Joe Biden has been diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with a “aggressive” form of prostate cancer.
Joe Biden concluded his half-century career in public office after a rough final year of dropping out of the 2024 presidential election amid questions about his age and fitness. Now he’s back in the national spotlight after it was announced earlier this month that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A Biden spokesman said on May 18 that the former president was diagnosed with a “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that spread to the bone. According to the statement, Biden was diagnosed after “experienced urinary symptoms” and a “nodule” was found in his prostate.
The former commander leaves the White House and heads straight to California for vacation, and has been staying modestly for several months. The cancer diagnosis came when 82-year-old Biden was beginning to publicly address Donald Trump’s presidency.
Biden began reappearing publicly last month, giving a speech in Chicago, appeared on ABC’s “The View,” and then interviewed the BBC. In his “view,” Biden said he is “trying to figure out what the most important and consequential role I can play.”
Now his plan is being defeated by an important health battle.
Bidens will make their first public speech since leaving the White House
Biden’s first speech since leaving the White House came in Chicago on April 15th as Trump approached the 100-day mark of presidency. The former president criticized his successor’s opening policy blitz.
“In less than 100 days, this new administration has caused so much damage and so much destruction,” Biden told a national conference of Chicago’s disability advocates, counselors and representatives. “They had a handcatch at the Social Security Agency.”
This comment came when Democrats were distraught about President Trump’s opening days. Biden’s role in the party was unknown as Democrats are looking for a new, younger voice to take on Trump.
Biden finished his first semester at the White House, facing a second guess from fellow Democrats with low approval rates. He tried to rehabilitate his image in the party, helping and helping famous democratic operatives.
Biden’s Media Blitz: Interview with the BBC, “View”
Biden began a media round and tried to rehabilitate his reputation. This came before two highly anticipated books that unearthed his administration’s efforts to downplay concerns about his age and eyesight, which many believe embraced Democrats in 2024.
Appearing in “The View,” Biden rejected criticism that he had waited too long to drop out of the 2024 race, claiming he defeated Trump in a rematch last fall. He also pushed back those who said they had experienced cognitive decline and said they were “they’re wrong.”
And earlier this month, Biden told the BBC that closing the 2024 bid was a “right decision” but “just a difficult decision.”
“It was tough to say I was going to stop,” he told the BBC. “Things moved so fast that it made it difficult to leave.”
Political leaders respond to Biden’s cancer diagnosis
His May 16th prostate cancer diagnosis came on the day Axios released a recording of a more than five-hour interview with special advisor Robert Hur. Har ultimately decided not to prosecute improper possession of documents classified as Biden, claiming that the ju-described Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly person.”
Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and handed over the Democratic nomination to former Vice President Kamala Harris after a disastrous debate performance against Trump. The debate raised concerns about Biden’s mental vision.
Since his cancer diagnosis, Biden has received a pour in support from across the political spectrum. Trump, Harris, former President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton all often want Biden on social media.
“Joe is a fighter, and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience and optimism that has always defined his life and leadership,” writes Harris.
Contributors: Joey Garrison, Philip Bailey, Sarah D. Wire, USA Today. Reuters
