When Joe Biden announced he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer, most people paused. They sent prayers. They wished him well. But not JD Vance, the vice president, who instead used the moment to question whether Biden was fit to be president.
Vance said, “First of all, of course, we wish the best for the former president’s health. And it sounds pretty serious, but hopefully he makes the right recovery. I will say, whether the right time to have this conversation is now or some time in the future, we really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job.”
JD Vance’s reaction to Biden’s cancer diagnosis: “Whether the right time to have this conversation is now or some time in the future, we really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job.” pic.twitter.com/VSUrPfaEg9
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 19, 2025
Those words did not sit well with many. Far from comfort or respect, they saw Vance’s comments as cold, cruel, and unnecessary.
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Former Representative Barbara Comstock called him a “graceless, soulless ghoul.” She did not hold back, saying his low approval ratings as vice president were “well-earned.”
Such a graceless, soulless ghoul @jdvance. Visits with Popes seem to have no impact. In case he hadn’t noticed, his job approval is the lowest of VPs at this point in modern history and well earned. https://t.co/KXbk6xJGDB
— Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) May 19, 2025
Journalist Jeff Nesbit added, “Vance has clearly learned from DJT Jr.” He meant that Vance is using the same sharp and personal attacks that have become normal in politics today.
Vance has clearly learned from DJT Jr. https://t.co/IR8drbfNuM
— Jeff Nesbit (@jeffnesbit) May 19, 2025
It’s easy to understand why many people reacted strongly. Cancer is a serious illness. When someone shares such news, most people show kindness and support. Questioning their ability to work during such a hard time feels very harsh.
Throughout history, some presidents have hidden health problems from the public. Franklin D. Roosevelt kept his paralysis a secret. Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke while in office. Sometimes, hiding these problems hurt the country because people did not know how sick their leaders were.
That is why many say leaders should be honest about their health. The public has a right to know if their leader is well enough to handle the difficult job of running the country.
At the same time, illness is very personal. When a leader faces a severe health diagnosis disease, it is essential to respect their privacy and show compassion.
There has been a lot of talk about Donald Trump’s health for many years. Many supporters in the MAGA movement usually avoid admitting any problems. However, a president’s health matters greatly because it affects how well they can lead.
Former Representative Carol Shea-Porter said Trump should be the one whose mental and physical health is checked first.
Let’s examine the current President for mental and physical conditions first. Start today. https://t.co/NIE7i3745E
— Carol Shea-Porter (@TeamSheaPorter) May 19, 2025
Paula Dockery, a former Florida state senator, tweeted, “Let’s be honest about the current President’s health and mental state and stop trying to distract.”
Since it’s more time-sensitive now, let’s be honest about the current President’s health and mental state and stop trying to distract https://t.co/lV7bXXStGE
— Paula Dockery (@Paula_Dockery) May 19, 2025
Even comedian John Oliver’s show producer Matt Passet joined in: “I would say now is definitely the right time to discuss whether the current president is capable of doing the job. Also, f— JD Vance.”
I would say now is definitely the right time to discuss whether the current president is capable of doing the job. Also, fuck JD Vance. https://t.co/fNYfgN1Ahy
— Matt Passet (@MPasset) May 19, 2025
Featured image via Screengrab