Childhood and Education Journey of Joe Biden in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Joe Biden, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Joe Biden, a prominent figure in American politics, served as the 46th President of the United States (2021-2025). As a Democrat, he previously held the position of the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Prior to his executive roles, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for over three decades, from 1973 to 2009, marking a long career in public service.
November 20, 1942: Joe Biden's Birth
On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born. He would later become the 46th president of the United States.
1946: Family moved to Long Island
In 1946, Joe Biden's family purchased a home in the affluent Long Island suburb of Garden City.
1953: Family moved to Delaware
In 1953, when Biden was ten, his family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware, before moving to a house in nearby Mayfield, Delaware.
1961: Graduation from Archmere Academy
In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy in Claymont, where he was class president in his junior and senior years.
1965: Graduation from the University of Delaware
In 1965, Joe Biden graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in history and political science.
August 27, 1966: Marriage to Neilia Hunter
On August 27, 1966, Joe Biden married Neilia Hunter, a student at Syracuse University, in a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.
1968: Juris Doctor from Syracuse University
In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, although he had failed a course due to plagiarism in his first year.
1968: Medical Deferment
In 1968, Joe Biden was given a conditional medical deferment based on a physical examination.
December 18, 1972: Death of Wife and Daughter
On December 18, 1972, 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. Their sons were injured.
1974: Identified as Liberal and Conservative
In a 1974 interview, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues.
1975: Met Jill Tracy Jacobs
In 1975, Joe Biden met teacher Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.
1976: Used Passage by Hubert Humphrey
Biden used passage by Hubert Humphrey in 1976.
June 17, 1977: Marriage to Jill Tracy Jacobs
On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.
1980: First incumbent president to lose contest while appearing on the ballot since Jimmy Carter in 1980
In 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.
1981: Birth of Ashley Biden
In 1981, Joe Biden and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.
February 1988: Brain Aneurysm Surgery
In February 1988, Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm. This health event marked a significant personal challenge for Biden.
1991: Adjunct Professor at Widener University
In 1991, Joe Biden became an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law.
1993: Vote on Homosexuality in Military
In 1993, Biden voted for a provision that deemed homosexuality incompatible with military life, effectively banning gay people from serving in the armed forces. This decision reflects a stance from that period on LGBTQ+ rights.
1996: Defense of Marriage Act Vote
In 1996, Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. This act barred people in such marriages from equal protection under federal law and allowed states to do the same. This vote is a key moment in the history of LGBTQ+ rights legislation.
2000: Clinton Vetoes Bankruptcy Legislation
In 2000, Biden sponsored bankruptcy legislation sought by credit card issuers, however, Bill Clinton vetoed the bill. This legislative action highlights Biden's involvement in financial policy debates during that period.
2005: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act
In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act passed, with Biden being one of only 18 Democrats to vote for it, while leading Democrats and consumer rights organizations opposed it. This act represented a significant change in bankruptcy law.
2008: End of Professorship at Widener University
In 2008, Joe Biden's time as adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law came to an end.
2008: Asthma as Teenager
In 2008, a spokesperson for Biden stated that his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his medical deferment.
November 2009: Biden's Net Worth Was $27,012
As of November 2009, Joe Biden's net worth was $27,012.
May 2012: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage
In May 2012, Biden stated that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage, which gained considerable public attention. This statement prompted Obama to announce his support for same-sex marriage as well.
2015: Death of Beau Biden
After the 2015 death of his elder son Beau, Biden has been noted for his empathetic nature and ability to communicate about grief.
2015: Uncertainty About Running for President
By late 2015, Joe Biden was still uncertain about running for president, feeling drained by his son Beau's recent death.
2015: Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling
In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Biden voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges. This Supreme Court decision marked a significant victory for same-sex marriage rights.
2018: Eulogy for John McCain
In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.
2019: Honorary Professor at University of Pennsylvania
After leaving the vice presidency, Joe Biden became an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, a position he remained in through 2019.
2019: Regret over Anita Hill Treatment
In 2019, Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his handling of her testimony during the 1991 Clarence Thomas hearings. Hill, however, expressed that she remained unsatisfied with his apology.
November 2020: Bidens' Net Worth Reached $9 Million
By November 2020, the Bidens' net worth had increased to $9 million, largely due to book sales and speaking fees following his vice presidency.
2020: Biden Aimed to be "healer-in-chief"
In 2020, Joe Biden's presidential campaign aimed to make him "healer-in-chief", while The New York Times described his extensive history of being called upon to give eulogies.
2020: Start of Biden's 2020 presidential campaign
President Biden launched his 2020 presidential campaign four years prior to announcing his reelection bid in 2023. The campaign marked a significant milestone in his political career.
July 21, 2022: Biden tests positive for COVID-19
On July 21, 2022, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced mild symptoms. He was treated with Paxlovid and worked in isolation at the White House for five days.
July 30, 2022: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again
On July 30, 2022, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again after initially recovering, requiring him to return to isolation.
April 25, 2023: Biden confirms reelection bid for 2024
On April 25, 2023, President Biden officially announced his candidacy for reelection in the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris as his running mate. The announcement occurred exactly four years after the launch of his 2020 presidential campaign.
July 17, 2024: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again
On July 17, 2024, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again, marking another instance of the President contracting the virus.
December 2024: Pardoned Hunter Biden
In December 2024, Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden following his conviction on gun and tax charges, despite repeated promises that he would not do so.
December 29, 2024: Death of Jimmy Carter
On December 29, 2024, Jimmy Carter died, prompting comparisons between his presidency and Joe Biden's, particularly concerning economic challenges and single-term presidencies.
2024: Biden competes in 2024 Democratic presidential primaries
In 2024, President Biden competed in the Democratic presidential primaries, facing challenges from candidates like Dean Phillips. Despite not being on the ballot in the New Hampshire primary, Biden won it through a write-in campaign. He also secured victories in South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan, ultimately winning 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday.
2024: Biden campaigns for reelection in 2024
Throughout 2024, Biden campaigned for reelection as president, emphasizing economic growth and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and frequently stating his intention to "finish the job."
January 9, 2025: Biden Eulogizes Jimmy Carter
On January 9, 2025, Joe Biden delivered the eulogy for Jimmy Carter, further emphasizing the comparisons between their presidencies and their shared experiences as Democratic leaders.
