Biden Warns of ‘Dark Days’ as He Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Joe Biden called this a time of “dark days” in the U.S., criticizing President Trump’s overreach while encouraging Americans to remain hopeful. Speaking publicly for the first time since completing radiation therapy for advanced prostate cancer, Biden emphasized the resilience of American democracy. His remarks came during an award ceremony in Boston honoring his legacy.
Biden’s Call for Hope in “Dark Days”: Quick Looks
- Biden warns of erosion of free speech and executive overreach
- Urges Americans not to “check out” during difficult times
- Delivers first public speech since prostate cancer treatment
- Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award in Boston
- Criticizes Trump’s use of power during government shutdown
- Praises whistleblowers, comedians, and dissenting Republicans
- Emphasizes role of Congress and judiciary in democracy
- Encourages Americans to “get back up” and stay resilient
- Cancer diagnosed earlier this year, Gleason score of 9
- Biden stepped back from reelection bid due to health, age
Deep Look
Biden: “Dark Days” for Democracy, But America Can Rise Again
BOSTON (AP) — In his first public appearance since undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, former President Joe Biden offered a sober warning about the current state of American democracy, describing the country as being in a period of “dark days.”
Speaking Sunday night at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston — where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award — the 82-year-old Biden struck a tone that was both realistic and hopeful, urging Americans to stay engaged, resist political despair, and fight for the integrity of U.S. institutions.
“Friends, I can’t sugar coat any of this. These are dark days,” Biden said, addressing a packed audience. “But we will find our true compass again. We will emerge stronger, wiser, more resilient, and more just — so long as we keep the faith.”
Biden Takes Aim at Trump’s Overreach
Biden sharply criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of pushing the boundaries of executive authority amid what has become the second-longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.
He warned that Trump is taking advantage of the funding lapse to assert greater control over the federal government, potentially undermining long-standing democratic norms.
“America depends on a presidency with limited power, a functioning Congress, and an autonomous judiciary,” Biden said. “We’re testing all of that now.”
He accused Trump of attacking free speech, pointing to examples ranging from federal employees resigning in protest to comedians and universities being targeted for criticism.
“The late-night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech knowing their careers are on the line,” Biden noted, adding that some Republicans have shown courage by publicly dissenting from the Trump administration’s actions.
A Legacy of Struggle and Resilience
While his tone was serious, Biden also emphasized the durability of American democracy, characterizing the nation’s story as one of perpetual struggle and renewal.
“America is not a fairy tale,” he said. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull — an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”
He closed his speech with a direct appeal to citizens feeling overwhelmed by political turmoil:
“Get back up.”
Health Update: Biden’s Battle with Prostate Cancer
This speech marked Biden’s first public remarks since completing radiation therapy for advanced prostate cancer. In May, his office revealed that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones.
Doctors graded the cancer as a Gleason score of 9 — an indicator of aggressive growth. Prostate cancer is graded on a scale of 6 to 10, with scores of 8, 9, and 10 suggesting a highly aggressive form of the disease.
Symptoms can vary, and treatment typically includes radiation, hormone therapy, and in some cases chemotherapy or surgery. Biden reportedly completed a full round of radiation earlier this fall.
Despite his diagnosis, Biden delivered the speech with strength, signaling a return to public life and renewed engagement in national discourse.
Political Legacy and 2024 Withdrawal
Biden left office in January after serving one term, having opted not to seek reelection in 2024. The decision came amid intensifying scrutiny over his age, mental acuity, and a disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Vice President Kamala Harris launched a campaign to succeed him shortly after, but ultimately lost to Trump in the November 2024 election.
Though no longer in office, Biden continues to speak out on major political issues, positioning himself as a moral voice and elder statesman within the Democratic Party.
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