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 is an American politician who served as the 46th President of the United States (2021-2025). A Democrat, he represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. Prior to his presidency, he served as the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. His career encompasses decades of public service in both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.

Sections (7)

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

1991: Kevin Nealon portrayed Biden on Saturday Night Live

In 1991, Kevin Nealon became the first person to portray Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live.

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2005: Called Iraq War Vote a Mistake

By 2005, Joe Biden called his vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq a "mistake" but did not push for withdrawal.

2008: Jason Sudeikis portrayed Biden on Saturday Night Live

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

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2015: Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional

In 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act, which Joe Biden voted for in 1996, was ruled unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges.

2016: Greg Kinnear portrayed Biden in Confirmation

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

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March 2019: Biden views himself as a bridge to future leaders

In March 2019, Joe Biden stated that he saw himself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, highlighting their potential to lead the country forward.

April 2019: Pledged to be more respectful of personal space

In April 2019, following accusations of inappropriate physical contact, Joe Biden pledged to be more "respectful of people's personal space".

2019: Regret to Anita Hill

In 2019, Joe Biden told Anita Hill he regretted his treatment of her during the Clarence Thomas nomination hearings in 1991, but Hill remained unsatisfied.

2020: Several actors portrayed Biden on Saturday Night Live

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

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2020: Victory over Trump

In February 2024, pollsters considered Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 election as helping to protect and restore political and institutional norms in American government.

2021: Biden Confirms 40 Federal Judiciary Nominees

By the end of 2021, President Biden had 40 of his nominees confirmed to the federal judiciary. Biden also prioritized diversity in his judicial appointments.

2022: Siena College Research Institute ranked Biden 19th out of 45 presidents

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

February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President

In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Joe Biden as the 14th-greatest president. The pollsters noted that Biden's ranking was unusually high for a presidency without military victories or institutional expansion.

2024: Dana Carvey portrayed Biden on Saturday Night Live

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

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2024: Presidential Greatness Project Expert survey ranked Biden the 14th best president

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

January 2025: Biden's final approval rating was 40%

In January 2025, Joe Biden's final approval rating was 40%, which was low but higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings.

2025: Biden left office with his presidency viewed as a failure

When Joe Biden left office in 2025, journalists and many Democrats viewed his presidency as a failure, citing concerns over age, health, public frustration with inflation, and Kamala Harris's loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.