How Joe Biden Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Joe Biden—a timeline of influence.

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

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

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: Regret over Anita Hill Treatment

In 2019, Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his treatment of her during the Clarence Thomas hearings, but Hill said afterward she remained unsatisfied.

February 2021: 98% Approval Rating from Democrats

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

2022: Siena College Ranking

In 2022, the Siena College Research Institute's survey ranked Joe Biden 19th out of 45 presidents.

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%.

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.

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: 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: Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey Ranking

In 2024, the Presidential Greatness Project Expert survey ranked Joe Biden as the 14th best president.

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: Oldest Living Former U.S. President

As of 2025, Joe Biden became the oldest living former U.S. president.

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.