On Wednesday, we learned that the White House--just minutes before the opening gavel of the Republican National Convention, Day Three--was telling everyone that President Joe Biden has COVID, and was getting whisked away from Nevada via Air Force One and back to his beachhouse in Delaware.
Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a joint statement:
BREAKING: Biden Reportedly Has COVID, Scrapping Nevada Campaign Speech (Updated)
With a new day dawning, more details have started to emerge. Thursday afternoon brought a new doctor's note, which didn't provide much new info, just that Biden's vital signs are "normal," and he's continuing with a regime of Paxlovid:
You can read the full statement here (.pdf)
But there's more, including where the first lady, Jill Biden, is, and whether the family appears to be putting together another "meeting" in Rehoboth:
First lady Jill Biden is in Rehoboth, Delaware, as well, as the president self-isolates following his COVID diagnosis. Jill Biden was already in Rehoboth prior to the president's diagnosis, her office said on Thursday. No additional family is in Rehoboth, according to her office.
When asked if she has been tested for COVID or was showing any symptoms, her office said, "She is tested as determined appropriate by her doctor -- she is not symptomatic and up to date with her vaccines."
So far, there's no report of a Biden confab. Meanwhile, national security communications adviser, John Kirby was on hand, to provide some spin on things for reporters, which was audio only:
I think we can all understand that while he's certainly focused on getting better, as anybody who's had COVID would want to do, he is -- he's being kept up to speed as appropriate, by his leadership team, and certainly that includes on the national security front.
He added that he "didn't have any specific briefings to speak to, but said that the president is being 'kept updated and up to speed as he normally would.'" That's how the WH is framing it. We'll keep you posted on any changes on that front, especially considering the report earlier in the day that Biden could be leaving the presidential race soon.
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