Washington — The Concluding Chapter of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.'s Half-Century Political Odyssey: A Legacy of Resilience and Complexity

The illustrious and tumultuous political career of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., characterized by remarkable endurance and a complex legacy, now reaches its denouement as he embarks on the final six months of his presidency. At the age of 81, Biden, who ascended to the White House in a narrow victory in 2020, faces the reality of a lame-duck presidency. His tenure, once buoyed by hope and high expectations, has been overshadowed by a dismal debate performance against former President Donald Trump, prompting the Democratic Party to coalesce around a yet-to-be-named successor to challenge Trump in the forthcoming election.

The turning point in Biden's presidency occurred on June 27, during a debate with Trump that proved to be a critical setback. The president’s performance was widely perceived as disastrous, marked by visible signs of disorientation and an inability to articulate coherent thoughts. This marked a sharp departure from Biden's previously esteemed political demeanor, leading to a swift and vocal backlash from within his party. Prominent Democratic leaders, alarmed by the president's diminished capacity, publicly called for him to step aside, reflecting a dramatic shift in the political landscape.

Despite the gravity of his decline, Biden's ability to navigate adversity is noteworthy. Few presidents in U.S. history have faced as much personal and professional turmoil as Biden. His journey, spanning over fifty years, has been a blend of significant triumphs and profound tragedies, shaping a legacy marked by both accomplishments and setbacks.

Biden’s early career was punctuated by unexpected achievements. At the remarkably young age of 29, he secured a U.S. Senate seat in 1972, defeating the entrenched Republican incumbent Caleb Boggs. Biden, who was technically too young to serve immediately due to the Senate's age requirement of 30, turned 30 shortly after his victory. His promising ascent was marred by a profound personal tragedy before he could even take office. His wife, Neilia, and their 13-month-old daughter, Naomi, were tragically killed in a car accident, leaving his two young sons, Beau and Hunter, injured.

The immense personal loss profoundly affected Biden, pushing him to the brink of relinquishing his Senate seat. His deep grief was compounded by the emotional strain of losing his family and grappling with his faith. Biden's memoir, *Promises to Keep*, candidly reflects his sense of betrayal and anger toward God, illustrating his struggle to find solace after such a devastating loss.

Despite his grief, Biden was persuaded by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and others to honor his commitment to the Senate. Determined to provide stability for his sons, Biden chose to serve, commuting daily from Delaware on Amtrak to Washington. His resilience was supported by his extended family, especially his sister Valerie and brother Jimmy, who played a crucial role in raising his sons during this challenging time.

In 1977, Biden’s personal life saw a significant change when he remarried Jill Biden. Jill, a community college educator, became a central figure in his personal and professional life. Her political acumen was evident, as demonstrated humorously when she opposed Biden’s 2004 presidential ambitions by inscribing "No" on her stomach in a bikini.

Biden’s 36-year Senate career was marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies. He gained national prominence as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he played a pivotal role in the contentious confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees. In 1987, Biden led the opposition against Robert Bork, whose conservative judicial philosophy was at odds with liberal Democrats. Biden's meticulous preparation and strategic questioning were instrumental in the Senate's rejection of Bork's nomination.

However, Biden's handling of the 1991 confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas was less well-received. Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment against Thomas became a national spectacle, and Biden’s committee was criticized for not allowing other women to testify, leading to significant dissatisfaction among left-leaning voters. Despite voting against Thomas’s confirmation, Biden’s handling of the hearings drew considerable criticism.

Biden’s two presidential campaigns, in 1988 and 2008, were ultimately unsuccessful. The 1988 campaign ended after revelations of speech plagiarism, and his 2008 bid faltered following a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. However, Biden’s fortunes changed dramatically when Barack Obama selected him as his running mate in 2008. The partnership between Biden and Obama, despite occasional tensions due to Biden’s old-school approach and Obama’s disciplined style, became a defining feature of Biden’s political career.

Biden’s vice presidency was marked by both personal and political challenges. The death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015 was a devastating blow, cutting short a promising political career and leaving Biden to grapple with the loss of his “soul,” as he described his eldest son. Despite this profound personal loss, Biden’s vice presidency saw significant achievements, including his role in advancing the Affordable Care Act and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

In 2016, Biden chose not to run for president, influenced by his grief and the party's support for Hillary Clinton. After Clinton’s defeat to Trump, Biden saw an opportunity for a political comeback in 2020, driven by a desire to confront Trump and counter what he perceived as a threat to democratic norms. Initially struggling, his campaign gained momentum with crucial support from African American voters in South Carolina and endorsements from key figures like Rep. James Clyburn.

Biden’s presidency, while marked by legislative achievements such as substantial infrastructure spending and economic stimulus measures, faced challenges including public perception and party unity. The lack of a predicted “red wave” in the 2022 midterms bolstered his position, but his final term has been complicated by the legal troubles of his son Hunter. Hunter Biden’s ongoing legal issues have added complexity to Biden’s final months in office.

As Biden prepares to retire to Delaware, his legacy is a tapestry of enduring public service, personal sacrifice, and political evolution. His presidency, marked by both notable successes and significant challenges, reflects a lifetime of dedication and resilience. Biden’s journey from a young senator facing unimaginable grief to a president navigating a tumultuous final chapter underscores his enduring commitment to public service and the evolving nature of American political life.

CORRECTION (July 22, 2024, 1 a.m. ET): A photo caption in a previous version of this article misstated William Rehnquist’s position on the Supreme Court in 1986 when the Senate Judiciary Committee debated his nomination to be chief justice. He was already a Supreme Court justice, not a future justice.