Joe Biden's Decades-Long Political Career in Photos

As the oldest-ever American president, Joe Biden's political career is drawing to a close as he steps aside. Here’s a look back at his journey, which began in 1972.

1974: Youngest US Senator US Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware addresses Drexel University alumni in October 1974, having been the youngest US senator at the time.

1972: 30th Birthday Celebration Senator-elect Joseph Biden and his wife Neilia cut his 30th birthday cake at a party in Wilmington on November 20, 1972. His son, Hunter, waits for the first piece. Biden met the constitutional requirement for senators to be 30 years old when they take office. Photograph: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

1972: Taking the Oath of Office Senator Joseph Biden takes the oath of office in January 1972 from US Senate Secretary Frank Valeo, with his father-in-law Robert Hunter and son Joseph Beau Biden at his side in Beau’s hospital room. Beau and his brother Hunter were injured in an auto accident that killed their mother Neilia and younger sister Amy.

1975: Meeting Margaret Thatcher Recently elected British Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher talks with US Senator Joseph Biden and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Sparkman during a luncheon in her honor in the US Capitol's Foreign Relations Committee room, Washington DC, on September 18, 1975.

1978: Fundraiser with Jimmy Carter Joe Biden points out a friend in the crowd to President Jimmy Carter during a fundraiser at Padua Academy in February 1978. Carter spent the evening in Wilmington campaigning for Biden as he ran for a second term.

1979: SALT II Treaty Hearings Before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on the third day of hearings on the SALT II treaty, US Secretary of Defense Harold Brown pointed to a chart illustrating the build-up of US and Soviet missiles. Visible are US Senators George McGovern, Joseph Biden (taking notes), and Edmund Muskie.

1985: Mock Oath of Office

Senator Joe Biden holds his daughter Ashley while taking a mock oath of office from Vice President George Bush during a January 1985 ceremony on Capitol Hill, Washington. Biden’s sons Beau and Hunter hold the Bible during the ceremony.

In September 1988, then-Senator Joe Biden was on the metro liner to Washington, D.C., returning to work in the Senate after surviving a life-threatening aneurysm. Biden was seen tenderly kissing his wife Jill’s forehead after announcing his bid for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination.

As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden posed with Supreme Court associate justice nominee Clarence Thomas during the confirmation hearings in July 1991.

In the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks in 2001, Biden and Senate Armed Services ranking Republican John Warner addressed the media outside the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters.

During a visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2002, Biden met with Afghan students at Ariana High School.

In April 2005, Senator Barack Obama engaged in conversation with Biden during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill concerning the nomination of John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

In July 2005, Biden regularly commuted from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill via Amtrak.

In January 2007, Biden chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled “Where We Are: The Current Situation in Iraq” i
n Washington, D.C.

In August 2008, presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama introduced Biden as his vice-presidential running mate with a text message. They took the stage together at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

During the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colorado, in August 2008, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden embraced his son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, on the third day of the convention.

March 2010: St Patrick’s Day Reception

US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden share a laugh during the annual St Patrick’s Day Reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

May 2011: Situation Room Update

In this handout image provided by the White House, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House on May 1, 2011. Obama later announced that US special forces had killed Bin Laden in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

January 2017: Presidential Medal of Freedom

US President Barack Obama awards Vice President Joe Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a tribute to Biden at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 12, 2017.

March 2012: A Joke with World Leaders

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and British Prime Minister David Cameron laugh as Vice President Joe Biden jokes about asking his Irish ancestors for forgiveness for hosting Cameron for lunch at the State Department in Washington, DC.

September 2020: Presidential Debate

Television screens at Walters Sports Bar in Washington, DC, air the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden held in Cleveland.

January 2021: Inauguration

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.

June 2021: US-Russia Summit

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for press ahead of the US-Russia summit at the Villa La Grange in Geneva.

April 2022: Supreme Court Nomination

US President Joe Biden embraces Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as they watch the Senate vote on her nomination to be an associate justice on the US Supreme Court, from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

December 2022: Meeting with Zelensky

Joe Biden walks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky through the colonnade of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 21, 2022. Zelensky was in Washington to meet with Biden and address Congress, his first trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine.

March 2023: National Medal of Arts

US President Joe Biden awards actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus with the 2021 National Medal of Arts during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

August 2023: Inspecting Wildfire Damage

Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and wife Jaime Green walk along Front Street to inspect wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 21, 2023.

June 2024: Presidential Debate

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on stage during the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024.

July 2024: Campaign Rally in Wisconsin

President Joe Biden leaves a campaign rally at Sherman Middle School on July 5, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. Biden was then scheduled for a network interview as his campaign scrambled to manage the fallout from his poor debate performance.

World Leaders React to Biden Dropping Out of US Election Race

 Global Reactions to Biden’s Withdrawal from Presidential Race

World leaders have shared their reactions to President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign. Concerns over Biden’s age and fitness had driven weeks of pressure leading up to his withdrawal.

Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Biden for his “friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career.” Herzog highlighted Biden’s visit to Israel during wartime and his receipt of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, calling him a true ally and symbol of the unbreakable bond between the US and Israel.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed respect for Biden’s “tough but strong decision” and gratitude for his unwavering support during Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized Biden’s leadership in preventing Putin from occupying Ukraine and his continued support throughout the conflict, hoping for America’s continued strong leadership against Russian aggression

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow was more focused on winning the war in Ukraine than the outcome of the US election. Peskov emphasized that the priority for Russia was achieving the goals of their special military operation against Ukraine.

United Kingdom

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer respected Biden’s decision and looked forward to working with him during the remainder of his presidency. Starmer acknowledged Biden’s decision as being made in the best interest of the American people.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailed Biden as a “great man” whose actions were guided by his love for his country. Trudeau praised Biden as a partner to Canadians and a true friend, expressing gratitude to the President and the First Lady.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his leadership and ongoing service. Albanese highlighted the strong Australia-US alliance and their shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity, and climate action.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden his “friend” and credited him with strengthening transatlantic cooperation and NATO. Scholz recognized Biden’s decision not to run again as deserving of recognition, acknowledging his achievements for his country, Europe, and the world.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez commended Biden for making a “brave and dignified decision.” Sanchez credited Biden’s determination and leadership for overcoming the economic crisis post-pandemic, addressing the Capitol assault, and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Sanchez described Biden as a great president who always fought for democracy and freedom.

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for making difficult decisions that enhanced safety and democracy. Tusk acknowledged Biden’s motivations for his final decision, which he described as probably the most difficult one in his life.

Czech Republic

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala recognized Biden’s decision as that of a “statesman who has served his country for decades.” Fiala valued Biden’s responsible and personally difficult step and wished for a good president to emerge from the democratic competition.

Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris praised Biden as a “voice for reason, effective multilateralism, and shared solutions.” Harris highlighted Biden’s unwavering voice and passionate work for peace on the island of Ireland, expressing a great debt of gratitude for his efforts.

Joe Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris

 President Biden Bows Out, Endorses Kamala Harris for Democratic Nominee

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. This unexpected decision comes just months before the November election against Donald Trump, whom Biden has called an existential threat to US democracy. Biden expressed his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term.

Kamala Harris Thanks Biden and Pledges Unity

In a statement, Harris thanked Biden for his leadership and expressed her intention to earn and win the Democratic nomination. She pledged to unite the party and the nation to defeat Trump and his "extreme Project 2025 agenda."

Democratic Leaders Rally Around Harris

Following Biden’s announcement, several prominent Democrats endorsed Harris, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. Democratic leaders and donors had pressured Biden to step aside, seeing no path to victory with him on the ticket. An ABC News/Ipsos poll showed 60% of Democrats believed Biden should end his run, and 76% would be satisfied with Harris as the nominee.

Trump's Reaction and Campaign Strategy

Trump immediately criticized Biden's decision, claiming Biden was never fit to serve as president. Trump's campaign has prepared for Harris’s candidacy, focusing on immigration and economic issues to appeal to swing voters. Trump believes Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden.

Democratic Party Faces Uncertainty and Rapid Fundraising Surge

The Democratic National Committee plans a transparent process to select a candidate to defeat Trump. ActBlue reported raising $27.5 million from small-dollar donors for Harris’s campaign within five hours of Biden’s announcement. Prominent Democrats praised Biden's decision, with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi lauding his legacy and patriotism.

Republican Pushback and Legal Challenges

Republicans have cast Biden's decision as undemocratic and have called for his resignation. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested potential legal challenges, though experts are skeptical of their success. Despite these challenges, Biden's withdrawal marks a dramatic shift in an already tumultuous election season.

Next Steps for Democrats

With the Democratic National Convention approaching, Harris must solidify her support and select a running mate to face Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. Harris's national profile and fundraising capabilities make her a strong contender, but the party faces a tight timeline to finalize its ticket.

US Election Live Updates: Kamala Harris Backed by Top Democrats as Donations Surge Following Biden's Exit

 Kamala Harris Receives Strong Support from Top Democrats Amid Surging Donations

Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to "do everything in my power to unite" the Democratic Party as she received strong endorsements from top Democrats. The liberal political action committee ActBlue reported raising $46.7 million in just hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

MAGA Inc Replaces Biden Ads with Anti-Harris Campaign

Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Donald Trump, announced on Sunday that it would replace anti-Biden television ads in battleground states (Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania) with ads targeting Kamala Harris. The new 30-second ad accuses Harris of concealing Biden’s health issues and blames her for the administration's perceived failures, including immigration issues and inflation. The ad’s narrator claims, “Kamala knew Joe couldn’t do the job, so she did it. Look what she got done: a border invasion, runaway inflation, the American Dream dead.”

Trump Rallies Support with Insults and Attacks on Harris

At a rally in Michigan, Trump used his characteristic inflammatory language to mock Harris, dubbing her “laughing Kamala” and calling her “crazy” and “nuts.” He is expected to focus his attacks on Harris’s involvement in the administration’s immigration policies and economic management.

Trump Campaign Shifts Focus to Harris, Highlighting Immigration and Economy

Trump’s campaign plans to highlight Harris’s association with the Biden administration’s immigration policies and economic issues, which they believe will resonate with swing voters. Campaign sources revealed preparations for Harris’s candidacy had been underway for weeks. Trump expressed confidence in defeating Harris, stating, “Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been.”

Harris Engages with Key Democrats for Support

Harris spent Sunday afternoon calling congressional lawmakers to garner support, including a conversation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Representative Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris, demonstrating her growing backing within the party.

Trump Insults Biden, Pelosi in First Rally Since Assassination Attempt

 Republican Nominee Delivers Fiery Two-Hour Speech Mocking Democrats and Repeating False Election Fraud Claims

Grand Rapids, Michigan — Former President Donald Trump held his first campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt last week, delivering a two-hour speech where he targeted Democrats with insults and repeated false claims about immigration and election fraud.

Amid heightened security, Trump mocked President Joe Biden as "feeble" and compared former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to a "dog." The crowd cheered as Trump called on them to "fight, fight, fight," referencing his defiant gesture after the assassination attempt.

Rally Highlights and Support

Al Jazeera’s Phil Lavelle reported that Trump’s supporters gathered in large numbers to show their backing for the candidate in Michigan, a critical battleground state for the upcoming election.

"For hours before this rally began, there were queues. People were lining up for miles," Lavelle said. Supporters wore T-shirts and hats emblazoned with Trump’s image and the words “fight, fight, fight.”

Insults and False Claims

In his speech, Trump described Biden as a “stupid” and “low-IQ individual” and accused Democrats of wanting to remove Biden from the ticket after his nomination.

“They have a couple of problems. Number one, they have no idea who their candidate is,” Trump said. Referring to Pelosi, Trump said, “She’s turned on him like a dog. She’s as crazy as a bed bug.” He also denigrated Vice President Kamala Harris as “crazy.”

Trump repeated false claims of election fraud in 2020, urging voters to deliver a “landslide that is too big to rig.”

Immigration and International Relations

The Republican candidate also threatened undocumented migrants and claimed an "invasion" over the US border. He accused Democrats of allowing it to happen for political gain.

Trump touted his relationships with global leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. He called Xi a “great guy” and mentioned receiving a “beautiful note” from him after the assassination attempt.

Reactions and Criticism

Al Jazeera’s Lavelle noted this rally marked the first joint campaign appearance of Trump and JD Vance. “This becomes a two-man campaign now where they both try to spread the MAGA message,” Lavelle said.

Despite calls for lowering rhetoric after the assassination attempt, Trump’s speech remained aggressive. Democratic strategist Arshad Hasan said Trump and Vance have taken a highly negative tone, undermining calls for unity.

Biden’s Position and Democratic Concerns

Meanwhile, Biden remains in self-isolation after contracting COVID-19. Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler stated Biden's return details will be announced soon. Biden has refocused on Trump, criticizing his acceptance speech at the Republican convention.

Opinion polls indicate a tight national race, with Biden trailing in key battleground states. Democrats are increasingly concerned about Biden’s re-election prospects after his poor debate performance last month. However, replacing Biden at this stage poses significant challenges.

Arshad Hasan, a Democratic political strategist, acknowledged the turmoil within the Democratic Party but emphasized the difficulty of replacing Biden so close to the election.

“The real discussion is how we would decide, with about 100 days for the election, who would be on the top of the ticket. That is where there isn’t a clear answer. Biden is the one person who can make that decision. And so far he said he’s staying.”

Trump Returns to Campaign Trail with Strong Attacks on Biden and Harris Post-Assassination Attempt

 Trump Attacks Biden and Harris in First Rally Since Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a week after surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Joined by his new running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump addressed supporters with a smaller ear bandage, referring to the assassination attempt as a “horrific event” and expressing gratitude for his survival.

Trump credited his escape to a momentary distraction, saying he turned his head toward a chart about border crossings just before the bullet grazed his ear. “I hope I never have to go through that again,” he remarked, emphasizing that he “took a bullet for democracy” in the face of criticism from his opponents.

In his speech, Trump criticized the Democratic party's leadership turmoil, targeting President Joe Biden's age and mental acuity and mocking the uncertainty over their candidate. He expressed his preference for running against Biden, receiving cheers from the crowd, while boos followed his mention of Vice-President Kamala Harris.

The rally was marked by heightened security measures following the assassination attempt, with increased Secret Service and police presence. Despite the recent threat, thousands of supporters lined up outside the 12,000-capacity Van Andel Arena, eager to hear Trump's message.

Trump's rally touched on familiar themes, including attacks on electric vehicles, China, and immigration. He dismissed concerns about the influence of the extremist manifesto Project 2025 on a potential second Trump presidency.

JD Vance, preceding Trump on stage, criticized both parties for failing to protect manufacturing jobs and praised Trump's impact on American politics. The crowd's enthusiasm highlighted their unwavering support for Trump, undeterred by the recent assassination attempt.

With Michigan being a crucial battleground state, Trump holds a 4% lead over Biden in recent polls, reflecting his growing support in key states. Supporters expressed their admiration for Trump's resilience and dedication, with many arriving hours in advance to secure their spot at the rally.

The rally underscored Trump's continued influence and the fervent loyalty of his base, setting the stage for a contentious election campaign.