The Democratic frontrunner in the current primary, centrist Joe Biden, spoke on the phone Monday with president Donald Trump regarding the novel coronavirus. Ironically, this came the same day that Trump accused Biden of “hiding” from the public during the public health crisis. Biden sniped back shortly after, accusing Trump of mishandling the pandemic.
The Biden campaign described the call in an official press release. “Vice President Biden and President Trump had a good call. VP Biden shared several suggestions for actions the administration can take now to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and expressed his appreciation for the spirit of the American people in meeting the challenges facing the nation,” read the release from the campaign’s Communications Director, Kate Bedingfield.
Trump’s description of the call was nearly identical. “We talked about, pretty much this, this is what we talked about. This is what everyone’s talking about. This is what they want to talk about. He gave me his point of view and I fully understand that and we just had a very friendly conversation. Lasted probably 15 minutes. And it was really good. It was really good, really nice, I think it was very much so. I appreciate his calling,” the president told reporters.
While the two were friendly on the phone, they spent Monday sniping one another on Twitter. Trump accused Biden of having ulterior motives for wanting to move the Democratic National Convention to an online event.
“Joe Biden wanted the date for the Democrat National Convention moved to a later time period,” the president tweeted.
“Now he wants a ‘Virtual’ Convention, one where he doesn’t have to show up. Gee, I wonder why?” This is likely a reference to circulating theories regarding Biden’s health during this crisis.
Biden’s primary opponent, progressive Bernie Sanders, has kept a high profile while raising money for pandemic relief. Biden was quick to shoot back on Twitter, blasting the president’s response to the COVID pandemic.
“Mr. President, I hope we can gather in Milwaukee, but that is going to depend on you stepping up and doing what needs to be done to handle this pandemic,” the Democratic candidate wrote.
While this pandemic has raged, many have worried that American institutions are not prepared for the stress. Health care for seniors, as well as for younger people, is lacking in the US.
