Joe Biden tweeted:
I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes.
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.— President Biden (@POTUS) July 17, 2024
President Biden mentioned in an interview that he would consider leaving the presidential race if a doctor informed him of a medical condition necessitating his withdrawal. Biden emphasized that his doctors have not found any serious health issues, with White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor affirming his fitness for the presidency.
However, Biden’s poor performance in a debate with former President Donald Trump led to increased calls from Democratic allies for him to step aside, raising concerns about his health. In an interview with Ed Gordon of BET News, Biden said he would reassess his candidacy if his doctors identified significant health problems.
This statement adds to Biden’s previous comments about reconsidering his candidacy. Earlier, he stated that only divine intervention or proof from his aides that he couldn’t win would make him drop out. In the BET interview, Biden acknowledged making a mistake in the debate and reiterated that he would reconsider if his medical assessment changed.
Biden also revealed that he initially planned to serve only one term and pass the presidency to someone else, believing his experience could help heal the nation’s divisions. He mentioned being a “transitional candidate” in 2020 but decided to run again due to the increasing divisions in the country, feeling his wisdom and experience were needed.
Biden’s political advisers interpreted the transition as an eight-year span, suggesting his re-election would extend the transition to a new generation of leaders. Biden’s comments indicate that he changed his mind about serving only one term, believing he has more to accomplish and is reluctant to leave his work unfinished.
