Joe Biden's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Joe Biden. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1972: Elected as U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Joe Biden was elected as the junior U.S. Senator from Delaware, defeating Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs.

1978: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1978, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1984: Democratic Floor Manager for Comprehensive Crime Control Act

In 1984, Joe Biden served as the Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. Supporters praised him for modifying some of the law's worst provisions, making it his most important legislative accomplishment at that time.

1984: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1984, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1990: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1990, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

1996: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1996, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2002: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2002, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

August 2008: Selection as Obama's Running Mate

In August 2008, Barack Obama and Joe Biden met in secret to discuss the possibility of a place for Biden in the Obama administration, and developed a strong personal rapport. On August 22, Obama announced that Biden would be his running mate.

2008: Selected as Obama's Running Mate

In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election.

2008: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2008, Joe Biden was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

December 2010: Biden's Role in Tax Package Compromise

In December 2010, Joe Biden's advocacy for a middle ground, followed by his negotiations with Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, were instrumental in producing the Obama administration's compromise tax package. The package passed as the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

February 2011: Biden Completes Stimulus Oversight Role

In February 2011, Joe Biden completed his role overseeing infrastructure spending from the Obama stimulus package, reporting that fraud incidents with stimulus monies had been less than one percent.

2013: Biden Negotiates American Taxpayer Relief Act

In the final days before the United States fell off the "fiscal cliff" in 2012, Joe Biden's relationship with Mitch McConnell led to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 being passed at the start of 2013.

2020: Experts Regard Biden's Victory Over Trump as Helping to Protect Political Norms

Experts polled generally regarded Biden's signature accomplishment as his victory over Trump in the 2020 election, which was perceived as helping to protect and restore political and institutional norms in U.S. government.

2020: Won the Presidential Election

In 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the presidential election.

2022: Siena College Research Institute Ranks Biden

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

April 4, 2023: Finnish Ascension into NATO

On April 4, 2023, Finland officially ascended into NATO.

February 8, 2024: No Charges Filed in Classified Documents Investigation

On February 8, 2024, Special Counsel Robert K. Hur announced that no charges would be brought against President Biden regarding the investigation into classified documents found at his home and office.

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.

March 7, 2024: Swedish Ascension into NATO

President Biden led diplomatic talks resulting in formal Swedish ascension into NATO on March 7, 2024.

April 2024: Additional Aid to Ukraine Approved

In April 2024, an additional $61 billion in aid to Ukraine was added after delays in passage by the House of Representatives.

May 31, 2024: Biden's Support for Israeli Ceasefire Proposal

On May 31, 2024, President Biden announced his support for an Israeli ceasefire proposal in the Gaza conflict, stating that Hamas was "no longer capable" of a large-scale attack. Despite international support, the Netanyahu administration's conditions for a ceasefire remained unmet.

August 2024: 2024 Ankara Prisoner Exchange

In August 2024, Biden negotiated and oversaw the 2024 Ankara prisoner exchange, which resulted in the release of 26 people, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. It was the largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War.

November 2024: Ceasefire Agreement in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

In November 2024, the Biden administration announced that it had helped broker a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

2024: Biden's campaign in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries

In the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries, U.S. Representative Dean Phillips ran against Biden, campaigning as a younger alternative. Biden won the New Hampshire primary with 63.8% as a write-in candidate and won South Carolina with 96.2% of the vote. Biden received 89.3% of the vote in Nevada and 81.1% of the vote in Michigan. On Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024, he won 15 of 16 primaries. On March 6, Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden. On March 12, Biden secured the Democratic nomination.