President Joe Biden faces new scrutiny over his candidacy in the upcoming November election as his campaign events are paused due to a Covid-19 infection.
Top Democrats in Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have reportedly met with Biden individually to express concerns about his re-election bid.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also privately told Biden that she believes he cannot defeat Donald Trump in the November election, according to CNN.
Biden’s re-election campaign was already facing increasing dissent among top Democrats following a poor debate performance against Trump last month.
Announcing his Covid-19 infection on Wednesday, Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, stated that the 81-year-old president was experiencing mild symptoms and would isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to fulfill his duties.
Biden, who is vaccinated and boosted, has tested positive for Covid twice before.
Earlier in the day, Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event but had to cancel a speech later at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization.
The abrupt end to his trip, which aimed to revive his appeal among Hispanic voters, came after an attempted assassination of his rival, Trump.
Biden was later seen boarding Air Force One without a mask, moving slowly and cautiously. He remarked, ‘Good, I feel good,’ as he boarded the plane.
In private meetings last week, Schumer and Jeffries conveyed concerns that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize Democratic control of Congress. White House spokesman Andrew Bates responded, stating that Biden reaffirmed his commitment to his candidacy and his plans to win the election.
Pelosi, according to CNN, recently told Biden that polling indicated his presence on the ticket could harm Democrats’ chances of winning the House. Following pushback from Biden, Pelosi requested input on key data from Biden’s advisor.
Approximately two dozen Democratic politicians, including Congressman Adam Schiff, have publicly called for Biden to step aside. Schiff praised Biden’s presidency but suggested he could secure his legacy by allowing another Democrat to step forward.
In an interview with BET, Biden indicated he would consider dropping out if advised by his doctors due to a medical condition.
Reporters on the Las Vegas trip reported being rushed to the airport following the announcement of Biden’s Covid infection.
The restaurant was vibrant with color, featuring Mexican art and guitars hanging from the walls and banners draped from the ceiling. One wall was adorned with ‘Biden-Harris’ posters.
As ceiling fans swirled slowly and Latino pop music played quietly from the speakers, President Biden entered through the kitchen door, flanked by Secret Service agents, and walked into the main dining area.
He shook hands with diners, who appeared well-prepared for his arrival, kissed one, and posed for selfies with others.
The president seemed somewhat stiffer and slower than the day before when he had delivered an energized speech to a national civil rights group.
Later, commenting on his Covid infection, the president’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that Biden had presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and had been given his first dose of Paxlovid.
Biden felt fine during his first event of the day but later tested positive, Dr. O’Connor said.
The president posted on X to thank everyone for ‘the well wishes’ and said he would ‘work to get the job done for the American people’ while recovering.
In another post, he stated: ‘I’m sick’ before continuing with, ‘…of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.’
