Former US President Joe Biden made an emotional appearance at a Democratic gathering in Nebraska, where he paid a heartfelt tribute to his late son, Beau Biden, and launched a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump. The event, marked by Biden's visible head bandage, saw the former leader delving into personal loss and political battles.
A Father's Tribute and a Political Critique
Speaking at the Nebraska Democratic Party's Ben Nelson Gala on Friday, Biden remembered his son, Beau Biden, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015. Biden emotionally stated that Beau, the former Attorney General of Delaware, should have been the one elected president in 2020, not himself. He connected his son's death to his service in Iraq, alleging that exposure to burn pits there led to the stage four glioblastoma that claimed his life.
Turning his attention to the political arena, Biden directly criticised President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of reneging on a key promise by cutting federal funding for cancer research. "Folks, I know what cancer research means," Biden told the audience, emphasising that the disease impacts every family, including his own.
Biden's Health and Political Comeback Call
This public appearance was Biden's second since completing a round of radiation therapy in October for an aggressive form of prostate cancer diagnosed after he left office. Notably, he did not mention his own health battle, focusing entirely on his son's story. The event also marked his first purely political appearance since Labour Day 2024.
Shifting from the personal to the political, Biden issued a rallying cry for a Democratic comeback. Addressing supporters in a state that has favoured Republicans in presidential elections since 1968, he acknowledged the challenges they face. "You know what it feels like to be outnumbered," he said, praising their resilience. He urged them to continue making their voices heard, stating that the country needs them badly.
He highlighted what he views as the successes of his term, namely curbing COVID-19 and initiating the economic recovery from the pandemic. However, he steered clear of the difficulties his party faced after the 2024 election loss and the internal debates that followed.
Reflections on a Pivotal Decision
Biden's speech came after a period of significant reflection for the Democratic Party. In the summer of 2024, after a disastrous June debate with Donald Trump, Biden waited over three weeks before announcing in July that he would not seek another term. He subsequently endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
A recent book by Harris, published in September, suggested that Biden's inner circle, including herself, should have urged him to consider stepping aside earlier. During his Nebraska address, the closest Biden came to acknowledging this tumultuous period was through a light-hearted, self-deprecating joke about his age and political career.
Despite the past challenges, Biden's message in Nebraska was one of forward-looking encouragement, aiming to energise the local Democratic base for future electoral battles, including the goal of capturing the 2nd District seat in 2026.
