Joe Biden says cancer slowed him down, limiting memoir promotion tour

Former President Joe Biden said on Sunday ahead of the release of his presidential memoir that he would need to limit the promotional events due to his cancer battle slowing him down at times.

The memoir, titled "Promise Me, America," is set to be released on Nov. 17. The book reflects on Biden's four years in the White House, covering the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, domestic legislation, global diplomacy and his decision to run for re-election before later stepping aside in 2024. The memoir also details the personal deliberations behind his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid.

"My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation. What we stand for. And America's role in the world. More than anything, it's about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy," Biden said on X.

JOE BIDEN'S CANCER HAS SPREAD FURTHER, LEAVING HIM IN 'VERY PAINFUL' CONDITION, HUNTER REVEALS

The former president was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones in May 2025, which he said has not stopped him but has sometimes slowed him down.

"While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families. My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment. And the prayers and kind words and well wishes from so many of you have meant more to me and Jill and our family than you can ever know," Biden said.

"Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves," he continued.

Biden recalled his father telling him, "When you get knocked down, get up."

"It's a good lesson for me. And for America," Biden said.

BIDEN CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT FROM CAMPAIGN TRAIL AS OBAMA, HARRIS STEP UP FOR MIDTERM PUSH

"We are blessed. America is the most unique nation on earth. Unlike other countries, we're built on an idea. An idea bigger than any ocean. More powerful than any army. Stronger than any tyrant or dictator. That idea? All of us are created equal," he added.