Joe Biden

Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. (born 20 November 1942) is an American politician, elected Vice President in 2008, and currently serving as the senior Senator from Delaware.

Political career

Biden graduated from Syracuse University law school in 1968, and after briefly practicing law and serving on the New Castle County Council, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972. At the time of his election he was still several days from turning 30 (the minimum age for membership in the Senate). During his Senate career he has chaired both the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.

Presidential campaigns

He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988, but lost to Michael Dukakis. He sought nomination from the Democratic Party for the 2008 presidential election but dropped out on 3 January 2008 after the Iowa caucus. In August 2008, Biden was chosen by Barack Obama to be his running mate. On November 4, 2008, Biden was elected Vice President.

Personal life

Biden was married to Neilia (neé Hunter) until her death in a car accident in 1972. In 1977 he married Jill Jacobs, who teaches writing at Delaware Technical & Community College.