Mel Brooks endorses Joe Biden citing coronavirus pandemic: ‘Donald Trump’s not doing a damn thing about it'

Mel Brooks has endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race, citing the coronavirus pandemic.

The director and comedy icon expressed his support for the Democratic candidate in a video released on Wednesday.

“My father, @MelBrooks, is 94. He has never made a political video. Until now,” his son, author Max Brooks, tweeted along with the clip.

The elder Brooks can be seen in the video with his son and grandson in the background. Both are standing behind a glass door as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.

“They can’t be with me,” Brooks says in the video. “Why? Because of this coronavirus. And Donald Trump’s not doing a damn thing about it. So many people have died. And when you’re dead, you can’t do much.”

Announcing his intention to vote for Biden, Brooks adds: “I like Joe. Why do I like Joe? Because Joe likes facts. Because Joe likes science. Joe will keep us going. Take a tip from me: vote for Joe.”

More than 200,000 people have died of Covid-19 in the US. New highs in cases have recently been reported in various states, from Idaho to Ohio.

Hospitals are beginning to buckle from the resurgence of cases, with several states setting records for the number of people hospitalised and leaders scrambling to find extra beds and staff.

Back in March, Brooks and his son partnered in a different video, this one aiming to illustrate the importance of social distancing in limiting the spread of the virus.

Additional reporting by AP