Joe Biden has been involved in major legislative decisions over his lengthy time in US politics, which gives him a nuanced understanding of critical issues.

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He was chairman or ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for 17 years. He chaired the confirmation hearings of five justices, the most contentious being the hearings over the nominations of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas.

As Judiciary Committee chairman, Biden was a leading advocate for massive tough-on-crime legislation such as the 1994 federal crime bill that stiffened sentences, widened application of the death penalty, added police officers to the streets, and provided funding for new prisons

As Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for 12 years, Biden played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He was at the forefront of issues and legislation related to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, post-Cold War Europe, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and ending apartheid.

Biden introduced the Violence Against Women Act that promised federal penalties for crimes against women. Stalled by Republicans, the bill went nowhere until 1994 when Congress finally passed it. Biden has called the law his “proudest legislative accomplishment.” Biden further advanced his recognition of women and their issues when he selected Senator Kamala Harris of California as his running mate.

Supported voting positions

Joe Biden is fit to serve as president because of his extensive political experience.

Joe Biden is fit to serve as president because his policy achievements demonstrate effective leadership

Supporting arguments

Joe Biden has a lot of experience in US politics, gotten over decades of his involvement in politics

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Joe Biden has a lot of experience in US politics, gotten over decades of his involvement in politics

US Politics

Voting position claim

Joe Biden’s long-term exposure to legislative decisions does not give him a nuanced understanding of it. There have been instances where his judgment has been called into question, such as during the 1991 Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings and his leading role in advocating for tough-on-crime legislation in the 1990s.

US Politics

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