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Joe Biden's coughing fit and hoarse voice during Electoral College victory speech leaves fans worried he has Covid

While speaking from his home in Delaware, the President-elect explained his need to clear his throat a number of times as the result of a minor illness: 'I have a little bit of a cold'

Although President-elect Joe Biden tried to deliver an inspiring and uplifting speech following the confirmation of his Electoral College victory on Monday, December 14, it was interrupted several times by a consistent cough that he had developed, leading many on social media to become concerned about his health. 

While speaking from his home in Delaware, Biden said explained his need to clear his throat a number of times as the result of a minor illness, stating during the live stream: "Thank you, I have a little bit of a cold. I'm sorry but look, you know, you did it, you did it — not a joke." He then ripped right into President Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat as the latter "pushed, tested, [and] threatened" democracy, which ultimately stood triumphant in the end.
 
He also spoke about the election, saying that voters had "the right to be heard. To have your vote counted. To choose the leaders of this nation. To govern ourselves". "If anyone didn’t know it before, we know it now. What beats deep in the hearts of the American people is this: Democracy," Biden told the nation.

"In America, politicians don’t take power – the people grant it to them," Biden said in reference to the numerous losses federal judges handed the Trump campaign while they attempted to undermine the democratic vote."

Even with the throat clearing, Biden pushed forward in his speech."The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago," Biden continued. "And we now know that nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power, can extinguish that flame."

Biden also promised to be "a president for all Americans" — something he has reiterated from the day he was declared the projected winner of the 2020 election — and that he would "work just as hard for those of you who didn’t vote for me, as I will for those who did."

More than the content of his speech, his need to clear his throat and stifle coughs stood out in the minds of people on social media. "Has Dr Jill Biden diagnosed that nasty cough?" one of them wrote, alluding to the huge controversy regarding the future first lady's usage of the title "doctor" before her name despite not having an MD.

"Yikes. #BidenCough is scary. Although #TrumpLostAGAIN," said another user. "The cough is the story. I love the guy, but this is going to fuel the fire from the right about his health. #Biden" a user commented. 

"Someone get Biden some Robitussin stat!!! #bidencough," wrote a user while another said, "WTF? Does Biden need a COVID test? #BidenCough." One noted, "Why is Joe Biden's first address to the nation all about Donald Trump and why does he keep coughing??? #JoeBiden #BidenCough." A user said, "Few more coughs and its gonna be president @KamalaHarris #cough #biden #presidentharris" 

A concerned user advised, "Drink some water, Joe. You’re scaring us. #BidenCough" Another wrote, "#bidencough Somebody should've called the vet for Polident-Elect Joey Plugs. He has coughed up hairballs 14 times during a 13-minute speech on Monday."

A user remarked "#BidenCough He has been campaigning for a long time folks! You know when singers go out on tour? If you speak long enough, you do lose your voice after awhile. I know he's not a singer, I'm just saying he was losing his voice. Anyway, I hope he is healthy! Take care Biden!"

One said, "Looking forward to Newsmax’s three-hour special on whether Biden has COVID-19 based on his cough." Another commented, "If this was a Hollywood film, Biden would not get to scene 3 — with or without his ripping off of Margaret Thatcher's St Francis speech. #cough"