Early yearsThe former vice-president was mocked as a kid by his classmates for his stammer. They would mock him saying 'bye-bye' whenever he attempted to finish his last name 'Biden'. Even a teacher made fun of him, calling him "Mr. Bu-bu-bu-Biden", the memories of which still haunt him.Biden also opened up about the fact that he overcame his stutter by reading William Butler Yeats in front of a mirror to monitor and control his facial distortions. He was also an ardent football player, playing at Archmere Academy, which is a Catholic prep school. He played wide receiver and running back, catching an impressive 19 touchdown passes. He also failed in medicine due to an existing condition of asthma.
The Biden and Obama BondThe duo shares a bromance hard to find in today's world. Before leaving office in 2016, Obama referred to his decision of choosing Biden as vice president as the "single best decision" he'd made. While serving as former President Obama's vice-president, the duo would meet for weekly lunches. Obama also campaigned hard for Biden in the presidential election this time.
Biden's political careerAt 78, Biden will be the oldest man to occupy the Oval Office. Biden tried for presidency three times. He launched his first presidential bid in 1987. He later ran for the 2008 Democratic nomination. And now, the third run, Biden along with running mate Kamala Harris were elected to the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively in November 2020. Biden was also the youngest senator at 30, the minimum age to become a senator.
Personal upheavalsBiden lost his first wife Neilia and baby daughter Naomi in a car accident in 1972. His sons, Beau and Hunter, were also present but survived the accident. But his oldest son Beau, later died of brain cancer in 2015.
'Jill Biden's husband'Joe Biden remarried in 1977. Jill Tracy Jacobs, who is a teacher, is his wife now. He had to propose five times before she agreed to marry him. The pair were introduced on a blind date in 1975. He proudly refers to himself as 'Jill Biden's husband'.Biden currently has two dogs, Major and Champ. He got Champ, a three year old German shepherd, in 2008 and adopted Major, who is also a German Shepherd, later.
Biden's charityJoe Biden and wife Jill are generous with their charity and support several causes. Biden supports charities like Boy & Girls Clubs of America, Human Rights Campaign and Joyful Heart Foundation. They also have the Biden Foundation which promotes prosperity and progress among American families. They also run the Biden Cancer Initiative Inc. headquartered in Washington, DC.