Biden Fires Back at Book Claiming Cognitive Decline, Vows to Beat Cancer

Former President Joe Biden didn’t mince words Friday, joking he could "beat the hell out of" authors questioning his mental sharpness during his first public appearance since revealing a prostate cancer diagnosis. Speaking at a Memorial Day event in Delaware, Biden brushed off claims from a new book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson. The book alleges Biden struggled with coherent speech and that his team orchestrated a cover-up to mask cognitive decline.

"You can see I’m mentally incompetent, I can’t walk," Biden quipped to reporters, poking fun at the narrative while exuding defiance. His team swiftly rejected the book’s claims, with a spokesperson stating, "There’s no evidence Biden failed to do his job or that national security was compromised. He led with empathy and skill."

Biden’s health took center stage as he disclosed an "aggressive" prostate cancer diagnosis, treated with medication. "I’m optimistic we’re going to beat this," he said, projecting resilience. The diagnosis follows scrutiny over his mental acuity, fueled by leaked audio from a 2023 interview with former Special Counsel Robert Hur, where Biden appeared to struggle with speech and memory.

At the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs event, Biden honored Gold Star families, emphasizing the military’s role as the "spine of our nation." He noted, "Only 1% of Americans defend 99% of us, and we owe them an unpayable debt." His remarks blended gratitude with a subtle rebuttal to critics, showcasing his resolve amid personal and political challenges.