Trump hails virus treatment, says he’s ready to do rallies

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is ready to hold campaign rallies and he credited an experimental drug treatment with helping his recovery from COVID-19, although there is no way for the president or his doctors to know whether the drug had any effect.

“I’m feeling good. Really good. I think perfect,” Trump said during a telephone interview with Fox Business, his first since he tested positive.

“I think I’m better to the point where I’d love to do a rally tonight,” Trump said adding that he no longer thinks he’s “contagious at all.”

Trump did not indicate where or when he might have contracted the virus, saying only, “if you’re anywhere around this thing you can catch it.”

But he mentioned a recent Rose Garden event announcing his new Supreme Court nominee and a meeting with military families.

He said family members often want to get up close to him and “kiss” and “hug” him.

“I can’t say ’Back up. Stand 10 feet” away, Trump said.

Trump credited the drug treatment with helping his recovery and suggested his diagnosis could be a “blessing in disguise” in the nation’s battle against the pandemic.

In a White House video posted Wednesday evening, Trump said his illness had shed light on an experimental antibody cocktail that he tied to his improved condition.Seemingly sensitive to the fact that his treatment course has been far more comprehensive than the care received by average Americans, he promised to swiftly get the drug approved for broader use — and distribute it for free — even though he does not have the power to order that himself.

Questions continue to swirl about the trajectory of Trump’s recovery and when he might be able to return to normal activities, including campaigning, less than four weeks before Election Day.

The video marked Trump’s first appearance before a camera,  albeit a White House-operated one, in nearly two days.

The White House has released only limited details about his condition and treatment, leading to questions about what lies ahead for Trump.

Trump received an experimental antiviral cocktail made by Regeneron through a “compassionate use” exemption, a recognition of the above-and-beyond standard of care he receives as president.

The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not yet been proven.

And there is no way for the president or his doctors to know that the drug had any effect. 

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