Former Vice President Joe Biden was given the first opportunity to tell the American people what he would do to combat the coronavirus at tonight’s Democratic debate. He started off by coughing.
The coronavirus pandemic took precedent at the Democratic debate on Sunday. Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stood at podiums six feet apart and bumped elbows instead of shaking hands, as is recommended during the pandemic.
The first question asked the candidates what they would do as president during the coronavirus outbreak.
“First of all my heart goes out to those who *cough* have already lost someone or those who are suffering from the virus. This is bigger than any one of us,” Biden said.
People were immediately triggered by Biden’s cough just seconds into the answer.
“JOE. Come on man. #DemocraticDebate #COVID-19,” @andthenjensaid_.
“Oh my… not even two seconds in and Biden is already coughing,” @stclairashley tweeted.
After Biden finished his answer, the question was turned to Sanders. But, Biden was not finished coughing.
“BIDEN COUGHED AGAIN OH MY GOD,” @jackmirkinson tweeted, as Biden let out a cough while Sanders answered.
Later on in the debate, Biden continued to cough just a bit.
The past week has seen a debate about whether it was reasonable to diagnose Biden from afar given his myriad stumbles on the campaign trail.
But in the midst of a pandemic, we’re doing it all over again.
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