Joe Biden contracts Covid-19, cancels speech amid election pressures

President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House confirmed. Karine Jean-Pierre, his press secretary, stated that despite being vaccinated and boosted, Mr. Biden has contracted Covid-19 for the third time.

The 81-year-old president was seen earlier on Wednesday engaging with supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event, but later canceled a campaign speech scheduled for that night. The illness has emerged at a critical juncture as Biden confronts mounting pressure regarding his age following a lackluster debate performance at the end of June.

Ms. Jean-Pierre assured that President Biden intends to isolate at his Delaware home while continuing to fulfill his duties remotely.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, reported that the president is experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and cough. He received his first dose of Paxlovid and initially felt well during his first event of the day before testing positive later.

Taking to Twitter, President Biden thanked everyone for their well wishes and pledged to continue working for the American people during his recovery. However, another tweet from his account addressed concerns about campaign finance, directing followers to a donation portal.

Reporters accompanying Biden in Las Vegas were swiftly evacuated to the city’s airport following the announcement. Video footage showed Joe Biden boarding Air Force One cautiously and without a mask, though he expressed feeling “good” as he embarked.

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The president’s illness led to the cancellation of a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization, underscoring the impact on his campaign activities. Amid growing calls from nearly two dozen Democratic figures for him to withdraw from the race, including Congressman Adam Schiff, Biden acknowledged in an interview that he would consider stepping aside if advised by his doctors due to a medical condition.

In the midst of these developments, Biden faces a pivotal moment in his presidency and political career, balancing health concerns with electoral pressures as the campaign season progresses.