Bill Clinton weighs in on Joe Biden’s health
President
Bill Clinton
has weighed in on
Joe Biden
‘s health, saying he never doubted the former president’s mental state once.
Why It Matters
Biden was diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone, his office revealed on May 18, after Biden faced
significant scrutiny over his health throughout his presidency
and during his brief 2024 reelection campaign.
The news has sparked
speculation about whether Biden and the White House knew about his declining health
earlier while carrying out a cover-up.
What To Know
But Clinton has said Biden was in “good shape” when he saw him last.
“I saw President Biden not very long ago, and I thought he was in good shape,” he told
CBS
Sunday Morning. “I had never seen him and walked away thinking, he can’t do this anymore.”
He went to say that he had not read
Original Sin
, a book written by
CNN
journalist Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson in which several named insiders claim the former U.S. president was faltering physically and cognitively in a decline that was
hidden from the American public
.
“I didn’t want to because he’s not president anymore, and I think he did a good job,” Clinton said. “I think we are facing challenges today with our president in our history. And some people are trying to use this as a way to blame him for the fact that Trump was reelected.”
What Has Joe Biden Said About His Health?
Biden wrote on X on May 19: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
He spoke about his health again during a Memorial Day address in his home state of Delaware.
“You can see that I’m mentally incompetent and I can’t walk, and I can beat the hell out of both of them,” Biden joked when a reporter said there had been a “lot of discussion” about his health while in office.
He also said he had “no regreated” about eventually not running in the 2024 election.
How Have Other World Leaders Responded?
President Donald Trump
wrote on his Truth Social platform
: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Biden’s predecessor Barrack
Obama
, who worked with Biden for eight years
when Biden was his vice president said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.”
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
said in a statement: “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment.”
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
posted on X: “Joe, I’m thinking about you and Jill today. You’ve always been a fighter, my friend! I am praying for your full and speedy recovery. Thank you for continuing to inspire us all.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X
: “Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter—and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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