You might know him as the 46th President of the United States, or perhaps as the man who served alongside Barack Obama during his presidency. His name is Joe Biden, a name that’s been part of the American political landscape for nearly half a century. But before the glitz and glamor of the White House, before the commanding presence on the global stage, there was a young boy from Scranton, Pennsylvania, whose story is both relatable and inspiring. Let’s dive into the early life of Joe Biden, and the journey that led him to his substantial net worth.
Net Worth: $9 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Nov 20, 1942
Place of Birth: Scranton
Gender: Male
Profession: Lawyer, Politician
Joe Biden Early Life
Born Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. on November 20, 1942, Biden’s story began in the industrial city of Scranton. The oldest child in a Catholic family, his early life was marked by financial instability. His father, Joseph Sr., had a series of jobs that didn’t always pay the bills. This caused the family to move in with Biden’s maternal grandparents for a few years, an experience that would later shape his political views and empathy for working-class Americans.
In 1953, the Biden family moved to Delaware in search of better opportunities. Joe was ten years old at the time and he quickly acclimated to his new surroundings. He attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic prep school, where he excelled in both academics and athletics despite struggling with a stutter.
Biden’s journey continued as he studied history and political science at the University of Delaware, before earning his law degree at Syracuse University. It was during this time that he met Neilia Hunter, whom he would later marry and have three children with. Tragically, Neilia and their one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident in 1972. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Biden continued to pursue his political career with resilience and determination, later marrying Jill Jacobs in 1977, with whom he had a daughter.
Joe Biden Personal Life
Joe Biden’s personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. As mentioned earlier, he lost his first wife and infant daughter in a car accident in 1972. This devastating event occurred just days before Christmas and shortly after Biden had been elected to the U.S. Senate. Despite the tragedy, Biden decided to take his oath of office from the hospital room where his surviving sons, Beau and Hunter, were recovering.
In 1977, Biden found love again with Jill Jacobs, an educator. They married and later welcomed a daughter, Ashley. As a family, they’ve faced hardships, including the loss of Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. However, throughout these trials, they’ve remained close-knit, often referring to themselves as the “Biden clan.”
Biden is also a devout Catholic, his faith has played a significant role in his life, especially during times of hardship. He is known to carry rosary beads with him, a gift from his son Beau, and attends Mass regularly.
Joe Biden Career
Joe Biden’s political career spans over half a century, making him one of the most experienced politicians in American history. He was first elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970, but his political rise truly began in 1972 when, at the age of 29, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming one of the youngest people ever to serve in the chamber.
Biden represented Delaware in the Senate for 36 years. During this time, he served as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, playing key roles in the passage of significant legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act.
In 2008, Biden’s career took a new direction when Barack Obama selected him as his running mate. As Vice President, Biden used his vast experience in foreign and domestic policy to advise President Obama, especially during times of crisis. Notably, he played a key role in the administration’s response to the 2008 financial crisis and in the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
In 2020, Biden decided to run for the presidency. Despite a crowded field of candidates and an unprecedented election season marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden won the Democratic nomination and ultimately the presidency, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump.
Throughout his long and storied career, Joe Biden has remained committed to public service, with a focus on advocating for the middle class, improving healthcare, and enhancing international relations. His journey from the Senate to the Vice Presidency, and ultimately to the presidency.
Joe Biden Net Worth
Joe Biden’s net worth is a topic that has garnered considerable attention, especially during his presidential campaign. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. This might seem like a lot, but when compared to many of his political counterparts, it’s actually quite modest.
So, where did this wealth come from? Much of Biden’s wealth stems from his time in public service, his earnings from book deals, and speaking engagements. After serving in the Senate for 36 years and as Vice President for eight, Biden earned a steady government salary, though it was his post-White House ventures that significantly boosted his net worth.
Following his tenure as Vice President, Biden and his wife Jill signed a multi-book deal with Flatiron Books reportedly worth $8 million. His memoir, “Promise Me, Dad,” offered a deeply personal look into his life and the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer, resonating with readers globally. In addition, Biden has earned significant sums from speaking engagements, with fees ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 per event.
Moreover, Biden’s real estate portfolio also contributes to his net worth. He and Jill own a home in Delaware worth approximately $2.7 million, and they rented a house in McLean, Virginia, for $20,000 a month during his post-vice presidency years.
