
God. The political circus never ends, does it? Just when we thought the Biden health saga couldn't get any messier, here we are dissecting a speech from 2022 where the former president basically told us he had cancer – and nobody seemed to notice or care at teh time.
I remember watching that speech live while folding laundry and thinking, "Did he just say what I think he said?" Then the news cycle moved on so fast I convinced myself I'd misheard. Turns out my ears were working just fine.
What the heck did he actually say back then?
During a speech about oil refineries near his childhood home in Delaware, Biden dropped this bomb: "That's why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation."
Have cancer. Not had. Have.

The White House scrambled to explain it away as a reference to previous skin cancers that had been removed years earlier. My editor texted me that night: "Classic Biden verbal slip or something more?" We debated it for 20 minutes before getting distracted by some Trump drama instead.
The Skin Cancer Explanation (That Now Feels Incomplete)
Before becoming president, Biden had several "localized, non-melanoma skin cancers" surgically removed. You know, the kind that practically everyone in politics over 70 seems to have had. In February 2023, doctors removed another skin lesion from his chest – basal cell carcinoma, which is common and usually not serious.
These typically show up on sun-exposed areas – face, ears, shoulders. The price of being a politician who spends decades at outdoor campaign events without sunscreen, I guess.
Trump's Not Letting This One Go
Of course Trump pounced on this faster than a cat on a laser pointer. He's "surprised" the public wasn't informed sooner about Biden's condition. Shocking, right? Trump showing concern about transparency in others while being about as transparent as concrete himself.

He went on to question the timeline, suggesting it takes a "long time" to reach such an aggressive cancer stage. I spent $230 last night ordering medical textbooks because I suddenly need to become an oncology expert to understand what's happening in American politics. What even is this timeline we're living in?
Listen. I'm not a doctor. But Dr. Zeke Emanuel is, and he didn't mince words: "He had it while he was President. He probably had it at the start of his presidency, in 2021."
So... what's actually wrong with him now?
Sunday's announcement from Biden's personal office was like a punch to the gut for many Americans who'd supported him. The 82-year-old former president has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that's already spread to the bone.
It's not good.
The statement described it as "a more aggressive form of the disease" with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5). For those of us who don't speak medical, Cancer Research UK says this means the cancerous cells "look very abnormal" and the disease is "likely to grow quickly."
The only silver lining? It appears to be "hormone-sensitive," which apparently allows for "effective management." Whatever that means in practical terms for an 82-year-old man.
The Question Nobody Wants to Ask
Was Biden dealing with this throughout his presidency? And if so... who knew? When did they know? And why weren't we told?
Back in 2018, I interviewed a presidential historian who told me, "Americans have a right to know if their leader is fighting serious health battles." That conversation feels weirdly prophetic now.
I feel conflicted writing this. On one hand, everyone deserves privacy regarding their health. On the other hand, when you're literally the most powerful person on the planet...
Biden shared a touching photo with his wife Jill after the diagnosis went public. Politics aside, cancer is brutal, adn no one deserves to face it – especially at 82. Poor Joe. But the questions about what was known during his presidency aren't going away anytime soon.
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What is the importance of political participation?
Political participation is vital for a healthy democracy, as it allows citizens to express their opinions, influence decision-making, and hold elected officials accountable. Engaged citizens contribute to the legitimacy of the political system.
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The judiciary interprets and applies the law, ensuring justice and upholding the constitution. It serves as a check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches, protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.
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Civil rights are the rights that protect individuals' freedoms from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. These rights include the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to due process.
What are the different types of political systems?
Political systems can be categorized into several types, including democracy, authoritarianism, monarchy, and oligarchy. Each system has distinct characteristics regarding how power is obtained and exercised, and how citizens participate in governance.
How does international politics affect domestic policy?
International politics can significantly influence domestic policy through trade agreements, foreign aid, and security alliances. Governments must balance international relations with the needs and interests of their citizens, often leading to complex policy decisions.
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Politicians are elected through various electoral processes, which may include direct elections, where voters cast their ballots for candidates, or indirect elections, where representatives are chosen by an electoral college or other bodies. The specifics can vary by country and the level of government.
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- Data reveals that around 40% of the global population lives under some form of authoritarian regime, affecting their political freedoms.
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Supporting political candidates involves a multifaceted approach. Begin by researching candidates’ platforms, values, and track records to ensure alignment with your beliefs. Volunteering your time for campaign activities such as canvassing or phone banking can significantly impact outreach efforts. Consider making financial contributions to support campaign initiatives, as funding is crucial for advertising and events. Engaging with your network to encourage others to support the candidate can further amplify your impact. Staying informed about campaign developments allows you to provide effective support throughout the election cycle.