Joe Biden’s Emotional and Complex Exit from American Politics: A Deep Dive
Joe Biden’s exit from the political stage was never expected to be smooth. With a long career in public service and a presidency marked by both historic highs and recent health concerns, his departure has sparked a whirlwind of sympathy, political debate, and public reflection.
This article explores the factors behind Biden’s decision to seek re-election, his recent cancer diagnosis, and the growing scrutiny over transparency in his final years in office.
A Lifetime of Service Ends with Unexpected Turns
Joe Biden has spent more than five decades in American politics. From senator to vice president and eventually president, his journey has been long and storied.
Highlights of His Career:
Served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for over 30 years.
Became Vice President under Barack Obama (2009–2017).
Defeated Donald Trump in the contentious 2020 election.
Chose to run for a second term in 2024, before later withdrawing.
His decision to pull out of the 2024 race came after a faltering debate performance in June, raising concerns about his cognitive health. Despite dropping out, Biden insisted in a January interview with USA TODAY that he could have beaten Trump again.
“But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” – Joe Biden, January 2025.
Cancer Diagnosis Sparks Sympathy and Questions
In a heartbreaking development, it was announced that Biden, now 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasized to his bones. The news triggered a wave of support across the political spectrum but also reignited debates about his health during his presidency.
Reactions:
Donald Trump extended his condolences and wished Biden a speedy recovery.
Donald Trump Jr., however, used the opportunity to suggest a possible cover-up, questioning how First Lady Dr. Jill Biden could have missed the signs.
“What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” – Donald Trump Jr. on X
(Note: There are only four recognised stages of cancer in medical science.)
Was There a Cover-Up?
Speculation has grown about whether Biden’s health issues were hidden from the public while he was in office.
Allegations Fuelled By:
“Original Sin”, a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, claims Biden’s top aides carefully managed his schedule, speech length, and even Cabinet access to shield him.
The audio recording of Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, in which Biden struggles to recall names and dates, added fuel to the fire.
Rep. James Comer, Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, announced plans to resume investigations, stating:
“He wasn’t coherent.” – Fox News, Hannity
Ageing Presidents and Health Transparency
The question of presidential health isn’t new in American history.
Notable Examples:
Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke in 1919; his wife Edith reportedly took over many responsibilities.
Ronald Reagan, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994, showed possible signs of cognitive decline before leaving office.
Even Donald Trump, at 78, has been questioned about his mental sharpness, despite claiming he passed a dementia screening.
Democrats Facing an Internal Reckoning
As Biden steps away, many Democrats are wrestling with what went wrong—and what comes next.
Key Voices:
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) admitted on Meet the Press that it was a mistake for Biden to stay in the race so long.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer refused to comment in detail, simply saying: “We’re looking forward.”
Many believe that if Biden had stepped aside earlier, a full primary process might have led to a stronger Democratic candidate.
What’s Next for the Democratic Party?
With Biden’s chapter closing, attention turns to the future of the party. Key Democratic figures may need to answer tough questions about what they knew and when.
Potential Future Leaders:
Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary and loyal Biden ally, may face scrutiny.
Rising stars like:
Gov. Wes Moore (Maryland),
Gov. J.B. Pritzker (Illinois),
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York),
could step in as fresh faces to lead the party into a new era.
Polling Numbers:
According to an Associated Press poll (May 2025):
Only 17% of Americans are optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party.
25% feel optimistic about the GOP’s future.
Among Democrats themselves, only about one-third expressed confidence.
Conclusion: A Legacy Under Scrutiny
Instead of retiring to write his memoirs and establish a presidential library, Joe Biden now faces cancer treatments, congressional investigations, and lingering doubts about his final months in office.
His exit may mark the end of an era, but for Democrats and the nation, it also raises pressing questions about leadership, transparency, and the responsibilities of ageing politicians in high office.
Sources:
USA TODAY Interview with Joe Biden (January 2025)
Original Sin by Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson (May 2025)
AP Poll Data (May 2025)
Fox News: Hannity
CNN: Meet the Press
Truth Social & X posts from Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr.