Whitsett Shares Coronavirus Story At White House, Trump Says He Doesn’t Think She’ll Vote For ‘Sleepy Joe’ Biden

By Susan J. Demas, Michigan Advance

State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) was invited to the White House Tuesday along with other COVID-19 survivors.

She previously thanked President Donald Trump for his frequent endorsement of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug she said she took during her illness that she credits for saving her life. However, doctors have said there are risks with the drug, which has been linked to heart problems and even death in some patients.

The fact that Whitsett is a Democrat has been highlighted by right-wing media like Breitbart and she also appeared on Laura Ingraham’s show on Fox News.

“I was afraid I was afraid for my life,” Whitsett said at the media event Tuesday.

She said that the two hospitals near her were full so she stayed at home.

“I was filling up with fluid, my lungs, my breathing being labored, I felt if I didn’t get that medication — it was either the medication or I would die,” Whitsett said.

She continued, “I’m not telling anyone else’s story. … I’m telling you my story and my truth. And this is how I feel. And these are my words.”

After Whitsett described what she went through with COVID-19, Trump brought up the 2020 election and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who he has derided with a nickname, as he has for many political foes.

“Well, I’m not gonna speak for her, but I don’t see you’re voting for ‘Sleepy Joe’ [Biden]. But I’m not gonna ask her that question,” Trump said with a laugh and Whitsett smiled. “But if she votes for Sleepy Joe, I’d be surprised.”

Last week, Trump mentioned Whitsett at press conference and again brought up the election.

“She thought she was dead,” he said. “I think she’ll be voting for me now.”

Whitsett endorsed Biden in September, as the Advance previously reported.