When Joe Biden was a young senator at age 30
ABC News' Bob Clark profiled Joe Biden in 1972, when he was just old enough to serve as a U.S. senator.
How One Of The Nation’s Youngest Senators Became Its Oldest President-Elect | MSNBC
A look back at President-Elect Joe Biden’s life-long career in politics, that spans more than five decades. It all began in November of 1972, and this week, Biden will become the President of the United States. Aired on 01/18/2021.
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Joe Biden’s life and political career were irrevocably altered between January 1972 and January 10, 1973, a period marked by both personal tragedy and significant political advancement. This transformative year began with Biden's promising political ascent as a newly elected U.S. Senator from Delaware and ended with his family grappling with unimaginable loss.
A Promising Political Start
In January 1972, Joe Biden was a 29-year-old newly elected Senator from Delaware, having won his seat in a surprising upset against a well-established Republican incumbent, Caleb Boggs. Biden’s victory was remarkable not only because of his youth but also due to his unconventional campaign approach. He emphasized his connection to local issues and his fresh perspective, resonating deeply with voters. His election marked the beginning of a distinguished career in public service, one characterized by his commitment to the Delawarean community and his growing influence on national policy.
The Tragic Turn
However, just as Biden’s career was gaining momentum, his personal life was about to undergo a heart-wrenching change. On December 18, 1972, Biden’s wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were involved in a devastating car accident. Neilia was driving with the children when their station wagon was struck by a tractor-trailer at an intersection. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of Neilia and Naomi, leaving Biden’s two young sons, Beau and Hunter, severely injured but ultimately surviving the crash.
This sudden and profound tragedy cast a dark shadow over Biden’s early senatorial tenure. The impact was immediate and overwhelming, forcing him to confront unimaginable personal grief while simultaneously managing the responsibilities of his new role as a U.S. Senator. The public and political worlds watched closely as Biden navigated this period of intense personal hardship.
Facing Challenges and Triumphing
In the wake of this tragedy, Biden considered resigning from his Senate seat to focus on his family. However, the support from his constituents and his own resilience drove him to continue his work. He commuted daily from Delaware to Washington, D.C., by train to be with his sons, a testament to his commitment to both his family and his duties as a senator. His determination to serve despite his personal loss earned him widespread respect and empathy.
Throughout 1972 and into early 1973, Biden’s focus on his family and his burgeoning career in the Senate became a defining narrative. His perseverance during this difficult period exemplified his character and laid the foundation for the rest of his career in public service. By January 10, 1973, Biden had begun to adjust to his new reality, finding ways to balance the demands of his senatorial role with the responsibilities of raising his sons.
Legacy of Resilience
The events of this year marked a pivotal moment in Joe Biden’s life, shaping both his personal and professional trajectories. The resilience he demonstrated in the face of personal tragedy became a cornerstone of his public persona. It informed his approach to politics and his empathy toward others facing hardship, characteristics that would continue to define his career as he moved through various roles, from Vice President to President of the United States.
The period from January 1972 to January 10, 1973, stands as a testament to Joe Biden’s strength and dedication. It was a year of profound loss but also one of notable personal growth and political maturation. This chapter of Biden’s life underscores the complexity of his journey and the resilience that would come to define his long and influential career in American politics.
