Former U.S. President Joe Biden has recently been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. According to sources from the White House, he is suffering from an “aggressive” form of the disease.
While it had previously been disclosed that Biden had skin cancer—which was removed surgically before he assumed the presidency—a recent claim by prominent American political figure Laura Loomer stated that Biden is suffering from terminal cancer and may pass away within the next two months.
Regardless of what Loomer may have claimed, the news of Biden’s illness has sparked an unprecedented show of unity in American political circles.
Despite being deeply divided along partisan lines, many top leaders have extended their wishes for Biden’s swift recovery.
Former President Donald Trump, usually a harsh critic of Biden, conveyed a message wishing him a “speedy and successful recovery.”
He extended well wishes to both Joe Biden and the First Lady. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife expressed their prayers for the Biden family.
Democratic leader and former Vice President Kamala Harris, 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and even Trump’s close ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, have all wished for Biden’s well-being. Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Gavin Newsom of California have referred to Biden as “a true gentleman” and “a symbol of dignity, strength, and compassion,” and have extended their heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery.
The political decorum and courtesy observed in developed nations is truly commendable. Even amid political rivalry, mutual respect and compassion in personal matters are maintained.
Particularly during times of personal crises, such as illness, political differences are set aside as everyone joins in expressing their good wishes—a clear testament to the maturity of their political culture.
In such environments, debates occur on the basis of policy and principle rather than personal attacks, and respect for differing opinions is upheld.
The process of power transition is smooth and peaceful, where the losing party congratulates and cooperates with the victors. This kind of civility is a hallmark of a cohesive and strong democratic system.
In contrast, the political culture in many developing countries often suffers from degradation. Here, political opponents are viewed as enemies. Personal attacks and character assassinations have become common practices.
False, baseless, and politically motivated lawsuits are used to harass opponents unnecessarily. The impact of such actions lingers for generations, fueling continuous political instability.
Even during moments of illness or personal crisis, political actors may seek to exploit the situation for gain. In some countries, political leaders hesitate to attend the funeral or last rites of their rivals.
When someone visits the home of a political opponent to offer condolences for a family member’s death, they may be met with a slammed door. Political conflict, violence, and vendettas often escalate to such levels that a healthy political culture ceases to exist.
As a result, intolerance toward differing views and political violence become prevalent. The root causes of this decline include lack of education and ethics, poverty, weak rule of law, poor governance, and the lust for power.
In many cases, prolonged colonial rule has also weakened democratic institutions and hindered the growth of a sound political culture.
Given these circumstances, especially in developing countries, the importance of political decorum and courtesy cannot be overstated.
To achieve this, political leaders in these nations must ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability. A neutral judiciary and strict enforcement of the law must be guaranteed so that no political figure is above the law.
Democratic institutions like election commissions, the judiciary, media, and others must be made independent and strong so they can function without fear.
Above all, democratic practices and transparency must be ensured within political parties. Emphasis must shift from personality cults to ideals and principles.
Only then can developing nations progress toward a more advanced and healthy political culture and uphold true democratic values.
