Even in the midst of a health crisis, Joe Biden is not remaining silent.
In addition to a health update, the former president made headlines on Memorial Day for an interaction with a young female reporter that some people found “creepy” or inappropriate because he leaned in close before making a pointed comment.
Critics who questioned his mental and physical fitness were mocked by the statement, “You can see that I was mentally incompetent and I can’t walk and I can beat the hell out of both of them.”
Backlash and Book Bombshells
Days had passed since CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson published their shocking political biography, Original Sin, a behind-the-scenes exposé that claimed Biden’s inner circle concealed indications of his deteriorating health during his presidency in order to keep the public—and even some employees—in the dark.
The 81-year-old Biden sarcastically and defiantly rejected the revelations:
“Why didn’t they oppose me back then? I was capable of defeating them.
“I don’t regret anything.”
Update on Cancer: “We’re Going to Beat This”
Additionally, this was Biden’s first public appearance since he confirmed earlier this month that he had aggressive prostate cancer. Speaking in a raspy voice, he informed reporters that he is presently receiving treatment and that the illness has not spread.
“We’re expected to be able to defeat this,” he stated. “I have strong bones. I feel fine.
Biden went on to say that he takes medicine and maintains his optimism, with family support being a major factor in his perspective.
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Honoring Beau — and the Mysteries of His Illness
Biden and his wife Jill had gone to mass earlier that day to commemorate the tenth anniversary of their late son Beau’s death from glioblastoma in 2015. Later, as is customary each year, the couple was spotted at Beau’s grave at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church. This year, Beau’s son Little Hunter will be joining them.
Beau’s cancer battle is also covered in Original Sin, which claims the Bidens concealed his diagnosis while he was Delaware’s attorney general. The book claims that while Biden, who was vice president at the time, instructed aides to lie to the media about Beau’s whereabouts during treatment visits, Beau was admitted to hospitals under the name “George Lincoln.”
Biden, Jill Presently in the Public Eye
Former First Lady Jill Biden is under increased scrutiny for her alleged role in downplaying her husband’s health concerns in the wake of the book’s publication. Interviews with four Biden aides and former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor have been formally requested by House Oversight Chair James Comer.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, made a direct statement Thursday:
“Jill Biden undoubtedly participated in that cover-up. She continues to mislead Americans. To be honest, it’s offensive, and she must take responsibility for it.
Joe’s Final Word
Biden responded with a combination of thoughtful analysis and scathing comments, maintaining his composure and assertiveness in the face of the constant scrutiny.
Whether motivated by self-assurance or tactful wording, one thing is for sure: Joe Biden isn’t backing down from the limelight.
