Joe Biden has caught covid at the worst possible time

Talk about timing. Joe Biden has caught covid, the White House has announced. The president, who was touring Las Vegas, ‘is experiencing mild symptoms,’ press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. ‘(Biden) will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.’ Biden has been vaccinated and boosted against covid, Jean-Pierre added. 

In the 21 days since the now infamous debate with Donald Trump, Biden has kept a busy schedule. He has tried and largely failed to allay public concerns about his health. This latest news will not help. Even if his covid experience is a mild one, as is highly likely, for Biden to become sick at this crucial stage of the election compounds the impression of him as weak. 

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