Boston, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Former President Joe Biden was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in Boston. This event marked Biden’s first major public appearance after undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, where he spoke about the hardships facing American democracy. The ceremony celebrated Biden’s public service and recognized other leaders, while instilling hope for the future amidst challenging political times.
Boston — Former President Joe Biden received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in Boston on October 26, 2025, where he delivered his first public remarks since undergoing radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer and framed the current political moment as seriously challenging for American democracy.
Key developments at the event
The event drew a sold-out crowd of more than 500 people to honor Biden’s decades of public service and to present leadership awards to former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Biden, described in the program as 82-year-old, used the appearance to encourage optimism despite what he characterized as dark days for the country, warning of perceived threats to free speech and executive overreach from President Donald Trump. He asserted that America’s foundational ideals and the principle of democracy remain stronger than any dictator or military force.
Health and return to public life
Biden’s public appearance marked his first major speech since receiving radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer, a condition noted in medical descriptions with a Gleason score of 9, indicating aggressive behavior of the disease. The speech was his first public address after treatment and followed a period of relative quiet since leaving office in January. Organizers and attendees described the event as an intended celebration of civic engagement and institutional memory as Biden continues to navigate his health challenges and the evolving political landscape.
Policy and political context
At the ceremony, Biden criticized what he described as the exertion of power and control by President Donald Trump that has contributed to the federal government entering its second-longest shutdown. He highlighted civic resistance, noting the actions of federal employees who have resigned in protest and entertainers who continue to advocate for free speech. Biden urged faith in the nation’s ability to recover and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient, while stressing that democracy requires continuous effort and struggle rather than guaranteed success.
Tributes and institutional focus
Biden paid tribute to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and recalled their close working relationship as colleagues in the Senate. He also emphasized the Kennedy Institute’s mission to educate future leaders on democracy and civic engagement, framing the institute’s work as central to sustaining democratic norms and public service values for new generations.
Post-presidency political developments
After leaving the presidency, Biden chose not to seek reelection following criticism of his performance in a debate against President Donald Trump and public concerns about his age and health. In the aftermath of his decision not to run, Vice President Kamala Harris directly entered the presidential race and ultimately lost to President Donald Trump. Biden’s October appearance represented a notable return to public life after a period of reduced visibility.
Event attendance and honors
The sold-out program brought together more than 500 attendees to honor public service and civic leadership. In addition to Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the ceremony recognized former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Admiral Lisa Franchetti with leadership awards.
What attendees and organizers emphasized
Organizers and speakers at the institute reiterated the importance of civic education, public service, and vigilance in protecting democratic institutions. The program framed Biden’s remarks and the awards as part of a broader effort to reaffirm democratic norms and to encourage ongoing participation in public life.
FAQ
What award did Biden receive at the event?
He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in Boston on October 26, 2025.
How many people attended the event?
The event was sold-out and attended by more than 500 people.
What did Biden say about the state of democracy?
Biden described the current state of America as facing dark days and encouraged optimism while warning of perceived threats to free speech and executive overreach from President Donald Trump. He emphasized that the principle of democracy is stronger than any dictator or military force.
What did Biden say about government operations?
Biden addressed concerns about the federal government being in its second-longest shutdown, attributing it to Trump’s exertion of power and control over the government.
What health information was provided about Biden?
Biden publicly spoke for the first time after undergoing radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer. The disease was noted with a Gleason score of 9, indicating aggressive behavior of the disease.
Who else was honored at the event?
Former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Admiral Lisa Franchetti were honored with leadership awards.
What did the event say about civic engagement?
Biden acknowledged efforts by citizens standing up against Trump’s administration, including federal employees resigning in protest and comedians continuing to advocate for free speech, and he reflected on the Kennedy Institute’s mission to educate future leaders on democracy and civic engagement.
What decisions did Biden make after leaving the White House?
Following his time in the White House, Biden chose not to seek reelection after facing criticism for his performance in a debate against Trump and concerns about his age and health. Kamala Harris, Biden’s vice president, directly entered the presidential race following his decision not to run again, ultimately losing to Trump. Biden’s public appearance marked a significant return after a period of quiet since leaving office in January.
Event and status at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration |
| Date | October 26, 2025 |
| Location | Boston |
| Award to Biden | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Attendance | More than 500 people (sold-out) |
| Biden’s public status | 82-year-old; first public speech after radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer |
| Medical detail | Gleason score of 9 |
| Government status mentioned | Second-longest shutdown (federal) |
| Other honorees | Marty Walsh; Admiral Lisa Franchetti |
| Post-presidency decision | Chose not to seek reelection |
| Vice President’s action | Kamala Harris directly entered the presidential race and lost to Trump |
| Leaving office | Leaving office in January |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Boston.com
- NBC News
- Newsweek
- The Hill
- Wikipedia: United States
- Google Search: Joe Biden
- Google Scholar: Joe Biden
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Joe Biden
- Google News: Joe Biden
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