On Friday, former Democratic President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of metastatic prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.
Soon after, a 2017 clip of Biden comforting Republican Senator John McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, on The View after her father's own cancer diagnosis resurfaced online.
Senator McCain had glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, which ultimately led to his death in August of 2018. During their conversation, Biden spoke of his son Beau Biden who had died of a glioblastoma brain tumor in May of 2015.
In 2017, the moment of compassion from then former Democratic Vice President Biden towards The View's conservative commentator made international headlines.
You can watch the moment here:
At the time, both Meghan McCain and Senator McCain shared their appreciation for former Vice President Biden's kindness on Twitter.
Now, almost eight years later as President Biden faces his own cancer battle, Meghan McCain and Senator McCain's widow, Cindy, reached out online.
In two posts on X condemning those focused on anything but compassion for the Biden family, Meghan McCain wrote:
"Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell."
"It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it."
"Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family."
"I don’t believe times like these are appropriate for politics."
And:
"I don’t know if it’s just my bias or background but I don’t want to hear anything else about Biden’s health coverup, tell all’s, interviews with staff etc."
"Let the Biden family be in peace right now."
"This is all just so sad and imprudent."
Cindy McCain shared a photo of her late husband with Joe Biden, captioned:
"Dearest Joe,"
"My heart is breaking for you and your family. What I do know is your strength and tenacity will persevere. Thank you for introducing me to the person who would become my incredible husband. My life has been simply amazing. I owe some of that to you and Jill."
"Love, Cindy"
She also retweeted President Biden's own post about his diagnosis on X.
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People appreciated their support for the Biden family, and Meghan McCain's call for kindness instead of making President Biden's cancer a talking point in political sparring matches.
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Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer, behind skin cancer, among men.
According to the American Cancer Society, early detection and intervention yields a 97% five year survival rate. But, as with all cancers, the outlook becomes less optimistic—dropping to 37%—after the cancer has metastasized.
In their statement after Biden's cancer diagnosis was shared with the public, the American Cancer Society wrote:
"This news is a reminder about the tragic impact of prostate cancer in the US, where about one in eight men will be diagnosed over their lifetime with prostate cancer."
"Although it is a highly survivable disease when caught in early stages, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men."
The nation's leading cancer fighting organization shared:
"We stand with Former President Biden and Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as they face this diagnosis. The former president is a longtime champion in the fight to end cancer as we know it, for everyone."
"Through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, first launched when he was vice president and then reignited when he was president, the president prioritized both government investment in the cancer fight, as well as promoted public-private partnerships to advance progress against the disease."
May President Joe and Dr. Jill Biden receive the same empathy and compassion they have shown others during this difficult time.
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