“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” former US President Barack Obama in a statement issued on Sunday after President Biden bowed out of the 2024 race against Donald Trump.
Biden, whose political journey began in 1972 when he was elected to the US Senate from Delaware at the age of 29, is the first President in the office to have exited the US Presidential elections.
His early career was marked by his work on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, where he quickly made a name for himself.
However, just weeks after his election, tragedy struck. His first wife Neilia and their one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident, leaving him to care for his two surviving sons, Beau and Hunter.
Building a Senate legacy
Despite this personal loss, Biden threw himself into his work. Over the years, he became known for his expertise in foreign policy and his ability to navigate complex legislative battles.
He played key roles in the passage of significant legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.
His tenure as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee saw him preside over contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings, further cementing his reputation as a seasoned legislator.
Presidential aspirations and setbacks
Biden’s ambition for the highest office in the land was evident early on. He launched his first presidential campaign in 1988, which ended in controversy due to allegations of plagiarism and misstatements about his academic record.
A second attempt in 2008 also fizzled out early, but it set the stage for his eventual rise to the vice presidency.
The Obama years: vice-presidential tenure
In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate, bringing experience and legislative acumen to the ticket.
As vice president, Biden was instrumental in navigating the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the Affordable Care Act’s passage, and the drawdown of US troops from Iraq.
Despite occasional policy disagreements, such as over the troop surge in Afghanistan, Biden and Obama maintained a strong working relationship.
Personal tragedy and public service
The vice presidency was also marked by profound personal loss. In 2015, Biden’s son Beau, the attorney general of Delaware, died of brain cancer. This tragedy deeply affected Biden and influenced his decision not to run for president in 2016.
The loss of Beau, coupled with Hunter Biden’s ongoing struggles with addiction, added layers of complexity to Biden’s public and private life.
The 2020 presidential campaign: a return to the spotlight
The 2020 election brought Biden back into the political spotlight. Spurred by a sense of duty following the divisive presidency of Donald Trump and the violent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, Biden decided to run once more.
His campaign, conducted largely during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized unity, competence, and empathy.
Winning the nomination after a tough primary battle, Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, making her the first Black and Asian-American woman to be nominated for vice president by a major party.
A presidency of highs and lows
Biden’s presidency has been marked by significant achievements and notable challenges. His administration passed sweeping climate legislation and industrial policies aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing.
Despite these accomplishments, Biden’s approval ratings suffered due to issues such as high inflation, which peaked in 2022 and subsequently declined.
On the foreign policy front, Biden led NATO’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and managed rising tensions with China.
However, his administration’s handling of the Middle East, particularly the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and support for Israel’s war in Gaza, drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
One of the highlights of Biden’s presidency was the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black female justice on the Supreme Court.
Additionally, his vice president, Kamala Harris, became the first Black and Asian-American woman to hold the office.
Declining health and the decision not to seek re-election
Biden’s decision not to seek re-election was influenced by several factors, including concerns about his mental and physical fitness for office.
Despite his efforts to improve his standing in the polls, including a strong State of the Union address in March, he never achieved a comfortable lead over Trump. He said in a statement:
It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
Personal issues, such as the investigation into classified documents found at his Delaware home and the legal troubles of his son Hunter, further complicated his re-election bid.
Biden’s poor performance in the debate with Trump in June was a turning point. Despite extensive preparation, Biden’s weaknesses were laid bare on national television, prompting panic within the Democratic Party.
The subsequent assassination attempt on Trump swung momentum further in favor of the Republicans, leading to increased pressure on Biden to withdraw from the race.
Biden’s decision to step aside has sparked a debate about his legacy.
Presidential historian William Howell noted that presidents are deeply concerned about their legacies and often aim to secure multiple terms to solidify their achievements.
Biden’s decision to bow out, while painful, may be viewed as a selfless act to give his party a better chance of defeating Trump.
Biden’s tenure in the White House will be remembered for its significant policy accomplishments, including high job growth and legislative successes.
However, his struggle with inflation and handling of certain foreign policy issues will also be scrutinized.
Ultimately, his legacy will include his victory over Trump in 2020, a crowning political achievement that demonstrated his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
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