Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle for former President Joe Biden on Sunday after his office announced that he has prostate cancer.
“Cancer is the absolute worst,” said Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer. “It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I don’t believe times like these are appropriate for politics.”
Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna said on X: “Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer he’s recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was “sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Biden’s prostate, which needed further evaluation.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the spokesperson added. “The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Democratic strategist and political commentator Symone Sanders-Townsend said, “Joe Biden is a fine man, a dedicated public servant, a loving father, husband and grandfather. If you’re a praying person like I am, offer one up.”
Gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg also took to X to praise the former president.
“If you have followed my story, you know how much I love @JoeBiden and how much he means to me,” he said. “He is a testament to decency and civility and all that is good about America. Sending President Biden and his family much love as they now pursue medical options.”
Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was “saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment.”
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was “praying for his full recovery.”
Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee lamented the “sad news.”
Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, the 2016 vice presidential nominee, said he was “praying for President Biden and his family as they take on this challenge. Americans will be with them every step of the way.”
British journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan took aim at social media users appearing to celebrate the news.
“I’m going to block anyone I see – and there’s already a lot of this vile crap flying around – mocking, celebrating, or playing partisan politics with Joe Biden’s health news,” he said. “The man has served his country for 50yrs and is fighting for his life. Show some bloody respect.”
Former Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo wrote on the social media platform that “No one in America is stronger than Joe Biden. Mine metastasized to the bones too. Cancer has no f****** idea who it’s dealing with. Betting against Biden has never been and still remains a bad f****** bet.”
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way.”
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