Former President Joe Biden's attendance at the National Bar Association's 100th annual awards gala in Chicago sparked widespread attention, not only for his speech content but also for his physical demeanor. On Thursday night, the 82-year-old Biden, who has been fighting advanced prostate cancer, appeared unsteady and had difficulties articulating his thoughts during his roughly 20-minute address.
The event took place months after Biden's disclosure of his cancer diagnosis, which has since metastasized to his bones. Video footage from the gala depicted Biden walking slowly onto the stage, assisted by two granddaughters. He received a standing ovation but seemed to hesitate and slump into his chair before beginning to speak. Throughout his address, Biden stumbled over his words, showing moments of disorientation, though he managed to emphasize key points with raised voice, as reported by the New York Post.
Biden's speech touched on serious matters, including a warning of the "dark days" the U.S. is currently experiencing and an explicit criticism of the Trump administration's policies, which he claimed waged an "existential" fight against minority communities. He also took the opportunity to remind the audience of his own civil rights record. Biden's statement, "These are dark days, but you're all here for the same reason I left that prestigious law firm to go to the defender’s office years ago," underscored his commitment to social justice.
Despite the gravity of his message, Biden interjected some humor with a self-deprecating remark on his age, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Such lighter moments contrasted with the overarching concern for his health, which has been under scrutiny since he left office.
Following his presidency, Biden has been noticeably absent from the public eye, which many attribute to his mental and physical health concerns. He did not seek re-election, and his former vice president, Kamala Harris, was defeated by President Donald Trump in the subsequent election.
The gala, a prominent event hosted by the National Bar Association—the oldest and largest network of predominantly Black lawyers and judges in the U.S.—honored Biden with the C. Francis Stradford Award for his long-standing career and contributions. Notable attendees and speakers included Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and various state attorneys general.
Biden's appearance and speech have drawn considerable media coverage, heightened by his recent health revelations and the personal challenges faced by his family, such as his son Hunter Biden's legal troubles.
The former president's condition and public portrayal have become a point of discussion, signaling the intersection of personal health issues with public life, especially for high-profile political figures. The implications of Biden's health on his legacy, the perception of his presidency, and the broader political narrative remain a topic of ongoing analysis.
