Staff Reports
President Joe Biden made a much-anticipated return to the public eye after a prolonged absence that had many speculating about his fitness — both physically and politically. After a mysterious five-day hiatus, presumably to recuperate from his latest battle with COVID-19 and the announcement of his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, the commander-in-chief was spotted disembarking from a Secret Service SUV at Dover Air Force Base. This unceremonious emergence marks the first time he was seen since waving goodbye to supporters after deplaning Air Force One last Wednesday.
Fans of political theater will remember that the last few days of Biden’s whereabouts were more closely monitored than a Kardashian wedding. Flipping off his mask like a reluctant magician revealing the card tricks are over, he climbed out of the vehicle and shuffled towards the familiar airstairs that led to his presidential chariot. Perhaps the mask is a symbol of his post-COVID caution, or maybe it’s just another reminder that appearances matter – even if they’re more theatrical than substantive.
It's Alive!
President Joe Biden makes first appearance in public since disappearing last week after testing positive for Covid and rumors swirled over his state of health.#PresidentBiden #BidenAlive #Covid pic.twitter.com/hbryHv74zV
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) July 23, 2024
When approached by the press with inquiries about his health and mental state, Biden responded lightly, giving a thumbs-up and muttering something that could be interpreted positively. This prompted further questions about his decision to abandon his campaign and the prospect of his vice president potentially leading the charge against Donald Trump. Yet, surprisingly, he chose to remain on the sidelines of that conversation, as if he were playing a high-stakes game of dodgeball—and the press was on the opposing team.
The curious case of Biden’s COVID saga doesn’t end there. In a plot twist reminiscent of a soap opera, he was seen carrying a blue face mask, contradicting the earlier report from his physician proclaiming that his symptoms had “resolved” and he tested negative. It seems masking up is now a part of his new accessory line, alongside the “Thumbs Up” brand of optimism—perfect for the politicians in a bind or hiding something.
Many are likely remembering Biden’s last tango with COVID, when the promising Paxlovid treatment transformed into a sequel called “COVID Rebound,” resulting in another round of isolation. Now, the White House physician assures everyone that Biden will be under constant watch for any potential resurgence of symptoms. How reassuring—like having a lifeguard at a kiddie pool, one can’t be too careful these days.
Looking ahead, Biden’s schedule also reflects a return to normalcy with a Wednesday address to the nation and a tête-à-tête with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Immediately after trying to convince America he’s still in charge, he’ll retreat to his Camp David hideaway for another extended weekend. As Biden leans toward what appears to be a well-deserved vacation, questions linger about whether his next public speech will involve more than just a wave and a thumbs-up. The suspense is palpable!
