President Joe Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19 on July 17, 2024, while campaigning in Las Vegas, forcing him to cancel a crucial speech at the UnidosUS annual convention and other campaign events. The White House reports that Biden is experiencing mild symptoms, including a runny nose and non-productive cough, and has been prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid.’Earlier today, after his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden received a positive COVID-19 test result. He has been vaccinated and boosted, and is experiencing mild symptoms,’ said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Biden will return to his home in Rehoboth, Delaware, where he will ‘self-isolate and continue to perform all his duties in full capacity during this time’.This diagnosis comes at a critical time for Biden’s re-election campaign, intensifying scrutiny of his health and stamina ahead of the November election. The President’s positive test has fueled growing pressure from within the Democratic Party for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Influential Democratic legislator Adam Schiff has publicly urged Biden to ‘pass the torch,’ citing concerns about his ability to win against the Republican candidate.Biden had previously stated that he would reconsider his decision to run for re-election if a doctor diagnosed him with a serious medical condition. While his current symptoms are described as mild, this health setback has reignited debates about his fitness for office.Despite these challenges, Biden remains committed to his campaign. ‘I feel fine,’ Biden told reporters when asked about his condition. The White House maintains that he will continue to carry out his duties fully during his isolation period and has promised to provide regular updates on the President’s condition.
Key points
- President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas.
- Biden’s diagnosis has intensified calls from within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
- The President will self-isolate in Delaware while continuing to perform his duties.
- This health setback occurs at a critical time for Biden’s re-election campaign.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Biden experiencing mild symptoms, there are slight variations in the specific symptoms mentioned across different articles.
