I received scores of text messages from staff, members of Congress, family, friends, and reporters inquiring about the president’s condition. While some expressed genuine concern, I felt most people let their notions of the president’s attitude toward the virus taint their reaction to his illness. I lost my temper with some of them, arguing that this should be a moment for people to come together, to set aside our differences and pray for the commander in chief. I was distressed that no one seemed to realize how dire his condition was, but I knew that, regrettably, that was intentional.
