President Joe Biden used his positive COVID-19 test in a political statement by posting “I’m sick” on X (formerly known as Twitter). This move was aimed at former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The 81-year-old president’s post was accompanied by a link to a donation page for Biden’s 2024 campaign, targeting Musk and his wealthy supporters who are willing to “buy” the elections. Musk, who has shown support for Trump, endorsed him on X and hoped for his rapid recovery following an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The billionaire has also expressed dissatisfaction with Biden’s immigration policies and has favored Trump’s re-election bid by donating to a political group responsible for electing the Republican Representative, as reported by Bloomberg.
The president posted this statement right after being tested positive on Wednesday, a day after he attended the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, where he criticized Trump’s policies. “He (Biden) will be returning to Delaware, where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” the White House said in its official release on Wednesday (local time). However, Biden is vaccinated and has also had COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, the most recent being in September 2023, the WH said.
Biden’s use of his illness for a political message is seen as an attempt to rally his base and draw attention to the support Trump is receiving from wealthy individuals like Musk. This move underscores the ongoing political tensions and the high stakes of the upcoming 2024 election. Biden’s strategy highlights his campaign’s focus on countering the influence of wealthy donors and emphasizing the importance of grassroots support.
The political landscape remains highly charged as both candidates prepare for the 2024 election, with Biden leveraging his personal health challenges to galvanize his supporters and draw sharp contrasts with Trump and his backers. This incident adds to the broader narrative of the election, where issues of health, wealth, and political influence are likely to play significant roles in shaping voter opinions and outcomes.
