(NewsNation) — Following his decision to end his campaign, President Joe Biden is continuing to isolate in Delaware as he recovers from a COVID-19 infection.
It’s not clear when the president will resume public duties, though he has had virtual meetings, and the White House says he is still performing all his duties as he isolates. A White House official told NewsNation the president is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, as is Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to a letter from the White House physician, Biden’s symptoms have almost completely resolved, and his vital signs are good.
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Biden’s absence follows his letter announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race.
Biden’s struggling campaign
Following the first presidential debate, worried Democrats began calling on Biden to resign due to his poor performance and concerns he would not be able to win in November.
Voters also expressed worries about Biden’s age and mental fitness, which the campaign tried to address in a series of interviews, campaign events and official duties.
Those efforts, however, were marred with verbal gaffes and performances that led to an increasing number of Democrats to urge Biden to step aside. The campaign received another blow when Biden tested positive for COVID-19, leading him to isolate at his home and cancel campaign events.
While the president remained committed to running in the days following the debate, the tide turned over the weekend. In a letter, Biden announced he would be stepping back and gave his endorsement of Harris as the new nominee.
What happens next for Democrats?
While Biden’s support for Harris will certainly have an impact, she isn’t automatically going to take his place on the ticket.
With Biden’s announcement, his delegates will now be open to supporting a nominee. For many, Harris is the obvious choice, given her experience and previously presumed place on the ballot as vice president.
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But the Democratic National Convention and an advance virtual vote made necessary by Ohio’s election laws haven’t happened yet. While many notable Democrats have stepped forward with endorsements for Harris, there’s also a chance delegates could put forth other nominees.
Many of the names floated — including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper — could also be contenders for the vice presidential spot alongside Harris.
When will Biden be back?
Biden’s campaign had already suspended advertising following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. That, combined with the president’s COVID-19 isolation, has led to quiet as Biden considered his future.
In his letter, Biden teased an address to the nation sometime this week, but it isn’t clear when that will happen.
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Another outstanding schedule item is an address the president was set to give commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Originally set to take place at the LBJ Presidential Library, the speech was canceled due to the Trump rally shooting.
While the president recovers, Harris has stepped up her schedule, holding meetings with top Democrats and holding campaign events in advance of the convention.
