ON 20 January 2021, America (and arguably the rest of the world) celebrated the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States of America. This inauguration (and upcoming presidential term) is a profound moment of history, a much-hoped-for turning point in an incredibly destructive trajectory hinged on selfishness and division. With the euphoria of the celebrations dying down, it’s time to take a closer look at the man at the helm.
1. Third time’s the charm
Biden has run for president of the United States on three separate occasions, starting with his first presidential bid in 1987. However, claims of plagiarising a speech were scandalous enough to see him drop out. Undaunted, he ran again in 2008 but dropped out after finishing fifth and joined soon-to-be president Obama’s ticket. His final run in 2020 saw him bring Kamala Harris as running mate in a highly-contested election.
2. He had a stutter
As a child, Biden battled with a debilitating stutter for which he was tormented. He overcame the stutter by reciting poems by Yeats in the mirror, monitoring his facial distortions and speech. Biden has since become a beacon of hope for many youngsters suffering the same affliction, speaking at the American Institute for Stuttering.
3. A life of tragedy
Joe Biden has suffered significant tragedy in his life. On 18 December, 1972, his wife, Neilia Hunter Biden was driving with their three children, Beau, Hunter and 13-month-old Naomi while Christmas shopping when an accident occurred. Neilia and Naomi were killed, while Hunter and Beau suffered critical injuries but survived. Then, on 30 May 2015, Beau Biden died from brain cancer at the age of 46.
4. Bill signed by Bill
Exactly 31 years before his presidential inauguration, Joe Biden’s bill was introduced, eventually signed in as the Violence Against Women Act in 1994 by then-president, Bill Clinton. The act addresses sexual assault and domestic violence against women.
5. Youngest and oldest
At the age of 29, Joe Biden was one of the youngest people to ever be elected to the United States Senate. He was 30 – the constitutional age required – when he was sworn in, which was done at the bedside of his sons who were still recovering in hospital.
6. Religion
A devout churchgoer, Joe Biden will only be the second ever president in US history who is a practicing Catholic. John F Kennedy was the first.
7. Dr Jill Biden
The American First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, has been committed to education her whole life, having taught at a community college, a public high school and a psychiatric hospital for adolescents. She also holds two Master’s degrees. Jill married Joe Biden on 17 June, 1977 and the two have one child together, Ashley.
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