When former President Joe Biden faced a reporter’s question about his mental fitness during a Memorial Day ceremony, he didn’t shy away or get defensive — he responded with a little humor and a sharp comeback.
After speaking at a service honoring veterans, Biden told a female reporter, “You can see that I was mentally incompetent and I can’t walk and I can beat the hell out of both of them,” clearly joking but also pushing back on any doubts about his abilities.
This was Biden’s first public response since revealing his prostate cancer diagnosis, and despite the serious nature of his health, he seemed in good spirits and ready to address tough questions head-on.
Biden Dismisses Democratic Critics Who Questioned His Re-Election Bid
There have been whispers from some Democrats that Biden shouldn’t have run for re-election.
But he brushed those aside, saying, “Why didn’t they run against me then? I could have beaten them.”
When asked if he has any regrets about his decision, he was clear: “No, I don’t have any regrets.”
His confidence seemed steady, even as his voice sounded a bit hoarse while speaking to reporters at Veterans Park in Wilmington, Delaware, where he regularly attends the annual Memorial Day service.
Health Update and Family Optimism on Cancer Treatment
Biden shared some optimistic news about his health, revealing that he and his family are hopeful about beating the cancer.
He explained that he’s currently taking pills as part of his treatment and that the cancer hasn’t spread to any organs — just his bones, which he says are “strong.”
“I feel good,” he assured, demonstrating his determination and fighting spirit.
Honoring Beau Biden on the 10th Anniversary of His Passing
Earlier that day, Joe and Jill Biden attended a mass in Wilmington to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their son Beau Biden’s death.
Beau passed away in 2015 from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The Bidens have a tradition of visiting Beau’s grave every year on this day, holding a special mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church where he is buried.
Public Scrutiny Grows Over Biden Family’s Handling of Health Issues
While the Bidens mark these private moments, public attention is also sharpening on how the family managed health information when Joe Biden was in office.
A recent book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson called Original Sin claims the Biden team tried to cover up Joe Biden’s health issues during his presidency.
The book also highlights how the family kept Beau Biden’s cancer diagnosis largely under wraps, even misleading the media about the severity of his condition.
Beau Biden’s Illness and the Family’s Struggle with Transparency
According to the book, Beau was diagnosed in 2013 after collapsing on a family vacation and underwent brain surgery.
The family debated internally about what information to share with the public but ultimately chose silence.
Beau even told a local reporter he had a “clean bill of health,” though he continued treatment and checked into hospitals under a fake name to keep a low profile.
Joe Biden, who was then Vice President, supported his son through his treatment but also directed aides to mislead the press about his whereabouts, according to Tapper and Thompson.
Congressional Investigation and Calls for Jill Biden to Testify
This ongoing controversy has drawn political attention, with House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer requesting interviews with former Biden aides and the former White House physician about Joe Biden’s health while in office.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently pushed for Jill Biden to be included in those interviews, accusing her of being “complicit” in the alleged cover-up.
Leavitt criticized the former First Lady, saying she still claims “everything is fine” and accused her of “lying to the American people” and underestimating the public’s intelligence.
The political battle over Biden’s health transparency looks far from over.