Barack Obama’s term as president ended on an uplifting note by honoring Vice President Joseph R. Biden with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest honors. Referring to Biden as his “brother,” Obama’s affection reflects that of the majority of the country; more than 57% of the American public “approved” of Joe Biden in a poll conducted last November. Joe Biden, nicknamed “Uncle Joe,” conjures a strong image of a fatherly figure that resonates throughout the country.

Joe Biden has had a long-lasting and dominant role in politics. First elected as a Delaware senator in 1972, Biden focused his attention on environmental laws and women’s rights. He became particularly adamant on the topic of tougher criminal laws, culminating in the incorporation of stricter sentencing and the addition of thousands of police officers. After being reelected as senator, Biden decided to run for president in 1988 and in 2008, but was unsuccessful both times. Obama ultimately chose Biden as his running mate in the 2008 election, whereby Biden became Vice President.

The Vice President of the United States plays a relatively minor role in the executive branch. In fact, the Vice President’s only outlined power in the Constitution is to serve as a leader and tie breaker in the Senate.

Eric Tung ‘19 analyzes, “Though Joe Biden’s designated role in the government is quite minor, he became well-liked by the people. I think because of all the internet memes that were circulated, people really began to appreciate Joe Biden as vice president.”

Prior to stepping down as vice president, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram suddenly became a huge platform for the sharing of hypothetical conversations between the former vice president and former president Barack Obama. The trend soon became an internet sensation, with people all over the country sharing the funny pictures.

Despite his small role, Joe Biden was influential in leading a plethora of projects. For example, Biden helped draft one of the last laws signed by President Obama. Devastated after his son Beau Biden passed away due to brain cancer, he put together a team of lawmakers to fund American research on cancer cures. The proposed $6.3 billion dollar bill easily passed in the Senate. Biden was also instrumental during the aftermath of the Great Recession in 2008 by helping bring about various bills aimed at job creation.

There was much speculation surrounding whether or not Biden would run for president in 2016. Though he ultimately decided against this measure, he has not ruled out the possibility of a presidential run in 2020. For the time being, however, Biden says he wants to focus on spending time with his family in Delaware.

For America, Biden stands as an enduring, paternal image. Here at Ridge, Anna Barickman ’18 says she will miss Biden, adding that “Joe Biden is a relatable and kind man. For example, he loves ice cream, just like I do!”