How Joe Biden Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Joe Biden—a timeline of influence.
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.
1991: Kevin Nealon's Portrayal on SNL
In 1991, Kevin Nealon began portraying Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.
2008: Jason Sudeikis Portrayal on SNL
In 2008, Jason Sudeikis portrayed Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live during the election season and reprised the role many times.
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: 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.
2016: Greg Kinnear Portrayal in HBO Film
In 2016, Greg Kinnear portrayed Joe Biden in the HBO television film "Confirmation", about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings.
2018: Biden Called Himself a "gaffe machine"
In 2018, Joe Biden humorously referred to himself as "a gaffe machine", acknowledging his reputation for making verbal missteps.
2019: "Big Mistake"
In 2019, Joe Biden called his role in passing the 1994 crime bill a "big mistake", saying it "trapped an entire generation".
2020: Multiple Portrayals on SNL
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.
2022: Biden's Politics Described as Centrist or Moderate
In 2022, journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote about Biden's "most valuable political skill" being "an innate compass for the ever-shifting mainstream of the Democratic Party".
2022: Siena College Ranking
In 2022, the Siena College Research Institute's survey ranked Joe Biden 19th out of 45 presidents.
February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President by Historians
In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll ranked Joe Biden as the 14th-greatest president, noting that this high ranking was unusual given the absence of military victories or institutional expansion during his presidency.
2024: Dana Carvey Portrayal on SNL
In 2024, Dana Carvey played the role of Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.
2024: Presidential Greatness Project Ranking
The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert survey ranked Joe Biden the 14th best president.
January 2025: Final Approval Rating
In January 2025, Joe Biden's final approval rating was at 40%, according to Gallup. Other polls showed his approval rating as low as 36%.
January 2025: Unfavorable Comparison to Previous Presidents
In January 2025, an AP-NORC poll indicated 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.
