100 Joe Biden Quotes: Empathy, Resilience, and Leadership in His Own Words
- The Finest List Maker
- May 6
- 5 min read
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, is known for his empathy, resilience, and long-standing commitment to public service. With decades of experience in politics, Biden’s quotes often reflect themes of unity, compassion, perseverance, and the American spirit. His words resonate with those seeking reassurance, strength through hardship, and a call for togetherness.
In this article, we’ve collected 100 of Joe Biden’s most memorable, motivating, and meaningful quotes—from campaign trails and policy speeches to personal reflections and heartfelt moments.
Table of Contents: 100 Joe Biden Quotes
Famous Joe Biden Quotes
Short Joe Biden Quotes
Inspirational Quotes from Joe Biden
Quotes About Empathy and Character
Joe Biden Quotes on Democracy and Unity
Quotes About Family, Loss, and Resilience
Joe Biden Quotes on the American Dream
Quotes from Speeches and Interviews
Quotes on Service and Responsibility
Bidenisms: Signature Sayings and Gaffes
How to Use Joe Biden Quotes in Your Life
Joe Biden Quotes – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Famous Joe Biden Quotes
“Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.”
“Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.”
“We’re in a battle for the soul of this nation.”
“Our best days still lie ahead.”
“This is the United States of America. There’s not a single thing we can’t do if we do it together.”
“The middle class is the backbone of this country.”
“I promise you, the only thing that can tear America apart is America itself.”
“We are the United States of America. There is nothing we cannot do when we do it together.”
“No one is better than you, and everyone is equal to you.”
“Hope is more powerful than fear.”
2. Short Joe Biden Quotes
“Keep the faith.”
“Let me be clear.”
“I’m running as a proud Democrat.”
“We lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
“This is not who we are.”
“I see you. I hear you.”
“America is back.”
“Truth matters.”
“Build back better.”
“Empathy is the fuel of democracy.”
3. Inspirational Quotes from Joe Biden
“Life is a matter of really tough choices.”
“My father used to say, ‘Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about dignity.’”
“You’re defined by your courage, your compassion, and your character.”
“You’ve got to be willing to stand for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.”
“I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count, but always got back up.”
“For too long, we’ve allowed differences to divide us.”
“We need to choose truth over lies, science over fiction, unity over division.”
“I believe in possibilities. I believe in the future.”
“You can't be a bystander in democracy.”
“We’re Americans. We never give up. We never give in.”
4. Quotes About Empathy and Character
“Empathy is the most important quality of a leader.”
“The greatest gift my parents gave me was believing in my worth.”
“The words of a president matter. They can move markets. They can send our brave men and women to war. They can bring peace.”
“I’ve never doubted that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”
“Character is on the ballot.”
“We must restore the soul of America.”
“To lead this nation, you must love this nation.”
“Leadership is about being honest, even when it's hard.”
“I don't look at someone’s wealth or power. I look at how they treat others.”
“Every generation has the obligation to keep liberty alive.”
5. Joe Biden Quotes on Democracy and Unity
“We are not enemies. We are Americans.”
“Democracy needs defenders.”
“In the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracy must prevail.”
“We have to bring people together, not pull them apart.”
“Unity is not some pie-in-the-sky dream—it’s what makes this country work.”
“Too much hate, too much division. It’s time to heal.”
“Democracy is fragile. It needs all of us to protect it.”
“We will overcome this pandemic and emerge stronger—together.”
“We need to lower the temperature, listen to each other again.”
“I believe in restoring the soul of the nation.”
6. Quotes About Family, Loss, and Resilience
“Faith sees best in the dark.”
“I learned grief is an unpredictable companion.”
“The way you overcome tragedy is by finding purpose.”
“Family is everything.”
“You know you're okay when you can remember them with a smile before a tear.”
“Grief never ends. But it changes.”
“There is no timetable for healing.”
“My life is a reflection of my losses—and what I’ve gained by getting through them.”
“We learn who we are in the hardest moments.”
“I carry the memory of my son with me every day. He inspires everything I do.”
7. Joe Biden Quotes on the American Dream
“America is an idea—an idea stronger than any army.”
“Everyone deserves a fair shot—not just the wealthy and well-connected.”
“We are a nation of possibilities.”
“The American Dream is within reach for all who believe.”
“We must build an economy that works for everyone.”
“My whole soul is in this: bringing America back.”
“This country rewards hard work—not privilege.”
“We need to invest in workers, not just Wall Street.”
“The promise of America is that everyone gets a chance.”
“This is a nation where anything is possible.”
8. Quotes from Speeches and Interviews
“We must be the nation we know we can be.” — 2021 Inaugural Address
“The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.” — Inaugural Address
“There’s never been anything we’ve tried to do that we haven’t been able to do together.”
“This is a time to rebuild, to restore, to heal.”
“We lead not by our example of power but by the power of our example.”
“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue.”
“It’s a time to meet the moment as one nation.”
“Let this grim era of demonization begin to end—here and now.”
“I will be a president for all Americans.”
“We will overcome, because that is what we do.”
9. Quotes on Service and Responsibility
“Being a public servant means putting others first.”
“Service is the rent we pay for living.”
“Government should work for the people—not the powerful.”
“You have a responsibility to speak out against injustice.”
“To lead is to serve.”
“Public service is about solving problems.”
“I entered politics to help the working class, not the elite.”
“We owe it to future generations to act boldly today.”
“The work of democracy never ends.”
“You don’t have to be president to make a difference.”
10. Bidenisms: Signature Sayings and Gaffes
“Come on, man!”
“Here’s the deal…”
“Malarkey!”
“I’ve known eight presidents. Three of them intimately.”
“This is a big f***ing deal.” (on the signing of the ACA)
“Folks, this is not hyperbole.”
“We choose truth over facts.”
“Stand up, Chuck!” (to a man in a wheelchair)
“Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.”
“I may be a gaffe machine, but my God, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can’t tell the truth.”
How to Use Joe Biden Quotes in Your Life
Leadership & Education: His quotes on unity, service, and courage can inspire classrooms and boardrooms alike.
Social Media Inspiration: Use Biden’s quotes to share hope, civility, and strength.
Personal Journaling: Reflect on his insights about loss, character, and resilience.
Public Speaking: Emphasize themes of empathy, democracy, and shared responsibility.
Joe Biden Quotes – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these quotes verified?
A: Yes. These quotes are from Biden’s speeches, interviews, books (Promise Me, Dad), and public records.
Q: Can I use Joe Biden quotes for educational or inspirational purposes?
A: Yes. Biden’s quotes are public and widely used in civic and motivational contexts.
Q: Why do Biden’s quotes matter?
A: Biden’s words often focus on unity, empathy, and perseverance, making them especially relevant in times of hardship and national division.
