Karma hit hard yesterday as news broke that Trump tested positive for the coronavirus. Within the last twenty-four hours it has been confirmed that more White House officials, particularly Republicans, have tested positive, while Biden has tested negative.
What does this do to the public opinion? The election?
Trump's followers comprise of many no-maskers and even COVID deniers, lovers of conspiracy theories. Now that Trump has the virus himself, this could influence his followers to take the advised precautionary measures seriously. It could even motivate governors of states with little to no COVID initiatives, to take action. When it comes to public opinion, there is little that affects the loyalty of Trump supporters. However, this is a tiny crack in their trust, which could have serious implications in this election. Those who are moderates, and find themselves stuck between Trump and Biden are now questioning whether anything Trump told them was true. After the first presidential debate, many voters were highly sympathetic towards Biden, shocked by the mean attacks Trump launched on Biden and his son. This only adds to the public shift away from Trump.
The hypocrisy of COVID deniers believing now.
The severity of the virus is striking COVID deniers only after the president has tested positive. Not once did the fact that 200,000 Americans have died due to the virus sway their belief. It is important to understand this point in history, as it highlights the existence of a group in America for whom reality is built on opinion -- not fact. This is what makes the fight for justice, any kind of justice, so difficult in this country.
Hope. Despite the deep polarization, and opinion-based reality of much of our government, this shines hope on the election. Trump's fortress of lies now has a hole in it.
