Jul 19, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Biden bouncing back from COVID, White House doctor says

Andrew Childers

resident Joe Biden steps off Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., on July 17, 2024., after testing positive for covid. — resident Joe Biden steps off Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., on July 17, 2024., after testing positive for COVID. Photo: Kent Nishimura / AFP

President Biden's COVID symptoms have "improved meaningfully" and he's completed his fourth dose of Paxlovid, the White House physician said in a Friday update.

Why it matters: The bout of COVID sidelined Biden's campaign for reelection at the same time Democratic calls for the 81-year-old incumbent to step aside crescendoed.

Biden was diagnosed with COVID Wednesday while campaigning in Las Vegas, forcing him to cancel an appearance at a UnidosUS conference.

What they're saying: White House physician Kevin O'Connor said Biden, who has been isolating in Delaware, is still experiencing hoarseness and a cough.

Biden's other vitals including temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate are normal, O'Connor said.
"The President continues to tolerate treatment well. We will continue PAXLOVID as planned. In the meantime, the President continues to do the work of the American people," O'Connor said.

The latest: Biden's illness took him off the campaign trail the same week the Republican National Convention rallied around former President Trump after a failed assassination attempt.

Biden's attempt to fundraise off of his diagnosis infuriated some Democrats who found it tasteless given his precarious position with the party right now.

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Biden bouncing back from COVID, White House doctor says

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