Budda Baker Encourages Voters to Do Their Research, Criticizes Comparison of Biden's COVID-19 to Trump's Assassination Attempt

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is urging voters to do their own research in the upcoming elections, after expressing disbelief over MSNBC host Joy Reid's suggestion that President Joe Biden recovering from COVID-19 is a sign of strength similar to former President Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt.

Budda Baker, the six-time Pro Bowl safety for the Arizona Cardinals, has become the latest public figure to voice concerns over political commentary in the wake of MSNBC host Joy Reid's controversial remarks.

On Wednesday, Baker took to social media to share a clip of Reid's comments, in which she equates President Biden recovering from COVID-19 to Trump surviving an assassination attempt.

Budda Baker Encourages Voters to Do Their Research, Criticizes Comparison of Biden's COVID-19 to Trump's Assassination Attempt

"Okay this is the last one for the day. Just please do your research this year. Don’t let anybody steer you away just do the research yourself and make a decision," Baker wrote on Twitter.

"This one right here takes the cake. A man that gets almost assassinated by [a] bullet vs a man that gets Covid. Lord please no WWIII."

Budda Baker Encourages Voters to Do Their Research, Criticizes Comparison of Biden's COVID-19 to Trump's Assassination Attempt

Reid's comments came during MSNBC's live coverage of the Republican National Convention, where she argued that the media's portrayal of Trump's return to the campaign trail as a "sign of strength" should also apply to Biden once he returns from isolation.

"This current President of the United States is 81 years old and has COVID, should he be fine in a couple of days, doesn't that convey exactly the same thing? That he’s strong enough – older than Trump – to have gotten something that used to really be fatal to people his age. So, if he does fine out of it and comes back and is able to do rallies, isn't that exactly the same?," Reid said.

Budda Baker Encourages Voters to Do Their Research, Criticizes Comparison of Biden's COVID-19 to Trump's Assassination Attempt

Baker's criticism of Reid's comments has garnered widespread attention, with many agreeing with his stance. However, others have defended Reid, arguing that she was simply trying to make a point about the media's double standards.

In a subsequent tweet, Baker doubled down on his stance, saying, "Mad cause I don’t agree that Covid 19 and getting shot by a bullet is the same thing. Crazy world we live in. Beauty of America is you’re entitled to your own opinion though. Keep it pushin."

Baker's comments come as the nation prepares for the upcoming midterm elections, which are expected to be highly contentious. He has urged voters to do their own research and make informed decisions, rather than relying solely on the opinions of others.

His message has resonated with many, particularly in light of the recent rise in political polarization and misinformation.

The assassination attempt on Trump occurred on June 26, 2023, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents after wounding one person.

Trump returned to the campaign trail shortly after the attack, despite concerns about his safety.

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on July 21, 2023, and has been isolating at the White House since then. He is expected to return to public activities later this week.