History of Joe Biden

Summary

The video traces Joe Biden's long political career from his election to the Senate in 1972 to his victory in the 2020 presidential election. It details his personal tragedies, including the death of his first wife and daughter, as well as his political ambitions and repeated failed runs for president. Despite setbacks, Biden perseveres, becoming Obama's vice president and a respected foreign policy expert. In 2020, he frames himself as the stable, experienced candidate who can defeat Trump. After South Carolina resurrects his campaign, Biden wins the nomination and presidency, capping his quest for respect and realizing a dream first expressed 50 years earlier.

Takeaways

• 😀 Biden overcame childhood struggles with a stutter to become a prominent politician
• 💡 He was first elected to the Senate in 1972 at age 29 and developed a reputation as a moderate Democrat able to work with Republicans
• 😢 Biden experienced immense personal tragedy early in his Senate career when his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident
• 🤝 As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he played a leading role in the controversial 1991 Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings
• 👔 Biden ran unsuccessfully for president in 1988 and 2008 before becoming vice president under Barack Obama from 2009-2017
• 😰 He nearly died from a brain aneurysm in 1988 shortly after dropping out of the presidential race
• 💙 Biden has valued his relationships with family above his political career, commuting daily by train to be with them
• 🇺🇸 Foreign policy has been a strength and passion throughout Biden's decades on Capitol Hill
• 🗳 After his son Beau's death from cancer in 2015, Biden decided not to run in 2016 but reemerged to defeat Donald Trump in 2020
• 🦅 At 78, he became the oldest president in American history after a life and career spanning over 50 years in national politics

Q & A

What was Biden's biggest political triumph early in his career?

Winning the Senate race in Delaware in 1972 when he was only 29 years old, in an upset victory over popular incumbent Senator Caleb Boggs.

How did personal tragedy shape Biden's worldview and approach to politics?

The car accident that killed his wife and daughter in 1972, shortly after his election to the Senate, as well as his son Beau's death from cancer in 2015, made Biden value family relationships deeply and see the power of forging personal connections in politics.

Why did Biden's first campaign for president in 1988 fail?

He was found to have plagiarized parts of his campaign speeches, then revelations about an earlier plagiarism incident in law school and inaccuracies in his academic record sank his candidacy.

How did Biden rebuild his reputation after the failure of his 1988 campaign?

By focusing on substantive legislative work and bipartisan cooperation on issues like crime laws and Supreme Court nominations in his role as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

What was Biden's role in the Obama administration?

As Vice President, he managed oversight of stimulus spending after the 2008 financial crisis and influenced foreign policy decisions, using his decades of experience in the Senate.

Why didn't Biden run for president in 2016?

He was grieving over the death of his son Beau from cancer and believed it was Hillary Clinton's turn to be the Democratic nominee.

How did Biden frame his campaign message in 2020?

As a unifying figure who could provide stable leadership, in contrast to Trump's divisive rhetoric and governing chaos.

How did Biden win the 2020 Democratic nomination?

A decisive victory in the South Carolina primary, followed by endorsements from former rivals and centrist Democrats consolidating around him as the alternative to Bernie Sanders.

What criticisms did Trump level against Biden during the 2020 general election campaign?

Unfounded accusations about Biden's family members profiting from his political career and Biden suffering from cognitive decline.

What was notable about Biden's victory over Trump in 2020?

At age 78, Biden became the oldest person ever elected President, capping a nearly 50-year quest that saw previous failed attempts.