Trump and Covid-19 — an uncertain US polls!

by Omer Selim Sher in Ottawa;

Mr. Donald Trump is the most powerful President of the world and a powerful nation USA. When the Covid-19 or corona virus spread worldwide in January this year, he was criticized from the outset for making trivial remarks about the virus. He never took the coronavirus seriously. On the contrary, at various times, he made fun with the World Health Organization (WHO) and various research institutes ridiculing their guidelines for dealing with the virus. He almost never wore a face mask, except for two or three occasions.

His idea was that corona would not be able to touch the hair of the very powerful US president. But now he is down with the deadly virus — a the cruel irony of fate!

Doctors have said the 74-year-old US president is in high health risk due to his age and being obese.  As coronary complications are more common among the elderly and their mortality rates are relatively high, he is in the danger zone. There are rumours that Trump’s recovery will be slow and he might not be back for the elections 3 November , only a few weeks away.

The question that is the centre of all discussions now is what will happen if the current 45th US president as well as Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, dies just a month before the 59th US presidential election?

The US administration is in trouble over the news of Trump’s Covid-19 illness. Several key figures in the Trump administration have been in quarantine for several days now. Just a few days before the presidential election, when there is no time catch a breath, this mandatory quarantine will definitely have an adverse effect on administrative activities.

And if Trump is unable to run the administration, he could hand over power to Vice President Mike Pence for a while, according to the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution. After recovering, he will be able to take back the responsibility of running the state again. Earlier, former Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan also left the responsibilities of running the government to their respective vice presidents due ti urgent medical treatment. And if Mike Pence is also unable to perform his duties, according to the constitution, it will go to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

For President Trump, it will be a poison on his knees. Because Pelosi is a Democrat and Republican’s rival.  Many political analysts have suggested that this could lead to widespread political unrest.

Mike Pence has already received the test results for Covid-19. Despite being in constant contact with Trump, the report came as ‘corona negative’ for Vice-President Pence. The US president, who has been criticized in history, is breathing a sigh of relief at the news. He no longer needs to worry about sensitive issues like handing over power to the opposition.

In a recent interview with US media, Trump said he would not accept the results if he lost the election. His participation in the upcoming presidential election today is in doubt as he is suffering from corona. He will not be able to take part in any public rallies or television debates for the next two weeks. In that case, if the physical condition allows him, he can take part in the virtual debate with the help of technology. The party’s constitution also mentions what will happen if his physical condition deteriorates or he dies before the election.

According to the constitution, if Trump dies or is unable to participate in the election, a Republican conference will be called. The national organization for the Republican Party is known as the Republican National Committee (RNC). In the first scenario, the RNC would have the power to replace the party’s nominee for president.  The RNC has 168 members — three from each state, plus three from six territories. The RNC’s rules provide that the three members from each state cast the same number of votes that their state or territory is entitled to at the party’s nominating convention. The new presidential candidate will be elected by their majority vote. In that case, the current vice president will not run for president in the upcoming elections. Instead, team members can choose someone completely new if they want.

Even though this happens, the administration may have to work hard to resolve the crisis, said Michael MacDonald, a professor at the University of Florida.  Because, early voting has already been completed in several states, where Americans have voted for Trump or Biden.  And if Republicans want to change the date of the election, that proposal must be passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives certainly don’t want that. Thus, the USA Presidential election may hang in a limbo!