born

Palin family members at announcement of vice-presidential selection, 29 Aug 2008. From left to right: Todd, Piper, Willow, Bristol and Trig.

Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Robinette Biden, Sr. (1915–2002) and Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan (born 1918). He was the first of four siblings and is of Irish descent. He has two brothers, James Brian Biden and Francis W. Biden, and a sister, Valerie (Biden) Owens.

Senior Senator from Delaware

Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 1973
Serving with Tom Carper
Preceded by J. Caleb Boggs

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
In office January 4, 1987 – January 3, 1995
Preceded by Strom Thurmond
Succeeded by Orrin Hatch

11th Governor of Alaska

Incumbent
Assumed office December 4, 2006
Lieutenant Sean Parnell
Preceded by Frank Murkowski

Chairperson, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
In office 2003 – 2004
Preceded by Camille Oechsli Taylor
Succeeded by John K. Norman

Senior Senator from Arizona

Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 1987, Serving with Jon Kyl
Preceded by Barry Goldwater

Junior Senator from Illinois

Incumbent
Assumed office January 4, 2005
Serving with Richard Durbin
Preceded by Peter Fitzgerald

Member of the Illinois Senate from the 13th district
In office January 8, 1997 – November 4, 2004
Preceded by Alice J. Palmer
Succeeded by Kwame Raoul