Jill Biden Says ‘I Don’t Know’ If Joe Could Have Served a Second Term as President with His Current Health

In May 2025, Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, received a distressing diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer. His wife, Dr. Jill Biden, has since opened up about the implications of this diagnosis on his health and professional life, particularly during a recent interview on MS Now’s Morning Joe programme.

Dr. Biden, reflecting on her husband’s ability to serve a potential second term in office, expressed uncertainty when asked if he would have been capable of fulfilling his presidential duties. “I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that,” she stated openly, acknowledging the complexities surrounding his health and responsibilities.

In July 2024, Joe Biden made the difficult decision to withdraw from the presidential race, citing concerns about his health as a significant factor. This announcement came in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, which has since escalated, leading to metastasis in his bones—an aggravating factor that Dr. Biden has been candid about.

During her interview, she contemplated the possibility that the cancer might have been detected earlier while her husband was still in office. “I felt that we did have amazing healthcare in the White House, but somehow this was missed,” Dr. Biden said. She explained that the medical team followed guidelines from the American Urological Association, which may have contributed to the late diagnosis. “And consequently, we have stage four cancer that’s now in his bones,” she added.

The emotional and physical toll of cancer, as articulated by Dr. Biden, is palpable. She explained that despite her husband’s efforts to maintain his busy schedule, cancer imposes significant challenges. “I would say he’s doing okay. He’s still making speeches. He’s still on Amtrak a couple of times a month keeping a schedule,” she remarked. However, she acknowledged its effects, noting that he experiences increased fatigue. “I know every family in America has been touched by cancer, so I think that people can relate to when I say, you know, he gets tired a little more often,” she said.

In a subsequent appearance on the Today show, Jill Biden provided further insight into her husband’s condition. She explained the difference between a straightforward prostate cancer diagnosis and the gravity of one that has metastasised. “If he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing, because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasised to his bones, that makes it a whole different story,” she reflected. Her words suggest a long-term battle ahead, as she remarked, “I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life.”

The role of caregiver has presented its own challenges for Dr. Biden, who shared her experiences managing her husband’s care. “It’s so hard to be a caregiver in that you worry every day, ‘Is he eating right? Is he getting enough exercise? Did he have his medications?’” she expressed. This sentiment resonates with many families facing similar circumstances, illustrating the profound emotional weight of such a role.

Dr. Biden remains optimistic, emphasising the importance of perseverance in the fight against cancer. “People can find hope in the fact that people are still fighting,” she asserted. She expressed a strong commitment to continuing their advocacy and support for cancer research and awareness, highlighting that the fight against cancer is integral to both her and Joe’s legacies.

As the Bidens navigate these profound challenges, their story is one of resilience and hope amidst adversity. The coming years will undoubtedly be a critical time not only for Joe Biden’s health but also for the couple’s ongoing influence on public discussions surrounding healthcare and cancer awareness in America.