Joe Biden took the stage in Nebraska Friday night with a visible head bandage, delivering a passionate speech that was part personal reflection, part political smackdown - and all aimed at Donald Trump.

Speaking at the Nebraska Democratic Party’s Ben Nelson Gala, the former president invoked the memory of his late son, Beau Biden, to criticize what he called Trump's dangerous cuts to cancer research, per the New York Post.

“Folks, I know what cancer research means,” Biden said, referring to both personal and national stakes. “Cancer hits every family. It’s hit my family hard.”

Biden gets personal: “He should’ve been the president, not me”

In a quiet but powerful moment, Biden opened up about his late son Beau, the former Delaware attorney general who died of brain cancer in 2015 after serving in Iraq.

“When the love of my life, my oldest son, the attorney general of the state of Delaware – who should’ve been the president, not me – volunteered to go to Iraq for a year, didn’t have to, he came back with stage four glioblastoma because he lived in a burn pit just like those guys did on 9/11, and he died,” Biden said.

The crowd at the gala listened intently as Biden drew a direct line between his personal loss and public policy - accusing Trump of undermining cancer research initiatives that had once been prioritized under Biden’s own administration.

Joe Biden is battling cancer. Credit: Scott Eisen / Getty

Battling cancer himself, Biden points to medical breakthroughs

Biden, who revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, also referenced his own recent medical battle during the speech.

“But when you get that research they’re doing, when they diagnose it – in my case, I just had prostate cancer – so, and, I, uh, when you finish that round of treatment, you get to ring that bell at the end of each treatment,” Biden said.

“Well, thank God for the doctors and nurses and incredible breakthroughs we’re making in cancer research.”

Then he hit back at Republicans: “Now, Trump and his Republican friends are cutting government funding for health care, making it more expensive.”

Biden has hit out at Trump. Credit: Scott Eisen / Getty

Mysterious head bandage adds to public curiosity

Adding another layer of intrigue to the event was Biden’s appearance: the 82-year-old showed up with what looked like a fresh bandage on the top-left side of his head. The cause of the new bandage is currently unclear.

Back in August, he underwent Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer, and was previously seen with a different bandage and a healing wound on another part of his scalp.

Slamming GOP budget cuts: “Why in God’s name are they doing this?”

Biden didn’t hold back as he tore into Trump-era budget decisions and accused the GOP of slashing healthcare to benefit the rich.

“Why in God’s name are they doing this?” he shouted. He argued that these cuts were all part of a strategy “to cut taxes for the wealthiest people in America.”

When he turned to the issue of hunger in the U.S., Biden’s frustration exploded.

“In the United States of America, 1 in 5 children, 1 in 5 children, go to bed hungry every night!” he shouted.

As the crowd booed, Biden responded: “No, no, it’s more than ‘boo’ … it’s a disgrace!”

Joe Biden was spotted with a wound on his head. Credit: Instagram/Fred Karger

On the shutdown: “Trump better get the damn government open”

The ex-president also addressed the prolonged government shutdown and placed the blame squarely on Trump’s shoulders.

Trump “better get the damn government open,” Biden fumed, while highlighting the damage caused to programs like SNAP.

“We have a president who is deliberately making hunger worse for Americans,” he said, linking the funding lapse to real-world struggles faced by millions.

Republicans, however, continue to argue that it’s Senate Democrats who have blocked measures to restore government funding at pre-shutdown levels.

Riding the blue wave: “The Democratic Party is back”

Despite the serious tone, Biden closed his speech with a shot of optimism - celebrating recent wins in state elections as proof of Democratic momentum.

“The Democratic Party is back – not hyperbole,” he declared. “The fact is that we had a great night in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, New York City, Georgia, Mississippi, – even in Mississippi.”

He framed the victories as a clear message from voters across the country: “sending a message to Trump and to his crowd.”

Featured image credit: Scott Eisen / Getty

President Joe Biden prompted widespread confusion and concern when he appeared to say he has cancer during an address on climate change on Wednesday.

Now, White House officials have been forced to clear up the confusion, saying per The Telegraph that although the 79-year-old POTUS used the present tense, he had actually been referring to his previous treatment for skin cancer.

As reported by Bloomberg, "several small areas" of Biden's skin have been treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, but doctors did not believe any were liable to produce skin cancer or that they needed biopsy.

Credit: Abaca Press / Alamy

Biden had reportedly had some localized skin cancers removed before he became president.

On Wednesday, he paid a visit to the Brayton Point power plant, an old coal-powered facility in Somerset, Massachusetts, which is making a shift to offshore wind manufacturing.

During his speech, the incumbent president spoke about his plans to take action on climate change.

"As president, I have a responsibility to act with urgency and resolve when our nation faces clear and present danger, and that's what climate change is about. It is literally, not figuratively, a clear and present danger," Biden said. "The health of our citizens and our communities is literally at stake."

However, one particular moment in his address saw the Democrat say that he has cancer. Biden said: “And guess what? The first frost, you know what was happening? You had to put on your windshield wipers to get literally the oil slick off the window.

"That’s why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time, Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation.”

Check out what he said below:

In November 2021, Biden's personal physician confirmed that the POTUS was a "healthy, vigorous, 78 year old" who was fit to carry out his presidential duties, following  a full medical evaluation, which saw him temporarily transfer his power over to Vice President Kamala Harris so that he could undergo a colonoscopy.

The evaluation went on for over five hours and took place at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The president underwent blood, physical, gastrointestinal, dental, vision and neurological examinations.

Featured image credit: Abaca Press / Alamy.

President Joe Biden appeared to mistakenly announce during a speech about climate change on Wednesday that he has cancer.

Biden had paid a visit to the Brayton Point power plant, an old coal-powered facility in Somerset, Massachusetts, which is making a shift to offshore wind manufacturing.

During his speech, the incumbent president spoke about his plans to take action on climate change.

"As president, I have a responsibility to act with urgency and resolve when our nation faces clear and present danger, and that's what climate change is about. It is literally, not figuratively, a clear and present danger," Biden said. "The health of our citizens and our communities is literally at stake."

However, one particular moment in his address saw the 79-year-old Democrat say that he has cancer - presumably unintentionally.

Biden said: “And guess what? The first frost, you know what was happening? You had to put on your windshield wipers to get literally the oil slick off the window.

"That’s why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time, Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation.”

Check out what he said below:

In November 2021, Biden's personal physician confirmed that the POTUS was a "healthy, vigorous, 78 year old" who was fit to carry out his presidential duties, following  a full medical evaluation, which saw him temporarily transfer his power over to Vice President Kamala Harris so that he could undergo a colonoscopy.

The evaluation went on for over five hours and took place at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The president underwent blood, physical, gastrointestinal, dental, vision and neurological examinations.

Credit: Abaca Press / Alamy

As reported by Bloomberg, “several small areas” of Biden’s skin have been treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, but doctors did not believe any were liable to produce skin cancer or that they needed biopsy.

Biden had reportedly had some localized skin cancers removed before he became president.

When he was sworn in as the 46th president, he became the oldest newly inaugurated US chief executive in the country's history as well as the oldest sitting president.

Featured image credit: REUTERS / Alamy.

A doctor who worked with Joe Biden has claimed that the former President had cancer while in office.

Biden's cancer diagnosis has been described as "aggressive". Credit: Pool / Getty

The White House confirmed over the weekend that Biden had been diagnosed with prostate cancer following urinary issues that led to the discovery of a “small nodule.”

A statement from his office revealed the diagnosis came with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), with metastasis to the bone — a sign of advanced, aggressive cancer.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

According to the Mayo Clinic: “The Gleason score and grade group are numbers that tell your healthcare team whether your prostate cancer is growing slowly or quickly. How quickly a cancer grows also is called a cancer's grade.”

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a top cancer specialist and former member of Biden’s transition team, stunned MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Monday when he claimed: “He’s had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading. He did not develop it in the last 100 to 200 days.

“He had it while he was president. He probably had it at the start of his presidency in 2021. Yes, I don’t think there’s any disagreement about that,” Emanuel said.

Emanuel noted that while some medical guidelines suggest PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests aren’t necessary after age 70, Biden would have had opportunities to screen earlier.

“He was vice president and had a lot of exams under 70. So it’s a little surprising that they didn’t do it,” he said. “And maybe President Biden decided he didn’t want the test. Many men do decide they don’t want a PSA, but this is also aggressive.”

He added: “When we talk about the aggressive part, what we mean is that Gleason score, that score is from two up to 10. And he’s a nine. And that means that the cancer doesn’t look normal, it looks very abnormal, which is probably why it’s in the bone.”

Emanuel pointed out that previous presidents had PSA tests while in office. “I don’t know what President Biden and his doctor discussed, but I think you are hinting at the other element, which is that President Obama had this test, President Bush had this test,” he said.

“It is a little surprising that the doctor didn’t take it. And if he took it and didn’t report it and it was elevated, that is another case of doctors not being straightforward with us.

“We’ve had several of them with President Trump, especially around his Covid diagnosis. And if that is true, that would be very troubling,” he added.

When asked exactly how long Biden might have had cancer, Emanuel said: “We don’t know, obviously. And it is a little surprising to many of us oncologists that he wasn’t diagnosed earlier.”

Featured image credit: Pool / Getty 

Joe Biden has shared a heartbreaking message after it was announced that he is battling "aggressive" cancer.

Biden's cancer diagnosis has been described as "aggressive". Credit: Pool / Getty

The announcement of Biden’s diagnosis came from his personal office on Sunday. “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” it continued.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

The Gleason grading system is used to determine how aggressive prostate cancer is. According to the Mayo Clinic: “The Gleason score and grade group are numbers that tell your healthcare team whether your prostate cancer is growing slowly or quickly. How quickly a cancer grows also is called a cancer's grade.”

A score of 9 places Biden’s condition among the most severe, with a high likelihood of rapid progression.

In a recent post to social media, Biden shared a candid photo of himself smiling with his wife, former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who is seen cradling their cat Willow.

The image comes just days after his team confirmed that the 81-year-old has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.

“Cancer touches us all,” Biden wrote.

He continued: “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

The diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support from political figures on both sides of the aisle—including Biden’s former political rival, Donald Trump.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Members of Congress also shared personal messages of encouragement.

“I was saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment,” said Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

Senator Thom Tillis added: “Praying for his full recovery,” while Utah Senator Mike Lee called the news “sad.”

Even Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support, writing: “I 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.”

Featured image credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty