Is Joe Biden Irish? Yes or No: Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has often spoken about his Irish heritage and the influence it has had on his life and political career. In this article, we will take a closer look at Biden’s ancestry and explore the extent of his Irish roots.
Biden’s Family Background
Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942, to parents Joseph Biden Sr. and Catherine Biden. His father was of English, French, and Irish descent, while his mother’s family had Irish roots.
Biden grew up in a working-class family and often spoke about the struggles his family faced, including financial hardships and the loss of his mother and younger sister in a car accident.
Is Joe Biden Irish? Yes or No
The Biden Family Tree
Biden’s Irish ancestry can be traced back to his great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1832. Blewitt immigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century, settling in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Biden’s mother’s family also had Irish roots, with her ancestors coming from County Louth and County Londonderry.
Biden’s Connection to Ireland
Biden has visited Ireland several times throughout his life and has spoken about his strong emotional connection to the country. In 2016, he visited County Mayo, the birthplace of his great-great-grandfather, and was made an honorary freeman of the county. During his visit, he also met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Biden’s Political Career and Irish Heritage
Biden’s Irish heritage has played a significant role in his political career. He has been a strong advocate for Irish-American relations and was a key supporter of the Northern Ireland peace process in the 1990s. In 2017, he received the Freedom of County Louth award in recognition of his contribution to Irish-American relations.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s Irish ancestry is a significant part of his personal and political identity. His family’s roots in Ireland have had a profound impact on his life and career, and he has been a strong advocate for Irish-American relations and the Northern Ireland peace process.
As the first US President with Irish roots since John F. Kennedy, Biden’s heritage serves as a reminder of the important role of immigrants and their contributions to American society.