US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, the White House announced on Wednesday. The 81-year-old leader, who was visiting Las Vegas, is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate while continuing to perform his duties.
Biden's Health and Response
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the president's diagnosis after Biden canceled a scheduled speech. She emphasized that Biden is vaccinated and boosted. "He is experiencing mild symptoms," Jean-Pierre said, adding that he would return to Delaware to self-isolate and continue working.
A video on social media showed Biden slowly ascending the stairs of Air Force One, reassuring reporters, "Good, I feel good." The diagnosis came shortly after Biden indicated in an interview that he would only consider withdrawing from the presidential race if he faced a significant health issue.
Impact on Biden's Schedule
Biden's Covid-19 diagnosis has disrupted his campaign schedule. He had planned to spend a long weekend at his Delaware beach house, but it is now unclear how long he will remain off the campaign trail. Shortly after the announcement, Biden's motorcade headed to the Las Vegas airport. Before leaving, Biden managed to tape a radio interview and greet patrons at a local restaurant.
In another video, Janet Murguia, the organizer of an event Biden was supposed to attend, informed attendees of Biden's positive test, eliciting groans from the audience. "He said to tell my folks that we're not going to get rid of him that quickly," Murguia relayed.
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Political Repercussions
Biden's illness comes at a critical time in his campaign. He has been facing mounting pressure from within his party to step aside. His recent debate performance against former President Donald Trump received mixed reviews, and he has been trailing in key battleground states.
California Representative Adam Schiff, a prominent Democrat, recently suggested Biden should consider withdrawing from the race. Schiff argued that stepping down would "secure" Biden's "legacy of leadership" and strengthen the party's chances against Trump.
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Internal Party Dynamics
Adding to the intrigue, reports have surfaced about a private meeting between Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at Biden's Delaware beach house. According to sources, Schumer suggested that it might be better for the party and the country if Biden were to withdraw. However, a Schumer spokesperson dismissed these reports as "idle speculation."
Despite these pressures, the Democratic Party is moving forward with plans for a virtual vote to officially nominate Biden in August. The Democratic National Convention, set to open in Chicago on August 19, will see Biden's formal nomination unless significant changes occur.
Polling and Public Opinion
Polls indicate that many Democrats and independents believe Biden should step aside. According to an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, nearly two-thirds of Democrats think Biden should not seek re-election. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 40% of Democratic registered voters and 65% of independent registered voters believe Biden should withdraw from the race.
Additionally, a significant portion of voters expressed concerns about Biden's age. The AP-NORC poll revealed that 58% of Democratic voters and 70% of independents think Biden is too old to continue working in government.
Bottomline
President Joe Biden's positive Covid-19 test has added a new layer of complexity to his re-election campaign. As he self-isolates and continues to fulfil his presidential duties, the Democratic Party faces internal debates about the best path forward. With the Democratic National Convention approaching, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Biden's political future.