Former President Barack Obama is calling for unity and compassion following President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
Trump revealed on Twitter early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus shortly after the president’s close advisor Hope Hicks also tested positive.
Trump’s predecessor joined many politicians, celebrities and concerned citizens in wishing the Trump’s a “speedy recovery.”
“Michelle (Obama) and I hope that the President, First Lady, and all those affected by the coronavirus around the country are getting the care they need,” Obama tweeted Friday afternoon.
In another tweet, Obama urged everyone to put their political beliefs aside in midst of the contentious election season because “we’re all human beings” first.
“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,” he tweeted. “We’re all human beings. And we want everyone to be healthy, no matter our party.”
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Obama has been openly critical of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In May, he called the Trump administration’s delayed response an “absolute chaotic disaster.” Obama blamed his successor’s “mindset of ‘what’s in it for me, and to heck with everyone else.'”
On Friday, Obama joined vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris for a virtual fundraiser that had been scheduled prior to Trump’s diagnosis. At the fundraising event, Obama repeated his sentiments.
Contributing: Joel Shannon
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