On October 2, 2020, the world was greeted with the news that the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus disease, exactly a month to the highly-anticipated elections where he will be running for a second term in office. This news comes a few days after the presidential debate which held in Cleveland.
No End In Sight For Casualties
President Trump, who is popular for downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, has come under a lot of criticism for his administration’s handling of the outbreak which has killed more than 200,000 Americans. His campaign manager, Bill Stepien, who travelled to and from Cleveland for the first presidential debate held on a Tuesday night also tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.
Politico reports that Deputy Campaign Manager Justin Clark is expected to oversee the Trump campaign team at the headquarters as Stepien recovers. Former counsellor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, also tweeted that she had tested positive for the virus, as well as Sen. Thom Tillis – GOP senator and a third member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who tested positive for the virus.
A Pinch Of Goodwill
It was a war of words between President Trump and his Democrat opponent Joe Biden during the debate last Tuesday, where Biden called Trump a liar and asked him to shut up on the debate stage. However. Trump’s COVID-19 status had Biden and other party leaders publicly wishing him and the first lady a speedy recovery.
The Outlook For Trump’s Presidential Campaign
President Trump and his team may not only suffer health impacts but could experience campaign setbacks as all of Trump’s previously scheduled campaigns have been put on hold or will now be held virtually.
Election forecasts by Ozy and Optimus show that Biden is leading against the incumbent by 80 points. Trump’s current situation could either make him lose popularity or earn him some good will on the opposition bloc who have shown empathy and offered kind words since the announcement. It remains to see how much of this goodwill can help him win elections.
