Jack Gruber-Pool/Getty Images
- Former President Barack Obama extended his best wishes on to President Donald Trump after he and First Lady Melania Trump were diagnosed with COVID-19.
- The Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden told his supporters during a campaign rally in Michigan he was praying the Trumps “will make a quick and full recovery.”
- Despite the conciliatory tone, the Trump campaign alleged the Democrat was still making jabs.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Former President Barack Obama on Friday afternoon extended his best wishes on to President Donald Trump after he and First Lady Melania Trump were diagnosed with the coronavirus.
In a virtual fundraiser with Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris and actor Michael B. Jordan, Obama said that despite the bitter political battles, he hoped the sitting president would recover.
“Although we are in the midst of a big political fight, and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the President of the United States [and] the First Lady,” Obama said in his speech. “Michelle and I are hopeful that they and others that have been affected by COVID-19 around the country are getting the care that they need, that they are going to be on the path to a speedy recovery.”
“And it’s important, I think, for all of us to remember that even when we’re in the midst of big political battles with issues that have a lot at stake, that we’re all Americans and we’re all human beings — and we want to make sure everybody is healthy,” Obama added. “Michelle and I want to make sure we acknowledge the president and first lady at this difficult time.”
The Democratic presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden told his supporters during a campaign rally in Michigan he was praying the Trumps “will make a quick and full recovery.”
“This cannot be a partisan moment. It must be an American moment,” Biden said. “God bless you, and God protect the First Family and every family that is dealing with this virus. And may God protect our troops.”
Biden’s presidential campaign had also reportedly removed all negative election advertisements and will only display those with positive messages. But despite the conciliatory tone, the Trump campaign attacked Biden in a series of tweets Friday afternoon.
President Trump and the first lady tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday evening, shortly after it became public that White House counselor Hope Hicks, a close adviser, tested positive earlier this week. Hicks, a member of Trump’s inner circle, was with the president throughout his travels this week, including on an Air Force One flight to the first presidential debate against Biden on Tuesday.
Friday afternoon, Trump was taken to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland.
“Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days,” the White House said in a statement.
The White House added that he was not in serious condition. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Trump was experiencing “mild symptoms” of COVID-19.
Powered by WPeMatico
