memphisgundown.org – Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, first rose to national prominence during his eight years as Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Biden’s tenure as Vice President was marked by significant accomplishments, both in domestic policy and foreign relations, as well as his close working relationship with President Obama. His leadership during this period helped shape key initiatives, manage crises, and restore America’s standing on the global stage. This article delves into Joe Biden’s time as Vice President, highlighting his contributions, challenges, and lasting impact on the United States.
Early Role as Vice President
Biden’s Selection as Running Mate
In 2008, Barack Obama was running for president as the Democratic nominee. As the race heated up, Obama sought a running mate who could bring experience, especially in foreign policy and national security. Biden, who had served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for over 30 years and had a wealth of experience in foreign relations, was seen as a perfect fit. Biden was also known for his working-class roots, which appealed to many voters, particularly in swing states.
Biden officially became Obama’s running mate on August 23, 2008, and they went on to win the election by defeating Republican candidates John McCain and Sarah Palin. The Obama-Biden ticket made history, as Obama became the first African American president, and Biden, at 66, brought decades of experience to the ticket.
Swearing-in and Early Focus
Biden was sworn in as the 47th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2009, alongside Barack Obama. As Vice President, Biden took on several key roles that would shape the Obama administration’s agenda. His early focus was on the economic crisis, as the country was in the midst of the Great Recession, and he also played a key role in guiding the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009.
Biden’s leadership was crucial in bringing together bipartisan support for the ARRA, which aimed to provide relief for individuals, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. His ability to work with lawmakers from both parties allowed for the successful passage of this $787 billion package, which included provisions for infrastructure, tax relief, and assistance for states facing budget shortfalls.
Domestic Policy Leadership
The Affordable Care Act
One of the landmark achievements of the Obama administration was the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, also known as Obamacare. While President Obama was the face of the campaign for healthcare reform, Biden played a central role behind the scenes in rallying support for the bill, particularly among skeptical Democrats and Republicans. He famously called the passage of the ACA “a big f—ing deal,” showing his enthusiasm for this monumental achievement.
Biden’s extensive legislative experience helped him navigate the political minefield of healthcare reform, and he served as a key negotiator during the legislative process. His efforts ensured the ACA’s passage, which expanded healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and introduced measures to reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of care.
Focus on Domestic Issues
In addition to healthcare reform, Biden played an active role in the Obama administration’s efforts to address other pressing domestic issues, including climate change, education reform, and criminal justice reform. As Vice President, Biden championed the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization and worked to push for measures to curb gun violence in the wake of tragic events like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.
Biden was also instrumental in leading the Bipartisan Task Force on the Budget to address fiscal challenges, though some of these efforts were met with partisan gridlock. His efforts to work across the aisle were an example of his commitment to bipartisan cooperation, although the polarized political environment of the time often made it difficult to achieve major legislative breakthroughs.
Foreign Policy and International Leadership
A Key Player in U.S. Foreign Policy
Biden’s role as Vice President was pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly as the Obama administration sought to reposition America’s place in the world after the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. With his extensive experience in foreign relations as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden was a trusted advisor to President Obama on international issues.
One of Biden’s primary responsibilities was overseeing U.S. engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the U.S. withdrew troops from Iraq, Biden played a key role in managing the transition and ensuring that the country had a stable foundation for governance. His experience in foreign policy and diplomacy was critical during this time, and he worked to build relations with Iraq’s government, military, and local communities.
In Afghanistan, Biden helped lead efforts to formulate a strategy for the U.S. military’s withdrawal and the training of Afghan security forces. Biden was part of the team that worked on the surge strategy in 2009, which aimed to reduce violence and stabilize the country, though the ultimate success of this initiative remains debated.
The Ukraine Crisis and Russia
One of the defining moments of Biden’s foreign policy tenure was his involvement in the Ukraine crisis. In 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and intervened in Eastern Ukraine, Biden played a leading role in rallying Western allies to impose economic sanctions on Russia. His diplomatic efforts in Europe helped solidify NATO’s commitment to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and securing international condemnation of Russia’s actions.
Biden’s commitment to standing up to Russian aggression became a hallmark of his foreign policy approach. He worked closely with European leaders to provide assistance to Ukraine and ensure that Russia faced consequences for its actions, helping to strengthen U.S. alliances with European partners.
Strengthening U.S. Alliances
Biden also worked to restore American leadership on the global stage, which had been somewhat diminished during the George W. Bush and early Obama years. He was instrumental in rebuilding the U.S.-European Union relationship and ensuring that American foreign policy was multilateral, seeking cooperation with international partners on issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and terrorism.
Biden’s travels as Vice President took him to countries around the world, where he reinforced America’s commitment to its allies and sought to address global challenges. His personal diplomacy and ability to connect with foreign leaders helped to rebuild trust and collaboration between the United States and its global partners.
Personal Relationships and Leadership Style
A Close Partnership with Barack Obama
Biden’s partnership with President Barack Obama was a defining aspect of his time as Vice President. The two shared a deep mutual respect, and Biden often referred to Obama as a friend and a partner. Their dynamic was built on trust, and Biden frequently served as a sounding board for the president, providing candid advice and counsel.
Biden’s leadership style was characterized by his warmth, empathy, and ability to connect with people on a personal level. He often shared stories about his own struggles and triumphs, which helped him build strong relationships with lawmakers, world leaders, and ordinary Americans alike.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Biden’s personal story of overcoming tragedy also resonated during his time as Vice President. In 2015, Biden faced the loss of his son, Beau Biden, who died from brain cancer at the age of 46. Beau was not only Joe Biden’s son but also his close confidant and political ally. The loss of Beau was a devastating blow, and Biden took time away from his duties to grieve with his family. However, his resilience and commitment to public service remained steadfast, and his ability to continue his work despite personal hardship further endeared him to the American people.
Legacy as Vice President
Joe Biden’s eight years as Vice President left a lasting impact on both domestic and foreign policy. His leadership was crucial in passing landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act, overseeing U.S. military engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and navigating international crises. Biden’s work helped restore faith in the office of the Vice President and positioned him as a strong leader on the national and international stage.
In his final year as Vice President, Biden was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service and his work to strengthen the United States.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s tenure as Vice President of the United States was defined by his experience, dedication to public service, and collaborative approach to governance. Whether overseeing critical domestic policy initiatives, playing a key role in foreign affairs, or offering counsel to President Obama, Biden’s leadership helped shape an era of significant change and progress. His time as Vice President prepared him for the challenges he would face as President, and his legacy in the office of the Vice President remains an important chapter in the history of American politics.