Biden says he'd have abandoned 2024 race if he had known cancer was behind 'feeling lousy'
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: Former President Joe Biden has reflected on his decision to seek reelection in 2024, revealing that he would have stepped aside had he known cancer was behind the way he had been feeling at the time.
In an interview with People, published on Wednesday, November 11, Biden spoke from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, about his diagnosis, his decision to leave the presidential race and the support he has received from his family.
The conversation comes ahead of the release of his memoir, 'Promise Me, America', on November 17.
Joe Biden: If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned. I would not have gone forward because I don't think an 80-year-old man with cancer should be running. But that wasn't the case. It was a circumstance where I thought that I had the capacity, I think I did, to bring a wider array of support for the United States and our positions from around the world. I had very good relationships with all the major leaders in the world. And so I believe that, on an objective basis, I was the best-equipped person to do the job.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 11, 2026
Biden says cancer would have ended his campaign
Biden said while discussing whether he would have handled the 2024 election differently.
He said that had he known his declining sense of well-being was connected to cancer, he would not have continued pursuing another term in the White House.
“If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned. I would’ve not gone forward, because I don’t think an 80-year-old man with cancer should be running for president,” he told People.
He clarified that he had no evidence at the time that cancer was responsible for how he felt.
Biden also stood by his belief that he was the person best equipped to serve as president, saying he considered his experience and familiarity with world leaders valuable to the job.
The remarks revisit the period that ended with Biden abandoning his reelection campaign in July 2024.
His June 27, 2024, debate against then-candidate Donald Trump had triggered widespread concern after he struggled through answers, appeared confused at points and repeatedly lost his train of thought.
On the Trump and Biden debate, Trump said this: Trump: “I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence.” He went on to say he doesn’t think Biden did either. Did you notice what was missing? The media KNEW Biden was in Decline so they Didn’t go back and ask Biden to Clarify what he said. They always do that if anything is in Question! If they had done that Biden would have Panicked and freaked out and the response would have nailed it shut! It would have clearly exposed Biden. They Knew that’s why they didn’t ask for Clarification!
— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) December 27, 2025
Questions about his age and ability to serve another four years intensified, with pressure mounting on him to make way for another candidate.
On July 21, 2024, Biden announced that he would not seek another term and endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump went on to defeat Harris in the November election.
Biden says tests show cancer hasn't spread further
Biden was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in May 2025, 118 days after leaving office.
The cancer had spread to his bones. He has since undergone radiation treatment and is receiving hormone therapy.
In the interview, he said two tests had not shown the cancer spreading beyond the areas already affected.
“There’s a lot of people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer, particularly the kind of cancer I have, who live long lives, who live for another 10, 20 years,” he said.
He added that he was fighting the illness “like hell” and was taking eight pills a day.
Biden credits Jill and family for support
Biden credited his family with helping him through the illness, describing his children and grandchildren as a constant presence in his life.
He said his grandchildren regularly visit, ask to spend time with him and take an interest in public service and issues affecting the country.
“I do more with my grandchildren than I do with anybody else, and that’s for real,” he said, calling them “the loves of my life.”
His wife, Jill Biden, has also taken on an active role in managing his care.
She described the responsibilities of looking after a family member as physically and emotionally demanding, explaining that much of her daily routine now revolves around his health.
“My days are making sure he eats right. Does he exercise? Is he taking the right medicine? Did I talk to the doctor?” she said.
Jill also spoke about the moment she realized how much their circumstances had changed.
While reading a magazine at a nail salon, she found herself imagining trips to the destinations pictured on its pages before recognizing that their lives no longer allowed for the same plans.
“All of a sudden it struck me, like, ‘Wait a minute, this isn’t our life now,’” she recalled. “We’re on a new journey.”
Biden also spoke about his son Hunter, praising him for his intelligence and courage.
He reflected on how the death of his elder son, Beau, had affected Hunter, describing the brothers as exceptionally close.
Biden said he was proud that Hunter had overcome his struggles with alcoholism and was now involved in public policy discussions.
Trump's repeated attacks on Biden
Biden's comments come after years of attacks from Trump, who repeatedly portrayed his predecessor as too old, slow and incapable of performing the duties of the presidency.
Trump frequently used the nickname “Sleepy Joe” and seized on Biden's public appearances and debate performance to question his mental sharpness.
The cancer diagnosis also prompted questions about whether Biden had concealed his health condition while serving as president.
In the People interview, Biden rejected the suggestion, saying the public was informed once he knew what was happening.
He explained that he had experienced recurring discomfort and that Jill had questioned why a prostate test was not routinely conducted for men in their seventies.
He said White House doctors had followed the same general medical practices as the wider profession.
Biden's forthcoming memoir, 'Promise Me, America', is expected to revisit his time in office and the decisions that shaped his presidency, including his withdrawal from the 2024 contest.
