Learn about Joe Biden’s journey to the presidency and the number of times he ran for the highest office in the land.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Joe Biden ran for president three times.
In this article, we’ll explore each of Biden’s presidential runs, including the highs and lows of his campaigns, his opponents, and the issues that shaped each race.
Biden’s First Run for President
Joe Biden’s first run for President began in 1987 when he announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. His campaign strategy was centered around his experience as a six-term United States Senator from Delaware and his reputation as a moderate Democrat who could appeal to a broad range of voters.
Biden’s campaign hit a major roadblock early on when he was accused of plagiarism in a speech he gave while on the campaign trail. The incident forced him to drop out of the race after only three months, but he remained active in politics and continued to serve in the Senate.
Despite the plagiarism scandal, Biden’s first run for President had a lasting impact on American politics. His campaign helped to establish him as a national figure and set the stage for his eventual run for Vice President in 2008.
- Announcement and Campaign Strategy: In 1987, Biden announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. His campaign strategy was centered around his experience as a Senator and his reputation as a moderate Democrat.
- Primary Results and Consequences: Biden’s campaign was derailed by a plagiarism scandal and he dropped out of the race after only three months.
According to History.com, Biden’s first run for President was marked by controversy and setbacks, but it also helped to establish him as a national figure and set the stage for his future political ambitions.
Biden’s Second Run for President
Joe Biden announced his second run for the presidency on April 25, 2019, entering a crowded field of Democratic candidates. His campaign strategy focused heavily on his experience, electability, and ability to defeat President Trump in the general election.
Biden’s campaign also emphasized his support for a range of policies, including expanding access to healthcare, tackling climate change, and addressing economic inequality.
Primary Results and Consequences
Despite facing tough competition from other candidates, Biden emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary race. He won a string of victories in key states, including South Carolina and several Super Tuesday states.
As the primary season progressed, many of Biden’s opponents dropped out and endorsed him, including former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Kamala Harris. Biden eventually secured the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August 2020.
The consequences of Biden’s primary victory were significant. He became the first challenger to unseat an incumbent president in over 28 years, and his election signaled a shift in American politics towards a more progressive agenda.
Biden’s Third and Successful Run for President
After two unsuccessful attempts in 1988 and 2008, Joe Biden announced his third run for the presidency on April 25th, 2019. His campaign strategy focused on unity and restoring the soul of America. He emphasized his experience as a senator and as Vice President under Barack Obama.
Biden’s strategy paid off as he won the Democratic nomination with a majority of delegates. He faced stiff competition from other candidates, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. However, his strong support from African American voters and moderate Democrats helped him secure the nomination.
- Primary Results: Biden won a total of 2,687 delegates, while Sanders won 1,073 delegates.
- Consequences: Sanders dropped out of the race and endorsed Biden in April 2020.
For the general election campaign, Biden faced incumbent President Donald Trump. Biden’s campaign focused on a return to normalcy and a plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized his plans to improve healthcare, climate change, and racial justice.
The general election was highly contested, with both campaigns spending millions of dollars on advertising and campaign events. In the end, Biden won the election with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232 electoral votes.
Biden | Trump | |
---|---|---|
Popular Vote | 81,283,098 | 74,223,746 |
Electoral Vote | 306 | 232 |
Biden’s win marks a historic moment as he became the oldest person to be elected President of the United States. His victory also highlights the importance of unity and a message of hope for the American people.
Sources: The New York Times, CNN
Biden’s Legacy as President
Joe Biden’s presidency has marked a turning point in American politics, with the former vice president having accomplished a lot during his tenure in office. Here’s a comprehensive look at his legacy as president.
Biden’s Major Accomplishments and Initiatives
- Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan provided a much-needed boost to the U.S. economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct payments to millions of Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution.
- The Biden administration has taken significant steps towards addressing climate change, including rejoining the Paris Agreement and investing in clean energy.
- Biden signed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law, which will provide funding for various infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and broadband internet.
- Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. has made strides towards racial justice, including signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and investing in historically black colleges and universities.
Biden’s Challenges and Controversies
Despite his accomplishments, Biden’s presidency has not been without its challenges and controversies. Here are some of the most notable:
- Biden’s handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan drew criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with many calling it chaotic and poorly executed.
- The Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also faced scrutiny, particularly with regards to vaccine distribution and mandates.
- Biden’s proposed tax increases and spending plans have been met with opposition from some Republicans and conservative groups.
Biden’s Impact on American Politics and Society
Biden’s presidency has had a significant impact on American politics and society, particularly with regards to issues like climate change, racial justice, and healthcare. Here are some of the most notable ways he has influenced American society:
Issue | Impact |
---|---|
Climate Change | Biden’s focus on clean energy and rejoining the Paris Agreement has put the U.S. on a path towards a more sustainable future. |
Racial Justice | Biden’s initiatives to combat hate crimes and promote diversity and inclusion have helped move the U.S. towards a more equitable society. |
Healthcare | Biden’s efforts to expand access to healthcare, including through the Affordable Care Act, have helped ensure that more Americans have access to quality healthcare. |
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s road to the presidency was a long and winding one, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Despite running for president three times, he only succeeded on his third attempt, winning the 2020 election against Donald Trump.
As president, Biden faces significant challenges, from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to systemic inequalities and political polarization. However, he also has a unique opportunity to shape the future of the country and leave his mark on American politics and society.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive and insightful look into Joe Biden’s presidential runs and his journey to the White House.