Former President Barack Obama has a message for the American people following the news of President Donald Trump’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis: “Let’s remember that we’re all Americans. We’re all human beings.”
During a virtual fundraiser on Friday, Obama said, “Although we’re in the midst of a big political fight and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the President of the United States, the first lady.”
“Michelle and I are hopeful that they and others who have been affected by COVID-19 around the country are getting the care that they need, that they are going to be on a path to a speedy recovery,” he continued.
“It’s important, I think, for all of us to remember that even when we’re in the midst of big political battles, with issues that have a lot at stake, that we’re all Americans and we’re all human beings and we want to make sure that everybody is healthy.”
Obama’s remarks followed after President Donald Trump announced just before 1 a.m. on Friday that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
See Obama’s remarks below:
Former Pres. Barack Obama: "Although we're in the midst of a big political fight and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the President of the United States, the First Lady." https://t.co/he0nBP0LAs pic.twitter.com/mxYtrpzt7A
— ABC News (@ABC) October 3, 2020
Obama also wrote on Twitter on Friday evening, “Michelle and I hope that the President, First Lady, and all those affected by the coronavirus around the country are getting the care they need and are on the path to a speedy recovery.”
He noted the “political battle” going on in the U.S. ahead of the 2020 presidential election on Nov. 3 but pressed, “Let’s remember that we’re all Americans. We’re all human beings. And we want everyone to be healthy, no matter our party.”
Obviously, we’re in the midst of a big political battle right now, and while there’s a lot at stake, let’s remember that we’re all Americans. We’re all human beings. And we want everyone to be healthy, no matter our party.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 2, 2020
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also offered well-wishes, as he tweeted on Friday, “Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.”
The former vice president later said at a Michigan campaign event that day, “My wife Jill and I prayed that they’ll make a quick and full recovery. This is not a matter of politics. It’s a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously. It’s not going away automatically. We have to do our part to be responsible.”
Both Joe Biden and Jill Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday. Additionally, Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the coronavirus.
On Friday evening, the president’s physician said the president was given a dose of Remdesivir and was “doing very well.”
There are over 7.3 million positive coronavirus cases reported in the U.S., with more than 208,000 deaths due to the virus and over 4.7 million reported recoveries, as of Saturday morning.