Former President Joe Biden has made his first public comments since revealing his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, speaking at a heartfelt Memorial Day event in Veterans Memorial Park, Delaware, near his Wilmington residence. Holding steady during his speech, he addressed the poignant occasion that also marked the tenth anniversary of his son Beau’s passing.
Biden conveyed his ongoing battle with cancer, sharing with reporters that he is already undergoing treatment involving medication. He expressed optimism regarding his recovery, stating confidently, “The expectation is we’re gonna be able to beat this. I’m feeling good.”
His health challenges have sparked renewed scrutiny and debate regarding his fitness for office, particularly following recent disclosures in a book questioning his mental and physical capabilities. When asked about these concerns after the event, Biden responded light-heartedly, insisting, “You can see I’m mentally incompetent and I can walk and I can beat the hell out of both of them,” referring to the ongoing political climate.
In addressing doubts from within the Democratic Party regarding his re-election bid, he retorted, “Why didn’t they run against me then? Because I’d have beaten them.” These remarks reflect the ongoing struggles within his party as they assess leadership and viability moving forward.
During the event, Biden paid tribute to fallen soldiers and invited attendees to remember their sacrifices, linking their bravery to his personal loss of Beau, who served in Iraq before succumbing to brain cancer at the age of 46. He openly shared the emotional weight of the day, stating, “This day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau… it’s a hard day.” Yet, he found solace in the company of fellow mourners, expressing gratitude for being able to share his grief.
As Biden continues to navigate his health issues and personal trials, his presence at the Memorial Day gathering serves as a reminder of resilience and communal support amidst adversity.