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 member of the Democratic Party, served as the 46th U.S. president (2021-2025). Before his presidency, he was the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017) and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate (1973-2009).

Sections (7)

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

2015: Death of Biden's son Beau

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

2018: Biden Gives Eulogy for John McCain

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

April 2019: Biden Pledges to Respect 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 Expressed to Anita Hill

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

2021: Biden officially recognizes the Armenian genocide

In 2021, Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.

2022: Journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote about Biden's political skill

In 2022, journalist Sasha Issenberg wrote that Biden's "most valuable political skill" was "an innate compass for the ever-shifting mainstream of the Democratic Party".

2022: Siena College Research Institute Ranks Biden

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

February 2024: Biden Ranked 14th-Greatest President in American Political Science Association Poll

In February 2024, an American Political Science Association poll of historians and scholars ranked Joe Biden the 14th-greatest president, diverging from public assessments.

December 2024: Gallup Poll Assesses Biden's Presidency

A December 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans thought Biden's presidency was below average or poor, 26% average, and 19% above average or outstanding. Americans largely offered negative assessments of Biden's presidency on economic, national, and international issues.

January 2025: Biden's Final Approval Rating

In January 2025, at the end of his presidency, Gallup found Biden's final approval rating was 40%, which was low but still higher than several other presidents' final approval ratings.

January 20, 2025: Biden's term ends; Library Fundraising

Biden's presidential term ended on January 20, 2025. Afterwards, he designated Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini to raise funds for the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Library.

2025: Journalists View Biden's Presidency as a Failure

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