Joe Biden: The 46th President of the United States
On January 20, 2021, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. Biden, a longtime politician and former Vice President under Barack Obama, took the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., in the midst of a pandemic and heightened security following the insurrection at the Capitol just weeks prior.
Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a working-class family. He attended the University of Delaware and Syracuse University Law School before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at the age of 29. Biden served in the Senate for 36 years, including stints as Chairman of the Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees.
In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate in the presidential election, and the two were elected to the White House. Biden served as Vice President for two terms, from 2009 to 2017, during which time he played a key role in the administration's domestic and foreign policy initiatives, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
In 2020, Biden announced his candidacy for President, running on a platform of restoring the soul of the nation and bringing people together. He campaigned on a message of unity, promising to heal the divisions that have been tearing the country apart in recent years. His running mate, Kamala Harris, became the first woman, first Black person, and first person of Indian descent to be elected Vice President.
During his first few months in office, Biden has already taken a number of actions to address some of the pressing issues facing the country. He has launched a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan, including the distribution of vaccines and economic relief to those affected by the pandemic. He has also taken steps to address climate change, rejoin the Paris Agreement, and reverse many of the environmental policies put in place by the previous administration.
Biden has also focused on issues of racial justice and equity, signing executive orders on immigration and undoing some of the Trump administration's most controversial policies. He has also taken steps to reform the criminal justice system and address police brutality and systemic racism.
As President, Biden faces a number of challenges, including a deeply divided Congress and a country still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. But he has shown a willingness to work across the aisle and a determination to tackle these challenges head-on. With his decades of experience in public service and his commitment to bringing people together, Biden has the potential to be a transformative leader for the United States.
One of Biden's top priorities as President is to build back better, both in terms of the economy and infrastructure. He has proposed a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, which includes direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution and testing. He has also unveiled a $2 trillion infrastructure plan that includes investments in clean energy, broadband access, and transportation.
In addition to his domestic agenda, Biden has also been focused on rebuilding relationships with U.S. allies and addressing threats posed by countries such as Russia and China. He has taken a tough stance on Russia, imposing sanctions in response to their interference in the 2020 election and their aggression towards Ukraine. He has also sought to reassert American leadership on the global stage, rejoining the World Health Organization and signaling a willingness to engage with international partners on issues such as climate change and nuclear proliferation.
Biden's presidency has also been marked by a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. His cabinet includes a record number of women and people of color, and he has taken steps to address discrimination against marginalized communities. He has signed executive orders aimed at promoting racial equity and addressing discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Biden's leadership style has been characterized as empathetic and steady. He has been praised for his ability to connect with people on a personal level, particularly those who have been affected by tragedy or hardship. He has also been lauded for his willingness to listen to different perspectives and his commitment to finding common ground.
Of course, Biden's presidency is not without controversy. His policies and decisions have faced criticism from some on the right, particularly on issues such as immigration and gun control. And he faces ongoing challenges such as the ongoing pandemic and the need to address systemic racism and inequality in the United States.
Despite these challenges, Biden's presidency represents a new chapter in American politics. With his experience, empathy, and commitment to building a better future for all Americans, he has the potential to be a transformative leader who can heal divisions and restore faith in government.
