Democratic strategist Van Jones argued Wednesday was a “terrible day” for Democrats following President Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis, arguing his response contrasted that of former President Trump, who faced an attempted assassination on Saturday.
“Today is a terrible day. If you pull back and look at this thing, strength versus weakness, a bullet couldn’t stop Trump. A virus just stopped Biden,” Jones said Wednesday night on CNN.
“You’ve got nominees of this party getting their butts kissed. Biden’s getting his butt kicked by his own party. The Democrats are coming apart. The Republicans are coming together. That’s what’s happening. And at some point, this party has to look at the reality of that,” he added.
Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, marking the third time in the past two years the president has tested positive for the virus.
The White House on Wednesday said Biden was “experiencing mild symptoms” and would return to Delaware to self-isolate and “carry out all of his duties fully during that time.” He received his first dose of Paxlovid, an antiviral therapy produced by Pfizer.
Shortly after the announcement was made, Biden was seen boarding Air Force One to head back to Delaware for self-isolation. He told reporters he felt “good.”
It follows a tumultuous few weeks for Biden, whose disastrous debate performance last month sparked concerns from some within the Democratic Party over his ability to beat Trump in November and carry out a second term. It further surfaced the growing worries over Biden’s mental acuity and age.
At 81, Biden is the oldest sitting U.S. president. He has faced repeated criticism, especially from Republicans, that he is perceived as weak by voters and global leaders.
Biden has rejected calls to withdraw from the race, maintaining he can defeat Trump in the election.
The diagnosis came days after Trump was injured in an attempted assassination at a campaign rally last Saturday. One spectator was killed, and two other attendees were injured.
A day after the shooting, Trump traveled to Milwaukee for this week’s Republican National Conference, where he has appeared with a bandage over his wounded ear, which he said was hit by a bullet during the incident.
Several RNC attendees were seen at the event wearing bandages on their ears in solidarity with the former president.
Trump is slated to deliver remarks at the RNC on Thursday.
The Hill reached out to the White House for comment.