President Donald Trump announced on Thursday evening that he, along with First Lady Melania Trump, tested positive for COVID-19. In response to the shocking news, the poker community had much to say about the issue.
The president didn't provide details of his conditions, although his administration said he has "mild symptoms." But not everyone is buying the story, and that includes Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu, an enthusiastic Trump-hater and staunch liberal. "Kid Poker" seems to think the president might just be faking his illness as a "political ploy."
Poker pro Matt Glantz also joked about Trump potentially lying about his condition as a ploy to avoid the upcoming debates against Joe Biden.
Vanessa Selbst, another anti-Trump liberal, is also a bit cautious in believing Trump actually tested positive for COVID-19. But despite her disdain for the president, she said she hopes he recovers, if in fact he's been infected.
"I hope Trump recovers from COVID-19 (if he really has it), or else the GOP drastically improves their election chances. Also, would really be unsatisfying for him not to end up in jail," Selbst wrote.
Deeb speaks from experience
Shaun Deeb has some first-hand experience of the severity of COVID-19. He spent a few days in Mexico hospitalized with the virus. The poker pro from New York kept in good spirits during his hospital stay but admitted the experience was difficult and painful. As expected, he was quick to provide a take on Trump's positive test.
Deeb isn't the only poker pro to have contracted COVID-19. His pal Mike Dentale, a hardcore Trump supporter, recently tested positive. Dentale has recovered and said his sickness "helped me to lose that annoying last bit of fat at the bottom of my stomach." So, at least he kept in good spirits, as did Deeb. ESPN poker announcer Norman Chad and high-stakes pro David "Doc" Sands were also among those in the poker community who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Randy Ohel, a liberal, also took a shot at the president. The poker pro who recently announced he's contemplating a career change, aimed his attack on the president's previous reference to the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus."
Trump and the First Lady are currently quarantining. It's unclear for how long they'll avoid public interactions. The second debate is scheduled for October 15 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. If the president is still experiencing symptoms are hasn't produced a negative COVID test, it's likely the debate will be cancelled.
Featured image source: Flickr
