On Wednesday, President Joe Biden boarded Air Force One at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The 81-year-old leader has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently experiencing mild symptoms, as reported by the White House (Getty Images)
U.S. President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting Las Vegas, prompting him to self-isolate due to mild symptoms, according to the White House. This news comes at a challenging time for the 81-year-old leader, who faces growing pressure from some fellow Democrats to step aside from the 2024 presidential race.
Biden's positive test was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre after he had to cancel a scheduled speech. She stated that he is vaccinated and boosted, noting that he was experiencing mild symptoms. As he prepared to leave Las Vegas for his home in Delaware, Biden told reporters, “Good, I feel good.”
The timing of his illness is significant, as polls show Biden losing ground to Republican Donald Trump in key states. Trump is currently enjoying a boost in visibility after surviving an assassination attempt just days ago and is attending a major convention this week.
Following his positive test, Biden planned to spend the weekend at his beach house in Delaware. It remains uncertain how long he will remain off the campaign trail due to his illness. Shortly after the announcement, Biden's motorcade took him from a radio interview in Las Vegas to the airport for his return flight.
Earlier in the day, Biden had mingled with patrons at a local Mexican restaurant, greeting several guests. He was running late for a speech at the Latino civil rights organization UnidosUS when the news of his COVID-19 diagnosis was shared, leading to disappointment in the conference room.
During his campaign stop in Las Vegas on Wednesday, President Biden met with customers at a local restaurant. (The Associated Press)
Before his positive test, Biden's doctor noted he was experiencing upper respiratory symptoms. Initially feeling fine for his first event, he underwent a COVID-19 test when his symptoms persisted, leading to the positive result.
Biden is currently self-isolating following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, to help with his recovery.
Calls for Biden to consider stepping down from the race have intensified. Some prominent Democrats express concerns about his age and viability against Trump. Biden has remained defiant, asserting that only "the Lord Almighty" could convince him to withdraw from the race.
As Biden returns to Delaware, he will continue his presidential duties while isolating. The situation has also drawn criticism from within his party. Notably, California Representative Adam Schiff publicly urged Biden to "pass the torch" to a younger candidate, emphasizing worries about his chances in the upcoming election.
Furthermore, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer reportedly advised Biden during a recent meeting that ending his campaign might be in the best interest of both the country and the party.
As the political landscape shifts and tensions rise, Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex campaign season.
