jeriendhal | 2020 Continues to be 2020

So, a man who doesn't believe in masking or social distancing at rallies tests positive for Covid 19. Here's my POV.

The immediately cynical take is, of course, that it's a blatant attempt to gain sympathy points and avoid debating Biden again before the election. Que him publicly campaigning again in two weeks and stating that "See, the Coronavirus isn't that serious!."

This ignores the fact that A) The debates could be handled remotely, and B) When has Trump EVER allowed himself to be perceived as unhealthy and weak in any way?

A more likely take IMO is that he really does have it. In a year of massive WTF's, this is the icing on the cake. Despite his age and massive weight, I doubt he'll die. He is getting the best (government funded) health care possible after all.

So what are the possible outcomes?

1) Nothing much happens. Trump quarantines for two weeks. We have a reduced number or eliminated debates. Election proceeds as planned. Because let's face it, almost everyone's opinion on this election is set in stone at this point. The most likely scenario IMO.

2) Trump's cabinet uses the 25th Amendment to remove him from office and install Pence.

HAHAHAHAHA..

No.

3) Trump uses this as an excuse to quit, allowing himself to drop out and avoiding being seen as a Loser if the election doesn't go his way. Oh, and probably getting a pre-emptive pardon from Pence for everything he did in office. This, of course, causes the maximum amount of confusion and chaos in Trump's favor, which would be very Trumpian.

4) Trump Dies. Again, chaos reigns. Pence takes up the mantle of presidential candidate at the absolute last possible moment. In a year of unprecedented events, this would be Tuesday, as the saying goes.

5) The Nightmare Scenario: Trump tries to use this as an excuse to cancel the election. Mind you, I don't think this would work. As conservative as the Supreme Court is, the chief justice does seem to have at least some eye towards precedent and his own legacy, and I doubt he'd condone this idea. But it would align with Trump's constant attempts to undermine the legitimacy of this election, and again, if he is rebuffed and loses, this gives his ego an out, because "obviously' the election was stolen from him.