Former President Donald Trump Speaks at Rally in Rapid City, South Dakota
The recent surge in coronavirus cases has reignited the fierce debates that consumed national and local politics during the first two and a half years of the pandemic. Although hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are occurring at lower rates than during the Delta and Omicron waves, the spike is significant enough to bring coronavirus back into the news cycle. As a result, we are witnessing a fresh round of intense debates centered around masks, vaccines, and lockdowns.
These debates indicate that bitter sentiments persist across the political spectrum, even as the pandemic is technically “over.” Many on the left believe that mask mandates were lifted too early, while those on the right argue that schools were closed for too long and that other restrictions proved ineffective.
While some schools have temporarily closed for in-person instruction and certain institutions have reintroduced mask mandates, there is little indication that elected officials or public health authorities will reimpose significant restrictions. However, this has not stopped politicians from using their favorite pandemic-related arguments and launching attacks.
COVID Returns to the White House
Earlier this month, the White House revealed that first lady Jill Biden had tested positive for COVID-19. President Biden, who had spent the weekend with her in Delaware, tested negative and continued to do so. Biden also playfully mocked the masking rules by carrying a mask without wearing it at a White House event, acknowledging that he did not have it on when he walked in.
The Biden administration initially projected competence and expertise in handling the pandemic, but the president is well aware that many Americans are fatigued by the ongoing crisis. He also knows that his conservative opponents want to portray him as a proponent of burdensome public health measures. Recent headlines have insinuated that Biden is preparing for another round of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Last week, Atlantic writer Franklin Foer published a book titled “The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future.” Foer depicts Biden as favoring cautious teachers’ unions on school reopenings, which many believe should have occurred sooner.
Trump and DeSantis Rehash the 2020 Debate
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gained attention for his hands-off approach to the pandemic. He expressed skepticism towards lockdowns and urged schools to reopen in 2020, even as Democratic governors remained hesitant. DeSantis later adopted more controversial stances on masks and vaccines, which endeared him to conservatives and contributed to his resounding victory in the midterm election.
Trump’s handling of the pandemic was characterized by inconsistency and erratic behavior, most notably his suggestion to inject bleach as a potential treatment. Initially cautious, he eventually aligned himself with scientists advocating for a laissez-faire approach. Some argue that his response to the pandemic cost him the 2020 election.
DeSantis has seized the recent spike in cases to revive the pandemic-related positions that initially propelled him into the spotlight. In a recent fundraising message, he proudly declared that his campaign would not comply with new coronavirus restrictions, despite such restrictions being limited in scope. Additionally, the struggling DeSantis campaign is selling “This is a mask-free house” lawn signs. The introduction of a new COVID-19 booster has provided DeSantis with an opportunity to reaffirm his opposition to vaccines.
Trump, on the other hand, has attacked DeSantis by distorting his positions. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign accused DeSantis of attempting to gaslight voters.
Will Voters be Influenced?
It is unlikely. The current wave is expected to subside in the coming weeks. While future waves are inevitable, the Omicron subvariants, if they continue to evolve as they are, are unlikely to cause severe illness or death. Each wave could spark renewed political disagreements, particularly as the presidential election approaches. However, it is unclear whether these disagreements can sustain public attention for long. A recent poll conducted by Yahoo News and YouGov found that only 7% of Americans are “very worried” about COVID-19.
