Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a well-known oncologist, made waves on Morning Joe when he suggested that President Biden likely had prostate cancer for “more than several years”—possibly even dating back to the start of his presidency in 2021. Emanuel explained that given the aggressive nature of Biden’s cancer, it was highly unlikely that it developed in just the past few months.
One of the more controversial points Emanuel raised was the possibility that Biden either chose not to undergo a PSA test—a routine blood test that screens for prostate cancer—or that the White House doctors did not report the results. He noted that previous presidents, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush, had undergone PSA screenings while in office, making it surprising that Biden’s cancer was not detected earlier.
Emanuel’s comments have fueled speculation about whether Biden’s medical team intentionally avoided testing or whether the results were withheld from the public. Given the timing of the announcement—just days before the release of Jake Tapper’s book and Robert Hur’s interview audio—some critics argue that the administration may have been managing the narrative to minimize political fallout
The Timing of the Release
The timing of the release of President Biden’s health condition has sparked significant discussion, particularly given its proximity to the publication of Jake Tapper’s book and the release of Robert Hur’s interview audio. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- The Announcement of Biden’s Condition
President Biden’s cancer diagnosis was revealed on May 18, just days before the release of Jake Tapper’s book Original Sin and the publication of Robert Hur’s interview audio. The timing has led to speculation about whether the announcement was strategically placed to divert attention from other unfolding narratives. - Jake Tapper’s Book Release
Tapper’s book, which was set to release on May 20, reportedly contains revelations about Biden’s mental and physical decline, as well as alleged efforts by his aides to manage public perception. The book’s excerpts had already stirred controversy, making Biden’s health announcement even more conspicuous. - Robert Hur’s Interview Audio
The Department of Justice released the full audio of Biden’s interview with Robert Hur on May 19, just a day after the cancer diagnosis was made public. The interview, conducted in October 2023, had already raised concerns about Biden’s memory lapses, and the audio further amplified those concerns. - Brian Stelter’s Commentary on the Timing
CNN’s Brian Stelter openly questioned the timing of Biden’s cancer announcement, calling it “extraordinary”. He pointed out that the news broke on the same day as the release of Hur’s interview audio, which contained moments of Biden struggling to recall key details. - The View’s Reaction
The timing of Biden’s health revelation also played into discussions on The View, where panelists debated whether the announcement was meant to overshadow the negative press surrounding Hur’s interview and Tapper’s book. Some commentators suggested that the administration was attempting to shift the narrative. - Democratic Strategists’ Response
Some Democratic strategists, including David Axelrod, urged caution in discussing Biden’s cognitive health following the cancer diagnosis. They argued that the focus should be on his medical condition rather than revisiting concerns about his memory. - Republican Criticism
Republicans seized on the timing, with some alleging that the administration was using the health announcement as a distraction from damaging revelations in Hur’s interview and Tapper’s book. The release of the interview audio, which highlighted Biden’s struggles with recalling dates and events, fueled further scrutiny. - Media Coverage and Public Perception
The overlapping events created a media storm, with various outlets analyzing whether the timing was coincidental or deliberate. The juxtaposition of Biden’s health news with the release of critical materials about his presidency led to mixed reactions from the public. - Long-Term Implications
The timing of these events may have lasting effects on Biden’s legacy and the political landscape. Whether intentional or not, the sequence of announcements has shaped the conversation around his presidency, raising questions about transparency and media strategy..
More information to come!
Staff Writer David R
