President and Mrs. Trump have each tested positive for coronavirus - and are in White House quarantine. A stunning development that will have major implications for the presidential race (more)

Trump, who has repeatedly said that case numbers would go down if fewer tests were conducted - was tested immediately after news broke that a top assistant, Hope Hicks, tested positive for the virus. She was with the president Wednesday in Minnesota

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Trump, 74, is of the age that is most vulnerable to those with coronavirus. Particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions. Still unexplained is Trump’s sudden visit to Walter Reed - the military hospital in Maryland late last year

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Bob Woodward’s recent book “Rage” revealed that VP Pence was alerted that he should be on standby if Trump had to undergo an emergency medical procedure. The exact reason for Trump’s Bethesda visit remains unknown

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Trump’s White House quarantine means no campaign rallies - at least not in person - during the next few weeks of a re-election campaign in which he is already trailing former VP Biden

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The next presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami, now seems very much in doubt - at least meeting in person.
Impact on the overall race

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Trump admitted playing down the coronavirus; has scoffed at those who wear a mask and has argued for the economy to be re-opened. The news tonight that he has tested positive for it - Mrs. Trump too - will intensify coverage of his handling of the pandemic (208K dead)

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Trump was with Supreme Court nominee Barrett over the weekend; Chief of Staff Meadows has been in contact with her and Senate Leader McConnell in recent days; what, if any impact the president’s contracting coronavirus could have her confirmation proceedings is unknown