An esteemed senator and two-time vice president, Joe Biden saw his 1972 induction into Congress marred by the shocking deaths of his wife and daughter in a car accident. His dedication to his surviving sons was matched only by his devotion to his work, and he built a reputation as a seasoned, warm Congressional leader who considered the Violence Against Women Act as his greatest legacy. Although allegations he plagiarized portions of a speech opened up a controversy that torpedoed his 1988 run for the Democratic presidential ticket, Biden scored Barack Obama's vice presidential slot in 2008 and impressed against Sarah Palin in arguably the highest-profile debate of the cycle. Famous for his effusive off-the-cuff quips that, while coming from the heart, frequently landed him in hot water, Biden and his flaws were affectionately embraced by many and helped make him a celebrity in his own right, including a cameo as Leslie Knope's (Amy Poehler) ultimate crush on "Parks and Recreation" (NBC, 2009-15). A charming and time-tested politician who worked his way up to the White House, Joe Biden devoted his life to public service, earning a place in history for his tireless efforts.