As Biden drops out with dignity, he leaves behind a rich legacy spanning half a century

Biden’s career offers a sweeping view of the forces that shape America.

Joe Biden entered politics as one of the youngest Senators in American history, and he leaves as its oldest president.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” wrote Biden in a letter published Sunday, confirming the end of his political career. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Biden’s career offers a sweeping view of the forces that shape America. He witnessed great shifts in the nation’s culture and identity, from the height of its post-Cold War strength to a nation in conflict with itself.

At 81, with over 50 years in national politics, Biden was reluctant to pass on the torch, believing his years of experience mattered above all else. “I have acquired a hell of a lot of wisdom and know more than the vast majority of people,” he said in an interview last year when questions about his age were becoming harder to ignore. However, this long view often blinded him to how much both the world and his country had changed.

In his final year, this showed in his handling of the Gaza conflict, influenced by an outdated perception of Israel. It also showed in his belief that he could restore normalcy after Donald Trump’s presidency, when the national mood had fundamentally shifted. Furthermore, he failed to notice his dwindling support within his own party in recent months.

According to an article in The Independent, Biden’s experience was a superpower for much of his career and the beginning of his first term. He effectively used it to pass significant legislation, even with a razor-thin majority in Congress. His administration passed a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, a bipartisan infrastructure bill, sweeping climate and healthcare reforms, and the CHIPS and Science Act to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. On the international stage, Biden reacted swiftly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, revitalizing NATO and providing substantial support to Ukraine.

Biden's politics were also deeply influenced by personal tragedy. After a car accident killed his first wife and daughter, he became known for his daily Amtrak commutes to be with his sons. This empathy allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, often staying after events to share personal stories.

Biden's ambition was evident throughout his career, always seeking middle ground between Democrats and Republicans. However, this centrist approach left him with a voting record difficult to defend in the 2020 presidential race. Despite setbacks, including failed presidential bids in 1988 and 2008, Biden's experience and relatability made him an ideal vice-presidential candidate for Barack Obama.

As vice president, Biden formed a close bond with Obama, helping pass significant legislation like the Affordable Care Act and publicly supporting same-sex marriage. Biden’s tenure was marked by personal loss, including the death of his son Beau, which influenced his decision not to run in 2016.

Biden’s legacy is intertwined with Trump’s. But with Biden now ending his much-touted re-match with Trump, it remains to be seen how the history judges the gritty 81-year-old Democratic who stayed resilient till he couldn't.