Former first lady Jill Biden has revealed in a new interview that she feared her husband, former President Joe Biden, was having a stroke during his widely criticized 2024 debate against Donald Trump. In an interview with CBS News, Jill Biden described her reaction to the debate, stating, 'I was frightened, because I had never ever seen Joe like that before or since. Never.' She added, 'I don’t know what happened. As I watched it, I thought, “Oh, my God, he’s having a stroke.” And it scared me to death.'
The debate, which took place in June 2024, marked a turning point in Biden’s reelection campaign. His performance, characterized by stumbling over words and appearing frail, prompted widespread calls for him to withdraw from the race. Just weeks later, Biden announced his decision to drop out of the election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. He became the first sitting president to abandon a reelection bid since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
Jill Biden’s comments contrast with her immediate reaction after the debate, where she publicly praised her husband’s performance. At the time, she told supporters, 'You did such a great job, you answered every question, you knew all the facts.' However, in her upcoming memoir, View from the East Wing: A Memoir, she provides a more candid account of her concerns.
Since leaving office, Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. His health and age have been subjects of intense scrutiny, particularly from former President Trump, who has criticized Biden’s transparency regarding his medical condition. Trump has also questioned whether Biden was diagnosed with cancer while still in office and has accused the former administration of covering up his declining health.
The debate and its aftermath have sparked discussions about presidential fitness for office, particularly regarding age and health. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race raised questions about the Democratic Party’s handling of the situation and the timing of his exit. Critics argue that he should have stepped aside sooner, while supporters maintain that the decision was made in the best interest of the party and the country.
Jill Biden’s memoir, set to be released on June 2, 2026, offers a personal perspective on her time in the White House and the events surrounding the 2024 election. The full interview with Jill Biden will air on CBS News on May 31, 2026.