Cal Thomas: Why Trump's COVID experience could completely change the trajectory of the 2020 campaign

Will this experience produce changes in his campaign? More importantly, will it inject a dose of humility into his persona?

It will necessarily curtail his personal appearances for a time. How long and whether it alters plans for a second debate depends on his progress. At this writing, President Trump says he is planning to debate next week in Miami.

It may also bring some sympathy to him if he responds in a way that encourages mask-wearing and other practices that have shown to be effective in warding off the coronavirus.

If he fully recovers -- and everyone with an ounce of goodwill for a fellow human being should hope he does -- he should not engage in triumphalism, as if he is Superman, but share with the nation what he has learned from the experience and what the country can also learn.

The first lesson is that no one is guaranteed complete immunity from the virus. Democrats and foreign leaders have been infected, too.

Wearing masks, frequent handwashing and practicing social distancing does help.

It is why the number of daily cases is declining in a few places (although in the past few days some states are reporting slight upticks in new cases and hospital admissions).