Biden’s Diagnosis and Calls for Transparency
The Wall Street Journal has urged former President Biden, now 82, to be open about his health history following his announcement on Sunday that he has stage 4 prostate cancer. This disclosure has prompted several global leaders, including President Trump, to express their support for Biden and extend hopes for his recovery. However, his announcement has also sparked confusion and speculation regarding his medical history, particularly among journalists.
“The announcement that President Biden has stage 4 prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones, is a sad moment for the country. We hope for the best treatment and prognosis for him and his family,” the editorial board stated. They noted that given Biden assumed office just 120 days ago, it’s reasonable to expect more transparency about his health, especially since he has expressed the intention to serve until 2029.
Biden’s last known prostate cancer screening took place over a decade ago.
The editorial continued, citing a spokesperson who revealed that Biden’s last PSA blood test was conducted in 2014. PSA tests help screen for prostate-specific antigens. These tests are crucial since they can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The Mayo Clinic explains that the test measures the level of PSA in the blood.
While some men may miss symptoms of this illness, Biden was actively campaigning for re-election, indicating he planned to stay in office for another four years. This raises questions about his health decisions during such an important period.
In related commentary, Dave Portnoy remarked that Biden’s late diagnosis might become one of the notable scandals in American politics.
The Wall Street Journal further suggested, “If he remained in the race and won, the nation would be contemplating President Kamala Harris without a vote.” The paper also referenced a history of U.S. presidents who have concealed their health issues, from Grover Cleveland’s secret surgery to the complications faced by Woodrow Wilson and John F. Kennedy. They expressed concern that the Biden administration had downplayed the extent of age-related decline until it was evident during a debate performance, leading to public doubt about his fitness for office.
