President Biden Returns After Rumors of Being Dead from COVID-19
President Joe Biden reappears in public after a six-day isolation, dispelling rumors about his health and discussing his exit from the 2024 race. Read about his return, health update, and upcoming plans.
July 22, 2024 – Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden reemerged in public on Tuesday after six days of isolation, dispelling rampant conspiracy theories about his health. The 81-year-old president, who had been absent from public view since his announcement on Sunday to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, was seen leaving Delaware and returning to the White House.
Last seen on Wednesday exiting Air Force One in Dover, Biden went into isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. His absence fueled wild rumors, particularly on social media, about his condition. However, on Tuesday, he was spotted with a mask, exiting his SUV, and assuring the press of his well-being before boarding Air Force One to Washington, D.C.
When asked about his upcoming Wednesday night speech, Biden responded, "Watch and listen. Why don’t you wait and hear what I say." He laughed off questions about his decision to drop out of the race, donned his aviator sunglasses, and got into the presidential vehicle, "The Beast."
Biden's Health and Upcoming Speech
Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, confirmed Biden's recovery from COVID-19.
"The President's symptoms have resolved. Throughout his infection, he did not develop a fever, and his vital signs, including pulse oximetry, remained normal. His lungs were clear, and BINAX rapid antigen testing is negative," stated Dr. O'Connor.
Biden is set to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening to discuss his decision to exit the presidential race.
"Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people," Biden wrote on social media platform X.
Future Plans and Public Appearance
The White House has announced several events with President Biden in the coming days, countering the conspiracy theories about his health. On Thursday, Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. He will then spend the weekend at Camp David before heading to Austin, Texas, on Monday to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Presidential Library. This trip, initially scheduled for last week, was postponed following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Social Media Rumors and Clarifications
False claims about Biden's health spread widely on social media, fueled by far-right commentators such as Turning Points founder Charlie Kirk and journalist Tucker Carlson. Kirk's post alleging that Biden was to be medivacked from Las Vegas garnered over 23 million views on X. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that while they were informed of Biden's illness on July 17, he was never transported to the hospital and left for Delaware directly from Harry Reid International Airport.
Campaign Suspension and Harris Endorsement
During his isolation, Biden stunned the nation by announcing he would not seek a second term, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Campaign activities have been suspended, and fundraising trips to California and Colorado have been canceled and will be rescheduled.
Despite his temporary absence from public view, Biden’s return and upcoming activities signal his ongoing commitment to his presidential duties. The president’s decision to exit the 2024 race marks a significant shift in the political landscape as the Democratic Party rallies around Harris.
For more updates on President Biden and other breaking news, stay tuned to The African Media.
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