Biden Tests Positive for Covid Amid Intense Campaign.
- DERRICK INGARA
- Jul 18, 2024
- 2 min read
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, just days after hinting he might reconsider his reelection bid if faced with a serious medical condition. The 81-year-old president, showing mild symptoms, assured the nation with a thumbs up and a confident "I feel good" before cutting short his trip to Las Vegas and heading into isolation at his Delaware beach home.
"I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people," Biden expressed on X, thanking supporters for their well-wishes.
This development comes at a crucial moment in Biden's campaign. The president's ability to lead has been under scrutiny following a lackluster debate performance against his main rival, Donald Trump. The debate, which sparked health concerns and whispers of an early exit from the race, has left some Democrats urging him to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.

Adding to the campaign chaos, Trump recently survived an assassination attempt at a rally, further intensifying the already high-stakes presidential race.
Biden's positive COVID test forced him to cancel a pivotal speech to a union representing Latino workers—a key demographic for his reelection bid. Despite this setback, his team remains optimistic. Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's spokeswoman, confirmed that the president, who is vaccinated and boosted, is taking Paxlovid and continues to perform his duties while in isolation.
"His symptoms remain mild," reported White House doctor Kevin O'Connor, who described Biden's condition as including a runny nose, a cough, and "general malaise."
Despite his diagnosis, Biden's commitment to his campaign and duties remains steadfast. He was seen without a mask, confidently walking from his limousine to the plane in Las Vegas. When asked about his condition, he simply replied, "Good. I feel good."
The news of Biden's illness was shared with the crowd by Janet Murguia, president of Unidos, the union for Latino workers, shortly before the official White House announcement. This setback comes amid increasing pressure from within his party. Reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have both privately urged Biden to reconsider his bid for reelection.
As the nation watches closely, Biden's ability to navigate this health crisis while maintaining his campaign's momentum will undoubtedly shape the coming months of the 2024 presidential race.
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