Biden tests positive for COVID-19, says White House

 Biden tests positive for COVID-19, says White House

Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House announced. His press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed that the US president is vaccinated and boosted. This is his third positive COVID test. 

Earlier on Wednesday, the 81-year-old president was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event but later cancelled a campaign speech. His illness comes amid increasing calls for him to step aside due to his age. 

US media reports indicate that both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries privately met with Biden to express concerns that his candidacy could negatively impact other House and Senate races. Jean-Pierre stated that the president plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to perform his duties. 

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's doctor, reported that the president presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and has been given his first dose of Paxlovid. Despite feeling fine earlier in the day, Biden tested positive later. He thanked everyone for their well wishes via X/Twitter, stating he would continue to work during his recovery. In another tweet, Biden humorously criticized Elon Musk and his wealthy associates, linking to a donations portal. 

Following the announcement, reporters on the Las Vegas trip were hurried to the airport, where video footage showed Biden moving slowly and cautiously up the steps to the plane without wearing a mask. He was heard saying, "Good, I feel good," as he boarded Air Force One.

Biden had to cancel a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization. His illness has fueled growing calls for him to withdraw from the election race. Nearly two dozen Democratic politicians, including California Congressman Adam Schiff, have urged him to step aside. Schiff expressed doubts about Biden's ability to defeat former President Donald Trump and called on him to "pass the torch." He acknowledged Biden's significant impact as president and suggested he could secure his legacy by allowing another Democrat to step forward.

Reports from ABC News, the Washington Post, and Politico suggest that Schumer and Jeffries recently conveyed fellow lawmakers' concerns about Biden's impact on the November election to him privately. White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated that Biden affirmed his intention to remain the party's nominee and work towards his 100 days agenda to help working families. 

Jeffries' spokesperson emphasized the privacy of their conversation, while Schumer's office dismissed the reports as "idle speculation" but confirmed that the Democratic leader conveyed his caucus's views directly to Biden. In an interview with BET, scheduled for broadcast on Wednesday evening, Biden mentioned for the first time that he might consider dropping out of the race if advised by his doctors due to a medical condition.