Joe Biden caught Covid at the worst possible time

Let’s talk about timing. Joe Biden has contracted Covid, the White House announced. The president, who was visiting Las Vegas, “is experiencing mild symptoms,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “(Biden) will return to Delaware where he will self-isolate and continue to fully perform all of his duties during this time.” Biden has been vaccinated and inoculated against Covid, Karine Jean-Pierre added.

In the 21 days since the now-infamous debate with Donald Trump, Biden has had a packed schedule. He has tried, with little success, to allay public concerns about his health. This latest news won’t help. Even if his Covid experience is mild, as is highly likely, Biden falling ill at this crucial point in the election reinforces the impression of weakness.

Coming just after Donald Trump’s incredible escape from death last weekend, and in the middle of the Republican National Convention, it seems almost comically unfortunate.

Will Donald Trump call Joe Biden to wish him luck? Biden called Trump after the Pennsylvania shootings – the latter said the former “couldn’t have been nicer.” The explosion of civility between these two men, who hate each other, could continue. Or maybe Donald Trump will use his campaign speech to wish him luck? Or will he tease Biden’s bad luck and say he has Covid? We don’t know.

Conspiracy theories are multiplying on the Internet. Is the Covid-19 diagnosis just an excuse for Biden to spend several days hidden from the public? Is he really dying? Malicious rumors spread quickly.

But here again, the timing seems right. Last night, Nancy Pelosi’s congressional protégé Adam Schiff called on Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. He becomes the 23rd Democrat in Congress to do so, but his move seems particularly inauspicious for Biden. His presidency is looking increasingly untenable.

This Covid diagnosis, while mild, may well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will it provide Biden with an excuse to finally step aside and let a younger, fitter man or woman run the campaign? Many Democrats, while wishing Biden well, are hoping the answer to that question will be yes.