President Joe Biden’s third COVID-19 diagnosis in two years has intensified concerns within the Democratic Party, while former President Donald Trump’s resilience following an assassination attempt has galvanized Republican support.
The White House announced Biden’s positive COVID test on Wednesday, forcing the 81-year-old president to retreat to his Delaware basement. This illness comes at a critical juncture for Biden, whose shaky debate performance on June 27 had already sparked doubts about his ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
CNN analyst Van Jones captured the mood in an honest moment, declaring Wednesday “a terrible day” for Democrats. “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.
“The Democrats are coming apart. The Republicans are coming together.”
Take a look —
WOW! Van Jones just spoke the truth for the first time:
“A bullet couldn't stop Trump. A virus just stopped Biden.”
“The Democrats are coming apart. The Republicans are coming together. pic.twitter.com/qJ4WGtjQ7Z
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 18, 2024
Trump’s quick return to the campaign trail, attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with a bandaged ear, has been met with a show of solidarity from supporters sporting similar bandages.
There have been long-standing concerns about Biden’s age and fitness for office. As the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden has faced criticism that he is perceived as weak by foreign adversaries. His recent indication that he would step aside if a “medical condition” emerged has only fueled speculation about his future in the race.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party is rapidly coalescing around Trump. The former president’s resilience in the face of the assassination attempt, which claimed the life of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and left two others critically injured, has strengthened his position within the party.
As the 2024 election approaches, these recent events have heightened the contrast between the two likely nominees.
The Democrats find themselves grappling with internal divisions and concerns about their standard-bearer’s stamina, while the Republicans project an image of unity and strength around Trump.
Even CNN can’t spin those optics.