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Trump releases hospital video amid conflicting reports of his Covid condition – live Trump releases hospital video amid conflicting reports of his Covid condition – live
(32 minutes later)
US president addresses world from hospital; Joe Biden’s campaign to release results of his future testsUS president addresses world from hospital; Joe Biden’s campaign to release results of his future tests
Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Jason Miller, has appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press to discuss the president’s condition following his positive test for Covid-19.
Host Chuck Todd asked Miller if he had spoken to the president since his diagnosis.
“I spoke with the President yesterday afternoon and he’s in very good spirits,” said Miller. “... The president said a couple of things. Number one, that he’s going to defeat this virus, that as a nation, we’re going to defeat this virus, and our campaign is going to defeat this virus, and once he gets out of the hospital, he’s ready to get back to the campaign trail.
“He sounded pretty energetic, but he said something else that I thought that was important too, Chuck, and that was to be careful, and that was to remind folks to wash their hands, use hand sanitizer, make sure that if you can’t socially distance, distance to wear a mask.”
The last sentence is interesting advice from the president as he said this about Joe Biden during last week’s presidential debate: ““When needed, I wear masks. I don’t wear a mask like him [Joe Biden]. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.””
More news from the polls. A NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Sunday and taken after last week’s presidential debate but before Donald Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis shows Joe Biden widening his lead over the president. According to the poll, 53% of registered voters preferred Biden compared to 39% for Trump. Biden’s lead of 14 percentage points is up from the eight percentage points the last time the poll was taken, which was before the presidential debate.
Trump was criticised in many quarters for his belligerence during last week’s debate, although many felt neither candidate came out of the episode well. Forty-nine percent of respondents to the poll said Biden had performed better in the debate, compared to 24% for Trump. Of those surveyed, 73% said the debate would play no role in how they intend to vote in November’s election.
“Basically, last night was a snapshot of the last three and a half years. Not being able to say anything about white supremacists, being negative and being unpresidential,” said one respondent.
Another respondent, who preferred Trump said: “I would say Donald Trump’s admittance of not supporting white supremacists, telling the white supremacists to stand down, so to speak, by the moderator. The other important thing was Joe Biden’s inability to form any coherent response.”
More findings from the Reuters/Ipsos poll mentioned below. The poll was taken after Donald Trump’s positive test for Covid-19, and it found most of those surveyed said the president should take some blame for his diagnosis.More findings from the Reuters/Ipsos poll mentioned below. The poll was taken after Donald Trump’s positive test for Covid-19, and it found most of those surveyed said the president should take some blame for his diagnosis.
Sixty-five percent of those polled agreed with the statement: “if President Trump had taken coronavirus more seriously, he probably would not have been infected.” Predictably, 90% of Democrats agreed with the statement, but so did 50% of Republicans.Sixty-five percent of those polled agreed with the statement: “if President Trump had taken coronavirus more seriously, he probably would not have been infected.” Predictably, 90% of Democrats agreed with the statement, but so did 50% of Republicans.
The poll also revealed a lack of faith in Trump’s statements on Covid-19. Fifty-five percent of those polled said the president has not been telling the public the truth about the coronavirus, with 34% saying they believe the president’s statements. Eleven percent were unsure.The poll also revealed a lack of faith in Trump’s statements on Covid-19. Fifty-five percent of those polled said the president has not been telling the public the truth about the coronavirus, with 34% saying they believe the president’s statements. Eleven percent were unsure.
The poll was taken on 2 and 3 October.The poll was taken on 2 and 3 October.
While much of the world’s attention is on Donald Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis, it’s worth remembering the virus still has a grip on large parts of America away from Washington DC.While much of the world’s attention is on Donald Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis, it’s worth remembering the virus still has a grip on large parts of America away from Washington DC.
Twenty-one states reported a rise in cases this week compared to last week. They include states such as New York and New Jersey that were hit hard in the early stages of the pandemic and have appeared to get the virus under control. Only three states – Texas, Missouri and South Carolina – reported a fall in cases. The states to report a rise are: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.Twenty-one states reported a rise in cases this week compared to last week. They include states such as New York and New Jersey that were hit hard in the early stages of the pandemic and have appeared to get the virus under control. Only three states – Texas, Missouri and South Carolina – reported a fall in cases. The states to report a rise are: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Around 42,000 new Covid-19 cases a day were reported in the US over the last seven days, which is down from the peak of new cases in July when around 67,000 new cases were being reported a day. However, the number of new cases are up from September. Health experts are worried about a rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths as colder weather means people spend more time indoors where the virus spreads more easily.Around 42,000 new Covid-19 cases a day were reported in the US over the last seven days, which is down from the peak of new cases in July when around 67,000 new cases were being reported a day. However, the number of new cases are up from September. Health experts are worried about a rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths as colder weather means people spend more time indoors where the virus spreads more easily.
The US is now waking up. And with that, I will hand you over to my colleague, Tom Lutz.The US is now waking up. And with that, I will hand you over to my colleague, Tom Lutz.
Have a good weekend. Thanks for following.Have a good weekend. Thanks for following.
Among Trump’s dizzyingly-long list of contractions is how a self-described germaphobe with an obsession with personal hygiene has become a global symbol for dismissing the genuine dangers of a highly-infectious disease during a pandemic.Among Trump’s dizzyingly-long list of contractions is how a self-described germaphobe with an obsession with personal hygiene has become a global symbol for dismissing the genuine dangers of a highly-infectious disease during a pandemic.
Trump entered the 2020 pandemic already practising many of the measures that epidemiologists have been calling for – avoiding ill people, frequent handwashing and use of alcohol gels, and eschewing handshakes.Trump entered the 2020 pandemic already practising many of the measures that epidemiologists have been calling for – avoiding ill people, frequent handwashing and use of alcohol gels, and eschewing handshakes.
As far back at 1993, Trump told radio host Howard Stern that he suffers “germ phobia”, admitting it “could be a psychological problem”. A year ago, the president’s mindset was thrust into the open when he was filmed reacting strongly to coughing in the Oval Office. “I don’t like that. If you’re going to cough, please, leave the room,” Trump said, shaking his head.As far back at 1993, Trump told radio host Howard Stern that he suffers “germ phobia”, admitting it “could be a psychological problem”. A year ago, the president’s mindset was thrust into the open when he was filmed reacting strongly to coughing in the Oval Office. “I don’t like that. If you’re going to cough, please, leave the room,” Trump said, shaking his head.
According to Politico, during the 2016 election campaign, it was his then-spokeswoman Hope Hicks would be on standby to offer Trump squirts of Purell hand sanitiser.According to Politico, during the 2016 election campaign, it was his then-spokeswoman Hope Hicks would be on standby to offer Trump squirts of Purell hand sanitiser.
That is was possibly Hicks who transmitted the coronavirus to Trump shows how it ironically took a pandemic for the president to let his guard down. The 74-year-old has repeatedly played down the severity of the virus, stating it will “fade away”. He has often refused to wear a mask, and mocked his rival, Joe Biden, for donning one.That is was possibly Hicks who transmitted the coronavirus to Trump shows how it ironically took a pandemic for the president to let his guard down. The 74-year-old has repeatedly played down the severity of the virus, stating it will “fade away”. He has often refused to wear a mask, and mocked his rival, Joe Biden, for donning one.
Why would a germaphobe become less rather than more cautious in a pandemic? Trump’s has said he wanted to “play it down” to avoid panic. Less forgivingly, his critics accuse him of cynically dismissing the virus as it spotlights his government’s failure in an election year to prevent the deaths of at least 209,000 Americans.Why would a germaphobe become less rather than more cautious in a pandemic? Trump’s has said he wanted to “play it down” to avoid panic. Less forgivingly, his critics accuse him of cynically dismissing the virus as it spotlights his government’s failure in an election year to prevent the deaths of at least 209,000 Americans.
Trump is back to his tweeting self following relative quiet during the past few days. He has been retweeting this morning, including a post from “Black Voices for Trump” and, oddly, a tweet posted more than a year ago by mega supporters and video bloggers, Diamond and Silk.Trump is back to his tweeting self following relative quiet during the past few days. He has been retweeting this morning, including a post from “Black Voices for Trump” and, oddly, a tweet posted more than a year ago by mega supporters and video bloggers, Diamond and Silk.
Here is a list of some people around Trump who have tested positive:Here is a list of some people around Trump who have tested positive:
First lady Melania TrumpFirst lady Melania Trump
Senior advisor Hope HicksSenior advisor Hope Hicks
Campaign manager Bill StepienCampaign manager Bill Stepien
Former advisor Kellyanne ConwayFormer advisor Kellyanne Conway
Former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie (hospitalised)Former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie (hospitalised)
Senator Thom Tillis, Republican-North CarolinaSenator Thom Tillis, Republican-North Carolina
Senator Mike Lee, Republican-UtahSenator Mike Lee, Republican-Utah
Rev. John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame UniversityRev. John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame University
The US president is awake and has thanked supporters who gathered outside the hospital on Saturday night.The US president is awake and has thanked supporters who gathered outside the hospital on Saturday night.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democratic candidate Joe Biden has opened his widest lead in a month in the US presidential race after Trump tested positive for the coronavirus.A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democratic candidate Joe Biden has opened his widest lead in a month in the US presidential race after Trump tested positive for the coronavirus.
The national opinion survey, taken over 2-3 October, shows “little indication of an outpouring of support for the president beyond Trump’s core group of followers,” Reuters said.The national opinion survey, taken over 2-3 October, shows “little indication of an outpouring of support for the president beyond Trump’s core group of followers,” Reuters said.
Biden had a 10-point lead over Trump among adults who are expected to cast ballots, with 51% to 41%. The poll showed a 1 to 2 point higher lead than previous polls in recent weeks, although was still within the survey’s 5% plus or minus margin of error, so should be read with caution.Biden had a 10-point lead over Trump among adults who are expected to cast ballots, with 51% to 41%. The poll showed a 1 to 2 point higher lead than previous polls in recent weeks, although was still within the survey’s 5% plus or minus margin of error, so should be read with caution.
Saturday Night Live has chosen to sketch the Trump-Biden debate, rather than the president’s infection. Maybe they were unsure how to strike the right comedic tone:Saturday Night Live has chosen to sketch the Trump-Biden debate, rather than the president’s infection. Maybe they were unsure how to strike the right comedic tone:
The show didn’t ignore the hospitalisation altogether, though. Host Chris Rock opened by referencing the news. “President Trump is in the hospital from Covid, and I just want to say that my heart goes out to Covid,” he joked.The show didn’t ignore the hospitalisation altogether, though. Host Chris Rock opened by referencing the news. “President Trump is in the hospital from Covid, and I just want to say that my heart goes out to Covid,” he joked.
When assessing Trump’s health state it’s critical to remember coronavirus is not the type of disease where you necessarily get hit hard and fast and then slowly recover. It can be more insidious than that.When assessing Trump’s health state it’s critical to remember coronavirus is not the type of disease where you necessarily get hit hard and fast and then slowly recover. It can be more insidious than that.
Take a look at the course of the disease with Trump’s ally, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He sent out similarly upbeat messages saying he was experiencing mild symptoms, and just like Trump, he continued to work through it.Take a look at the course of the disease with Trump’s ally, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He sent out similarly upbeat messages saying he was experiencing mild symptoms, and just like Trump, he continued to work through it.
But ten days after his positive test, he was in intensive care.But ten days after his positive test, he was in intensive care.
What does this tell us? It explains why Trump’s doctors say he is “not out of the woods” and also that the first two weeks of October could feel very, very drawn out.What does this tell us? It explains why Trump’s doctors say he is “not out of the woods” and also that the first two weeks of October could feel very, very drawn out.
Here’s Johnson’s message to the British public a week after diagnosis, in comparison to Trump’s last night.Here’s Johnson’s message to the British public a week after diagnosis, in comparison to Trump’s last night.
Former US President Barack Obama has commented on Trump’s infection:Former US President Barack Obama has commented on Trump’s infection:
Good morning (if you’re in Washington DC) and hello to the rest of the world.Good morning (if you’re in Washington DC) and hello to the rest of the world.
Oliver Holmes here, booting up our US Politics live blog for what will certainly not be a lazy Sunday. Donald Trump remains hospitalised with Covid-19, with doctors administering drugs that are still in trials. The US election is just a month away.Oliver Holmes here, booting up our US Politics live blog for what will certainly not be a lazy Sunday. Donald Trump remains hospitalised with Covid-19, with doctors administering drugs that are still in trials. The US election is just a month away.
Here are the main developments for those who have been sleeping, or just taking a breather:Here are the main developments for those who have been sleeping, or just taking a breather:
Trump posted a video message on Saturday evening saying that he is “doing well”, his wife Melania is “doing very well” and the next few days will be the “real test” after he was taken to hospital with Covid-19.Trump posted a video message on Saturday evening saying that he is “doing well”, his wife Melania is “doing very well” and the next few days will be the “real test” after he was taken to hospital with Covid-19.
The 74-year-old appeared pale and a little hoarse-sounding but the video was a chance to assess his condition for the first time after conflicting reports on his health.The 74-year-old appeared pale and a little hoarse-sounding but the video was a chance to assess his condition for the first time after conflicting reports on his health.
His medical team says: “while not out of the woods yet, the team remains cautiously optimistic”.His medical team says: “while not out of the woods yet, the team remains cautiously optimistic”.
Top Trump aide Nick Luna has tested positive for Covid-19.Top Trump aide Nick Luna has tested positive for Covid-19.
Joe Biden’s campaign is committing to releasing the results of all future Covid tests the candidate takes.Joe Biden’s campaign is committing to releasing the results of all future Covid tests the candidate takes.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo will depart for Japan on Sunday but will not go to Mongolia and South Korea as originally planned, after Trump’s diagnosis.US secretary of state Mike Pompeo will depart for Japan on Sunday but will not go to Mongolia and South Korea as originally planned, after Trump’s diagnosis.