The 82-year-old has received support from the former president, who is among a number of politicians from both parties expressing their solidarity.
‘Michelle and I are keeping the entire Biden family in our thoughts,’ Obama stated on X. ‘No one has contributed more to the pursuit of innovative cancer treatments than Joe, and I am confident he will confront this challenge with his characteristic determination and dignity.
We are hopeful for a swift and complete recovery.’ A spokesperson for Biden revealed earlier that he has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer.
Subsequently, the cancer has metastasized to his bones. The health update was disclosed just a week after reports indicated that Biden’s prostate contained a ‘small nodule’ necessitating ‘further evaluation.’
According to Biden’s office, the former president was assessed for a new diagnosis of a prostate nodule following the onset of worsening urinary symptoms last week.
‘On Friday, he received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, identified by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,’ the statement notes, highlighting the serious nature of the prognosis.
A ‘Gleason score’ is assigned to prostate tumors based on the appearance of malignant cells in comparison to healthy cells. With a score of nine, Biden’s cancer is classified as one of the most aggressive types.
Following a routine examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in February 2024, Biden’s physician determined him to be ‘fit to serve’ during his presidency.
A statement from Biden’s office suggests that the cancer type appears to be hormone-sensitive and may respond well to various treatment options.
The former president has a history of battling cancer. Before assuming office, Biden underwent Mohs surgery to excise several non-melanoma skin cancer lesions and had a malignant tumor removed from his chest in February 2023.
Biden’s son Beau, who was diagnosed with the highly aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme in 2013, tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 46.
Biden attributes Beau’s cancer to his exposure to military burn pits during his service in Iraq.
While serving as vice president under Obama, Biden was initially appointed to lead the Cancer Moonshot initiative, which he revived in 2022.
At that time, multiple insiders informed the Daily Mail that he genuinely believed Harris had the potential to defeat Trump and struggled to understand how she could have so severely mishandled the election along with a billion dollars in campaign funding.
However, other insiders revealed that he was secretly enraged about having to withdraw and expressed his conviction that he would have won the election.
Biden’s allies within the Democratic Party have begun to candidly recognize that he should not have pursued reelection in 2024.
Some assert that aides who were shielding Biden from public view and assuring party members of his fitness behind the scenes misled them.
In both the electoral college and the popular vote, Trump triumphed over Harris.
Certain members of the Democratic Party have blamed Biden, arguing that Harris’ campaign would have thrived with more time and that he should have exited the race much earlier.
A Harris campaign adviser dramatically remarked to the Washington Post, ‘It is almost Shakespearean that Biden not only undermined his own campaign but also hers.’
Furthermore, Harris’ decision to publicly post her message to Biden on X has ignited speculation regarding whether she also reached out to him via phone.
One critic remarked, ‘Are you even serious? You betrayed this man and then abandoned him.’ Another added, ‘Such public displays of empathy… a performance for the masses.
It seems that genuine concern is a rare commodity that must be theatrically exhibited. Perhaps true compassion begins where the cameras cease.’
Some of Biden’s most outspoken critics, including MAGA supporters, have expressed more fervent sentiments than his allies, such as President Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Greene expressed her condolences, stating, “I am saddened by this news. Cancer is truly devastating. My father succumbed to cancer in 2021.
I am praying for Joe Biden and his family.” Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, saying, “Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to Jill and the family, hoping for Joe’s swift and successful recovery.”
Donald Trump Jr. also addressed the serious prognosis on his Instagram story, remarking, “Setting politics aside, we wish him a quick recovery.”
Notably, Biden was elected as the oldest person to assume the highest office in US history and left office as the nation’s oldest president.
The Trump family often harshly criticized Biden’s cognitive abilities, with President Trump, 78, frequently referring to him as “sleepy Joe,” questioning his active schedule and suggesting that his “handlers” were managing the White House.
Shortly after resuming his media engagements, Biden received his diagnosis. On May 8, he co-hosted an interview with his wife, former first lady Jill Biden, on The View.
Additionally, the former president participated in a lengthy pre-recorded interview on BBC to mark the anniversary of Victory Day.
Jake Tapper from CNN and Alex Thompson from Axios are collaborating on a book that exclusively addresses President Biden’s decline and the extensive concealment of his cognitive deterioration throughout his single term in office.
Titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” this book is set to be released later this week and elaborates on the depth of the cover-up.
By the end of his term, his condition had worsened to the point where several aides started to wonder if he would need a wheelchair.
