By — Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-says-he-wouldnt-have-run-for-a-second-term-in-2024-if-he-knew-he-had-cancer Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Biden says he wouldn't have run for a second term in 2024 if he knew he had cancer Politics Nov 11, 2026 5:04 PM EST ATLANTA (AP) — Joe Biden says he did not know he had cancer while he was president and would not have sought a second term if he already had been diagnosed. The former Democratic president's comments came in an interview with People magazine before the release of his White House memoir on Tuesday. "If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer," said Biden, who turns 84 on Nov. 20, "I would've not gone forward" with a 2024 reelection bid that ended after a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump. Biden was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer months after leaving office in 2025. READ MORE: In memoir, Biden says Trump should carry the weight of Jan. 6 riots 'to his grave'…
Biden says he wouldn't have run for a second term in 2024 if he knew he had cancer
In short
Former President Joe Biden revealed he only learned of his metastatic prostate cancer months after leaving the presidency in 2025. Although he abandoned his 2024 campaign after a debate against Donald Trump prompted intense Democratic age concerns, Biden noted he did not view that single event as consequential at the time. His health has since worsened, with his son describing the spreading disease as intensely painful and debilitating. Biden also used the interview to justify pardoning his son Hunter against potential political retribution.
Key points
- The former president maintained he was capable and best equipped to serve throughout his…: The former president maintained he was capable and best equipped to serve throughout his full White House tenure.
- Biden downplayed his June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, noting he initially anticipat…: Biden downplayed his June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, noting he initially anticipated another debate would follow.
- A presidential pardon for Hunter Biden was defended as necessary protection against poten…: A presidential pardon for Hunter Biden was defended as necessary protection against potential political retribution by Donald Trump.