Fact Check: Joe Biden Was Ill While President
What We Know
Joe Biden's recent diagnosis of prostate cancer has reignited discussions about his health during his presidency. On May 19, 2023, Biden's office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer after experiencing urinary symptoms. This diagnosis has raised questions about whether he was suffering from health issues while in office, particularly given that the cancer is aggressive and has spread to his bones (Reuters, BBC).
Biden had not been diagnosed with prostate cancer prior to this announcement, with his last prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test occurring in 2014. A Biden aide clarified that he had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer until now (BBC). The announcement has led to speculation about whether Biden's health was adequately communicated to the public during his presidency, especially as he ran for re-election as the oldest president in history (Newsweek).
Some medical experts have suggested that Biden may have had the cancer for some time without being aware of it, as prostate cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages (HuffPost). Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist, stated that Biden likely had the cancer during his presidency, although he did not specify when it might have developed (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Joe Biden was ill while president is supported by his recent cancer diagnosis, which suggests he may have been dealing with health issues that were not publicly disclosed. The aggressive nature of his prostate cancer raises concerns about its potential development during his time in office. However, the absence of earlier diagnoses or symptoms complicates the narrative.
Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have implied that Biden's aides may have concealed his health issues from the public, suggesting a lack of transparency (Reuters). However, Biden's aides have denied these claims, stating that he had not been diagnosed with prostate cancer until recently and that routine screenings for men over 70 are not standard practice (BBC).
The reliability of sources discussing Biden's health varies. While major news outlets like BBC and Reuters provide factual reporting, the opinions of political figures and some medical professionals may be influenced by their political affiliations or agendas. For instance, Trump's comments could be seen as politically motivated rather than purely health-related (Reuters).
Overall, while there is credible evidence that Biden has been diagnosed with a serious health condition, the extent to which he was "ill" during his presidency remains uncertain due to the lack of earlier diagnoses and symptoms.
Conclusion
The claim that Joe Biden was ill while president is Partially True. His recent cancer diagnosis indicates that he may have been dealing with health issues, but there is no definitive evidence that he was symptomatic or diagnosed during his presidency. The situation is further complicated by the lack of routine screenings for prostate cancer in older men and the political implications surrounding discussions of his health.
Sources
- Biden's cancer diagnosis prompts new questions about his health while ...
- Biden cancer diagnosis adds to questions about health in office
- A Timeline of Joe Biden's Health Following Cancer Diagnosis
- Doctors Weigh In On How Long Biden Could Live With Advanced Cancer
- A look at former President Joe Biden's health in wake of prostate ...
