Book SummaryJoe Biden, by Evan Osnos

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Joe Biden

Joe Biden's background and personal life, along with his initial foray into politics

Biden overcame a childhood stutter and numerous personal losses, establishing a long-standing position within the nation's upper legislative body.

Biden's capacity to persevere and triumph over challenges was shaped by his early life experiences in Pennsylvania and Delaware, where his family's working-class background left a significant imprint.

Biden's family moved from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Delaware due to his father's challenges in securing consistent employment. The author emphasizes that the character of Biden was profoundly shaped by his father, "Big Joe," who instilled in him a strong sense of diligence and a profound respect for others. Osnos recounts moments when Joe Biden upheld his self-respect, such as when he left a festive event upon observing his boss tossing coins onto the dance floor for the sales team to gather in a rush. Joe Biden's personality was significantly influenced by his mother, Jean Finnegan, who taught him to regard everyone as equals and to never consider anyone as above him, a perspective that his sister Valerie Biden Owens shared and which Osnos observed.

Additionally, Osnos portrays Biden's early struggle with a speech impediment as a pivotal influence in the development of his character. Biden compared the severity of his stutter to the embarrassment someone might experience being forced to stand in a corner donning a dunce cap. The writer posits that this ordeal ignited a deep-seated sense of uncertainty as well as an intense resolve to conquer it. Biden developed coping mechanisms, including reciting long passages and preparing responses in advance to anticipate potential verbal stumbling blocks. This obstacle, Osnos posits, nurtured Biden's empathetic nature and his adeptness at connecting with individuals facing their personal struggles.

Following the tragic automobile incident that claimed the lives of his first spouse and child, Biden discovered new affection and continued to advance in his personal and political life.

Osnos emphasizes the profound impact of the 1972 car accident that killed Biden's wife, Neilia, and their infant daughter, Naomi, just weeks after his election to the Senate. The writer depicts the intense sorrow that overwhelmed Biden, to the point where he considered ending his life. His resolve to persevere was further solidified by his commitment to his son Beau, who was also injured in the car crash. Osnos highlights the critical role of Biden’s sister, Val, who moved in with him and...

Joe Biden Summary Biden held the position of vice president during Obama's presidency.

During his time as vice president, Biden served as a trusted advisor and dependable ally to President Obama.

Biden was instrumental in shaping the administration's approach to major global challenges, including the situation in Afghanistan and the unrest in Ukraine.

Evan Osnos characterizes Biden's extensive understanding of international matters as a valuable contribution to Obama's team, which had comparatively less expertise in that area. The author highlights how Biden played a pivotal role in shaping the government's approach to the Afghanistan conflict, pushing for limited military engagement and a clear timeline for withdrawal. This placed him at odds with some military leaders, including former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who, as Osnos notes, reproached Biden for consistently making wrong decisions on key foreign policy and national security issues over a period of four decades. However, Osnos argues that Biden's preference for a moderate stance in military engagements contributed to shaping a foreign policy strategy that became more deliberate during Obama's presidency.

Osnos emphasizes the significant role played by the former Vice President through an...

Joe Biden Summary His decision to not join the 2016 presidential contest was shaped by personal difficulties.

The death of his son Beau from brain cancer had a deep impact on him and significantly contributed to his choice to forego a presidential run in 2016.

Biden endured deep sorrow and was significantly impacted by the ailment and eventual loss of his son Beau, which imposed a substantial emotional burden on him throughout the time of grief.

Evan Osnos highlights how the deep-seated influence of Beau Biden's death in 2015 played a crucial role in his father's choice to not enter the 2016 presidential contest. The author portrays a deeply personal relationship between Joe Biden and his son Beau, describing Beau as a confidant, a mentee, and as "the finest man he ever knew." Osnos depicts the intense emotional toll that Biden experienced due to his son Beau's illness and passing, drawing on insights from the private diaries of Biden, which reveal his deep grief and feelings of a harsh twist of destiny.

The author suggests that Biden's widely recognized resilience in the face of personal tragedy faced a significant challenge with the death of his son Beau. Joe Biden's character evolved, showcasing a type of compassion that was endearing but also presented challenges within...

Joe Biden Summary Throughout his 2020 campaign, Joe Biden concentrated on unifying the Democratic Party.

Biden positioned himself as an experienced, moderate contender, aiming to build a broad coalition that distinguished him from the party's more progressive elements.

Younger and more progressive constituents harbored doubts about Biden, viewing him as a representation of the traditional political establishment they sought to transform.

Osnos explores the skepticism of younger progressives, who found inspiration in the campaign of Bernie Sanders, concerning their perceptions of Biden. The author highlights the examination of Biden's long record, especially his support for measures such as the legislation passed in 1994 that is currently viewed by many progressives as contributing to problems such as mass incarceration, ongoing conflict, and economic inequality. Osnos also identifies generational tensions, portraying Biden as emblematic of an earlier era characterized by a readiness to seek consensus and bipartisan cooperation, a stance that younger voters view as outdated and insufficient for the urgent need for substantial change.

Additionally, Osnos delves into the chronicle of Biden's past errors and his commitment to the classic method of campaigning face-to-face,...

Joe Biden Summary Biden's objectives during his time in the White House

Biden's goal is to bring back a feeling of decorum and stability to the presidential role while proactively tackling the nation's urgent issues.

Biden is determined to swiftly utilize his executive authority to reverse a number of controversial measures put in place by Trump, such as rejoining the global climate agreement and removing the travel bans that predominantly affect Muslim nations.

Biden's foremost goal was to restore order and stability to the White House following the tumultuous period under Trump. In contrast to Trump's impulsive and often erratic decision-making, Osnos suggests that Biden's method of governing would prioritize meticulous deliberation and collaboration, drawing on his long-standing experience in the nation's capital and his recognized ability to promote unity.

The author further details Biden's plan to rapidly reverse significant policies of the previous administration by enacting executive orders, including rejoining the global climate agreement and lifting bans on entry to the United States for people from mainly Muslim countries. These initiatives, as Osnos indicates, would signify the United States reasserting its role in global...

Joe Biden Summary The wider circumstances and challenges encountered by the United States in 2020.

The convergence of the pandemic, economic instability, and a critical juncture in the fight for racial equality have created an extraordinarily challenging situation that Biden must navigate during his presidency.

The pandemic's extensive destruction, marked by a high death toll and considerable economic turmoil, necessitated that Biden quickly build trust with the citizens and orchestrate an effective response.

Osnos highlights the distinct challenges Biden faces, such as the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, significant economic instability, and matters related to racial injustice. The author portrays the pandemic as a profound crisis within the nation, one that has led to a higher death toll in America than the Vietnam War. Osnos notes that the Trump administration's poor management of the pandemic eroded trust in governmental institutions and exacerbated existing national divisions.

Additionally, Osnos explores the economic consequences of the worldwide health emergency, emphasizing the increase in unemployment and the expanding disparity in wealth distribution. The author notes how the crisis exposed the myth of American self-reliance, as even the...