President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, abruptly ending his campaign trip in Las Vegas and reigniting concerns about his health and ability to lead. The White House confirmed that Biden, 81, is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Delaware while continuing to fulfill his presidential duties.
"Good, I feel good," Biden told reporters as he boarded Air Force One without a mask, shortly before flying back to Delaware. The president's diagnosis comes at a critical juncture in his re-election campaign, which has been under intense scrutiny since his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that the president has a runny nose and a non-productive cough, but his temperature and respiratory rate remain normal. "The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid," O'Connor said, adding that Biden's symptoms are mild and his pulse oximetry reading is 97%.
The diagnosis forced Biden to cancel his speech at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas, a significant event on his campaign trail. UnidosUS President Janet Murguia announced Biden's positive test to the awaiting crowd, noting his deep disappointment at missing the event. "The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid," she said.
This health setback for Biden adds fuel to the already growing calls from some Democratic lawmakers and top donors for him to reconsider his bid for a second term. His faltering debate performance and subsequent questions about his age and stamina have left many Democrats uneasy about his chances against Trump. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly told Biden that stepping aside might benefit the party, reflecting the increasing pressure from within his own ranks.
Biden, however, has remained defiant. In a recent interview with BET, he mentioned that only a serious medical condition would make him reconsider his run. "If I had some medical condition that emerged, if the doctors came to me and said you got this problem or that problem," he said, indicating his intent to stay in the race barring any severe health issues.
His campaign quickly pivoted, attempting to turn his diagnosis into a fundraising opportunity. Biden's personal X account posted, "I'm sick," followed by a continuation: "of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election." This fundraising ploy, though celebrated by some in his campaign, drew criticism from others who felt it was an inappropriate response to the president's health crisis.
Biden's Covid diagnosis came as Trump and his newly announced vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, were making their campaign pitch at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The timing couldn't be worse for Biden, as the contrast between the vigorous Trump and the ailing president could sharpen the narrative Trump's campaign is pushing.
The Secret Service confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure Biden's security and health. Meanwhile, Biden's close ally, Senator Chris Coons, emphasized that the president is following public health protocols and remains focused on his duties. "He's been campaigning, and effectively, in Nevada, Michigan and Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and we can't afford to lose another week, and that's too bad," Coons said.
Biden's campaign has faced a series of challenges, and this latest development could prove to be a turning point. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has delayed a meeting to officially nominate Biden, amid growing speculation about whether he might step aside. This delay reflects the deep unease within the party about Biden's candidacy.
Despite the turmoil, Biden's inner circle remains confident in his ability to lead and win. Public statements from his campaign and top aides suggest he will return to the campaign trail as soon as his health allows. However, this period of isolation may give Biden a moment to reflect on his campaign, the mounting resistance within his party, and whether it might be time to pass the torch.
Senator Coons encapsulated the sentiment of Biden's supporters, "I don't know this - I'm not trying to announce something," he said, "but my impression is that he's going to pull down his campaign" to recover. As Biden recuperates in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the political landscape remains uncertain, with Democrats anxiously awaiting his next move.
