He just tested positive for COVID.
U.S.
President Joe Biden has tested positive for the COVID-19 during
a campaign trip to Las Vegas.
The White House announced that Biden is experiencing mild symptoms
and will self isolate at his Delaware beach house due
to the diagnosis.
He has cancelled a scheduled speech at an event for
the Unidos USA Latino civil rights group.
Biden, who is vaccinated and boosted, told reporters that he
feels good as he boarded Air Force One to return
to Delaware.
The White House press secretary Karin John Pierre has stated
that Biden will continue to carry out his duties fully
while in isolation.
This health set back comes at a challenging time for
Biden's re election campaign.
He is facing mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to step
down from the presidential race.
In a recent interview, Biden mentioned himself that he will
consider dropping out only if a serious medical condition emerges.
The timing is also particularly sensitive as Biden has been
losing ground to former President Donald Trump in battleground states.
Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt, is currently leading
a triumphant convention.
Adding to the pressure, California Representative Adam Schiff, a high
profile Democrat, has also publicly urged Biden to withdraw from
the race.
Schiff has expressed concern about Biden's ability to defeat Trump
and suggested that stepping down will secure Biden's legacy of
leadership.
There are also reports of some private meeting between Biden
and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, where Schumer has allegedly
advised Biden that withdrawing will be better for the Democratic
Party and the country.
However, Schumer's office has described these reports as idle speculation.
Despite the growing calls for Biden to step aside, the
Democratic Party is moving forward with plan to formally nominate
him in early August.
The Democratic National Convention is set to open in Chicago
on 19th of August.
In addition, recent polls also highlight the challenges Biden is
facing.
A Reuters Ipsos poll found that 40% of Democrats registered
voters think that Biden must drop his reelection bid.
Age is another significant factor in these concerns.
The Reuters Zip Source poll revealed that 58% of Democrat
registered voters and 70% of independent registered voters believe that
Biden is too old to work in the government.
Now, as Biden isolates with COVID-19, these political pressures continue
to mount, creating a complex situation for the incumbent president
and the Democratic Party as they approach the 2024 election.
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