Challenges Faced by Joe Biden: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Joe Biden's life and career.

Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th U.S. President (2021-2025). A Democrat, he was the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and a U.S. Senator representing Delaware (1973-2009). His career spans decades in public service, holding significant roles in both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.

Sections (7)

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

December 18, 1972: Death of Wife and Daughter

On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife, Neilia, and one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware.

September 23, 1987: Withdrew from the 1988 presidential race

On September 23, 1987, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. This decision came after accusations of plagiarism and false or exaggerated claims about his academic record.

February 1988: Underwent surgery for brain aneurysms

In February 1988, Joe Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm. While recuperating from the surgery, he suffered a pulmonary embolism. A second aneurysm was surgically repaired in May of the same year. His recuperation kept him away from the Senate for seven months.

1988: Unsuccessful run for Democratic presidential nomination

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

1993: Tara Reade's Alleged Sexual Assault

In late March 2020, Tara Reade, one of the eight women who in 2019 had accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact, accused Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993. There were inconsistencies between Reade's 2019 and 2020 allegations.

January 3, 2008: Placed fifth in the Iowa caucuses and withdrew from the race

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

April 2009: Swine Flu Outbreak Response

In April 2009, Joe 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 his reputation for gaffes.

July 2009: Rising Unemployment Acknowledgment

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

2009: Afghanistan Strategy Influence

In 2009, Joe Biden's views on Afghanistan gained more influence as President Obama reconsidered his strategy. Though he initially lost an internal debate to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about sending new troops to Afghanistan, his skepticism was valued.

May 2011: Alleged Opposition to bin Laden Mission

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

October 2013: Cut Out of Appropriations Act Discussions

Joe Biden 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.

2014: Continuing Appropriations Act Passage

2015: Uncertainty About Running

By late 2015, Joe Biden was still uncertain about running for president. He felt his son Beau's recent death had largely drained his emotional energy.

March 2019: Accusations of Inappropriate Physical Contact

In March 2019, eight women accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact, such as embracing, touching, or kissing.

April 2019: Pledge to Respect Personal Space

In April 2019, Joe Biden pledged to be more "respectful of people's personal space" after accusations of inappropriate physical contact.

2019: Tara Reade's Accusation of Inappropriate Physical Contact

March 2020: Tara Reade's Sexual Assault Accusation

In late March 2020, Tara Reade, who had accused Joe Biden of inappropriate physical contact in 2019, accused Biden of having sexually assaulted her in 1993. Biden and his campaign denied the sexual assault allegation.

November 2020: Biden Elected President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. Trump made false claims of widespread electoral fraud, delaying Biden's transition until November 23, when Emily W. Murphy formally recognized Biden as the winner and authorized the transition process.

2020: Campaign Promise to End Private Prison Contracts

Despite his 2020 campaign promise to end the practice, the Biden administration worked to extend at least 14 contracts with private prison companies to run immigrant detention centers in the final year of his presidency.

January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, after Pence refused to cooperate with Trump's plan to overturn the election results, Trump urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. The building was stormed, interrupting the electoral vote count. Biden addressed the nation, calling the events "an unprecedented assault".

July 2021: Biden Urges Vaccination Amid Delta Variant Spread

In July 2021, amid a slowing of the COVID-19 vaccination rate and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, Biden emphasized the critical importance of Americans getting vaccinated.

August 2021: Decline in Biden's Approval Rating

In August 2021, Biden's approval rating began to decline, reaching the low forties by December. 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.

2021: Surge in Illegal Border Crossings

In 2021, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border began to surge when President Biden assumed office.

2021: Start of Inflation Surge

The inflation surge started in 2021 and lasted till 2023. Joe Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021-2023 inflation surge.

February 2022: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. In response, Biden imposed severe sanctions on Russia and authorized over $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine. Biden blamed Putin for the emerging energy and food crises during February 2022.

June 2022: Inflation Peak

In June 2022, inflation peaked at 9.1% during Joe Biden's presidency.

July 21, 2022: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19

On July 21, 2022, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 with reportedly mild symptoms and was treated with Paxlovid.

July 30, 2022: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 Again

On July 30, 2022, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again and returned to isolation.

September 2022: Biden's Statement on Defending Taiwan

In a September 2022 interview with 60 Minutes, Biden stated that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of "an unprecedented attack" by China, contrasting with the U.S. policy of "strategic ambiguity."

Loading Video...

November 2022: Discovery of Classified Documents at Penn Biden Center

In November 2022, Biden's attorneys found classified documents dating from his vice presidency in a "locked closet" at the Penn Biden Center. The documents were reported to the U.S. National Archives, which recovered them the next day.

December 2022: No TikTok on Government Devices Act

In December 2022, Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, prohibiting the use of TikTok on devices owned by the federal government.

2022: House Passes bill codifying Roe

In 2022, a bill codifying the protections of Roe passed the House, but was unable to clear the Senate filibuster.

2022: Economic Growth Cools

In 2022, after 5.9% growth in 2021, real GDP growth cooled to 2.1%, after slightly negative growth in the first half spurred recession concerns. Widespread predictions of an imminent recession did not materialize in 2022 or 2023

2022: Build Back Better Act Reworked

In 2022, the Build Back Better Act, initially a $3.5 trillion social spending bill, faced challenges due to Senator Joe Manchin's opposition. After Manchin rejected the bill, it was reworked into the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, focusing on deficit reduction, climate change, healthcare, and tax reform.

January 11, 2023: House Launches Investigation into Biden's Family's Business Activities

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.

February 4, 2023: Shooting Down of Chinese Surveillance Balloon

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, leading to further damage in U.S.-China relations.

March 2023: Bank Failures Trigger Response

In March 2023, the failure of three U.S. banks triggered a decline in global bank stock prices. After Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, Biden expressed opposition to a taxpayer bailout.

October 2023: Record Low Approval Rating Among Democrats

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

October 2023: Hamas Attack on Israel and U.S. Response

In October 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, Biden affirmed U.S. support for Israel, deployed aircraft carriers, and requested $14 billion in military aid. He pressured Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supported "humanitarian pauses".

October 2023: Biden Requests Additional Aid for Ukraine

In October 2023, the Biden administration requested an additional $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine for the year ahead, but passage was delayed by the House of Representatives.

December 13, 2023: House Formalizes Impeachment Inquiry

On December 13, 2023, the House of Representatives voted 221–212 to formalize an impeachment inquiry into Biden.

December 2023: No Evidence of Wrongdoing

Congressional investigations, including by the House Oversight committee, have discovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Biden as of December 2023.

December 2023: Record High Border Crossings

In December 2023, illegal border crossings at the Mexico–United States border reached an all-time monthly high since President Biden assumed office in 2021.

2023: Debt Limit Standoff and Deal

In 2023, Biden and congressional Republicans engaged in a standoff after the U.S. hit its debt limit. Biden and House speaker Kevin McCarthy struck a deal, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, to raise the debt limit, which suspended the debt limit until January 2025. Biden signed it on June 3, averting a default.

2023: Biden's Approval Rating in 2023

In 2023, Biden's approval rating was the lowest of any modern U.S. president after three years in office.

2023: End of Inflation Surge

The inflation surge started in 2021 and lasted till 2023. Joe Biden's presidency was overshadowed by the 2021-2023 inflation surge.

January 17, 2024: House Passes Resolution Denouncing Biden's Border Handling

On January 17, 2024, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border by a vote of 225–187.

February 2024: Smirnov Charged with Making False Statements

In February 2024, Alexander Smirnov, a former intelligence informant prominent in bribery allegations against Biden, was charged with making false statements. Smirnov admitted he publicized a false story given to him by Russian intelligence officials with the goal of damaging Biden's reelection campaign.

February 29, 2024: Biden on Aid to Gaza

Following the killing of Palestinian civilians receiving food aid on February 29, 2024, Biden stated that the current level of aid flowing into Gaza was insufficient.

March 2024: American Disapproval of Israeli Conduct

A March 2024 Gallup poll found that a strong majority of Americans disapproved of Israeli conduct during the war.

April 2024: Gaza War Protests on University Campuses

Beginning in April 2024, widespread Gaza war protests emerged on university campuses, denouncing Biden.

April 2024: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

In April 2024, Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could ban social networking services like ByteDance Ltd. if deemed controlled by foreign adversaries.

April 2024: Additional Aid to Ukraine

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

May 2024: Biden's Continued Support for Israel

As of May 2024, Biden continued to support Israel during the war, despite domestic opposition and protests.

May 2024: Limited Use of Weapons Against Russia

In May 2024, Biden granted Ukraine an exception to use weapons against Russian military targets in the vicinity of Kharkiv for "counter-fire" purposes, after consistently refusing Ukrainian requests to use weapons against Russian military targets inside Russia.

May 2024: Increased Tariffs on Chinese Imports

In May 2024, the Biden administration doubled tariffs on solar cells and more than tripled tariffs on lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries imported from China, also raising tariffs on steel, aluminum, and medical materials.

May 31, 2024: Biden Supports Israeli Ceasefire Proposal

On May 31, 2024, Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal, which would establish a permanent ceasefire, release all hostages, and reconstruct the Gaza Strip, stating that Hamas was "no longer capable" of another large-scale attack.

June 2024: Public Concern About Biden's Mental Acuity

Following a weak performance in a June 2024 presidential debate, the media widely covered public concern about Biden's mental acuity. 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".

June 2024: Biden Issues Amnesty Executive Action

In June 2024, Biden issued an executive action offering amnesty to unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens, including a pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship, expected to initially affect about 500,000 people. It was later struck down.

June 27, 2024: Biden's Performance in the First Presidential Debate

On June 27, 2024, the first presidential debate was held between Biden and Trump. Biden's performance was widely criticized due to him frequently losing his train of thought and giving meandering answers. Several newspaper columnists declared Trump the winner, and polling indicated the majority of viewers believed Trump won. After the debate raised questions about his health and age, Biden faced calls to withdraw from the race.

July 2024: All-Time Low Approval Rating

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

July 17, 2024: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 Again

On July 17, 2024, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again.

August 6, 2024: Harris Confirmed as Democratic Presidential Nominee

On August 6, 2024, Harris was confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden withdrew from the candidacy, making it the first time since 1968 that an eligible incumbent declined to run for reelection.

September 25, 2024: House Resolution Condemning Biden Administration

On September 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Ten Democrats and all Republicans voted in favor of the resolution.

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 found largely negative assessments of Biden's presidency on economic, national, and international issues.

2024: Biden in the 2024 Democratic Presidential Primaries

In 2024, Dean Phillips ran against Biden in the Democratic presidential primaries. Despite not being on the ballot in the New Hampshire primary on January 23, Biden won it as a write-in candidate. He secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan. He won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday, but lost the American Samoa contest. Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden on March 6. On March 12, Biden secured the delegates needed to become the presumptive nominee.

2024: Trump Defeats Harris in the General Election

In 2024, Trump defeated Harris in the general election. 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%.

2024: Withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, after renewed scrutiny about his cognitive ability, Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the presidential election.

2024: Joe Biden–Donald Trump 2024 presidential debate

In 2024, journalist Jake Tapper, who co-moderated the Joe Biden–Donald Trump 2024 presidential debate with Dana Bash, called Joe Biden's presidency a "Greek tragedy".

2024: Criticism and Calls for Withdrawal

In 2024, many members of Joe Biden's party called on him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election and criticized him for initially running for a second term given his age and unpopularity after Kamala Harris lost.

2024: Public Frustration and the 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, public perception of the economy, particularly frustration over inflation, was worse only in 2008 and 1992, helping Trump win the 2024 presidential election.

2024: Comparison to Lyndon B. Johnson's Withdrawal

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election was compared to Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election.

January 2025: Biden Claims He Could Have Defeated Trump

In January 2025, after Trump defeated Harris in the general election, Biden claimed he could have defeated Trump had he not been persuaded to withdraw from the election, despite lagging behind Trump in polling.

January 2025: Public Perception of Biden's Presidency

In January 2025, an AP-NORC poll found that Americans viewed Joe Biden's presidency less favorably than they did Barack Obama's at the end of his second term or Donald Trump's at the end of his first.

February 7, 2025: Trump Revokes Biden's Security Clearance

On February 7, 2025, Trump revoked Biden's security clearance, ending his access to classified information. The White House said the decision was part of a broader review of security clearances for former officials.