Promises to Keep Summary

What are the qualities that make a leader rise above adversity, stay true to their principles, and inspire a nation to believe in better days ahead?

1. Stuttering Built Biden’s Determination and Empathy

As a child, Biden struggled with a stutter that often left him embarrassed and bullied. Yet, instead of succumbing to humiliation, he used this challenge as a training ground for resilience. He practiced tirelessly before a mirror, reciting poetry and speeches, learning how to speak without faltering.

Overcoming his speech impediment wasn’t just about finding his voice—literally and metaphorically—it also deepened his sense of compassion. Biden never forgot what it felt like to be mocked or dismissed. As an adult, addressing injustices and advocating for vulnerable populations became central to his political mission.

This resilience and empathy penetrated his public service philosophy. Biden’s Catholic upbringing instilled a belief in the sacred duty to serve others. Whether standing against racial discrimination or foreign dictators, his early battles with adversity shaped his enduring commitment to fairness.

Examples

• Biden turning public speaking into a strength by reciting in the mirror until he improved.
• His mother defending him when a nun mocked his stutter in front of classmates, teaching him to stand against bullies.
• Treating his adversity as a lesson, Biden embraced empathy, which influenced his work for the disadvantaged.

2. A Transformative Love Inspired Higher Goals

When Biden met Neilia Hunter in college, his life took a defining turn. While he previously slackened in academics, his relationship with Neilia ignited a newfound determination to achieve more. Her unwavering belief in him provided the confidence he needed to pursue grander ambitions, including attending law school.

Neilia supported Joe as he began his legal career, encouraging him to think beyond personal success. This drive evolved into a desire to create broader change, leading him to leave traditional legal practice for public service. He sought not just to apply the law, but to transform it for the greater good.

Ultimately, falling in love changed his trajectory. Neilia’s influence pushed Biden to strive for excellence, proving how personal relationships can motivate us to grow far beyond our initial ambitions.

Examples

• Giving up football to spend weekends with Neilia, showing his commitment to building their bond.
• Neilia helping Biden prepare for his law exams, demonstrating her role as a supporter in his success.
• Biden opting for public service after legal practice, a decision inspired by their shared outlook on justice and empathy.

3. Leaving a Prestigious Job Showed Biden’s Ethics

Biden’s early law career presented him with moral challenges that shaped his values profoundly. In one case, he witnessed his firm exploit a legal loophole to deny compensation to an injured worker. This event made him realize he couldn’t spend his life defending corporate interests against the vulnerable.

He left his prestigious position to work as a public defender, representing individuals unable to afford legal counsel. Biden’s clients mostly came from Wilmington’s Black community, allowing him to confront systemic inequalities on a grassroots level.

This experience strengthened his resolve to make changes on a broader political scale. His decision to trade a promising private career for community-based work is emblematic of his enduring dedication to protecting vulnerable populations.

Examples

• Resigning from his first job after witnessing unethical corporate practices.
• Representing underprivileged clients as a public defender, putting service above financial success.
• Witnessing civil rights struggles in Wilmington, which spurred his political aspirations.

4. The Environment Was Biden’s First Platform

Biden’s entry into politics as a councilman started with a focus on environmental issues. He stood up to powerful developers whose unchecked projects harmed his community, advocating for regulations to protect public health and natural resources.

His unpopular stance against influential business interests showcased his willingness to take difficult stands. Biden prioritized the common good over personal popularity, proving that even small local offices can yield significant impact when populated by determined advocates.

This grounding in environmental protection underpins his broader commitment to justice. He fought not just for green initiatives but for the working families disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.

Examples

• Biden leading a campaign to halt overdevelopment and mega-highways in his council district.
• Opposing Shell’s acquisition of prime coastal land for oil refineries.
• Earning bipartisan respect for taking unpopular yet necessary stances on environmental law.

5. A Grassroots Campaign Propelled Him to the Senate

Against incredible odds, Biden won his Senate seat in 1972 at the age of 29. Lacking financial resources and institutional backing, his campaign outworked the competition, visiting constituents one living room at a time. This focus on personal connection became a hallmark of his political style.

The campaign succeeded through creative tactics. Volunteers distributed literature, and Biden spoke directly to small groups, making an authentic appeal for votes. His message—centering on civil rights, environmental protection, and healthcare—resonated with diverse communities.

It proved that determination and relatability could win elections, even against heavily favored opponents. Biden’s triumph remains an example of what grassroots activism can achieve.

Examples

• Hosting up to ten coffee meetings a day to meet and persuade voters.
• Relying on family and friends for campaign support instead of traditional funders.
• Flipping a seat held by a Republican senator for three decades through relentless effort.

6. Tragedy Forced Biden to Reconsider Priorities

Just as Biden’s political career gained momentum, his life was shattered by a car crash that killed Neilia and their daughter, Naomi. The tragedy plunged him into despair, making him question whether to continue in politics at all.

His young sons’ need for him pulled him through this dark period. While he initially resolved to quit the Senate, the encouragement of colleagues and the support of his family helped him persevere. He rebuilt his life and rededicated himself to public service, though grief remained an ever-present companion.

This experience added a depth to his character, showing how resilience and community support can pull someone back from the brink of devastation.

Examples

• Rushing home daily from Washington to care for his injured sons, Beau and Hunter.
• Colleagues like Senator Hubert Humphrey calling Biden regularly to provide comfort.
• Deciding to honor Neilia's memory by not abandoning the plans they had made together.

7. His Second Marriage Anchored His Stability

Meeting Jill Jacobs was another turning point in Biden’s life. Her initial hesitation toward marriage reflected her concern about stepping into a complicated family dynamic, alongside her dislike for politics. Yet her eventual commitment brought stability to Biden’s personal and professional lives.

Jill became not just his partner but also a mother figure to Beau and Hunter, helping to rebuild their family. Her grounding presence allowed him to confidently seek reelection and focus on ambitious legislative projects. Biden often credits Jill’s steadfastness for enabling his success.

Their dynamic partnership exemplifies how shared love and sacrifice can build a foundation for both family and work.

Examples

• Jill fostering a close relationship with Biden's sons, despite her reservations about politics.
• Biden gaining support from Jill during his subsequent Senate terms and campaigns.
• Taking a blended family honeymoon, emphasizing their commitment as a unit.

8. A Failed Presidential Bid Gave Hard Lessons

Biden’s first attempt to run for president in 1987 was marred by missteps and media scrutiny. Accusations of plagiarism damaged his reputation, turning the press and public against his campaign. The fallout taught him how the relentless exposure of national campaigns could amplify every flaw.

Despite withdrawing from the race, Biden grew from the experience. He recognized the importance of clearer campaign strategies, deeper relationships with the media, and better preparation. These realizations would strengthen his resilience in later years.

The challenges of his first campaign laid the groundwork for an improved approach during future attempts to seek the presidency.

Examples

• Accusations over uncredited lines from Neil Kinnock tarnishing his 1987 campaign.
• Facing intrusive media coverage that dismantled his public perception.
• Learning to balance directness with strategic communication for public appearances.

9. Iraq War Opposition Fueled His Presidential Comeback

The disastrous Iraq War prompted Biden to reconsider his long-term political ambitions. He felt compelled to oppose the Bush administration’s policies and wanted to steer America back toward ethical leadership on the global stage.

Encouraged by his family, Biden decided to run for president again in 2008. This decision reflected his enduring belief that America could overcome its divisions and regain a sense of purpose and accountability.

His renewed campaign emphasized uniting the U.S. and addressing key foreign policy failings. This set the stage for a storied political career that still evolves.

Examples

• Critiquing the Iraq War’s failure to comply with international norms.
• Biden’s family urging him to launch his 2008 presidential bid with their complete support.
• Rebuilding his campaign philosophy toward action and service over rhetoric.

Takeaways

1. Keep practicing perseverance when faced with setbacks, as Biden’s childhood stutter ultimately became his strength.
2. Invest authentic time in relationships, whether with voters or loved ones, to build trust and connection.
3. Pursue work that aligns with your values, even if it means taking risks or changing course, as Biden did when he left corporate law.