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 president of the United States (2021-2025). As a member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 47th vice president (2009-2017) and as a U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973-2009).

Sections (7)

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

November 20, 1942: Birth of Joe Biden

On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born. He would later become the 46th president of the United States.

1946: Family purchased home in Garden City, New York

In 1946, Joe Biden's family, who had been wealthy, purchased a home in Garden City, New York.

1953: Family moved to Claymont, Delaware

In 1953, when Joe Biden was ten, his family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware, before moving to a house in nearby Mayfield.

1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy

In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy in Claymont, where he played baseball and football.

1965: Graduated from University of Delaware

In 1965, Joe Biden graduated from the University of Delaware.

1965: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree

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

August 27, 1966: Married Neilia Hunter

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

1968: Clerked at Wilmington law firm

In 1968, Joe Biden clerked at a Wilmington law firm headed by Republican William Prickett and identified as a Republican.

1968: Earned Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law

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

1968: Received Conditional Medical Deferment

In 1968, Joe Biden received a conditional medical deferment from the draft based on a physical examination.

1968: Lyndon B. Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 presidential election

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

1969: Practiced law

In 1969, Joe Biden practiced law, first as a public defender and then at a law firm headed by a Democrat.

1970: Ran for New Castle County Council

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

December 18, 1972: Wife and daughter killed in automobile accident

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.

1974: Described himself as liberal on civil rights and conservative on other issues

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, including abortion and military conscription.

1975: Met Jill Tracy Jacobs

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

June 17, 1977: Married Jill Tracy Jacobs

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

1981: Birth of daughter Ashley Biden

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

February 1988: Surgery for Intracranial Berry Aneurysm

In February 1988, Joe Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm, followed by a pulmonary embolism during recuperation. He then underwent a second surgery in May.

1991: Co-taught seminar at Widener University School of Law

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 was the first person to portray Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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2008: Jason Sudeikis portrays Biden on Saturday Night Live

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: Co-taught seminar at Widener University School of Law

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

2008: Spokesperson cited asthma as reason for deferment

In 2008, a spokesperson for Joe Biden said his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his conditional medical deferment from the draft in 1968.

November 2009: Biden's Net Worth

As of November 2009, Joe Biden's net worth was $27,012.

May 2012: Biden supports same-sex marriage

In May 2012, Joe Biden voiced that he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex marriage, which gained considerable public attention in comparison to President Obama's position.

2015: Beau Biden died of brain cancer

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

2015: Death of Beau Biden

Particularly since the 2015 death of his elder son Beau, Joe Biden has been noted for his empathetic nature and ability to communicate about grief.

2016: Greg Kinnear portrays Biden in Confirmation

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

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2018: Biden eulogizes Senator John McCain

In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.

November 2020: Biden's Net Worth Increase

By November 2020, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.

2020: Biden played by multiple actors on Saturday Night Live

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

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January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as 46th President

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at 78. The inauguration was a muted affair due to COVID-19 precautions and heightened security.

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

On July 21, 2022, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced reportedly mild symptoms. According to the White House, he was treated with Paxlovid and worked in isolation in the White House for five days.

April 25, 2023: Biden Confirms Re-election Run

On April 25, 2023, Joe Biden confirmed he would run for re-election as president in the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris as his running mate. On the day of his announcement, a Gallup poll showed his approval rating at 37 percent, with the economy being the biggest concern for most surveyed.