People seek Biden’s proof of life as absence fuels rumours

Where is President Joe Biden, and how is he doing? That are the two questions being asked as the US President stayed away from public view because of Covid-19 and his withdrawal from the presidential race on July 21. Biden’s absence has fuelled speculation about his health, with several prominent Americans seeking his “proof of life”.

Biden’s absence has fuelled conspiracy theories, with far-right commentators spreading doubts about whether President Joe Biden was still alive.

They are asking why Biden posted a letter on July 21 announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race and not give a statement. They asked why the note wasn’t on official stationery.

The commentators also questioned why Biden hadn’t come out in public despite having promised to do so in the letter.

COMMENTATORS SEEKING JOE BIDEN’S ‘PROOF OF LIFE’

Soon after Biden’s letter was posted on social media on July 21, Fox News anchors questioned the lack of photos or videos with the announcement.

“It is disconcerting, isn’t it?” Fox News host Bret Baier said. “Proof of life, please,” added co-host Dana Perino.

“This is the last time Joe Biden was seen. It was five days ago. Nobody knows where he is, what he’s doing, if he’s okay, or who is running the country at the moment,” Matt Walsh, a Conservative commentator said.

Bill Ackman, American billionaire hedge fund manager, promoted several posts on X, questioning whether the signature was authentic.

“If this were a hostage situation, that letter would not qualify as proof of life,” he wrote on X.

In a Black Entertainment Television (BET) interview aired during the Republican National Convention, Biden mentioned he might reconsider his decision to stay in the race if a medical condition arose. On the same day the interview was set to broadcast, Biden tested positive for Covid-19.

WHERE WAS PRESIDENT BIDEN LAST SPOTTED?

President Biden was last seen on July 17 disembarking from Air Force One and travelling by motorcade to his home in Delaware.

Following his diagnosis, Biden confirmed on social media that he would not be running for president against Donald Trump.

Shortly after his withdrawal from the race, he posted again on X to express his support for Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

However, Biden has not been seen on camera or in public; he made this announcement through social media posts, adding to the mystery surrounding his absence.

In his letter, Biden said he would address the nation later to provide more details about his decision.

‘WHERE’S BIDEN, AND WHO IS RUNNING THE COUNTRY?’

One user wrote on X, “Biden is expected to leave his beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware on Tuesday afternoon and arrive back at the White House at 2:30 pm, although that could be changed to Wednesday, July 24th. It all depends on how much he continues to decline.”

Another user questioned, “Joe Biden is out and the Democrats have orchestrated a coup. WHERE is Biden and WHO is running this country?”

The Republicans have also alleged that top Democrats have staged a bloodless coup against Biden.

Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas wrote on X, “Joe Biden succumbed to a coup by Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and Hollywood donors, ignoring millions of Democratic primary votes.”

Josh Hammer, Senior Editor-at-Large at Newsweek, added, “I joined @FrantzRantz on @1420TheAnswer to discuss the near-assassination of Donald Trump and the bloodless coup of Joe Biden from the 2024 presidential race.”

KAMALA HARRIS PROVIDES UPDATE ON BIDEN, SAYS HE’S RECOVERING

As the mystery deepened, Vice-President Kamala Harris on Monday provided an update on Biden’s condition.

In her first public appearance since receiving Biden’s endorsement, Harris revealed that the US President was recovering from Covid-19 at his Rehoboth, Delaware, beach home.

“Our President, Joe Biden, wanted to be here today. He is feeling much better and recovering fast, and he looks forward to getting back on the road,” Harris reassured the public during an event celebrating NCAA champion athletes at the White House.

Other than the address to the nation that Biden mentioned in his letter, he also has official engagements lined up.

“In addition to his planned speech, Biden still intends to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week,” NBC Chicago quoted an official familiar with the president’s schedule as saying. The broadcaster didn’t reveal the official’s name as the person was not authorised to comment publicly.

The timing of the meeting remains uncertain as Biden recovers from Covid. Netanyahu is scheduled to address US Congress on Wednesday and is also expected to meet with Harris while in Washington.

RUMOURS STARTED CIRCULATING AFTER BIDEN PULLED OUT OF RACE

Biden’s decision to exit the race followed intense pressure from Democratic aides after his widely criticised first presidential debate performance on June 27.

During the debate, Biden often lost his train of thought, gave confusing answers, and didn’t challenge former President Donald Trump’s false statements.

Initially, Biden had insisted he would stay in the race, saying only the “Lord Almighty” could convince him to leave.

However, as unrest in his party grew, he hinted that a medical condition could change his mind.

This became a reality when he tested positive for Covid-19, leading to his eventual withdrawal from the race.

His withdrawal from the race and from the public eye, due to Covid, fuelled rumours.

It’s not clear when the President will be seen in public again, but he has been holding virtual meetings, the White House said. Biden is still performing his duties while isolating himself, reported NewsNation,

Meanwhile, as Biden recovers, Harris has increased her schedule, meeting with top Democrats and attending campaign events in preparation for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19.