The Life and Career of Joseph R. Biden Jr., 46th President

This profile explores Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s winding path to become the oldest American president ever at 78 years old. We track his working-class roots, the family losses that shaped his empathy, and his unlikely 29-year-old election as a Senator from Delaware. Known for sharp questioning in judiciary hearings, he spent 36 years in the Senate before becoming Obama's vice president, chosen for his working-class appeal and foreign policy experience balancing Obama's slim resume. Though plagued by gaffes, Biden retained popularity across two terms. At 76, he mounted a third White House bid, emerging from a diverse Democratic field to take on Donald Trump by flipping five states Trump had won. Now Biden leads a pandemic-weary and divided nation at 81, facing doubts over his ability to meet harsh challenges and deliver ambitious change. This podcast charts Biden’s barrier-breaking yet tragedy-tinged career.