut Out of Government Shutdown Discussions

In October 2013, Biden played little part in discussions that led to the passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, resolving 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.

2013: Violence Against Women Act Reauthorized

In 2013, Biden's Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized again, leading to related developments like the White House Council on Women and Girls.

2013: Biden Negotiates Deal on Fiscal Cliff

In the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in 2013, Biden's relationship with McConnell 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.

January 2014: White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault

In January 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault was begun with Biden and Valerie Jarrett as co-chairs.

2014: Renewed Attention to Biden-Gelb Iraqi Federalization Plan

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.

2014: Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014

In 2014, the Continuing Appropriations Act resolved the federal government shutdown and debt-ceiling crisis.

2015: Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional

In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Joe Biden had voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.

2015: Family Encouraged Biden to Run for President

In mid-2015, Biden's family, friends, and donors encouraged him to enter the 2016 presidential race, and a "Draft Biden 2016" Political action committee (PAC) was established. During 2015, Biden was uncertain about running, particularly due to the recent death of his son Beau, before ultimately announcing his decision not to run that October.

August 2016: Biden Visits Serbia

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.

2016: Media outlets mentioned Biden as likely candidate for president

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.

2016: Biden Considered 2016 Presidential Run

During his second term, Biden was often said to be preparing for a bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. Ultimately, he announced his decision not to run that October.

2016: Biden Introduces Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards

In 2016, Biden talked about sexual violence while introducing Lady Gaga at the 88th Academy Awards, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

January 20, 2017: Biden Leaves Office

On January 20, 2017, Biden left office, succeeded by Mike Pence as the 48th Vice President of the United States.

2017: Biden Writes Memoir

In 2017, Biden wrote a memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and went on a book tour.

[Joe Biden] Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Hardcover

Check it on Amazon

2017: End of Vice Presidency

In 2017, Joe Biden's tenure as the 47th Vice President of the United States came to an end.

January 2018: Time for Biden PAC Formed

In January 2018, a political action committee known as Time for Biden was formed.

April 25, 2019: Biden Launches 2020 Presidential Campaign

On April 25, 2019, Biden launched his campaign for president in 2020, citing concerns about the Trump administration and a "sense of duty".

September 2019: Trump Allegedly Pressures Ukraine to Investigate Biden

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, leading to a political scandal and Trump's impeachment.

2019: Biden Becomes Honorary Professor

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 until 2019.

2019: Biden's Performance in the 2020 Democratic Primaries

Throughout 2019, Biden stayed generally ahead of other Democrats in national polls. Despite this, he finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses and fifth in the New Hampshire primary. He performed better in the Nevada caucuses, reaching the 15% required for delegates, but still finished 21.6 percentage points behind Bernie Sanders. 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.

April 8, 2020: Sanders Suspends Campaign, Biden Becomes Presumptive Nominee

On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Biden the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee.

August 18, 2020: Biden Officially Nominated for President

On August 18, 2020, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Biden officially became the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 2020 election.

November 2020: Biden Elected 46th President

In November 2020, Biden was elected the 46th president, defeating Donald Trump. Trump and numerous Republicans falsely claimed widespread electoral fraud occurred. Biden's transition was delayed until November 23, when the General Services Administrator formally recognized him as the winner.

2020: Biden a Frequent Target of Trump during Campaign

As the 2020 campaign season heated up, public polling showed Biden as one of the best-performing Democratic candidates head-to-head against Trump, making him a frequent target of Trump.

2020: Media outlets mentioned Biden as likely candidate for president

Between 2016 and 2019, media outlets often mentioned Biden as a likely candidate for president in 2020.

2020: Biden reuses "a bunch of malarkey" during his presidential campaign

In 2020, Biden reused the phrase "a bunch of malarkey" during his presidential campaign. He had previously used this phrase during the 2012 vice-presidential debate.

2020: Won the 2020 Presidential Election

In 2020, Joe Biden won the presidential election with Kamala Harris as his running mate, defeating Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

February 2021: 98% Approval Rating from Democrats

In February 2021, Gallup, Inc. reported that Joe Biden had a 98% approval rating among Democrats.

2021: Became President

In 2021, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States.

February 2022: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to severe sanctions on Russia by the Biden administration and the authorization of over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine. Biden later asked Congress for $33 billion for Ukraine, which was increased to about $40 billion, and he blamed Putin for the emerging energy and food crises.

2022: Congress Approves Aid to Ukraine

In 2022, Congress approved approximately $113 billion in aid to Ukraine.

April 25, 2023: Biden Confirms Reelection Run

On April 25, 2023, Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Harris again as his running mate.

October 2023: Record Low Approval Rating Among Democrats

By October 2023, Gallup indicated that Joe Biden's approval rating among Democrats had reached a record low of 75%.

October 2023: Biden Administration Requests Additional Aid for Ukraine

In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the upcoming year.

April 2024: Additional Aid to Ukraine

In April 2024, the additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added.

July 2024: Approval Rating Falls to All-Time Low

In July 2024, Gallup found that Joe Biden's approval rating had fallen to an all-time low of 36%, just before he withdrew from the 2024 presidential election.

August 2024: U.S. Aid to Afghanistan

In August 2024, the U.S. remained the biggest aid donor to Afghanistan, having spent at least $20.7 billion post-withdrawal to support the Taliban government and stabilize Afghanistan's economy.

December 2024: Gallup Poll on Biden's Presidency

A December 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans thought Joe Biden's presidency was below average or poor, 26% average, and 19% above average or outstanding. The poll also indicated negative assessments of his presidency on economic, national, and international issues.

2024: Withdrew Presidential Candidacy

In 2024, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection after renewed scrutiny about his cognitive ability.

2024: Kamala Harris Defeated by Donald Trump

In 2024, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden's vice president, was defeated in the presidential election by Donald Trump.

2024: Biden's 2024 Election Campaign

In the 2024 election campaign, Biden promoted higher economic growth and recovery, frequently stating his intention to "finish the job" as a political rallying cry.

2024: Withdrawal from Presidential Election

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election occurred in 2024, his vice president Kamala Harris lost in 2024 to Trump.

January 2025: Final Approval Rating

In January 2025, Gallup reported that Joe Biden's final approval rating was 40%, which was low but still higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings.

2025: End of Presidential Term

Joe Biden's time as the 46th President of the United States concluded in 2025.

2025: Biden Leaves Office

When Joe Biden left office in 2025, his presidency was viewed by journalists and many Democrats 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.