Biden tests positive for Covid, White House says

Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.

His press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, mentioned that the US president is vaccinated and has received his booster shots. This isn't the first time he's tested positive for Covid.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr. Biden, 81, was seen meeting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. He had to cancel a campaign speech later that night because of his illness.

This comes at a time when there's increasing pressure for him to step aside due to his age.

Reports from US media say that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, the top two Democrats in Congress, met with Mr. Biden privately. They expressed serious concerns that his candidacy might negatively impact other House and Senate races.

Ms. Jean-Pierre said the president plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while still handling all his duties.

His doctor, Kevin O'Connor, said Mr. Biden had symptoms like a runny nose and a cough and had been given his first dose of Paxlovid, a Covid treatment. He felt fine during his first event of the day but tested positive later.

Mr. Biden later thanked everyone for their well wishes on Twitter, saying he would keep working for the American people while recovering. In another tweet, he joked, "I'm sick... of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election," and linked to a donation portal.

Earlier on Wednesday, reporters on the Las Vegas trip were quickly moved from a campaign stop at a Mexican restaurant to the city's airport after the announcement. The restaurant was lively, decorated with Mexican art and guitars, with "Biden-Harris" posters on one wall. Latino pop music played quietly as Mr. Biden walked in, shook hands with diners, and took selfies.

Mr. Biden seemed a bit slower than the day before when he had given an energetic speech to a national civil rights group. He had to cancel a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization, which was part of his effort to regain support among Hispanic voters.

Later, he was seen moving slowly and cautiously up the steps to his plane, without a mask. As he boarded Air Force One, he said, "Good, I feel good."

This sudden illness cut short a trip that was supposed to boost his campaign after a pause caused by an attempt on his rival Donald Trump's life. Mr. Biden's re-election campaign was already facing challenges, including growing dissent among Democrats after a poor debate performance against Trump.

Now, his campaign faces even more uncertainty as he deals with Covid. This election season feels unpredictable and chaotic.

Mr. Biden's illness comes as more people are calling for him to withdraw from the race. Nearly two dozen Democratic politicians, including California Congressman Adam Schiff, have recently asked him to step aside. Schiff praised Biden's leadership but suggested it was time to pass the torch.

Reports from ABC News, the Washington Post, and Politico say that Schumer and Jeffries met privately with Biden to express concerns from fellow lawmakers that his presence on the November election ticket could hurt their chances in Congress. A White House spokesman said Biden told them he is the party's nominee and plans to win, working with them to help working families.

Jeffries' spokesperson called the meeting private, while Schumer's office described the reporting as "idle speculation" but confirmed that Schumer conveyed his caucus's views to Biden.

In an interview with BET, Biden said he doesn't feel he can step down with the country so divided. However, he also said that if any of his doctors advised him to, he would consider dropping out of the race due to a medical condition.