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 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

1972: Elected U.S. Senator from Delaware

In 1972, Joe Biden defeated Republican incumbent J. Caleb Boggs to become the junior U.S. Senator from Delaware.

1984: Democratic Floor Manager for Comprehensive Crime Control Act

In 1984, Joe Biden was the Democratic floor manager for the successful passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. Supporters praised his modifications to the law.

August 2008: Announced as Obama's Running Mate

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

2008: Chosen as Obama's Running Mate

In 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election, and Biden also ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.

April 8, 2020: Sanders suspends campaign, Biden becomes presumptive nominee

On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign, making Joe Biden the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for president.

November 2020: Biden elected 46th President

In November 2020, Joe Biden was elected the 46th president of the United States, defeating incumbent Donald Trump, whose administration delayed the transition process.

2020: Biden Vows to Nominate Black Woman to Supreme Court

During his 2020 campaign, Joe Biden vowed to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred.

2020: Elected President

In 2020, Joe Biden was elected President of the United States, with Kamala Harris as his running mate, defeating Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as 46th President

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at the time. The inauguration was a muted event due to COVID-19 precautions and increased security measures after the January 6 Capitol attack.

February 2021: Biden had 98% approval rating from Democrats

In February 2021, Joe Biden enjoyed a 98% approval rating among Democrats.

August 2021: Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

In August 2021, the Senate passed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bill addressed infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

November 2021: House Approves Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

In early November 2021, the House of Representatives, in a bipartisan manner, approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which focused on infrastructure related to transport, utilities, and broadband.

August 7, 2022: Senate Passes Inflation Reduction Act

On August 7, 2022, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. The act aimed to raise $739 billion and authorize $370 billion in spending on energy and climate change.

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.

2023: Biden Strikes Deal to Raise Debt Limit

In 2023, President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an agreement, known as the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, to raise the U.S. debt limit, which had been a point of contention. The act suspended the debt limit until January 2025, averting a potential default by the U.S. government. The deal was generally considered favorable to Biden.

February 8, 2024: Hur Announces No Charges Against Biden

On February 8, 2024, Special Counsel Robert K. Hur announced that no charges would be brought against President Biden regarding the handling of classified documents.

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.

August 2024: Ankara Prisoner Exchange

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