Public image of Joe Biden

Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, has been in the national spotlight for over half a century, ever since he won his first election to the United States Senate in 1972. During his long tenure in the Senate, Biden was seen as a figure with the tendency to commit gaffes. He has been associated with working-class politics during his career, having been raised in a working-class family. His capacity for empathy has been noted, as has his tendency for exaggeration. A long-standing parody of Biden by The Onion, popular during his time as Barack Obama's vice president, is thought to have contributed positively to his public image. Biden's approval ratings as president have overall been highly polarized, with mixed support from Democrats and almost complete opposition from Republicans.