Forum Topic

Donald & Melania Trump Test Covid Positive

They are presently self-isolating in the White House.  Wish them well.

Sue Hammond ● 2007d65 Comments

I don't.

Bunny Payne ● 2004d

"Looks like you have bet let loose on an etch-a-sketch Richard."Ed, I remember them and your comment was so apt it made me laugh! 😹

Sue Hammond ● 2004d

It wasn't my chart, Ed, it came an article in the FT:https://ftalphaville.ft.com/2020/09/28/1601282979000/Getting-to-grips-with-2020--one-chart-crime-at-a-time/

Richard Carter ● 2005d

That's a good description, Ed. I've seen more trends in a Jackson Pollock 🙂

Michael Ixer ● 2005d

Looks like you have bet let loose on an etch-a-sketch Richard.I wonder how accurate polling is, as I suspect people may vote for Trump but not declare it.I found the following article interesting https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/why-im-voting-for-donald-trump/

Ed Robinson ● 2005d

An excellent article, thank you Michael.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2005d

A view from a US doctor:https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5f772d6fc5b6371dda89f07c?guccounter=1

Michael Ixer ● 2005d

@Caroline"Not exactly an answer to my question Sue!"Correct, because I don't need to.😸

Sue Hammond ● 2005d

It's difficult enough to predict what is going to happen in the presidential election in the US, and this chart doesn't help very much (and this predates the his contracting Covid, which complicates things even more):

Richard Carter ● 2005d

No-one is wishing him it. He has already got it - most likely due to his irresponsible behaviour. This is behaviour he has encouraged amongst many others, some of whom have got very sick and died.As I have said, I hope he pulls through.

Michael Winstanley ● 2006d

@HammondI am not as disgusting as Trump.

Michael Winstanley ● 2006d

Jelly anne Conway’s got the virus too. Oh the humanity!

Freddie Francis ● 2006d

I posted earlier about the mad conspiracy theories already out there - that this is all an election ploy and there's nothing wrong with him.  People are far too ready to believe the first thing that is put in front of them, or perhaps just to read and agree with anything that's reinforces what they already believe.For sure there has been a steady erosion in recent years of trust in anything any government says.  When did it all start?  Many many years ago (WW2 propaganda?) but successive governments have done nothing to reassure us they are telling us the truth about very much at all.Many of Blair's utterances about the Iraq war are pertinent examples but it's got far worse with Johnson and Trump.  Not sure there's a way back now, too few are prepared to believe even the mainstream media though where you will find a better version of events I really can't say.  Certainly not Twitter!!

Jonathan Callaway ● 2006d

Could be fake news.Quotes in the Guardian from his supporters show that some of them believe it so !'Sean Patterson is not worried that Donald Trump has been hospitalized with coronavirus because he believes what the president tells him.“It’s a hoax. There’s no pandemic. As Trump said, how many millions die of flu?” said the 56-year-old truck driver outside the early voting station in St Joseph, Missouri – a stronghold for the president".But then Patterson pauses and contemplates the possibility that Trump really does have Covid-19.“If he’s sick, then they planted it when they tested him. It’s what they did to me when I went to hospital for my heart beating too fast. Two weeks later I got a cold,” he said. “It’s political. I don’t trust the US government at all. Who are they to mandate personal safety? I listen to Trump.” '

John Hawkes ● 2006d

I'm not sure they could maintain the "fake news" with all the associates of Trump and senators who seem to be testing positive.  It would be unfortunate if it disabled his campaign team … just sayin' …

Michael Ixer ● 2006d

Ms Hammond,When you show your real supportive and compassionate side towards those that are helpless and suffering, I really do feel bad about making what might be perceived as perhaps insensitive comments about those you obviously truly care about.

John Hawkes ● 2006d

One tries to feel sympathy with anyone who is sick but the arrogance (one might say stupidity in this case) of the Trump family does make that difficult. When Trump was trying to demean Biden for his mask wearing during last week's debate his entourage of family and friends deliberately flouted the requirement of the organisers that they should wear mask, and recent Rose Garden events seem to make no attempt at social distancing. The one person we should feel sorry for is 14 year old Barron Trump with both parents ill with what can be an unpredictable, fatal disease.

Michael Ixer ● 2006d

Mr Callaway,We are all of course assuming that what we read about Trump's illness is not 'fake news' put about by his supporters to gain sympathy and to enable him to avoid political scrutiny.As the great man himself might say - "just suggesting" !

John Hawkes ● 2006d

Ms HammondWho was the person who said that Shamima Begum should stew in her own juice in a Syrian refugee camp because of her statements in support of ISIS ?To my mind that was a rather recriminatory and unfeeling attitude.

John Hawkes ● 2006d

There is a good, measured article in the FT about Trump’s health, the exact state of which has always been unclear. It also reminds the reader of numerous past cases of cover-ups of presidential illness if not incapacitation. Similar cover-ups are not unknown here either, with Johnson’s hospitalisation first being described as “precautionary”, just like Trump’s. While we may never know how I’ll Trump is or becomes, unless the worst happens, it has surely thrown the election process into even more uncertainty. https://www.ft.com/content/ca2ee91e-d257-4ba0-b650-0d4e322aba53

Jonathan Callaway ● 2006d

Nobody should wish ill of another person, so I hope that both he and Melania make a swift and full recovery ...that said, he’s been a dreadful President and appears to be a deeply unpleasant person.  The level of petty insults, bullying behaviour and inability to accept disagreement, let alone criticism, sets a woeful example to US citizens. There’s lots about both Pence and Biden’s views that I don’t agree with, but at least they conduct themselves with decency and respect for others.

Craig Fordham ● 2006d

Not exactly an answer to my question Sue!

Caroline Whitehead ● 2006d

Hi Caroline.  I would be as vociferous and call out anybody who wished another person a serious and often fatal disease, the fact that it's Trump in this instance is irrelevant. It's a disgusting mentality

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

Sue: I don't wish Trump dead but I wonder why you need to defend him so vociferously. What is it about him that makes you think that he has been a good President and should be elected again?

Caroline Whitehead ● 2006d

Oh Ms Hammond really.Are you such a snowflake that you can't take a joke against a man entirely impervious to insult or reason and like you is well known for spewing out personalised insults to people they dislike ?Funny how the only public figure I can recall you showing any sympathy for is such a horrible and dislikeable person.From what he has said about, and the way he has acted in this pandemic such that his country has the world's highest mortality level, it is not surprising that some of us are showing a degree of schadenfreude.

John Hawkes ● 2006d

Hi Jonathan.  I was listening to this last night on LBC as the story unfolded.  Trump had started to have some trouble breathing which is why the decision was taken for him to be hospitalised.  He walked unaided from the helicopter and gave a thumbs-up to the gathering of press waiting outside.  He is being treated with two anti-viral drugs, one of which was very effective in beating Ebola a few years ago, I don't remember the names of either though.

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

As usual, Matt in the Telegraph is good on this:

Richard Carter ● 2006d

They're sick Adam.

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

I find it very sad that so many on this forum are salivating at the prospect of Trump being seriously ill or dying

Adam Tripp ● 2006d

Examples please Maxine.

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

The best response I've heard to Trump contracting Covid came from my granddaughter: "I hope he gets it badly enough to feel sorry for making lots of other people get it." And she's only 8.

Richard Carter ● 2006d

Sue, while I understand your sentiment you are pretty adept at name calling so saying shame on someone is a bit "throwing stones in the glasshouse"

Maxine Campbell ● 2006d

Agreed, Jonathan, Trump is nasty and vindictive not to mention a provern liar. The way he has mocked a disabled reporter, opponents Clinton and Bidern, and dead war veterans as losers is quite disgusting. One doesn't like to wish ill of anyone but people like Trump make it difficult. I bet with hindsight a few people wish Hitler had died or been assassinated in the 1930s; when one looks at Trump's hesitancy in denouncing the KKK, Proud Boys and other racist, facist right wing groups one wonders where the US is heading - and taking the rest of the world with it. The fact that the National Guard are being used means he's failed on the law and order front by stoking up hatred - I don't recall these problems in Obama's presidency? Remember CSN&Y "Ohio" from Nixon's time? Still it will be interesting to see how he comes out if the medical trials ...

Michael Ixer ● 2006d

As I hear it Trump is heading down the same path as Johnson, medically speaking. But he’s 20 years older and even more overweight. My guess is that this is very serious and I can see this becoming Pence v Biden. How that pans out could put Pence in the White House. Then, for sure, Roe v Wade would be reversed, climate change denialism will continue and the only change will be tone not policy.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2006d

Sue, the nastiest most vindictive person out there is Trump himself. Remember him mocking Hillary Clinton when she had pneumonia and stumbled getting into a car?  Just imagine what he’d be saying if it was Biden in hospital not him. And Trump is a climate change denier as well as a mask denier and (to say the least) tolerant of right wing militia.  Difficult to find reasons why anyone over here can support him or his policies.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2006d

@Winstanley"The best outcome, as karma for his entirely selfish contempt for the lives of others would be that he really has a hard time of it and comes round  after 3-4 months on a ventilator"You are as disgusting as Hawkes.

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

@Hawkes"Could not have happened to a nicer couple."Nasty, vindictive comment.  I am shocked that someone would say this but not at all surprised it was posted by you.  Shameful.

Sue Hammond ● 2006d

"Biden is President"I didn't realise that Biden had such a good reputation but let's put that aside and the fact that Biden will still be the Democratic candidate.Biden will be facing Pence if that is the case.Are you sure he can win against Pence?Surely Biden is the 'Not Trump' candidate which only works if there is a Trump!

Ed Robinson ● 2007d

Many tens of thousands of Americans have died, more are left with life-changing harm, as a result of Trump's mis-management of and failure to address the impact of Covid-19, driven by political motives, in the country which he is supposed to be in charge of.40% of misinformation about Covid-19 traces back to Trump.In the US, easy win protections against infection - distancing and mask-wearing for example - are politicised and thus ignored by his supporters, due to Trump.The best outcome, as karma for his entirely selfish contempt for the lives of others would be that he really has a hard time of it and comes round  after 3-4 months on a ventilator to find Biden is President.

Michael Winstanley ● 2007d

Been ignorant arrogant idiots, put other people in danger by denying Covid.  I don't care about them and I hope they both get really sick, serves them right.  Well maybe not Melania, Trump deserves it, all his own fault and payback for people who have suffered through his idiotic rantings.

Bunny Payne ● 2007d

He's been taken in for further tests.  His age and his weight are risk factors and if he should deteriorate suddenly at least he will be in the right place.

Sue Hammond ● 2007d

Really Sue?

Ivonne Holliday ● 2007d

"Also, I cannot believe DT has coronavirus.  Was he not protecting himself with hydrxichloroquine? I do believe he does not wish to have further debates and is looking for the "sympathetic" vote. But these are my nasty thoughts."Fgs! Unbelievable!🙄

Sue Hammond ● 2007d

Precautionary?https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-be-transported-walter-reed-medical-center-marine-one-helicopter-n1241899

Michael Ixer ● 2007d

I agree Jonathan, it is too close a speculation to say who will win.  After all, Trump won thanks to the Electoral College but he had 3m votes less than Hilary Clinton.Being cynical as I am, I would say the result of the election has already been decided....  Also, I cannot believe DT has coronavirus.  Was he not protecting himself with hydrxichloroquine? I do believe he does not wish to have further debates and is looking for the "sympathetic" vote. But these are my nasty thoughts.Regrettably, I do think he will win the election in November, whether by number of votes or thanks to the electoral college/

Ivonne Holliday ● 2007d

Precisely, Matt. Trump may win because of quirks in the electoral college; remember Clinton won the popular vote in 2016? The US is still deeply divided. I think my friends in the US would be happy if Covid-19 incapacitated Trump and he also passed in onto Pence. In reality I think the election is probably too close to call.  

Michael Ixer ● 2007d

My sister and brother in law live in the US. She’s been there for over 40 years now and they’re both politically active. Their view is Trump could still win despite the polls but it’s too close to call. Biden has huge majorities in NY and California but the swing states this time are same ones as before. The feeling is Biden is slightly ahead in the ones that count, including Florida. The risk is that a Trump win will come from voter suppression in those same states and Florida has form in that regard. It also seems that despite everything Trump is seeing small increases in support from Blacks and Latinos but losses in the White suburbs.  He wants this to be a law and order election but labelling the Dems as pro street protests and pro anarchy are not working. They’re not anarchists or left wing radicals or communists. Just look at the average Dem voter or indeed average Dem candidate. I would agree Trump could still win but I sincerely hope he doesn’t.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2007d

For a man who loves law and order he certainly does surround himself with criminals...George PapadopoulosMichael CohenRick GatesPaul ManafortMichael FlynnRoger StoneSteve BannonSam Patten

Matt Palmer ● 2007d

In the USA with all the rioting and looting, the silent majority will always vote for law and order (which Trump supports) over anarchy and chaos (which Biden supports).That is why in this country Blair is the only Labour leader to win an election since 1974.The British public will never vote for anarchy and chaos.

Colin Redmond ● 2007d

I agree with you Peter, I have said for some time that Trump will win a second term.  The average British Trump hater, of which there are many on this forum, cannot see past their own prejudice.

Sue Hammond ● 2007d

Isn’t Trump very popular amongst the Cuban voters too?

Martine Guy ● 2007d

Susan I think Trump is going to win comfortably with or without COVID-19.I follow American politics closely and I have friends in the USA. Apparently the black vote in the USA supporting Trump has gone up from around 8% to over 30% which is unprecedented.Law and order is a huge issue, and the democrats won't condemn the rioting and looting. The public have had enough of the lawlessness in many areas.Many innocent black business or shop owners have been injured or killed during the rioting, but the media refuse to cover this as it doesn't suit their narrative.All the rioting has mainly been in states where they are run by democrat governors.Trump has offered the governors of the riot hit states the National Guard to help stop the rioting and looting, but the governors have refused any help as they prefer the rioting and looting to continue in order to aid their fortunes in the upcoming election.They are hoping the American public blame the rioting and looting on Trump rather than the governors who run the states.Our media won't show any clips of blacks supporting Trump supporters like these ones below, but they exist in their hundreds of thousands.The average British person wouldn't have a clue how popular Trump is becoming amongst the black vote.See the video below.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1chfOqLGZY

Peter Elliott ● 2007d

So sad.Infected by a disease that for so long he denied actually existed and would soon pass away (just as have 200,000 US citizens).Could not have happened to a nicer couple.I'll contribute if someone wants to crowd fund the purchase  of a bleach-based vaccination.

John Hawkes ● 2007d

It isn't.  So what?

Sue Hammond ● 2007d

Saw this on twitter.....A reminder to all Americans that the net effect of our prime minister catching COVID-19 was that it prompted a surge of patriotic support. From which he emerged with renewed popularity. Which enabled him to tear up key functions of the state....Just something I spotted ;-)I would however say that I believe that Bojo was truly ill and in a worse state than Teflon Don

Maxine Campbell ● 2007d

And this is relevant to Putney how exactly...

David Sharp ● 2007d

Yes, agreed, I strictly limit who I follow on Twitter. However, if you follow US news feeds and look at the comments the US is very deeply decided and some have an intense hatred of Trump and what he's doing - and that's reciprocated by people on the far right towards democratic supports. Once has to sympathies with anyone who has Covid but he did seem reckless in the way he was acting. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so cavalier being an obese, male in his 70s? It will doubtless get the conspiracy conspirators using their imagination.  It's likely that as he's fairly active he has a good chance of recovery.

Michael Ixer ● 2007d

Very wise. Twitter is home to the unhinged from both extremes of the political spectrum.I just follow a few selected commentators from the left, centre and right, mostly journalists and politicians whose judgement I trust. But you have to be self disciplined not to follow where some of the threads go. And verify all commentary as best you can before taking even the most respected at face value. After all the papers they write for, from the Telegraph to the Guardian, do have well established standpoints.  But the journos do sometimes express themselves more freely than on the pages of their employers’ papers.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2007d

What on earth have they done to deserve such a fate?

Clifford Cowell ● 2007d

What on earth have they done to deserve such a fate?

Clifford Cowell ● 2007d

Hi Jonathan.  I don't do Twitter because it seems to attract nutters and attention seekers but I did hear on the radio this morning that the Twitter Trump-hate mob were in a frenzy.  Apparently there were chanting idiots outside the White House celebrating the news and some morons were even letting off fireworks.  Sick b@st@rds.

Sue Hammond ● 2007d

I wasn't entirely convinced about BoJo at the time, but seeing the state of him now it seems more plausible

Sean Hodges ● 2007d

I wasn't entirely convinced about BoJo at the time, but seeing the state of him now it seems more plausible

Sean Hodges ● 2007d

In a thankfully brief peek at Twitter this morning I see the conspiracy theorists are out and about - that Trump and his wife do not have Covid, that's it's an election ploy to gain sympathy and a poll boost, that he will miraculously recover after ingesting bleach or whatever he is currently boosting as a miracle cure (what would the bleach do to his face colouring??) and that he will then to storm to a famous election victory.  Or not, in which case he can use the health card as an excuse.  Or he could use it as an excuse to delay the election, or ... I could go on.I must admit there are some very scary unhinged people out there and Twitter really needs to weed some of them out.  There are even some folk who believe Johnson never caught Covid either!

Jonathan Callaway ● 2007d

Will he be injecting bleach?

Matt Palmer ● 2007d