### Democrats Pause Anger at Biden Over 2024 Following Cancer Diagnosis, but New Questions Arise

Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s recent aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis has shifted the focus of many Democrats from anger to sympathy, but has also sparked fresh questions about his health and transparency.

Previously, prominent Democrats had begun reassessing their support for Biden's 2024 candidacy, especially given evident signs of his age-related decline and growing voter preference for a younger candidate. Some even expressed concerns that Biden and his aides had concealed the extent of his physical and mental health issues, setting the stage for a hasty candidate switch that led to the party's defeat.

The announcement of Biden’s serious cancer, which has already spread to his bones, has prompted an outpouring of well wishes from around the country. The former president and his wife Jill shared their gratitude for the support via social media, posting a photo alongside their cat, Willow. However, the timing of this announcement has led to whispers and skepticism among some Democrats and political observers.

Dean Phillips, a former Representative from Minnesota who challenged Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024, suggested that the announcement might have been strategically timed to divert attention from mounting internal criticism. Phillips argued that the actions of Biden's aides in hiding his decline were potentially more troubling than those of his Republican predecessors.

While Biden’s spokesman, Chris Meagher, declined to comment, President Donald Trump momentarily set aside his usual attacks to wish Biden a speedy recovery. However, skepticism wasn't limited to partisan lines; questions from both sides emerged about when Biden first learned about his condition and why it wasn’t disclosed sooner.

Medical professionals, including former Biden administration adviser Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, voiced suspicions that Biden's cancer likely predated his presidency, challenging the notion that such a severe condition was diagnosed only recently. Emanuel noted that previous presidents, such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush, had been transparent about their health checks for prostate cancer.

For the Democratic Party, which has faced record-low approval ratings, the concealment of Biden’s decline is seen as a contributing factor. Some lawmakers and strategists believe that the leadership’s continued support for Biden, despite his limitations, has compounded trust issues within American politics.

Biden's struggle with memory lapses and forgetfulness was highlighted in recent excerpts from the book "Original Sin" and an audio recording from a special counsel's interview. Despite these revelations, some of Biden’s allies maintained that he was fit for a second term until the severe diagnosis was disclosed.

Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina defended Biden, insisting he had seen no signs that would disqualify Biden from serving another term. However, Phillips believes that such unwavering loyalty to an individual has eroded trust in both parties and American democracy.

As Democrats re-evaluate their leadership and strategies moving forward, Biden's health has emerged as a focal point, intensifying the party's internal debates over age, transparency, and accountability.