Jill Biden recently shared that her husband sought medical attention after what many viewed as a poor performance during the 2024 debate, which ultimately led to the end of his presidential campaign.
On Tuesday, the former first lady appeared at the White House and on MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss her memoir that was just released. She mentioned that she suspected he might have suffered a stroke during the debate with current President Donald Trump.
When asked about whether she believed he experienced a medical episode and if she encouraged him to see a doctor, she recounted the moments following the debate. “As first lady, I have a team of doctors around me. Joe had a team of doctors around him. When I saw that, I was terrified,” she explained. She noted that her husband recognized his performance was lacking as soon as he came off the stage.
She continued, “Later, I went to grab my things, and he was checked by the doctor; they said he was fine. We attended three more events that night, and he seemed completely normal. In hindsight, it’s still baffling and hard to explain.”
After the June debate where Joe Biden faltered, many Democrats began advocating for his withdrawal from the race. Almost a month later, he did just that while quarantining in Delaware due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. He later endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris shortly afterward.
During her discussion on Morning Joe, Jill Biden noted that many Democrats felt misled by his debate performance. “Is there any truth to that?” she was asked. She rebutted, “If we were trying to hide him, why would we challenge Trump to a debate? It just doesn’t make sense.”
The host probed further, questioning if they were trying to protect him, to which Jill Biden firmly stated, “No, I don’t think they were protected.”
Additionally, she addressed her husband’s cancer diagnosis received months after leaving the White House. “Cancer is really tough, but I think he’ll be okay,” she remarked, stating that although he’s tired, he still manages to take Amtrak to his speaking engagements.
Jill Biden also shared that her husband and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have reconciled. Pelosi, a long-time supporter of Biden, had not backed his candidacy after the recent debate. She recounted a moment when Biden reached out to Pelosi, saying, “Peace, let’s be friends.” Jill expressed curiosity about his visit, learning later that Pelosi had been at church and wasn’t visible on the guest list for an event.
