For someone who loathes wearing masks and thinks a deadly virus that has so far killed over 210,000 people in the United States alone is no big deal, it came as a shock when President Donald Trump was forced to spend last weekend fighting COVID-19 symptoms in a military hospital. He has also infected nearly everyone in his path, which includes White House staffers, key associates and wife Melania. Not to mention those he met along the campaign trail, and in his first presidential debate with former vice-president Joe Biden (who tested negative), all with nary a mask in sight.
If you thought getting the virus would somehow humble the President into understanding the devastation around the country he helped create, you'd be wrong. Trump made a dramatic, made-for-TV return to the White House, declared victory even though he's still contagious and should really be in quarantine, and claimed that if he beat the virus, we can too. That is, if we had the superior medical care Presidents usually get (and even if he weren't President, Trump would still be able to get the best docs available) and experimental drugs that are more powerful than, say, Tylenol.
The first debate with Biden was such a disaster that it was suggested none ever be held again, But the committee handling the debates insisted on another one, so they scheduled one for October 15. Because the President got sick, what was supposed to be a town hall setup has been changed to a glorified Zoom meeting. But Trump said he didn't want to waste his time on a virtual debate, so unless he's persuaded otherwise, there's not going to be one. Biden will use the time to do his own town hall for ABC News.
The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic challenger Senator Kamala Harris in Utah did come off Wednesday, plexiglass and all. Neither candidate answered critical questions from moderator Susan Page of USA Today about whether Trump would accept the results of the election, or whether there would be a peaceful transfer of power if he lost. Harris won the debate because Pence was too busy talking over both women and going past his allotted time to notice that there was a fly on his head.
Whether you think President Trump is hopped up on drugs and can't think straight as he's recovering, or if he's just being himself, you have to wonder how much longer America and the world can put up with his antics. Whatever happens on or around November 3, we'll have to live with the consequences.
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