OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
After President Joe Biden was diagnosed with COVID some have wondered if he would be able to fulfill his duties as President of the United States or if Vice President Kamala Harris would be in charge.
The question was asked to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and was met with deafening silence.
“Is there a plan in place to transfer power to Vice President Harris if the President’s situation gets worse?” the reporter said.
“The President is — has mild symptoms. He’s able to do the business of the American people from the Residence, and that’s what matters right now,” the press secretary said.
“So there’s no plan in place then?” the reporter said.
She could have said anything, as temporary transfers to the vice president are not uncommon. But she did not say a word and ended the press briefing.
After President Joe Biden was diagnosed with COVID the Internet responded with speculation that the United States could be on the precipice of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president.
“President Harris would somehow be worse than President Biden. Scary times we’re living in,” Brigitte Gabriel said.
President Harris would somehow be worse than President Biden. Scary times we're living in.
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) July 21, 2022
“A 79 year old man with covid and possibly cancer is the only thing that separates us from a President Harris,” Harrison Krank said.
A 79 year old man with covid and possibly cancer is the only thing that separates us from a President Harris
— Harrison Krank (@HarrisonKrank) July 21, 2022
“Reports are that Joe Biden has COVID. Wishing him a quick recovery. The United States cannot handle one single day with President Harris in office,” Nick Adams said.
Reports are that Joe Biden has COVID. Wishing him a quick recovery. The United States cannot handle one single day with President Harris in office.
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) July 21, 2022
“Get ready, America,” Jack Posobiec said with a photo of Harris.
Get ready, America pic.twitter.com/4ekmfk37BL
— Jack Posobiec 🍊 (@JackPosobiec) July 21, 2022
“This #COVID19 diagnosis means we will have a new #President by next week. CONGRATS to the soon to be #PresidentHarris,” another person said.
This #COVID19 diagnosis means we will have a new #President by next week. CONGRATS to the soon to be #PresidentHarris
— Sir.Namann (@acockyone) July 21, 2022
“I’m curious to see how this President Harris thing will go down,” Matthew Kolken said.
I'm curious to see how this President Harris thing will go down.
— Matthew Kolken (@mkolken) July 21, 2022
“Biden tested positive for Covid. And you think *he* was a terrible president? Better hope we don’t have President Harris in a few weeks…,” another said.
Biden tested positive for Covid. And you think *he* was a terrible president? Better hope we don't have President Harris in a few weeks…
— Joe Has Dementia (@RokerGlasses) July 21, 2022
“A vaxxed, triple boosted dementia patient who still managed to get Covid and can’t remember whether or not he has cancer is the only thing separating the innocent American public from a President Harris, who may soon have her finger on the nuclear switch. God help us all,” Breck Worsham said.
A vaxxed, triple boosted dementia patient who still managed to get Covid and can't remember whether or not he has cancer is the only thing separating the innocent American public from a President Harris, who may soon have her finger on the nuclear switch.
God help us all.
— Breck Worsham (@Breck_Worsham) July 21, 2022
“President Harris is inevitable at this point. Biden said he had cancer yesterday, today he has Covid. He fell off a bike 2 weeks ago. It feels like he’s a character in Final Destination,” Ross Patterson said.
President Harris is inevitable at this point. Biden said he had cancer yesterday, today he has Covid. He fell off a bike 2 weeks ago. It feels like he’s a character in Final Destination. 🧑🦽 #bidenhascovid
— Ross Patterson (@StJamesStJames) July 21, 2022
President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with COVID and his first lady Jill Biden has given an update on his condition.
“I talked to him just a few minutes ago. He’s doing fine, he’s feeling good,” the first lady said of her husband.
The first lady has tested negative for COVID after the president tested positive, Fox News reported.
“This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.”
“Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative,” she said. “Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.”
“Out of an abundance of transparency, the White House will provide a daily update on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation,” she said.
Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the president during the day Thursday, including any members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with Biden during his travel Wednesday, the statement added.
