A group of Republican delegates from Southern states reacted with apparent glee to the news that President Joe Biden had tested positive for COVID-19. This incident occurred at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as reported by NBC News‘ Garrett Haake.
“Bless his heart,” a delegate from Tennessee reportedly told Haake with a wink. Another delegate from Alabama said, “We want him to live till November!” These remarks were met with disgust by many on social media.
“Is this the unifying message they were talking about?” wrote the account @Jared_Poland. “Sounds like pretty fine people! Sadly, this whole Trumpism thing has taught me one very sad lesson. There are millions of very mean people in this country,” wrote @LDenoncourt. “Weren’t GOP just bitching about Dems stoking the flames of division? I swear the lack of self-awareness & overall cognitive dissonance needs to be studied in scientific laboratories someday,” added @nickblax88.
This reaction comes amid other controversial comments from the Trump camp regarding Biden’s diagnosis. Donald Trump Jr. suggested that Biden “didn’t really get COVID” and speculated that “maybe they don’t want him on a world stage anymore.”
Biden’s positive test result was announced as he was preparing to give a speech at the UnidosUS event in Las Vegas, forcing him to withdraw from the event. According to medical reports, he does not appear to be in any immediate life-threatening danger.
“Earlier today, following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. She noted that “he is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms.” While Biden recuperates at his home in Delaware, “The White House will provide regular updates on the president’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
The mixed reactions to Biden’s diagnosis highlight the deep political divisions in the country. While some Republicans showed a lack of empathy, others expressed their concern for the President’s health. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of fostering unity and compassion in a polarized political climate.