Joe Biden – US President Seeking a Second Term at 81
28.06.2024: On June 27, Americans will witness the first debate of the 2024 US election, a much-anticipated showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This televised event comes just four months before the November vote, with both candidates neck and neck in the polls, each aiming for a second term.
Biden’s Political Experience
Joe Biden, 81, is a seasoned Washington veteran. He served as vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Before that, Biden spent 36 years in the Senate, first elected by Delaware voters at age 29, making him one of the youngest senators ever.
Family and Religion
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942, Biden is the eldest of four children. He often highlights his Irish-American, middle-class upbringing. Although his family faced financial setbacks, they were not poor. Biden is a devout Catholic who attends mass regularly but supports abortion rights.
Biden is a family man and has openly supported his son Hunter, who recently faced legal issues. Known as the “mourner-in-chief,” Biden has shown empathy during times of national tragedy. His personal life has been marked by sorrow, including the loss of his first wife, Neilia, and their daughter, Naomi, in a car accident in 1972. His son Beau died of cancer in 2015. Biden has been married to First Lady Jill Biden since 1977, and they have a daughter, Ashley.
Financial Status
Although not as wealthy as his Republican rival Donald Trump, Biden’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million, largely due to two homes in Delaware, according to Forbes magazine.
Public Perception
Biden is not known for being a profound orator or for drawing ecstatic responses from his supporters like Trump. However, he is recognized for his stubborn determination and empathetic image. Recently, his support for Israel in the Gaza conflict has affected his popularity, especially among younger and Arab-Americans.
Concerns and Legal Issues
Biden’s advanced age and stiff gait have been points of concern and Republican taunting. Earlier this year, he was cleared of wrongdoing after classified documents were found at his Wilmington, Delaware, home. However, a report from the special counsel described Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” a characterization that Democrats dismissed but Republicans used to their advantage.