Democrats and Republicans alike offered their prayers to former President Joe Biden and his family Sunday in the wake of his cancer diagnosis announcement.
Even the fiercest of political rivals came out to show support for the ex-commander in chief after a spokesperson revealed Biden, 82, was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer following an exam in which doctors found a small, but concerning nodule on his prostate earlier this month.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who infamously shouted “liar” at then-President Biden in 2023 during his State of the Union speech, offered a heartfelt note to the Democrat.
“I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful,” Greene (R-Ga.), wrote on X. “My dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
The tender sentiment swept across the political aisle all day Sunday as politicians from both parties expressed their grief and offered up their support for the former president, who was the oldest ever to hold the office.
Even President Trump, who has described his once political opponent as “a sleepy crooked guy,” delivered a solemn but hopeful message to Biden.
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” Trump said in a statement on behalf of himself and First Lady Melania Trump.
Biden’s Vice President Kamala Harris and the second gentleman also showed steadfast support for him and his family.
“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,” Harris posted on X. “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Biden’s other former running mate, ex-President Barack Obama, sent out encouraging words to the Bidens as well.
“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family,” Obama tweeted. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
In a statement Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) too said he would be praying for the ex-president.
“This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former President in the wake of his diagnosis,” he said.
His counterpart in the Senate across the aisle promised to do the same thing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wrote that he was “praying for President Biden and the entire Biden family.”
House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) shared the sentiment: “Praying for former President Joe Biden as he battles prostate cancer.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she and her husband were praying as well.
“President Joe Biden is a great American patriot. Paul and I join the millions across the country and around the world praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery in the battle against cancer. Sending love to him and his family,” she wrote on X.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that he and the rest of the nation are hoping Biden will persevere over the ominous diagnosis.
“The House Democratic Caucus and our nation are praying for President Joe Biden and his family as he battles this challenging medical diagnosis,” Jeffries (D-NY) said in a statement. “Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance. We stand with President Biden as he confronts this moment with the same courage and resilience he has shown throughout his life.”
Hillary Clinton, President Trump’s first Democratic rival for the office, whom he defeated in 2016, weighed in on the news along with her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
“I’m thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery,” the former Secretary of State posted.
“My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter,” Former President Bill Clinton added in a comment from his own account. “Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
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