Joe Biden's autobiography "Promises to Keep" offers readers an intimate look at the life and career of one of America's most prominent political figures. Published in 2008, before Biden became Vice President under Barack Obama, the book traces his journey from a young boy struggling with a stutter to a seasoned senator contemplating a run for the presidency. Through personal anecdotes, political insights, and reflections on key moments in American history, Biden paints a vivid picture of his values, motivations, and the experiences that shaped him as a leader.
The book provides valuable context for understanding Biden's political philosophy and approach to governance. It reveals a man deeply influenced by his working-class upbringing, Catholic faith, and the enduring support of his family. Readers gain insight into Biden's commitment to public service, his resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and his ability to work across party lines to achieve legislative goals.
As Biden now seeks the presidency in 2020, "Promises to Keep" offers a window into the character and convictions of a man who has dedicated his life to serving the American people. This summary will explore the key themes and events covered in the book, providing a comprehensive overview of Biden's life and career up to 2008.
Early Life and Influences
Overcoming Stuttering
One of the most formative challenges of Joe Biden's early life was his struggle with stuttering. As a child, Biden often found himself trapped by words he couldn't get out, leading to feelings of shame and frustration. However, this obstacle became a source of determination and resilience that would serve him well throughout his life.
Biden tackled his stutter head-on, spending hours practicing speeches and poems in front of a mirror. He learned to relax his facial muscles and developed techniques to work through difficult words. This persistent effort eventually paid off, as Biden not only overcame his stutter but developed a love for public speaking.
The experience of overcoming his stutter taught Biden valuable lessons about perseverance and empathy. It gave him a blueprint for tackling adversity through sheer determination, a skill he would call upon many times in his political career. Moreover, it instilled in him a deep empathy for those facing their own struggles, shaping his approach to public service and his desire to stand up for the underdog.
Catholic Upbringing and Family Values
Biden's Catholic upbringing played a significant role in shaping his worldview and moral compass. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of right and wrong, emphasizing the importance of standing up to bullies and fighting for what's fair. This ethical foundation would later inform many of Biden's political stances and his approach to governance.
One pivotal moment came when Biden was humiliated by a nun at school who mocked his stutter. His mother's fierce response - threatening to confront the nun directly - taught Biden the importance of standing up against injustice, regardless of the status of the perpetrator. This lesson stayed with him, manifesting in his willingness to challenge authority figures and fight for the rights of the disenfranchised throughout his career.
The Biden household was characterized by a strong emphasis on public service and using one's abilities to help others. Joe's parents taught him that those in positions of power have a sacred responsibility to uplift those less fortunate. This ethos of service became a driving force in Biden's life, propelling him towards a career in public office where he could make a tangible difference in people's lives.
College Years and Finding Love
Biden's college years at the University of Delaware were marked by a lack of academic focus in his early semesters. He was more interested in socializing than studying, often cramming for exams at the last minute. However, this changed when he met Neilia Hunter during a spring break trip to the Bahamas.
Falling in love with Neilia had a profound impact on Biden's life trajectory. Despite their differences - Neilia came from a wealthy, non-Catholic family - they formed a deep connection. Biden's dedication to the relationship was evident in his willingness to make the 320-mile drive to visit her every weekend, even giving up playing football to have more time with her.
Neilia's unwavering belief in Biden's potential inspired him to take his studies more seriously. With her encouragement, he buckled down in his final semesters and performed well enough to secure a place at Syracuse University College of Law. This period marked a turning point for Biden, as he began to channel his natural charisma and intelligence into more focused academic and career pursuits.
The support and confidence Neilia provided became a cornerstone of Biden's personal and professional development. Their relationship gave him the courage to pursue his ambitions and the stability to navigate the challenges of law school and early career decisions.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Legal Career and Moral Awakening
After law school, Biden joined a prestigious firm in Wilmington, Delaware. However, a pivotal case early in his career led to a significant shift in his professional focus. The firm was representing a company against an injured worker seeking compensation. When Biden's boss found a legal loophole to deny the worker's claim, Biden had a moral awakening.
While the ruling was legally sound, Biden couldn't reconcile it with his sense of justice. Seeing the distress on the faces of the injured worker's family, he realized he couldn't spend his career practicing law in a way that prioritized corporate interests over individual well-being. This experience solidified Biden's commitment to using the law to protect vulnerable people rather than shield powerful entities from responsibility.
Civil Rights and Public Defense
The civil rights movement of the 1960s had a profound impact on Biden's perspective and career choices. Witnessing the unequal treatment of Black residents in Wilmington and the heavy-handed response to protests following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Biden became increasingly concerned with issues of racial justice and equality.
Motivated by these experiences, Biden left his corporate law job to work as a public defender. In this role, he represented primarily Black clients from East Wilmington who couldn't afford their own legal counsel. He also joined a criminal defense firm, fighting civil litigation suits for people in desperate circumstances.
These experiences reinforced Biden's belief in the power of the law to make a real difference in people's lives. However, he soon realized that to create systemic change, he needed to be involved in shaping policy at a higher level. This realization set the stage for his entry into politics.
First Political Campaign: County Council
Biden's first foray into politics came when he was invited to run for a seat on the New Castle County Council in Delaware. Despite the district being predominantly Republican, Biden saw an opportunity to make a difference on local issues.
With his sister Valerie as his campaign manager, Biden ran a grassroots campaign focused on connecting with voters on a personal level. He found common ground with both middle-class Republicans and working-class Democrats by focusing on shared concerns, particularly environmental protection.
Biden's campaign for county council centered on reining in unchecked development and protecting the local environment. He advocated for stricter environmental regulations and opposed projects that threatened to increase pollution or destroy natural habitats. This stance made him unpopular with developers and some business interests but resonated strongly with voters concerned about their community's future.
Against the odds, Biden won the seat by 2,000 votes, marking the beginning of his political career. His success in this local race demonstrated his ability to connect with voters across party lines and his willingness to take on powerful interests in defense of his principles.
Running for Senate
Biden's success on the county council and his role in the Democratic Renewal Commission caught the attention of party leaders in Delaware. When they were looking for a candidate to challenge the long-serving Republican incumbent for a U.S. Senate seat, they turned to the young and charismatic Biden.
At just 29 years old, Biden was an unlikely candidate for such a high office. The campaign faced significant challenges, including a lack of funding and the incumbent's seemingly unassailable position. However, Biden and his family turned these obstacles into opportunities.
Unable to afford traditional campaign methods, Biden relied on grassroots tactics. He held numerous small, intimate gatherings in people's homes, allowing him to connect directly with voters and answer their questions. He also focused on engaging young people, speaking regularly at high schools and colleges.
Throughout the campaign, Biden refined his policy positions and messaging. He championed causes such as civil rights, environmental protection, voting rights, healthcare access, and ending the Vietnam War. His clarity of vision and passionate delivery resonated with voters who were looking for fresh leadership.
Despite initially trailing by a significant margin in the polls, Biden's tireless campaigning and ability to connect with voters paid off. In a stunning upset, he won the election by 3,000 votes, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
Personal Tragedy and Political Perseverance
The Car Accident
Just weeks after his election to the Senate, Biden's life was turned upside down by a devastating car accident. His wife Neilia and their infant daughter Naomi were killed, and his sons Beau and Hunter were seriously injured. This tragedy struck just as Biden was preparing to embark on his Senate career, throwing his personal and professional life into turmoil.
The depth of Biden's grief was overwhelming. He seriously considered abandoning his newly won Senate seat, feeling that his sons needed him more than the country did. The pain was so intense that he understood, for the first time, why some people contemplate suicide in the face of unbearable loss.
However, the sight of his injured sons in the hospital gave Biden the strength to carry on. He realized that they needed him now more than ever, and this became his anchor in the storm of grief. Biden's focus shifted entirely to his boys' recovery and well-being, with politics fading into the background.
Reluctant Senator
In the aftermath of the accident, Biden was ready to give up his political career before it had truly begun. He informed Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield that they should find someone else to fill his seat. However, his colleagues in the Senate rallied around him, offering support and encouragement.
Senators like Hubert Humphrey called the hospital daily to check on Biden and his family. Mansfield reminded Biden of the hard work he and Neilia had put into winning the seat and urged him not to throw it away. He even informed Biden that he had already been appointed to the prestigious Steering Committee.
Torn between his grief and his sense of duty, Biden ultimately decided to honor Neilia's memory by at least giving the Senate a try. On January 5, 1973, he was sworn in as a U.S. Senator at his sons' hospital bedside, beginning a political career that would span decades.
Struggling to Engage
Biden's early months in the Senate were challenging. Consumed by grief and anger, he found it difficult to engage fully with his new role. He attended necessary briefings and votes but avoided socializing with colleagues, often eating lunch alone at his desk and rushing home on the train as soon as possible.
Despite Biden's aloofness, his colleagues continued to reach out. Senators like Mike Mansfield, Hubert Humphrey, and Ted Kennedy made consistent efforts to include him, inviting him to dinners and social events. Their persistence and support gradually helped Biden reconnect with his work and the Senate community.
As Biden slowly emerged from his grief, he began to engage more deeply with the pressing issues of the day. The early 1970s were a tumultuous time in American politics, with the ongoing Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and urgent domestic issues like civil rights and healthcare reform. Biden found that immersing himself in these complex policy challenges provided a sense of purpose and a way to channel his energy constructively.
Finding His Voice in the Senate
As Biden became more involved in Senate work, he began to make his mark. His first speech on the Senate floor addressed campaign finance reform, arguing for the elimination of private funding in political campaigns to prevent corruption. While this stance wasn't popular with many of his colleagues, it demonstrated Biden's willingness to take principled, sometimes controversial positions.
Throughout his early years in the Senate, Biden continued to show independence in his voting and policy stances. He often crossed party lines, voting based on his personal convictions rather than strict party loyalty. This approach sometimes put him at odds with both conservatives and liberals, but it earned him respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Biden's ability to work across party lines became one of his defining characteristics as a senator. He developed a reputation for being able to forge compromises and build coalitions on important issues. This skill would serve him well throughout his Senate career, allowing him to play a key role in passing significant legislation.
New Love and Political Growth
Meeting Jill
In March 1975, two years after becoming a senator, Biden went on a blind date that would change his life. He was set up with Jill Jacobs, a young schoolteacher, by his brother. From their first meeting, Biden felt a connection he hadn't experienced since Neilia's death.
For Biden, the attraction was immediate. He saw in Jill someone who could bring joy back into his life and help create a stable home for his boys. However, Jill was more hesitant. She was nearly a decade younger than Biden, had recently ended a marriage, and was wary of entering the political world.
Despite her initial reservations, Jill found herself drawn to Biden and his sons. She began to play an increasingly important role in their lives, slowly becoming part of the family. Biden, certain of his feelings, proposed marriage multiple times, but Jill, still cautious, turned him down repeatedly.
Building a Life Together
Biden's persistence and the growing bond between Jill and the boys eventually won out. After much soul-searching, Jill realized she couldn't imagine her life without them. The couple married in June 1977 in New York City, with Beau and Hunter standing beside them at the altar.
Jill embraced her role as a mother to Beau and Hunter, providing the stability and maternal care they had been missing. Despite her initial dislike of politics, she also became a strong support for Biden's career, standing by him through the ups and downs of public life.
With Jill by his side, Biden felt renewed confidence in both his personal and professional life. He ran for and won a second term in the Senate, cementing his place in national politics. The stability of his home life allowed him to focus more intently on his Senate work, where he was gaining prominence through his committee positions in foreign affairs, intelligence, and security.
Growing Political Ambitions
As Biden's influence in the Senate grew, so did speculation about his political future. Senior Democrats began to suggest that he consider running for higher office, specifically the presidency. The idea of a presidential run was both exciting and daunting for Biden and his family.
Biden's experience in the Senate, particularly in foreign policy and national security matters, gave him confidence that he could handle the responsibilities of the presidency. He had developed a clear vision for the country and felt he had the skills to unite people across party lines.
However, the prospect of a presidential campaign also brought back memories of the intense scrutiny and pressure Biden had faced earlier in his career. He was acutely aware of the toll such a campaign could take on his family, who had already sacrificed so much for his political career.
After much consideration and family discussion, Biden decided to throw his hat into the ring for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. This decision marked a new chapter in his political journey, one that would test his resilience, challenge his convictions, and ultimately shape the course of his career for years to come.
The 1988 Presidential Campaign
Entering the Race
Biden's decision to run for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination was a significant step in his political career. He entered the race with a message of restoring American values, addressing economic inequalities, and strengthening the country's position on the global stage.
However, Biden quickly discovered that running for national office was far more grueling than he had anticipated. The intensity of media scrutiny and the demands of a national campaign were unlike anything he had experienced in his Senate races.
Media Challenges
Biden's relationship with the press had been strained since his early days in the Senate when he felt they had invaded his privacy following the deaths of Neilia and Naomi. As a result, he had few close allies in the media to help him navigate the challenges of a presidential campaign.
The press coverage of Biden's campaign was often harsh. He was criticized for being all style and no substance, and his Senate record was scrutinized and sometimes misrepresented. Biden struggled to effectively counter these narratives, finding it difficult to convey the depth of his experience and policy knowledge in the sound-bite-driven world of national politics.
Campaign Momentum and Setbacks
Despite the challenging media environment, Biden's campaign began to gain traction. His ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds and his message of opportunity for all resonated with many voters. He performed well in debates and campaign appearances, and it seemed that his candidacy was building momentum.
However, the campaign was dealt a severe blow when the New York Times published a story accusing Biden of plagiarism. The article claimed that Biden had used part of a speech by British politician Neil Kinnock without attribution during a debate closing argument. What the article didn't mention was that the video highlighting this similarity had been sent to the newspaper by a rival campaign, deliberately trying to undermine Biden.
The Plagiarism Controversy
The plagiarism accusation quickly snowballed. Journalists dug into Biden's past and found that he had faced a similar accusation during his time at Syracuse Law School. Although the school had concluded that Biden's mistake was unintentional - a result of improper citation rather than deliberate cheating - the press ran with the story, painting Biden as a serial plagiarizer.
These accusations struck at the heart of what Biden valued most: his personal integrity. The controversy threatened not only his presidential campaign but also his ongoing work in the Senate, where he was chairing important Supreme Court nomination proceedings.
Withdrawing from the Race
Faced with mounting negative press and the potential impact on his Senate responsibilities, Biden made the difficult decision to withdraw from the presidential race. The experience was deeply painful for him and his family, who had invested so much in the campaign.
However, stepping back from the presidential race would prove to be a blessing in disguise. Throughout the campaign, Biden had been suffering from severe headaches, which he had attributed to stress. It would soon become clear that these were symptoms of a much more serious health issue.
Health Crisis and Recovery
Discovering the Aneurysm
Shortly after withdrawing from the presidential race, Biden's health took a dramatic turn. One night, after delivering a speech, he collapsed in his hotel room. Doctors discovered that he had an aneurysm lodged beneath his brain, a potentially life-threatening condition that required immediate attention.
The timing of this health crisis was, in a way, fortunate. Had Biden still been actively campaigning, the aneurysm might have gone undetected until it was too late. Instead, he was able to receive prompt medical attention.
Surgery and Recovery
Biden underwent a delicate and risky operation to address the aneurysm. The surgery was successful, but his recovery was long and challenging. He spent months recuperating, forced to step back from his Senate duties and public life.
This period of enforced rest gave Biden an opportunity he hadn't had in years - time to reflect on his life, his priorities, and his future in politics. It was a transformative experience that would shape his approach to both his personal life and his public service in the years to come.
A Changed Perspective
As Biden recovered, he found himself reevaluating many aspects of his life. He realized that he had been moving at a breakneck pace for years, often at the expense of his health and his relationships with his family. The health scare put the world of politics into perspective, helping him understand that while his work was important, it wasn't everything.
Biden emerged from this experience with a renewed appreciation for balance in his life. He remained passionate about his work in the Senate but was determined to keep it in proper perspective with his family life and personal well-being.
Renewed Focus in the Senate
When Biden returned to the Senate, he did so with a clearer sense of purpose and a more focused approach to his work. He threw himself into ambitious projects that aligned with his core values and where he felt he could make the most significant impact.
One of his major initiatives was crafting the Violence Against Women Act, landmark legislation addressing the epidemic of domestic violence in America. He also became more deeply involved in foreign policy work, using his position to advocate for U.S. intervention in the Balkans to stop human rights abuses.
Biden's experience with his health crisis had given him a new perspective on what truly mattered. He was more determined than ever to use his position in the Senate to effect meaningful change, focusing on issues where he believed he could make a real difference in people's lives.
The Road to 2008
The Impact of 9/11
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, profoundly changed the United States and had a significant impact on Biden's work in the Senate. In the immediate aftermath, Biden was moved by the global outpouring of solidarity with the U.S. He saw an opportunity for the country to unite with its allies in a coordinated effort to combat terrorism on an international scale.
Initially, it seemed that the Bush administration might pursue this kind of multilateral approach. However, Biden soon found himself at odds with key figures in the administration, particularly Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who advocated for a more unilateral and militaristic response.
Opposition to the Iraq War
As the Bush administration began to push for war with Iraq, Biden became increasingly concerned. He believed that the focus on Iraq was misplaced and that it would divert resources and attention from the fight against Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups directly responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Biden was critical of the administration's handling of the Iraq War from its inception. He pointed out the lack of proper planning, the disregard for international law, and the potential long-term consequences for America's standing in the world. The use of torture at facilities like Guantanamo Bay particularly troubled Biden, who saw it as a betrayal of American values and a dangerous precedent.
As the war dragged on, costing thousands of lives and billions of dollars, Biden's opposition only grew stronger. He used his position in the Senate to challenge the administration's policies and to push for a more responsible approach to foreign policy and national security.
Considering Another Presidential Run
The re-election of George W. Bush in 2004 was a significant disappointment for Biden. He believed that the country was on the wrong track and that the Democrats needed to regain control of the White House in 2008 to change course.
For the first time since his unsuccessful 1988 campaign, Biden began to seriously consider another run for the presidency. However, he was acutely aware of the toll his previous campaign had taken on his family and was hesitant to put them through that experience again.
Family Support
To Biden's surprise, when he broached the subject with his family during their annual Christmas gathering, they were unanimously supportive of him running again. Jill, who had once been wary of politics, told him that they believed he had what it takes to unite the country and that they were willing to support him fully in this endeavor.
This unconditional support from his family was crucial for Biden. It gave him the confidence to move forward with his presidential ambitions, knowing that he had a strong support system behind him.
Announcing His Candidacy
With his family's blessing, Biden announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. Unlike his first run 20 years earlier, this time Biden had a clear vision of why he wanted to be president and what he would do if elected.
His campaign focused on his extensive foreign policy experience, his plans to end the Iraq War responsibly, and his vision for rebuilding America's standing in the world. He also emphasized his ability to work across party lines and his commitment to addressing domestic issues like healthcare and economic inequality.
As he embarked on this new campaign, Biden was under no illusions about the challenges ahead. But he was also more prepared, both personally and politically, to face those challenges. With decades of Senate experience behind him and a clear sense of purpose, Biden set out to make his case to the American people.
Conclusion
Joe Biden's autobiography "Promises to Keep" offers a compelling narrative of a life dedicated to public service, marked by both triumphs and tragedies. From his early struggles with stuttering to his rise in the Senate and his presidential ambitions, Biden's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his principles.
The book provides valuable insights into Biden's character and his approach to politics. It reveals a man deeply influenced by his working-class upbringing and Catholic faith, with a strong sense of right and wrong that has guided his political career. Biden's ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his willingness to work across party lines, and his focus on issues like civil rights, environmental protection, and foreign policy have been consistent themes throughout his career.
Biden's personal experiences, particularly the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter and his later health crisis, have profoundly shaped his worldview and his approach to public service. These experiences have given him a deep empathy for those facing their own struggles and a perspective on what truly matters in life.
As a political figure, Biden emerges as someone who is not afraid to take principled stands, even when they are unpopular. His opposition to the Iraq War, his work on issues like violence against women, and his efforts to build international coalitions demonstrate his willingness to tackle complex challenges head-on.
The book ends as Biden is preparing for his 2008 presidential run, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation about what the future might hold. While we now know the outcome of that campaign and Biden's subsequent role as Vice President under Barack Obama, "Promises to Keep" provides invaluable context for understanding the man who would go on to play a crucial role in American politics for years to come.
In the end, Joe Biden's story as told in "Promises to Keep" is not just a political biography, but a deeply human tale of perseverance, growth, and the enduring power of family and personal conviction. It offers readers a chance to understand the experiences and values that have shaped one of America's most prominent political figures, providing context that remains relevant as Biden continues to play a central role in American political life.