Former President Joe Biden told PEOPLE in a fresh interview that his performance in the July 2024 presidential debate – a moment many observers described as confused and lacking clarity – was “not very consequential.” He added that, had he known he was battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer at the time, he would have stepped aside from the campaign.

Debate fallout and campaign exit

The July debate, in which Biden appeared disoriented and struggled to articulate his case for a second term, preceded his decision to drop out of the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris just 107 days before the 2024 election. The debate also prompted First Lady Jill Biden to fear that her husband was suffering a stroke.

Biden’s own assessment

“Look, I don’t know anybody who hasn’t made a mistake in a debate,” Biden said. “To me, it was not very consequential. First of all, I thought there’d be another debate, which there wasn’t. But notwithstanding the fact that there wasn’t another debate, it didn’t disturb me because it wasn’t consequential.”

He noted that a second debate was scheduled for September, but it ultimately featured only Harris and President Donald Trump.

Health disclosure and hypothetical resignation

Biden explained that he was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer four months after leaving office. He said he felt “lousy” before the diagnosis and would have resigned had he known the illness was the cause. “If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned. I would’ve not gone forward, because I don’t think an 80‑year‑old man with cancer should be running for president,” he said.

Nevertheless, Biden maintains that on an objective basis he was the best‑equipped person for the job at the time. He also defended his transparency about his health, stating, “We let the public know when I found out, when I knew what was going on. I think it’s important for a national leader, as president, to let people know they go through some of the very same things that a lot of American people are going through.”

Upcoming memoir

The interview comes ahead of the release of Biden’s presidential memoir, Promise Me, America, scheduled for next Tuesday. He has indicated that his cancer treatment may limit his ability to promote the book, but he remains confident that the memoir will offer insight into his years in office.

Context for readers

While the former president’s remarks focus on personal health and campaign decisions, they also underscore the broader political landscape as President Trump leads the nation. The Trump administration continues to advance its agenda on the economy, national security, and cultural issues, reflecting the priorities of many American families who value strong leadership, faith, and liberty.

For voters and community members, Biden’s statements serve as a reminder of the importance of health transparency in public service and the impact that personal circumstances can have on national politics.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.