Harris and other political leaders react to Biden’s cancer diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden received a diagnosis of prostate cancer last week, as stated by his office in a release on Sunday.
This announcement followed the discovery of a “small nodule” during a “routine physical examination,” according to a spokesperson for the former president who spoke to ABC News on May 13.
The diagnosis of prostate cancer is described as having a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, as reported by his office on Sunday. “Although this indicates a more aggressive variant of the disease, the cancer seems to be hormone-sensitive, which facilitates effective management.
As President Biden and his family consider treatment alternatives, former President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump, and various other political figures have begun to reach out to express their support for the former leader of the United States.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also shared a message on X on Sunday, stating that she and her husband are keeping President Joe Biden and his family in their thoughts and prayers. “Joe is a fighter — and I am confident he will confront this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have consistently characterized his life and leadership,” she wrote. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, who served as the second gentleman under Biden, also conveyed his best wishes separately.
Additionally, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed her sentiments, posting, “I am thinking of the Bidens as they confront cancer, a disease they have worked tirelessly to help other families avoid. Wishing you a swift and complete recovery.”
Former President Bill Clinton also contributed a message on his own account, stating, “My friend Joe Biden has always been a fighter. Hillary and I are cheering for him and keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared on X, “Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family during this challenging time.”
“Our thoughts are with President Biden and his whole family at this moment,” California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X on Sunday after receiving the news. “A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like him deserves to enjoy a long and fulfilling life. Sending strength, healing, and prayers his way.”
“President Biden understands that when you are knocked down, you must rise again and continue to fight,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker remarked, adding, “We stand with you in this battle, Joe.”
“President Biden has served our country with honor,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated on X. “During this trying time, Bill and I are praying for his health and a swift recovery.”
Hochul was accompanied by other Democratic leaders from her state in expressing these sentiments.
“I hope all Americans will join me in sending prayers to him and his family as they navigate the path ahead with this medical team. We are all wishing for a quick recovery,” New York Mayor Eric Adams posted on Sunday.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also posted a message on X, stating, “Heartbreaking news this afternoon. I’m praying for President Biden and his entire family, and I hope he makes a full recovery.”
Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, similarly expressed her prayers for Biden’s family in her social media update.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi conveyed on social media that she is praying for Biden and extends “love to him and his family.”
Members of Congress from both parties also took to social media to convey their well wishes for the Biden family.
Democratic senators who offered their support included Peter Welch from Vermont, Ruben Gallego from New Mexico, Tim Kaine from Virginia, and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania.
Republican senators who expressed their support included Thom Tillis from North Carolina, Susan Collins from Maine, and Roger Marshall from Kansas.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California remarked, “He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
“As you face this health challenge, my prayers are with you—for continued courage, grace in this moment of trial, and a full recovery,” wrote Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, on X.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia stated on X, “I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
Republican Representatives Anna Paulina Luna from Florida and Mike Lawler from New York also shared their well wishes.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement on Sunday evening, saying, “Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance. We stand with President Biden as he confronts this moment with the same courage and resilience he has shown throughout his life.”