Struggling Biden Slams Trump in Slurred Speech While Nation Watches in Disbelief
Joe Biden made a rare public appearance Thursday night at a lavish Chicago gala—but instead of displaying strength or clarity, the 82-year-old former president looked frail, confused, and visibly exhausted. The event came just months after Biden publicly confirmed he is battling advanced-stage prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
Accompanied by two of his granddaughters, Biden slowly made his way to the stage at the 100th Annual National Bar Association gala, an organization known for its left-leaning politics and focus on racial identity. Biden was met with applause but appeared disoriented, needing guidance to find his seat. He slumped down with a vacant grin, flashing awkward finger guns at the crowd—an uncomfortable moment caught on video.
Despite his physical and cognitive decline, Biden used his speech to launch an attack on President Donald Trump, accusing the Trump administration of waging an “existential” war on minority communities.
“We’re facing tough times,” Biden said, his voice unsteady. “But you’re here for the same reason I once walked away from a high-powered law firm to work as a public defender — because the future of this country is genuinely at stake.”
Throughout the 20-minute speech, Biden repeatedly stumbled over his words and lost his train of thought. It was a stark contrast to the confidence and clarity many Americans now associate with President Trump, whose second-term policies have reignited U.S. strength at home and abroad.
Biden’s appearance was part of a larger speaking program featuring far-left figures like Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), New York Attorney General Letitia James, and MSNBC personality Joy Reid. The event’s lineup reflected the Democratic Party’s increasing shift toward radical activism—a vision voters roundly rejected in the last election.
Biden even attempted humor about his age, joking, “It’s hell turning 40 twice.” But the moment did little to comfort viewers who have watched his cognitive decline over the past several years.
Since quietly exiting public life after leaving the White House, Biden has avoided media attention and declined to run for re-election. His chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, went on to suffer a historic landslide defeat at the hands of President Trump, who continues to command support across working-class and minority voters.
Biden was honored with the National Bar Association’s top award, the C. Francis Stradford Award. But to many Americans, the real story wasn’t the trophy—it was the visible reminder of why the country moved on.