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.

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

November 20, 1942: Joe Biden Born

On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born.

1946: Family Purchased Home in Garden City

In 1946, the Biden family purchased a home in Garden City, New York.

1953: Family Moved to Claymont, Delaware

Beginning in 1953, when Biden was ten, the Biden family lived in an apartment in Claymont, Delaware.

1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy

In 1961, Biden graduated from Archmere Academy.

1965: Graduated from University of Delaware

In 1965, Biden graduated from the University of Delaware.

1965: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1965, Biden received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in history and political science from the University of Delaware.

August 27, 1966: Married Neilia Hunter

On August 27, 1966, Biden married Neilia Hunter in a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.

1968: Earned Juris Doctor

In 1968, Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, despite failing a course due to plagiarism during his first year.

1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Biden graduated from the Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Received Conditional Medical Deferment

In 1968, Biden received a conditional medical deferment from the draft.

December 18, 1972: Wife and Daughter Killed in Car Accident

On December 18, 1972, Biden's wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in an automobile accident. His sons Beau and Hunter were injured.

1972: Death of First Wife and Daughter

In 1972, Joe Biden's first wife and daughter died in a car accident shortly after his election to the Senate.

1974: Described Political Stance

In a 1974 interview, Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns and healthcare, but conservative on other issues.

1975: Met Jill Jacobs

In 1975, Joe Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.

June 17, 1977: Married Jill Jacobs

On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.

1981: Daughter Ashley Biden Born

In 1981, Joe and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.

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.

February 1988: Surgery and Pulmonary Embolism

In February 1988, Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm. While recuperating, he suffered a pulmonary embolism, leading to a seven-month absence from the Senate.

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: Kevin Nealon Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live

In 1991, Kevin Nealon began portraying Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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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.

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".

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.

2008: Jason Sudeikis Portrays Biden During Election Season

During the 2008 election season, Jason Sudeikis portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live and reprised the role many times.

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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: 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: Spokesperson Clarified Draft Deferment Reason

In 2008, a spokesperson for Biden stated that his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his draft deferment.

2015: Beau Biden Died of Brain Cancer

In 2015, Beau Biden, Joe Biden's son, died of brain cancer.

2015: Death of Son Beau

In 2015, Joe Biden's son, Beau, died from brain cancer.

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.

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.

2016: Greg Kinnear Portrays Biden in "Confirmation"

In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Joe Biden in the HBO television film "Confirmation", which was about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.

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2018: Biden Delivers Eulogy for John McCain

In 2018, Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain. He also continued to support cancer research and speak out in favor of LGBT rights.

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 Post-Vice Presidency Earnings

By 2019, Biden and his wife reported that they had earned over $15 million since the end of his vice presidency from speaking engagements and book sales.

2020: Biden Played by Multiple Actors on SNL

During the 2020 election season, John Mulaney, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Carrey all portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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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.

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. He worked in isolation in the White House.

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.

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.

June 2024: Public Concern About Biden's Mental Acuity

After a weak performance in a June 2024 presidential debate, the media widely covered public concern about Biden's mental acuity. Biden repeatedly said he was fit to serve two terms as president, but later acknowledged that he may have been too old to serve a second term.

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

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

December 2024: Biden Pardoned Hunter Biden

In December 2024, Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, following his conviction on gun and tax charges.

2024: Dana Carvey Portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live

In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role of Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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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.