Former President Joe Biden, displaying a bandage on his head, addressed Nebraska Democrats at the Ben Nelson Gala, stating that his late son, Beau Biden, should have been elected president in 2020 instead of himself. Biden invoked Beau's death from brain cancer to criticize Trump, accusing him of reducing government funding for cancer research, which had previously been prioritized during his administration.

Biden remarked, "Folks, I know what cancer research means. Cancer hits every family. It’s hit my family hard." He recounted how Beau, who served as Delaware's attorney general, volunteered for military service in Iraq and subsequently developed stage four glioblastoma, attributing his illness to exposure to burn pits.

In light of his own recent diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer, Biden expressed gratitude for advancements in cancer research and the support of healthcare professionals. He stated, "Thank God for the doctors and nurses and incredible breakthroughs we’re making in cancer research."

Biden criticized Trump and Republican lawmakers for cutting healthcare funding, which he claimed has made medical care more expensive. He expressed frustration over the prolonged government shutdown, stating, "We have a president who is deliberately making hunger worse for Americans," referencing the impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Biden highlighted the alarming statistic that one in five children in the United States goes to bed hungry each night, calling it a disgrace. He attributed the shutdown to Republican efforts to protect tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

The former president also celebrated recent Democratic electoral victories, asserting that they indicate a resurgence of the Democratic Party and a message to Trump and his supporters.