Former President Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis has intensified ongoing concerns regarding his reelection bid. As the Democrats look ahead to 2028, some are questioning whether Biden should have exited the race much earlier.
The announcement on Sunday, revealing that Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, coincides with rising worries about his mental sharpness and if he’s fit to lead another presidential campaign.
Reactions to Biden’s illness have evoked sympathy from both parties, but it has also sparked renewed scrutiny over how the Biden team has managed his health issues, suggesting that the focus on the former president’s condition will persist as the next presidential election approaches.
“I think it’s crucial for every Democrat to be prepared for this conversation,” commented Democratic strategist Maria Cardona, expressing her concerns about Biden’s 2024 candidacy.
In light of his diagnosis, she added, “We need to tackle these questions head-on and keep moving forward, whether it’s for Democrats or the wider American public.”
Before the announcement, prominent Democrats were already contemplating potential successors due to uncertainty around the future of Biden’s presidency. Many are more willing to acknowledge his vulnerabilities than previous party leaders.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg remarked that Biden’s intention to run again could potentially harm the party but urged his colleagues to reflect on the situation responsibly. He indicated that he did have consistent support from the president during his time in office.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) openly acknowledged that Biden is “definitely” experiencing cognitive decline.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed to CNN that while discussions about Biden’s health might seem retrogressive, he believes Biden should either run for 2024 or drop out before the primaries.
“To restore trust, Democrats must be transparent. Given the circumstances, Joe Biden shouldn’t have pursued reelection. An open primary would be better,” he noted.
This situation arose after revelations in a new book depicted a bleak scenario regarding Biden’s last term.
In “Battle: In a Wild Battle for the White House,” authors have highlighted that Democrats and White House officials were aware of Biden’s frail condition and took measures to obscure signs of his aging while also planning contingencies.
Similar concerns were raised in excerpts from another forthcoming book, “The Original Crime: President Biden’s Decline, Concealment, and His Disastrous Choice,” pointing out strategic meetings with limited visibility.
Former First Lady Jill Biden defended her husband during an appearance on “The View,” disputing claims raised in these new publications.
“Original Sin,” released shortly after Biden’s diagnosis, has prompted varied reactions.
David Axelrod, a former strategist for Obama, mentioned that while concerns about Biden’s health should ideally be quelled by the diagnosis, scrutiny is likely to persist, particularly following the release of “Original Crime.”
“Discussions will continue, but he is dealing with this challenge now, and we can perhaps set these matters aside for the moment,” Axelrod suggested.
Conversely, Democratic strategist Michael Celaso argued against sidelining these discussions, emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding Biden’s health and its implications for his leadership.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) previously urged Biden to step down, suggesting that the timing of the cancer announcement seemed strategic to deflect criticism. “I don’t think this timing is purely coincidental,” he said.
Responses from the Republican side were swift, with some questioning Biden’s ability to fulfill presidential duties following the diagnosis.
“Whether this is the right time to raise these issues is debatable, but honesty about Biden’s capability to serve is crucial,” expressed Vice President Vance, while wishing for Biden’s recovery.
Comments from Vance and others imply that Republicans will likely continue to challenge Democrats through Biden, maintaining the spotlight on potential issues as they look toward the 2028 election.
Democratic strategist Hank Shenkop pointed out that determining who may be misleading about Biden’s health will remain a contentious debate, especially within the Trump-aligned factions of the GOP.
On a more somber note, left-of-center think tank member Matt Bennett remarked that the prolonged discussion about Biden’s health could put Democratic candidates who align closely with him in a delicate position, though he doubted it would significantly impact their campaigns.
The news of Biden’s diagnosis seems to overshadow the release of Tupper and Thompson’s book, with some commentators like Kaivan Shroff noting that timing and its implications will likely raise necessary questions.
“This will undoubtedly be a backstory, leading people to ask—what was known and when?” Shroff stated.
“Democrats should, at this point, redirect focus onto Donald Trump as the current leader of the country,” he added.
