thedailycaller--2020-07-16--Fox News Host Admits She Has ‘Misled,’ ‘Toyed’ With Pollsters, Adds She Doesn’t Trust ‘Any Polling’

Fox News Host Admits She Has ‘Misled,’ ‘Toyed’ With Pollsters, Adds She Doesn’t Trust ‘Any Polling’ – Including Her Own Network’s

Fox News host Melissa Francis said Thursday that she has misled pollsters and that she doesn ’ t trust any polling , including that of her own network .
Francis first admitted that she has “ toyed ” with pollsters during a conversation on “ Outnumbered ” Thursday .
She explained how she has “ been polled twice recently ” and has “ a blast ” during the calls .
Francis added that she sometimes acts like a person “ who voted for de Blasio but now is thinking about Trump , ” her answer depending on how she decides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Fox News host continued to explain the situation on Twitter after Justin Baragona , founder of The Contemptor , wondered if Frances admitted this “ to help push the narrative that all the polls are wrong ?
” ( RELATED : ‘ Fox Is Terrible !
’ : Trump Snaps On Fox News After Presidential Poll Shows Biden In The Lead ) “ Any pollster who calls me – I do not tell the truth , ” Francis responded in a tweet .
“ It ’ s not their business .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal measure .
Polling is in fact garbage .
I also do *always* disclose where I work and ask from whom they purchased my information.
” The Fox News host also confirmed that she doesn ’ t trust any polling whatsoever , even coming out of the network .
“ I don ’ t trust any polling at all based on my personal experience , ” Francis tweeted after Baragona asked if she thinks “ Fox News polls are also ‘ garbage . '
” According to Francis , she has “ personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] 20 times in the past 5 years.
” “ When I ask others if they have ever been polled , I ’ ve never had anyone sat [ sic ] ‘ yes ’ to me , ” she tweeted .
“ But I have personally been polled more than a 20 times in the past 5 years .
( I always tell them where I work . )
That has undermined my own personal confidence in polling , that is my opinion .
”

Fox News host Melissa Francis said Thursday that she has misled pollsters and that she doesn’t trust any polling, including that of her own network.
Francis first admitted that she has “toyed” with pollsters during a conversation on “Outnumbered” Thursday. She explained how she has “been polled twice recently” and has “a blast” during the calls. Francis added that she sometimes acts like a person “who voted for de Blasio but now is thinking about Trump,” her answer depending on how she decides to mess with the pollster calling.
WATCH:
Any pollster who calls me – I do not tell the truth. It’s not their business. But I misled them left and right in equal measure. Polling is in fact garbage. I also do *always* disclose where I work and ask from whom they purchased my information. https://t.co/oww7Pm9R0I — Melissa Francis (@MelissaAFrancis) July 16, 2020
The Fox News host continued to explain the situation on Twitter after Justin Baragona, founder of The Contemptor, wondered if Frances admitted this “to help push the narrative that all the polls are wrong?” (RELATED: ‘Fox Is Terrible!’: Trump Snaps On Fox News After Presidential Poll Shows Biden In The Lead)
“Any pollster who calls me – I do not tell the truth,” Francis responded in a tweet. “It’s not their business. But I misled them left and right in equal measure. Polling is in fact garbage. I also do *always* disclose where I work and ask from whom they purchased my information.”
The Fox News host also confirmed that she doesn’t trust any polling whatsoever, even coming out of the network.
“I don’t trust any polling at all based on my personal experience,” Francis tweeted after Baragona asked if she thinks “Fox News polls are also ‘garbage.'”
I don’t trust any polling at all based on my personal experience. https://t.co/lFAzZsuE5B — Melissa Francis (@MelissaAFrancis) July 16, 2020
According to Francis, she has “personally been polled more than a [sic] 20 times in the past 5 years.”
“When I ask others if they have ever been polled, I’ve never had anyone sat [sic] ‘yes’ to me,” she tweeted. “But I have personally been polled more than a 20 times (sic) in the past 5 years. (I always tell them where I work.) That has undermined my own personal confidence in polling, that is my opinion.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-16--Health Professionals Advocate For School Reopening Despite Coronavirus Pandemic

Health professionals nationwide released statements in a Tea Party Patriots Action Second Opinion Project email on Thursday that they believe schools should reopen and that it is the safest option for kids .
The consensus among the physicians , that kids would benefit academically , socially , and health-wise from schools reopening this fall , echoes a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) released on July 10 addressing the issue of schools reopening in the fall .
“ We recognize that children learn best when physically present in the classroom .
But children get much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn social and emotional skills at school , get healthy meals and exercise , mental health support and other services that can not be easily replicated online.
” The Tea Party Patriots Action groups is a national advocacy group whose aim is to encourage civic engagement , and its The Second Opinion Project is designed to accrue opinions from health professionals about the coronavirus pandemic in America .
Children ’ s physical presence in school is “ critical to [ their ] normal , healthy development — socially , physically , and emotionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M.D.
, an adult , child , and adolescent psychiatrist based out of Los Angeles , CA .
He additionally explained that shutting down schools and isolating kids from each other would “ [ guarantee ] significant emotional and physical illness ” for these students .
Another doctor , David G. Lang , an emergency room physician in Stillwater , MN , explained that it is highly unlikely that children would even contract coronavirus , “ The data show that children have very little if any risk from coronavirus and are generally not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults.
” He also added that there is “ no medical justification ” for shutting down schools and that not reopening would be “ an unmitigated disaster.
” The AAP notably walked back their original statement recently , adding to it that reopening must be pursued “ in a way that is safe for all students , teachers and staff.
” The statement additionally said science , public health agencies , and advice from health experts must drive the push to reopen schools in the fall , not “ politics.
” ( RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus Concerns ) An additional supporter of the policy to reopen schools is Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos , who told Martha MacCallum of Fox News on Wednesday that “ it is not acceptable for schools not to reopen ” this fall .
DeVos added that “ education is an essential function , ” explaining that , “ schools are essential , teachers are essential , kids have got to get back in school… ” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Health professionals nationwide released statements in a Tea Party Patriots Action Second Opinion Project email on Thursday that they believe schools should reopen and that it is the safest option for kids.
The consensus among the physicians, that kids would benefit academically, socially, and health-wise from schools reopening this fall, echoes a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released on July 10 addressing the issue of schools reopening in the fall.
“We recognize that children learn best when physically present in the classroom. But children get much more than academics at school. They also learn social and emotional skills at school, get healthy meals and exercise, mental health support and other services that cannot be easily replicated online.”
The Tea Party Patriots Action groups is a national advocacy group whose aim is to encourage civic engagement, and its The Second Opinion Project is designed to accrue opinions from health professionals about the coronavirus pandemic in America.
Children’s physical presence in school is “critical to [their] normal, healthy development — socially, physically, and emotionally,” according to Mark McDonald, M.D., an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist based out of Los Angeles, CA. He additionally explained that shutting down schools and isolating kids from each other would “[guarantee] significant emotional and physical illness” for these students.
Another doctor, David G. Lang, an emergency room physician in Stillwater, MN, explained that it is highly unlikely that children would even contract coronavirus, “The data show that children have very little if any risk from coronavirus and are generally not a vector for transmission for children or adults.” He also added that there is “no medical justification” for shutting down schools and that not reopening would be “an unmitigated disaster.”
The AAP notably walked back their original statement recently, adding to it that reopening must be pursued “in a way that is safe for all students, teachers and staff.” The statement additionally said science, public health agencies, and advice from health experts must drive the push to reopen schools in the fall, not “politics.” (RELATED: GOP Caps Attendance For Convention Over Coronavirus Concerns)
An additional supporter of the policy to reopen schools is Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who told Martha MacCallum of Fox News on Wednesday that “it is not acceptable for schools not to reopen” this fall.
DeVos added that “education is an essential function,” explaining that, “schools are essential, teachers are essential, kids have got to get back in school…”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-07-16--FACT CHECK: Image Claims The FBI Uncovered Over 250 Emails Between Adam Schiff And Jeffrey Epstein

An image shared on Facebook claims the FBI uncovered over 250 emails Democratic California Rep. Adam Schiff and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein exchanged .
There is no evidence to corroborate the claim .
It originated in an article published on a satire website .
Social media platforms are replete with dubious claims about prominent politicians .
In this particular case , a screen grab of an article alleges that the FBI uncovered 256 emails exchanged between the House Intelligence Committee chairman and Epstein , who died in jail of an apparent suicide last year while awaiting trial for federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uncovers 256 Emails Between Schiff and Epstein , ” reads the headline of the screen grabbed article .
( RELATED : Did Nancy Pelosi ’ s Church Ask Her Not To Come Until She ‘ Finds God And Gets Help ’ ? )
There is , however , no evidence to corroborate the post ’ s claim .
Had the FBI uncovered such emails between Schiff and Epstein , it would have been picked up by major news outlets , yet none have reported on it .
An internet search of the headline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – appear to have originated on America ’ s Last Line of Defense , a parody news website that describes itself as part of a network that publishes “ parody , satire , and tomfoolery.
” The satire article , which puts up the same headline and features the same image of Schiff , appears under the “ Satire for Stupid People ” category .
Yet , while America ’ s Last Line of Defense clearly disclaims the satirical nature of the article , the screen grab being shared on Facebook fails to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This isn ’ t the first time the Daily Caller has debunked a claim that originated on a satirical news website .
In January , a viral image falsely claimed Schiff would be charged with “ presidential harassment .
”

An image shared on Facebook claims the FBI uncovered over 250 emails Democratic California Rep. Adam Schiff and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein exchanged.
Verdict: False
There is no evidence to corroborate the claim. It originated in an article published on a satire website.
Fact Check:
Social media platforms are replete with dubious claims about prominent politicians. In this particular case, a screen grab of an article alleges that the FBI uncovered 256 emails exchanged between the House Intelligence Committee chairman and Epstein, who died in jail of an apparent suicide last year while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges.
“FBI Investigation Uncovers 256 Emails Between Schiff and Epstein,” reads the headline of the screen grabbed article. (RELATED: Did Nancy Pelosi’s Church Ask Her Not To Come Until She ‘Finds God And Gets Help’?)
There is, however, no evidence to corroborate the post’s claim. Had the FBI uncovered such emails between Schiff and Epstein, it would have been picked up by major news outlets, yet none have reported on it.
An internet search of the headline reveals the image – and its claim – appear to have originated on America’s Last Line of Defense, a parody news website that describes itself as part of a network that publishes “parody, satire, and tomfoolery.” The satire article, which puts up the same headline and features the same image of Schiff, appears under the “Satire for Stupid People” category.
Yet, while America’s Last Line of Defense clearly disclaims the satirical nature of the article, the screen grab being shared on Facebook fails to do so, portraying it as real.
This isn’t the first time the Daily Caller has debunked a claim that originated on a satirical news website. In January, a viral image falsely claimed Schiff would be charged with “presidential harassment.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-16--Connecticut Catholic Church Vandalized With ‘Anarchist And Satanic Symbols,’ Archdiocese Says

A Catholic church in New Haven , Connecticut , has reported vandalism as attacks on churches continue throughout the U.S. Pastor John Paul Walker of St. Mary ’ s Parish , which consists of both St. Mary ’ s Catholic Church and St. Joseph ’ s Catholic Church , announced in a Thursday Facebook post that St. Joseph ’ s Church was vandalized sometime between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday .
The Archdiocese of Hartford also shared a Facebook post confirming that “ a person or group of persons had painted anarchist and satanic symbols on the doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ( RELATED : Statue Of Jesus Vandalized At Catholic Church In Canada ) “ This follows an apparent trend of desecrating Catholic spaces throughout the nation , as evidenced by incidents in Chattanooga , Queens , Boston , Sacramento , and Ocala , ” the pastor wrote on Facebook .
“ The underlying motive of these sacrilegious attacks is clear : to intimidate and instill fear in the hearts of those who worship Christ.
” The pastor said that the Catholic faith has survived for over 2,000 years and is “ not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Republican Congressman Calls Out ‘ Disturbing Attack ’ On Catholic Statue ) “ Therefore , we remain unafraid and resolute in our faith , and we will pray for a conversion of the hearts of those who wish to terrorize us , ” he added .
He did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The New Haven police did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation on the matter .
News of the vandalism comes after Fr .
Wilbert Chin Jon of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Caller Thursday that vandals spray painted and used marker or chalk to deface a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary , Alberta on Tuesday around 1:30 a.m .
Numerous other statues of the Virgin Mary have also been vandalized throughout the country .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

A Catholic church in New Haven, Connecticut, has reported vandalism as attacks on churches continue throughout the U.S.
Pastor John Paul Walker of St. Mary’s Parish, which consists of both St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, announced in a Thursday Facebook post that St. Joseph’s Church was vandalized sometime between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday.
The Archdiocese of Hartford also shared a Facebook post confirming that “a person or group of persons had painted anarchist and satanic symbols on the doors of St. Joseph Church in New Haven.” (RELATED: Statue Of Jesus Vandalized At Catholic Church In Canada)
“This follows an apparent trend of desecrating Catholic spaces throughout the nation, as evidenced by incidents in Chattanooga, Queens, Boston, Sacramento, and Ocala,” the pastor wrote on Facebook. “The underlying motive of these sacrilegious attacks is clear: to intimidate and instill fear in the hearts of those who worship Christ.”
The pastor said that the Catholic faith has survived for over 2,000 years and is “not about to yield now.” (RELATED: Republican Congressman Calls Out ‘Disturbing Attack’ On Catholic Statue)
“Therefore, we remain unafraid and resolute in our faith, and we will pray for a conversion of the hearts of those who wish to terrorize us,” he added. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The New Haven police did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation on the matter.
News of the vandalism comes after Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary confirmed to the Daily Caller Thursday that vandals spray painted and used marker or chalk to deface a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Sacred Heart Church in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday around 1:30 a.m.
Numerous other statues of the Virgin Mary have also been vandalized throughout the country.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--You Betcha Releases Hilarious ‘Midwest Breakup’ Video

You Betcha dropped a new video about breaking up with your girlfriend , and it ’ s pretty funny .
The popular entertainment company released “ Midwest Breakup ” Thursday , and you absolutely don ’ t want to miss this one .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) As a guy from the Midwest , I can promise you that this thing is scary accurate .
Give it a watch below , and try not to laugh out loud .
The part about breaking up but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shade too close to home .
That ’ s apparently a very Midwest thing , and it happens all the time .
For example , I broke up with a woman in college , and my mom literally kept talking with her for weeks afterward until I told her to stop .
I simply don ’ t understand people who break up , and then stay in contact with the family .
It makes no sense to me , but it ’ s shockingly common back home .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just nice , and they like checking in on each other .
As a man who has often struggled understanding the opposite sex , I will say breakups often go better with your Midwestern gals .
Why ?
I ’ m honestly not sure what the reason is .
They ’ re just a shade different and more chill .
Like I said , the video above is scary accurate on that front .
Let us know what you thought of the latest You Betcha video in the comments below !

You Betcha dropped a new video about breaking up with your girlfriend, and it’s pretty funny.
The popular entertainment company released “Midwest Breakup” Thursday, and you absolutely don’t want to miss this one. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
As a guy from the Midwest, I can promise you that this thing is scary accurate. Give it a watch below, and try not to laugh out loud.
The part about breaking up but staying in contact with the family hits a shade too close to home. That’s apparently a very Midwest thing, and it happens all the time.
For example, I broke up with a woman in college, and my mom literally kept talking with her for weeks afterward until I told her to stop.
I simply don’t understand people who break up, and then stay in contact with the family. It makes no sense to me, but it’s shockingly common back home.
It’s not malicious or manipulative. Midwest people are just nice, and they like checking in on each other.
As a man who has often struggled understanding the opposite sex, I will say breakups often go better with your Midwestern gals.
Why? I’m honestly not sure what the reason is. They’re just a shade different and more chill. Like I said, the video above is scary accurate on that front.
Let us know what you thought of the latest You Betcha video in the comments below!


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Lane Kiffin Crushes A Softball In Awesome Video

In a video tweeted out by the SEC Network , the man leading the Rebels sent a softball into the atmosphere with a great hit .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Watch the video below .
It ’ s very impressive .
Lane Kiffin being a great softball player is about the least surprising thing ever .
If he wasn ’ t a major football coach , he definitely seems like a guy who would be at the park getting his hacks in .
He absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the local league crushing Busch Light and just swinging for the fence .
I say that as a compliment .
It ’ s damn sure not an insult to just be crushing dingers and hammering beers with the boys .
Ole Miss hasn ’ t even played a snap of football under Kiffin , and their program has already been elevated .
Hiring the legendary coach was a genius move .
He ’ s crushing softballs during the summer , and I have no doubt the Rebels will be putting up plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Finally , this seems like a great time to remember Jim Rome ’ s iconic softball guy rant .
That ’ s a first ballot Hall of Fame Rome moment .

Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin has a very powerful softball swing.
In a video tweeted out by the SEC Network, the man leading the Rebels sent a softball into the atmosphere with a great hit. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Watch the video below. It’s very impressive.
Lane Kiffin being a great softball player is about the least surprising thing ever. If he wasn’t a major football coach, he definitely seems like a guy who would be at the park getting his hacks in.
He absolutely seems like the guy who would be in the local league crushing Busch Light and just swinging for the fence.
I say that as a compliment. It’s damn sure not an insult to just be crushing dingers and hammering beers with the boys.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ole Miss Football (@olemissfb) on Jul 15, 2020 at 9:15am PDT
Ole Miss hasn’t even played a snap of football under Kiffin, and their program has already been elevated. Hiring the legendary coach was a genius move.
He’s crushing softballs during the summer, and I have no doubt the Rebels will be putting up plenty of points with him in the fall.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ole Miss Football (@olemissfb) on May 9, 2020 at 11:04am PDT
Finally, this seems like a great time to remember Jim Rome’s iconic softball guy rant. That’s a first ballot Hall of Fame Rome moment.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--NCAA President Mark Emmert Says America Needs A ‘Much Better Handle’ On Coronavirus For Football To

NCAA President Mark Emmert Says America Needs A ‘Much Better Handle’ On Coronavirus For Football To Happen

Right now , we ’ re in the middle of a vicious fight against coronavirus , and nobody knows if football will happen during the pandemic .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Judging from a recent comment from Emmert , he ’ s not optimistic it will .
According to Heather Dinich , the man running the NCAA said Thursday , “ Today , sadly , the data point in the wrong direction .
If there is to be college sports in the fall , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the pandemic.
” This situation feels a lot like when your girlfriend starts dropping hints that it ’ s time to move on so that the final blow is easier to deal with .
It seems like all the college football power players are dripping out information so that we can be mentally conditioned for the final blow .
If Emmert was confident football was going to happen , there ’ s no shot he ’ d be out here talking about getting a “ better handle ” on coronavirus .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like we ’ re being mentally prepared for the moment we ’ re told football isn ’ t happening .
I ’ m obviously not cheering for that .
Not at all .
I think America needs football more than ever , but I ’ m also preparing for the worst case scenario .
Maybe we can turn the tide of war around in the next couple weeks , but things aren ’ t looking great .

NCAA President Mark Emmert doesn’t sound optimistic about the football season happening.
Right now, we’re in the middle of a vicious fight against coronavirus, and nobody knows if football will happen during the pandemic. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Football (@badgerfootball) on Jan 9, 2020 at 11:40am PST
Judging from a recent comment from Emmert, he’s not optimistic it will. According to Heather Dinich, the man running the NCAA said Thursday, “Today, sadly, the data point in the wrong direction. If there is to be college sports in the fall, we need to get a much better handle on the pandemic.”
NCAA president Mark Emmert: “Today, sadly, the data point in the wrong direction. If there is to be college sports in the fall, we need to get a much better handle on the pandemic.” — Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) July 16, 2020
This situation feels a lot like when your girlfriend starts dropping hints that it’s time to move on so that the final blow is easier to deal with.
It seems like all the college football power players are dripping out information so that we can be mentally conditioned for the final blow.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Football (@badgerfootball) on Jul 14, 2020 at 10:28am PDT
If Emmert was confident football was going to happen, there’s no shot he’d be out here talking about getting a “better handle” on coronavirus.
I could be wrong, but it certainly feels like we’re being mentally prepared for the moment we’re told football isn’t happening.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bo Nix (@bonix10) on Jul 4, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT
I’m obviously not cheering for that. Not at all. I think America needs football more than ever, but I’m also preparing for the worst case scenario.
Maybe we can turn the tide of war around in the next couple weeks, but things aren’t looking great.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Poll: Republican Support For Trump’s Coronavirus Response Drops More Than 10 Points Since May

President Donald Trump continues to receive poor marks for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , and a new poll released Friday shows a decrease in support among Republicans in particular .
Seventy-nine percent of Republicans approve of Trump ’ s response , according to data published by ABC , the Washington Post , and Langer Research Associates , down from 90 percent in May and 88 percent when the president first issued cautionary social distancing guidelines in mid-March .
Support among Democrats and Independents has also decreased from May by 10 points ( 4 % ) and 2 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( RELATED : Poll : Trump Hits All-Time Low In Coronavirus Approval — 67 Percent Also Disapprove Of His Handling Of Race Relations ) Overall , just 38 percent of poll respondents said they approve of Trump and the federal government ’ s pandemic response , compared to 46 percent in May and 51 percent in March .
Furthermore , 63 percent ( +6 since May ) say they would prioritize controlling the spread of the pandemic while 33 percent ( -4 ) say they would prioritize restarting the economy .
The WaPo/ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released the week prior , which showed 67 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump ’ s handling of both the coronavirus pandemic and recent race-related issues .
Two polls released in recent days also showed a majority of Americans disapprove of his push to reopen schools for in-person learning in the fall .
Presidential election polls released over the past month often show him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by double-digits .
The New York Times and Sienna College surveys found that Trump trailed Biden in six key battleground states he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win again to be reelected in 2020 .
Trump frequently talks about the inaccuracy of polls and points to 2016 metrics that showed him trailing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by a significant margin heading into November .
Friday ’ s data was gathered from 1,006 adults over the phone from July 12-15 .
It has a 3.5 percent margin of error .

President Donald Trump continues to receive poor marks for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and a new poll released Friday shows a decrease in support among Republicans in particular.
Seventy-nine percent of Republicans approve of Trump’s response, according to data published by ABC, the Washington Post, and Langer Research Associates, down from 90 percent in May and 88 percent when the president first issued cautionary social distancing guidelines in mid-March. Support among Democrats and Independents has also decreased from May by 10 points (4%) and 2 points (39%), respectively. (RELATED: Poll: Trump Hits All-Time Low In Coronavirus Approval — 67 Percent Also Disapprove Of His Handling Of Race Relations)
Overall, just 38 percent of poll respondents said they approve of Trump and the federal government’s pandemic response, compared to 46 percent in May and 51 percent in March. Furthermore, 63 percent (+6 since May) say they would prioritize controlling the spread of the pandemic while 33 percent (-4) say they would prioritize restarting the economy.
The WaPo/ABC poll released Friday mirrors an ABC/Ipsos poll released the week prior, which showed 67 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of both the coronavirus pandemic and recent race-related issues. Two polls released in recent days also showed a majority of Americans disapprove of his push to reopen schools for in-person learning in the fall.
Presidential election polls released over the past month often show him trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by double-digits. The New York Times and Sienna College surveys found that Trump trailed Biden in six key battleground states he won in 2016 and would likely need to win again to be reelected in 2020.
Trump frequently talks about the inaccuracy of polls and points to 2016 metrics that showed him trailing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by a significant margin heading into November.
Friday’s data was gathered from 1,006 adults over the phone from July 12-15. It has a 3.5 percent margin of error.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Tom Izzo And Mel Tucker Take 7% Pay Cuts During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Michigan State coaches Tom Izzo and Mel Tucker have taken substantial pay cuts .
According to the Detroit Free Press , the Spartans coaches have each taken a 7 % cut during the coronavirus pandemic .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) The star basketball coach made a little more than $ 4 million last season , and Tucker was expected to be paid about $ 5.5 million to lead the football team , according to the same report .
Taking a 7 % bite out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a drop in the bucket .
As I ’ ve said many times at this point , you know things are bad when powerhouse programs like Michigan State are handing out pay cuts .
Michigan State is a Big 10 program , and it ’ s one of the biggest athletic departments in America .
Yet , even MSU has to clamp down during this brutally tough time in America .
While I have no doubt Tucker and Izzo will still be able to afford to eat , losing that kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun .
We ’ re talking about pay cuts that will amount to several hundred thousand dollars .
This pandemic has been awful for sports and there are new examples of that every single day .
Hopefully , every coach in America who has taken a cut gets their money back once this crisis passes .
No matter who they are , I never want to see somebody lose money .

Michigan State coaches Tom Izzo and Mel Tucker have taken substantial pay cuts.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the Spartans coaches have each taken a 7% cut during the coronavirus pandemic. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
The star basketball coach made a little more than $4 million last season, and Tucker was expected to be paid about $5.5 million to lead the football team, according to the same report. Taking a 7% bite out of those numbers is certainly a lot more than a drop in the bucket.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan State Basketball (@michiganstatebasketball) on Jul 15, 2020 at 6:08pm PDT
As I’ve said many times at this point, you know things are bad when powerhouse programs like Michigan State are handing out pay cuts.
Michigan State is a Big 10 program, and it’s one of the biggest athletic departments in America. Yet, even MSU has to clamp down during this brutally tough time in America.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan State Basketball (@michiganstatebasketball) on Jul 16, 2020 at 10:55am PDT
While I have no doubt Tucker and Izzo will still be able to afford to eat, losing that kind of cash most certainly can’t be fun.
We’re talking about pay cuts that will amount to several hundred thousand dollars.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan State Basketball (@michiganstatebasketball) on Jul 15, 2020 at 1:56pm PDT
This pandemic has been awful for sports and there are new examples of that every single day. Hopefully, every coach in America who has taken a cut gets their money back once this crisis passes.
No matter who they are, I never want to see somebody lose money.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Calls White House Press Secretary ‘Karen’

Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded to criticism Thursday from White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany by labelling McEnany as a “ Karen.
” During her daily press briefing , McEnany referred to Lightfoot as a “ derelict mayor ” who “ should step up and ask for federal help because she is doing a very poor job at protecting her streets.
” After being notified of the remarks on Twitter , Lightfoot responded , “ Hey , Karen .
Watch your mouth.
” “ Karen ” is a term some use to criticize or mock people who are supposedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , it is used derogatorily to refer to white women alleged to be privileged and potentially racist .
( RELATED : Chicago Mayor Cites COVID-19 For City ’ s Escalating Murder Rate ) McEnany also cited Lightfoot in the press briefing when she was describing “ other things ” that President Donald Trump must focus on , “ namely Democrat cities not controlling their streets , namely the major of Chicago — people dying on the streets of her city every weekend.
” She said that Trump had sent a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” her city .
Eighteen people died in shootings over the last weekend in June in Chicago — including two children and a teenager .
There were a similar amount of tragic crimes over the July 4 weekend .
Despite ordering people to stay at home during the coronavirus , gun violence increased .
Lightfoot has imposed some strict measures on the city throughout the coronavirus pandemic , with a lockdown that threatened to have people arrested for attending parties .
“ Now I ’ ve directed Superintendent Brown to order all police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties .
And this is how it ’ s going to be , ” Lightfoot said .
( RELATED : Chicago Mayor Heard Calling Police Union Leader A ‘ Clown ’ ) Although she insisted that Chicago residents maintain strict social distancing , Lightfoot quietly visited her hair stylist in April , an apparent contravention of her own lockdown orders .
She justified the decision by stating , “ I ’ m the public face of this city and you know , I ’ m a person who [ takes ] personal hygiene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to have a haircut .
So I got a haircut .
”

Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded to criticism Thursday from White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany by labelling McEnany as a “Karen.”
During her daily press briefing, McEnany referred to Lightfoot as a “derelict mayor” who “should step up and ask for federal help because she is doing a very poor job at protecting her streets.”
After being notified of the remarks on Twitter, Lightfoot responded, “Hey, Karen. Watch your mouth.”
Hey, Karen. Watch your mouth. pic.twitter.com/zhjRyokKD5 — Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 16, 2020
“Karen” is a term some use to criticize or mock people who are supposedly pushy and excessively paternalistic. In many cases, the term is used derogatorily to allege white women are privileged and potentially racist. (RELATED: Chicago Mayor Cites COVID-19 For City’s Escalating Murder Rate)
McEnany also cited Lightfoot in the press briefing when she was describing “other things” that President Donald Trump must focus on, “namely Democrat cities not controlling their streets, namely the major of Chicago — people dying on the streets of her city every weekend.”
She said that Trump had sent a letter to Lightfoot indicating that she “must secure” her city.
Eighteen people died in shootings over the last weekend in June in Chicago — including two children and a teenager. There were a similar amount of tragic crimes over the July 4 weekend.
Despite ordering people to stay at home during the coronavirus, gun violence increased.
Lightfoot has imposed some strict measures on the city throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with a lockdown that threatened to have people arrested for attending parties.
“Now I’ve directed Superintendent Brown to order all police districts to give special attention to these parties. And this is how it’s going to be,” Lightfoot said. (RELATED: Chicago Mayor Heard Calling Police Union Leader A ‘Clown’)
Although she insisted that Chicago residents maintain strict social distancing, Lightfoot quietly visited her hair stylist in April, an apparent contravention of her own lockdown orders. She justified the decision by stating, “I’m the public face of this city and you know, I’m a person who [takes] personal hygiene very seriously and I felt like I needed to have a haircut. So I got a haircut.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--REPORT: NFL Players Who Contract Coronavirus Will Get Paid Their Full Salary, Must Sit For At Least

REPORT: NFL Players Who Contract Coronavirus Will Get Paid Their Full Salary, Must Sit For At Least 3 Weeks

According to ProFootballTalk , the league plans on creating a special list for players who contract coronavirus .
They have to sit for three weeks and will be paid every penny of their salary .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) If a player is good to go after three weeks , then he ’ ll return to the active roster or go to injured reserve .
One of the biggest questions facing the 2020 season is how will sick players be handled when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have an answer .
They ’ ll sit for three weeks , get paid and then a decision will be made after that .
The NFLPA was never going to let a situation materialize where sick players didn ’ t get paid .
That simply was never going to happen .
If the NFL tried withholding paychecks from sick players for missing games , then you would have seen grievances filed left and right .
Overall , it seems like a pretty solid plan .
Sick players will sit for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the team can fill their spot and then a decision will be made on what to do once they ’ re clear .
All things considered , it seems like the NFL ’ s protocol is solid .
Players will get paid and be given weeks to heal .
I can ’ t envision a better situation .

NFL players who get coronavirus won’t miss a single paycheck.
According to ProFootballTalk, the league plans on creating a special list for players who contract coronavirus. They have to sit for three weeks and will be paid every penny of their salary. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
If a player is good to go after three weeks, then he’ll return to the active roster or go to injured reserve.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Detroit Lions (@detroitlionsnfl) on May 16, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT
One of the biggest questions facing the 2020 season is how will sick players be handled when it comes to roster spots.
It looks like we now have an answer. They’ll sit for three weeks, get paid and then a decision will be made after that.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Detroit Lions (@detroitlionsnfl) on Jun 12, 2020 at 4:54am PDT
The NFLPA was never going to let a situation materialize where sick players didn’t get paid. That simply was never going to happen.
If the NFL tried withholding paychecks from sick players for missing games, then you would have seen grievances filed left and right.
Overall, it seems like a pretty solid plan. Sick players will sit for a few weeks, they’ll get paid, the team can fill their spot and then a decision will be made on what to do once they’re clear.
All things considered, it seems like the NFL’s protocol is solid. Players will get paid and be given weeks to heal. I can’t envision a better situation.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Sam Ehlinger Isn’t Named Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player Of The Year

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been snubbed as the Big 12 ’ s preseason offensive player of the year .
According to Bruce Feldman , the conference announced their preseason awards Thursday , and the dual-threat quarterback wasn ’ t the offensive player of the year .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Oklahoma State running back Cuba Hubbard was selected to win the award .
Hubbard is a great player and he could very easily end up winning this award .
Don ’ t take this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chuba Hubbard is one of the best players in America , and he ’ s a legitimate Heisman candidate .
That much is for sure .
However , all eyes should be on Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns .
It ’ s do-or-die time for coach Tom Herman , and it ’ s Ehlinger ’ s final ride in Austin .
Ehlinger is a hell of a quarterback .
While he might not be the best thrower in college football , he is a beast running the rock .
Not only should he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive player of the year , but he is also a legit Heisman candidate .
If Texas gets to 10 wins in the regular season , I ’ d find it hard to believe he doesn ’ t win the award .
After all , the quarterback touches the ball on every single snap .
As a betting man , I ’ d take Ehlinger to win this award over Hubbard in a heartbeat .
I like the Oklahoma State running back a lot , but just not more than the Texas gunslinger @

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been snubbed as the Big 12’s preseason offensive player of the year.
According to Bruce Feldman, the conference announced their preseason awards Thursday, and the dual-threat quarterback wasn’t the offensive player of the year. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Oklahoma State running back Cuba Hubbard was selected to win the award.
Big 12 announces pre-season all-conference:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chuba Hubbard, #OkState, RB,
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darius Stills, #WVU, DL. NEWCOMER of the Year: Spencer Rattler, #OU QB. — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 16, 2020
Hubbard is a great player and he could very easily end up winning this award. Don’t take this as me knocking the Cowboys star.
Chuba Hubbard is one of the best players in America, and he’s a legitimate Heisman candidate. That much is for sure.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chuba Shamar Hubbard (@hubbard_rmn) on Dec 29, 2019 at 8:09pm PST
However, all eyes should be on Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns. It’s do-or-die time for coach Tom Herman, and it’s Ehlinger’s final ride in Austin.
Ehlinger is a hell of a quarterback. While he might not be the best thrower in college football, he is a beast running the rock.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Ehlinger (@sehlinger) on Nov 29, 2019 at 2:17pm PST
Not only should he be favored to win the Big 12 offensive player of the year, but he is also a legit Heisman candidate.
If Texas gets to 10 wins in the regular season, I’d find it hard to believe he doesn’t win the award. After all, the quarterback touches the ball on every single snap.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Ehlinger (@sehlinger) on Sep 11, 2019 at 5:52pm PDT
As a betting man, I’d take Ehlinger to win this award over Hubbard in a heartbeat. I like the Oklahoma State running back a lot, but just not more than the Texas gunslinger.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--REPORT: Multiple Miami Hurricanes Football Players Have Coronavirus

The Miami Hurricanes reportedly have multiple football players with coronavirus .
According to the Miami Herald , the Hurricanes have at least three players with the virus , and Miami canceled team activities Thursday .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) These are the first known tests among Miami football players .
Another day goes by , and we have another college program getting hammered by coronavirus .
It just never ends at all .
You can pretty much set your watch at this point to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As I always say whenever a team has positive tests , you have to keep sick players away from the rest of the locker room .
You have to get it done .
Isolate sick players , allow them to heal , make sure they have proper medical care and they can return once they ’ re clear of coronavirus .
The last thing any program needs to do is rush a player back , and have him infect the entire locker room .
Keep checking back for more coronavirus updates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have them .
It ’ s an ugly situation , and I ’ m not sure it ’ ll get better anytime soon .

The Miami Hurricanes reportedly have multiple football players with coronavirus.
According to the Miami Herald, the Hurricanes have at least three players with the virus, and Miami canceled team activities Thursday. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
These are the first known tests among Miami football players.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miami Hurricanes Football (@canesfootball) on Jul 4, 2020 at 1:53pm PDT
Another day goes by, and we have another college program getting hammered by coronavirus. It just never ends at all.
You can pretty much set your watch at this point to a team shutting things down because of coronavirus.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miami Hurricanes Football (@canesfootball) on May 14, 2020 at 3:13pm PDT
As I always say whenever a team has positive tests, you have to keep sick players away from the rest of the locker room. You have to get it done.
Isolate sick players, allow them to heal, make sure they have proper medical care and they can return once they’re clear of coronavirus.
The last thing any program needs to do is rush a player back, and have him infect the entire locker room.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miami Hurricanes Football (@canesfootball) on Mar 17, 2020 at 10:00am PDT
Keep checking back for more coronavirus updates in the world of college football as we have them. It’s an ugly situation, and I’m not sure it’ll get better anytime soon.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Caitlyn Jenner Says She’s Already Texted Kanye About Being His Running Mate

Caitlyn Jenner said Thursday that she had already texted Kanye West to ask about being named his running mate .
Jenner was leaving Starbucks when a TMZ reporter approached to ask whether or not she would be supporting West — who filed federal election documents earlier in the day — in his bid for the presidency .
( RELATED : ‘ Kanye 2020 ’ : Kanye West Files To Run For President ) “ So , I really got ta know this question , Caitlyn , ” the reporter said as he approached .
“ All right , ” Jenner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laugh from the reporter .
“ So are you gon na vote for Kanye for president , now that Kanye ’ s running you think ?
” the reporter asked .
Jenner didn ’ t miss a beat before responding , “ Well , I texted him and said , ‘ Can I be your VP ? '
” “ Yes , I know , what a combination , ” Jenner ’ s reply sounded only half serious as the reporter laughed and encouraged Jenner to pursue that further .
West has filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Statement of Candidacy and an application to get his name on the ballot in Oklahoma .
He missed the Wednesday deadline to have his name added to the ballot in Florida .

Caitlyn Jenner said Thursday that she had already texted Kanye West to ask about being named his running mate.
Jenner was leaving Starbucks when a TMZ reporter approached to ask whether or not she would be supporting West — who filed federal election documents earlier in the day — in his bid for the presidency. (RELATED: ‘Kanye 2020’: Kanye West Files To Run For President)
Caitlyn Jenner Says She Wants to Be Kanye West’s Vice President https://t.co/y8GV7o1k3G — TMZ (@TMZ) July 17, 2020
“So, I really gotta know this question, Caitlyn,” the reporter said as he approached.
“All right,” Jenner appeared to be agreeable, prompting a laugh from the reporter.
“So are you gonna vote for Kanye for president, now that Kanye’s running you think?” the reporter asked.
Jenner didn’t miss a beat before responding, “Well, I texted him and said, ‘Can I be your VP?'”
“Oh, that’s a genius idea!” the reporter responded as Jenner approached a black SUV.
“Yes, I know, what a combination,” Jenner’s reply sounded only half serious as the reporter laughed and encouraged Jenner to pursue that further.
West has filed two sets of documents so far — a Statement of Candidacy and an application to get his name on the ballot in Oklahoma. He missed the Wednesday deadline to have his name added to the ballot in Florida.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Leo Terrell Will Vote Republican For The First Time In November. Sean Hannity And Larry Elder Try To

Leo Terrell Will Vote Republican For The First Time In November. Sean Hannity And Larry Elder Try To Take Credit

Fox News host Sean Hannity and conservative radio host Larry Elder both jokingly tried to take credit for the fact that civil rights attorney Leo Terrell is voting for President Donald Trump in November .
The light-hearted Thursday night “ Hannity ” segment featured the Fox News host asking Terrell , dubbed “ Leo 2.0 ” by Elder , if he had ever “ voted for a Republican for president before ?
” “ A good question , ” Terrell said .
“ Here ’ s my answer as a lawyer .
This will be the first time in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in my life , Sean Hannity viewers , that I will be voting Republican .
Right on your TV program , first time in my life.
” “ For Donald Trump , ” Terrell declared , to which Hannity inferred that he had “ Hannitized ” the former Democrat .
“ I ’ m going to take credit for it , I ’ ve been pounding at him for years , ” Elder jumped in .
“ No credit , ” Terrell , who told the Daily Caller this week that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions , joked .
“ The Democratic Party left me .
That is why have these positions.
” Before Hannity ’ s original question , Terrell accused presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden of “ insulting the intelligence of the American public.
” “ Let ’ s be clear , in three years , low unemployment for all people of color under the Trump Administration , ” he said .
“ As far as police reform , this is being done in three years and let ’ s talk about the Second Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful weapon for people in the community , people of color .
Why ?
If they had their right to own a gun they might be able to ward off some of these criminals.
” “ Sean , if you didn ’ t hear it , I ’ m voting for Trump , ” Terrell joked after Hannity touted another round of the president ’ s accomplishments .
( RELATED : EXCLUSIVE : Leo Terrell On Trump , Biden , Policing And Why He Left The Democratic Party ) “ I — oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear it and Larry heard it , it is thundering across the fruited plain , ” Hannity exclaimed .
“ Everybody heard you .
Loud and clear !
I always say , we ’ ve come a long way from the days that Leo used to say ‘ Don ’ t mention O.J.
, ’ ripping out his earpiece , ripping off the microphone , walking off the set and I ’ m talking to an empty chair.
” “ If we can convert Leo we can convert anybody , ” Elder said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get Leo we can get anybody .
”

Fox News host Sean Hannity and conservative radio host Larry Elder both jokingly tried to take credit for the fact that civil rights attorney Leo Terrell is voting for President Donald Trump in November.
The light-hearted Thursday night “Hannity” segment featured the Fox News host asking Terrell, dubbed “Leo 2.0” by Elder, if he had ever “voted for a Republican for president before?”
WATCH:
“A good question,” Terrell said. “Here’s my answer as a lawyer. This will be the first time in my life. This will be the first time in my life, Sean Hannity viewers, that I will be voting Republican. Right on your TV program, first time in my life.”
“For Donald Trump?” Hannity asked.
“For Donald Trump,” Terrell declared, to which Hannity inferred that he had “Hannitized” the former Democrat.
“I’m going to take credit for it, I’ve been pounding at him for years,” Elder jumped in.
“I give credit to Larry too,” said Hannity.
“No credit,” Terrell, who told the Daily Caller this week that he has been shunned by colleagues for his positions, joked. “The Democratic Party left me. That is why have these positions.”
Before Hannity’s original question, Terrell accused presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden of “insulting the intelligence of the American public.”
“Let’s be clear, in three years, low unemployment for all people of color under the Trump Administration,” he said. “As far as police reform, this is being done in three years and let’s talk about the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is a very powerful weapon for people in the community, people of color. Why? If they had their right to own a gun they might be able to ward off some of these criminals.”
“Sean, if you didn’t hear it, I’m voting for Trump,” Terrell joked after Hannity touted another round of the president’s accomplishments. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Leo Terrell On Trump, Biden, Policing And Why He Left The Democratic Party)
“I — oh, listen, not only did I hear it and Larry heard it, it is thundering across the fruited plain,” Hannity exclaimed. “Everybody heard you. Loud and clear! I always say, we’ve come a long way from the days that Leo used to say ‘Don’t mention O.J.,’ ripping out his earpiece, ripping off the microphone, walking off the set and I’m talking to an empty chair.”
“If we can convert Leo we can convert anybody,” Elder said, laughing. “If we can get Leo we can get anybody.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--‘I Find It Really — It’s Offensive’: Martha MacCallum Challenges ‘Whiteness Assumptions’ In Museum L

‘I Find It Really — It’s Offensive’: Martha MacCallum Challenges ‘Whiteness Assumptions’ In Museum Learning Tool

Fox News host Martha MacCallum challenged the “ whiteness assumptions ” provided as part of a learning tool at the Smithsonian ’ s National Museum of African American History and Culture .
MacCallum read some of the “ assumptions ” from the learning tool , which she said had been taken down from the museum ’ s website .
( RELATED : ‘ Why Are You Screaming ?
’ : Black Lives Matter Chair Blows Up At Martha MacCallum ) “ The individual is the primary unit , self-reliance .
Wife is a homemaker and subordinate to the husband .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t meet your goals , you didn ’ t work hard enough .
Hard work is the key to success .
Last but not least , steak and potatoes , ‘ bland is best , ' ” she read from the list .
“ I ’ m glad they took it down because that obviously means they recognize how awful this thing came across .
What are your thoughts when you see that ?
What were they thinking ?
” MacCallum asked her two guests , New Leaders Council Senior Fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Marc Thiessen .
Fowler stopped short of defending the graphic but said that the larger goal — inspiring a broader conversation about race in America — was a worthy goal .
“ One of the things that ’ s really important is talking about and engaging in conversations in the countries around white privilege and what it means and the tool talks about what white privilege means and it defines it as a inherent advantage possessed by white individuals because of the historics , the history of the United States and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Fowler explained .
MacCallum pushed back , flipping the narrative on its head , “ Can you imagine , Richard , if someone took other races and tried to say these are the things that they look like and sound like ?
Here is how you know when you find someone like this because this is the kind of stuff they think and believe ?
I mean , that is — that is unbelievable .
I saw lots of that kind of tone as I went through this , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive.
” Thiessen appeared to agree with MacCallum , calling the learning tool a “ racist document , ” adding , “ If you show this document to David Duke he would endorse every word of it.
” MacCallum responded with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr , who said , “ We strive for the day and we don ’ t talk about white power and black power , we talk about human power and God ’ s power.
” Thiessen argued then that the museum ’ s learning tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rhetoric , adding , “ When he gave his ‘ I Have a Dream ’ speech , he said that , ‘ I have a dream , my dream is rooted in the American Dream.
’ Which is defined by the characteristics which they say are white characteristics , self-reliance , hard work .
My dream is that my children and grandchildren will be judged by their content of the character and not the color of their skin.
” Fowler concluded that he believed hard work should pay off for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that historically , African Americans who worked hard still found themselves “ behind the lines in inequitable situations .
”

Fox News host Martha MacCallum challenged the “whiteness assumptions” provided as part of a learning tool at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
MacCallum read some of the “assumptions” from the learning tool, which she said had been taken down from the museum’s website. (RELATED: ‘Why Are You Screaming?’: Black Lives Matter Chair Blows Up At Martha MacCallum)
“The individual is the primary unit, self-reliance. Wife is a homemaker and subordinate to the husband. Christianity is the norm. If you didn’t meet your goals, you didn’t work hard enough. Hard work is the key to success. Last but not least, steak and potatoes, ‘bland is best,'” she read from the list.
WATCH:
“I’m glad they took it down because that obviously means they recognize how awful this thing came across. What are your thoughts when you see that? What were they thinking?” MacCallum asked her two guests, New Leaders Council Senior Fellow Richard Fowler and American Enterprise Institute’s Marc Thiessen.
Fowler stopped short of defending the graphic but said that the larger goal — inspiring a broader conversation about race in America — was a worthy goal.
“One of the things that’s really important is talking about and engaging in conversations in the countries around white privilege and what it means and the tool talks about what white privilege means and it defines it as a inherent advantage possessed by white individuals because of the historics, the history of the United States and the bias and history of racism and violence,” Fowler explained.
MacCallum pushed back, flipping the narrative on its head, “Can you imagine, Richard, if someone took other races and tried to say these are the things that they look like and sound like? Here is how you know when you find someone like this because this is the kind of stuff they think and believe? I mean, that is — that is unbelievable. I saw lots of that kind of tone as I went through this, and I find it really — it’s offensive.”
Thiessen appeared to agree with MacCallum, calling the learning tool a “racist document,” adding, “If you show this document to David Duke he would endorse every word of it.”
MacCallum responded with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who said, “We strive for the day and we don’t talk about white power and black power, we talk about human power and God’s power.”
Thiessen argued then that the museum’s learning tool was an outright rejection of Dr. King’s rhetoric, adding, “When he gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, he said that, ‘I have a dream, my dream is rooted in the American Dream.’ Which is defined by the characteristics which they say are white characteristics, self-reliance, hard work. My dream is that my children and grandchildren will be judged by their content of the character and not the color of their skin.”
Fowler concluded that he believed hard work should pay off for those who were willing to make the effort, adding that historically, African Americans who worked hard still found themselves “behind the lines in inequitable situations.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-18--FACT CHECK: Did Ilhan Omar Say, ‘When We Win In November, We Will Eliminate Social Security Entitlem

FACT CHECK: Did Ilhan Omar Say, ‘When We Win In November, We Will Eliminate Social Security Entitlements For Seniors’?

An article shared on Facebook claims that Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said , “ When we win in November , we will eliminate Social Security entitlements for seniors.
” There is no record of Omar making the comments attributed to her in the article .
The story was lifted from a parody news website .
The Facebook post links to an article , titled “ Omar : ‘ When We Win in November , We Will Eliminate Social Security Entitlements for Seniors , ' ” published by the website CPJ News on July 10 .
Omar made the vow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rally for Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , the article alleges .
Omar tweeted an endorsement for Sanders in October 2019 , before he suspended his presidential campaign in April .
She has since expressed support for former Vice President Joe Biden , tweeting the she “ will vote for him and help him defeat Trump.
” “ These old people haven ’ t earned these entitlements !
” the CPJ News article quotes Omar as saying during a Sanders rally .
“ We need more funding for our infrastructure and education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social security entitlements for senior citizens .
We will have these phased out completely by 2024 .
We need to look toward the future generations and provide them welfare benefits , not the past of these older generations.
” There is , however , no evidence Omar called to “ eliminate Social Security entitlements for seniors.
” Searching news reports and her congressional website didn ’ t turn up any instance of Omar making the comments attributed to her in the article .
The statements also don ’ t appear on her social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanding some federal entitlement programs during her congressional tenure .
( RELATED : Did Democrats Introduce A Bill To ‘ Euthanize Seniors ’ To Save Social Security ? )
“ We should expand Medicaid , UI and SNAP , but we must deliver universal funds now !
” she stated in a March 19 tweet thread about a coronavirus economic relief package she proposed .
“ Universal programs ensure that every American has a stake in our policies – that ’ s why programs like Social Security are so successful.
” The CPJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by Bustatroll.org , a parody news website that describes itself as part of a network that publishes “ parody , satire , and tomfoolery.
” Yet , while Bustatroll.org disclaims that “ everything on this website is fiction , ” CPJ News fails to make clear the content is satirical , portraying it as fact .
The reposting of parody news stories without clearly identifying that the content is satirical is a common way misinformation spreads online .
In January , the Daily Caller debunked a viral article claiming President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Congress that originated on the satire website Daily World Update .

An article shared on Facebook claims that Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said, “When we win in November, we will eliminate Social Security entitlements for seniors.”
Verdict: False
There is no record of Omar making the comments attributed to her in the article. The story was lifted from a parody news website.
Fact Check:
The Facebook post links to an article, titled “Omar: ‘When We Win in November, We Will Eliminate Social Security Entitlements for Seniors,'” published by the website CPJ News on July 10. Omar made the vow to do away with such benefits during a rally for Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the article alleges.
Omar tweeted an endorsement for Sanders in October 2019, before he suspended his presidential campaign in April. She has since expressed support for former Vice President Joe Biden, tweeting the she “will vote for him and help him defeat Trump.”
“These old people haven’t earned these entitlements!” the CPJ News article quotes Omar as saying during a Sanders rally. “We need more funding for our infrastructure and education centers and the biggest government expense is social security entitlements for senior citizens. We will have these phased out completely by 2024. We need to look toward the future generations and provide them welfare benefits, not the past of these older generations.”
There is, however, no evidence Omar called to “eliminate Social Security entitlements for seniors.” Searching news reports and her congressional website didn’t turn up any instance of Omar making the comments attributed to her in the article. The statements also don’t appear on her social media pages.
Omar has advocated for expanding some federal entitlement programs during her congressional tenure. (RELATED: Did Democrats Introduce A Bill To ‘Euthanize Seniors’ To Save Social Security?)
“We should expand Medicaid, UI and SNAP, but we must deliver universal funds now!” she stated in a March 19 tweet thread about a coronavirus economic relief package she proposed. “Universal programs ensure that every American has a stake in our policies – that’s why programs like Social Security are so successful.”
The CPJ News article lifts word-for-word from a story published by Bustatroll.org, a parody news website that describes itself as part of a network that publishes “parody, satire, and tomfoolery.” Yet, while Bustatroll.org disclaims that “everything on this website is fiction,” CPJ News fails to make clear the content is satirical, portraying it as fact.
The reposting of parody news stories without clearly identifying that the content is satirical is a common way misinformation spreads online. In January, the Daily Caller debunked a viral article claiming President Donald Trump signed an executive order instituting term limits for Congress that originated on the satire website Daily World Update.


thedailycaller--2020-07-18--Louisiana AG Jeff Landry Criticizes Governor’s Mask Mandate: ‘When Facts Changes, His Edicts Have To

Louisiana AG Jeff Landry Criticizes Governor’s Mask Mandate: ‘When Facts Changes, His Edicts Have To Change As Well’

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry contended that the “ Constitution doesn ’ t allow ” Louisiana Democratic Gov .
John Bel Edwards to impose a statewide mask mandate .
Bel Edwards imposed the mandate last week as well as other measures , including bar closures and limits on indoor gatherings , in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus in his state .
Speaking to Fox News ’ “ The Story ” from his home where he is recovering from coronavirus himself , Landry told guest host Jon Scott why he has changed his approach from early in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , illustrate perhaps the utility of masks ?
” Scott asked .
“ You are not feeling symptoms .
You ’ re feeling fine , but you don ’ t want to go out and spread it to other people .
That ’ s what a lot of the scientific experts say justify the wearing of masks in public .
Because people who might not know they are carrying the virus could spread it.
” “ Here ’ s what ’ s very important , ” Landry responded .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s that the Constitution doesn ’ t allow you to mandate in a very arbitrary , capricious and really broad sense in the way that the governor issued his executive orders.
” Landry contended that even Bel Edwards “ knows that the order is extremely broad and vague ” and “ unconstitutional.
” ( RELATED : Judge Napolitano : Governments ‘ Do Not Have The Authority ’ To Mandate Mask-Wearing ) “ I can appreciate it being aspirational , it ’ s just that we can ’ t mandate this type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business owners certainly have the right to demand or to set forth a policy where they ask their patrons to wear masks .
There ’ s nothing wrong with that .
It ’ s just that the government can ’ t sweep with such a broad brush .
Again , if the emergency is based upon what numbers ?
Where is our benchmark ?
” Scott pushed back with the number of cases and deaths in the state so far , 88,590 and “ nearly 3,400 , ” respectively , and brought up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original lockdown in March .
“ So what has changed , general , since you made those remarks ?
” he asked .
“ A lot has changed , ” Landry insisted .
“ That was back in March when we were dealing with a novel virus that we really knew nothing about .
We didn ’ t know the infection rate , it ’ s mortality rate .
We didn ’ t know how to treat it .
We were told at that time that two or three million people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Today , it ’ s happily different , right ?
We know , that thankfully those experts were wrong.
” ( RELATED : Rand Paul : ‘ Let ’ s Open The Economy , Open The Schools ’ ) Landry cited improvements on the infection and transmission rates as well as more effective treatments .
“ The number of deaths has fallen dramatically , ” he concluded .
“ So again the facts change .
So again you have to remember all of these governors were operating under emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the threat changes then their level of mandating has to change as well .
That ’ s just Constitutional , right ?
And in fact , in Louisiana , it ’ s not only Constitutional at the state and federal level , but it ’ s also at the statutory level as well .
When facts change , his edicts have to change as well .
”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry contended that the “Constitution doesn’t allow” Louisiana Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards to impose a statewide mask mandate.
Bel Edwards imposed the mandate last week as well as other measures, including bar closures and limits on indoor gatherings, in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus in his state.
Speaking to Fox News’ “The Story” from his home where he is recovering from coronavirus himself, Landry told guest host Jon Scott why he has changed his approach from early in the pandemic.
“Does your own case, though, illustrate perhaps the utility of masks?” Scott asked. “You are not feeling symptoms. You’re feeling fine, but you don’t want to go out and spread it to other people. That’s what a lot of the scientific experts say justify the wearing of masks in public. Because people who might not know they are carrying the virus could spread it.”
WATCH:
“Here’s what’s very important,” Landry responded. “It’s not about anti-mask. It’s that the Constitution doesn’t allow you to mandate in a very arbitrary, capricious and really broad sense in the way that the governor issued his executive orders.”
Landry contended that even Bel Edwards “knows that the order is extremely broad and vague” and “unconstitutional.” (RELATED: Judge Napolitano: Governments ‘Do Not Have The Authority’ To Mandate Mask-Wearing)
“I can appreciate it being aspirational, it’s just that we can’t mandate this type of conduct,” he continued. “Business owners certainly have the right to demand or to set forth a policy where they ask their patrons to wear masks. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that the government can’t sweep with such a broad brush. Again, if the emergency is based upon what numbers? Where is our benchmark?”
Scott pushed back with the number of cases and deaths in the state so far, 88,590 and “nearly 3,400,” respectively, and brought up the Landry’s own words supporting the original lockdown in March.
“So what has changed, general, since you made those remarks?” he asked.
“A lot has changed,” Landry insisted. “That was back in March when we were dealing with a novel virus that we really knew nothing about. We didn’t know the infection rate, it’s mortality rate. We didn’t know how to treat it. We were told at that time that two or three million people were going to die here in this country from the virus. Today, it’s happily different, right? We know, that thankfully those experts were wrong.” (RELATED: Rand Paul: ‘Let’s Open The Economy, Open The Schools’)
Landry cited improvements on the infection and transmission rates as well as more effective treatments.
“The number of deaths has fallen dramatically,” he concluded. “So again the facts change. So again you have to remember all of these governors were operating under emergency orders. And if the emergency changes and the threat changes then their level of mandating has to change as well. That’s just Constitutional, right? And in fact, in Louisiana, it’s not only Constitutional at the state and federal level, but it’s also at the statutory level as well. When facts change, his edicts have to change as well.”


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--Study: Evictions Approach Pre-Pandemic Levels In Some Areas Of US As Eviction Bans Expire

A research study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland concluded Friday that eviction filings are approaching pre-pandemic levels in some parts of the United States as eviction bans begin to expire .
The study looked at eviction data from a sample of 44 cities and counties across the country .
As temporary eviction moratoriums begin to expire the number of filings and hearings have sharply risen to roughly the same rate they were before the coronavirus pandemic .
“ As of July 7 , roughly one-third of rental units in our study are no longer covered by temporary policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their pre-pandemic levels in those places no longer covered , ” the researchers wrote .
Many jurisdictions implemented bans on eviction filings and hearings during the initial phase of the coronavirus outbreak , Reuters reported .
The Trump administration also announced its intention to prevent foreclosures and evictions in March .
Around 12 million adults live in households that missed their last rent payment while an additional 23 million are unlikely to make the next month ’ s payment , according to Fox News .
With jobless claims remaining at historically high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to make their monthly rent payments .
One estimate suggested 28 million people could be made homeless amid looming evictions , CNBC reported .
Roughly 30 % of renters nationwide will continue to be protected by a federal moratorium under the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act , according to USA Today .
The provision will remain in force until July 25 .
( RELATED : Man Arrested After Illegally Obtaining $ 8.5 Million In Coronavirus Relief Aid ) Evictions remain low in jurisdictions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
A number of cities and counties have also opted to extend their existing bans as the pandemic continues , according to The Mercury News .
With the emergency relief programs enacted by Congress under the CARES Act set to expire at the end of July , millions of unemployed Americans could face the possibility of eviction as some jurisdictions begin to re-implement eviction procedures .

A research study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland concluded Friday that eviction filings are approaching pre-pandemic levels in some parts of the United States as eviction bans begin to expire.
The study looked at eviction data from a sample of 44 cities and counties across the country. As temporary eviction moratoriums begin to expire the number of filings and hearings have sharply risen to roughly the same rate they were before the coronavirus pandemic.
“As of July 7, roughly one-third of rental units in our study are no longer covered by temporary policies, and eviction filings have now returned to their pre-pandemic levels in those places no longer covered,” the researchers wrote.
Many jurisdictions implemented bans on eviction filings and hearings during the initial phase of the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reported. The Trump administration also announced its intention to prevent foreclosures and evictions in March.
Around 12 million adults live in households that missed their last rent payment while an additional 23 million are unlikely to make the next month’s payment, according to Fox News.
With jobless claims remaining at historically high levels it is unclear how many households will be able to make their monthly rent payments. One estimate suggested 28 million people could be made homeless amid looming evictions, CNBC reported.
Roughly 30% of renters nationwide will continue to be protected by a federal moratorium under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to USA Today. The provision will remain in force until July 25. (RELATED: Man Arrested After Illegally Obtaining $8.5 Million In Coronavirus Relief Aid)
Evictions remain low in jurisdictions that have opted to continue bans, Forbes reported. A number of cities and counties have also opted to extend their existing bans as the pandemic continues, according to The Mercury News.
With the emergency relief programs enacted by Congress under the CARES Act set to expire at the end of July, millions of unemployed Americans could face the possibility of eviction as some jurisdictions begin to re-implement eviction procedures.


thedailycaller--2020-07-17--SACKS: When The Trump Administration Does What It’s Long Needed to Do, We Can Reopen Schools

Editor ’ s note : We endeavor to bring you the top voices on current events representing a range of perspectives .
Below is a column arguing that students should not be allowed to return to the classroom in person until precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
You can find a counterpoint here , where Jonathan Butcher , a senior policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation , argues that students should return to the classroom this fall so they do not fall behind in their education .
“ We ’ re not like you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living in a house — we have a lot of people living in a small apartment , next to other small apartments with a lot of people living in them .
We live with our grandparents and sometimes great-grandparents .
The disease would spread like wildfire in our communities .
What about us ?
” I didn ’ t enjoy being scolded by a 17-year-old .
The Los Angeles Unified School District had just announced that March 13 would be our last day of school , and I , slow to recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been thundering against the learning time we would lose .
However , particularly in a district where over 80 % of our students live at or below the poverty line , my student was absolutely correct .
What was true in March is still true as we approach the school year .
Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control , said : “ [ T ] he fall and the winter of 2020 and 2021 are probably going to be one of the most difficult times that we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have the flu epidemic and the coronavirus epidemic at the same time.
” While it appears children ’ s vulnerability to getting and dying from the virus is relatively low , this is a novel virus , and there are many unanswered questions .
New risk factors and symptoms are being discovered , and extraordinarily little is known about long-term effects .
CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen said , “ children are little disease vectors…while children don ’ t get as sick from Covid-19 as adults do , they can become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Teachers Los Angeles showed that even if children are 1/3 as susceptible to infection as adults , opening schools increases the risk similarly because children have three times as many contacts as adults .
The researchers estimate that closing schools would reduce the pandemic surge by 40-60 % .
Trump has responded to teachers unions ’ and school districts ’ safety demands by repeatedly threatening to cut off funding for schools that do not fully open .
He complains that CDC guidelines for safe schools are “ expensive , ” and blames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the radical left.
” Trump cites successful school reopenings in four European countries , yet while the US has 10,312 coronavirus cases per million population , all four countries he cites have significantly fewer cases , including Germany ( only 2,386 cases per million ) , Denmark ( 2,235 ) and Norway ( 1,656 ) .
Moreover , the US now leads the world in new cases , and has over 400 times as many as Germany , which has 1/4th our population .
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis , a Trump ally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since shoppers are still going to Home Depot and Walmart , kids “ absolutely ” can go to school .
Yet unless shoppers are sitting side by side in Walmart seven hours a day , five days a week , his analogy hardly seems relevant .
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said , “ There ’ s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous ” and suggested diverting money away from public schools that don ’ t reopen towards private school vouchers .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly tried and failed to get DeVos to say that schools should follow basic CDC reopening guidelines .
DeVos ’ indifference is so egregious she ’ s even angered some of her staunchest allies .
Keri Rodrigues , the president of the National Parents Union — a billionaire-funded pro-charter group dedicated to fighting teachers unions — recently complained : “ It ’ s as if the Trump administration gave her one sentence that she was supposed to stick to : Open the economy by any means necessary…every move… [ is ] scrutinized through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be hurt by this are our children.
” Primary care physician Amy Gordon Bono , speaking for a group of Tennessee doctors facing a state-wide coronavirus spike , said : “ [ O ] pening the schools under these circumstances is insane and irresponsible .
There are no shortcuts .
Teachers can ’ t do their jobs until state leaders do theirs.
” What we need to open schools safely is not rocket science .
It includes : • The resources to regularly test students and staff and trace and isolate new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly disinfect school buildings • Extra buses to allow for socially distant school transportation , and bus monitors to screen students for symptoms Between obtaining the manpower and materials needed to follow the CDC ’ s reopening recommendations while also backfilling revenue-starved states ’ education funding cuts , the Council of Chief State School Officers estimates schools need between $ 158 billion and $ 245 billion in additional federal support .
The Trump Administration and its Senate allies must stop playing this callous game of chicken and do what they needed to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open schools safely .
Glenn Sacks teaches Social Studies and is co-chairman of United Teachers of Los Angeles at James Monroe High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District .

Editor’s note: We endeavor to bring you the top voices on current events representing a range of perspectives. Below is a column arguing that students should not be allowed to return to the classroom in person until precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus. You can find a counterpoint here, where Jonathan Butcher, a senior policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, argues that students should return to the classroom this fall so they do not fall behind in their education.
“We’re not like you. We don’t have a few people living in a house — we have a lot of people living in a small apartment, next to other small apartments with a lot of people living in them. We live with our grandparents and sometimes great-grandparents. The disease would spread like wildfire in our communities. What about us?”
I didn’t enjoy being scolded by a 17-year-old. The Los Angeles Unified School District had just announced that March 13 would be our last day of school, and I, slow to recognize the severity of the situation, had been thundering against the learning time we would lose. However, particularly in a district where over 80% of our students live at or below the poverty line, my student was absolutely correct.
What was true in March is still true as we approach the school year. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said:
“[T]he fall and the winter of 2020 and 2021 are probably going to be one of the most difficult times that we’ve experienced in American public health…We’re going to have the flu epidemic and the coronavirus epidemic at the same time.”
While it appears children’s vulnerability to getting and dying from the virus is relatively low, this is a novel virus, and there are many unanswered questions. New risk factors and symptoms are being discovered, and extraordinarily little is known about long-term effects. CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen said, “children are little disease vectors…while children don’t get as sick from Covid-19 as adults do, they can become seriously ill.”
One study cited by United Teachers Los Angeles showed that even if children are 1/3 as susceptible to infection as adults, opening schools increases the risk similarly because children have three times as many contacts as adults. The researchers estimate that closing schools would reduce the pandemic surge by 40-60%.
Trump has responded to teachers unions’ and school districts’ safety demands by repeatedly threatening to cut off funding for schools that do not fully open. He complains that CDC guidelines for safe schools are “expensive,” and blames opposition to reopening on “Democrats and the radical left.”
Trump cites successful school reopenings in four European countries, yet while the US has 10,312 coronavirus cases per million population, all four countries he cites have significantly fewer cases, including Germany (only 2,386 cases per million), Denmark (2,235) and Norway (1,656). Moreover, the US now leads the world in new cases, and has over 400 times as many as Germany, which has 1/4th our population.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Trump ally, says schools must reopen, explaining that since shoppers are still going to Home Depot and Walmart, kids “absolutely” can go to school. Yet unless shoppers are sitting side by side in Walmart seven hours a day, five days a week, his analogy hardly seems relevant.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said, “There’s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous” and suggested diverting money away from public schools that don’t reopen towards private school vouchers. In a 20-minute interview, CNN host Dana Bash repeatedly tried and failed to get DeVos to say that schools should follow basic CDC reopening guidelines.
DeVos’ indifference is so egregious she’s even angered some of her staunchest allies. Keri Rodrigues, the president of the National Parents Union — a billionaire-funded pro-charter group dedicated to fighting teachers unions — recently complained:
“It’s as if the Trump administration gave her one sentence that she was supposed to stick to: Open the economy by any means necessary…every move…[is] scrutinized through a political lens…the people who are going to be hurt by this are our children.”
Primary care physician Amy Gordon Bono, speaking for a group of Tennessee doctors facing a state-wide coronavirus spike, said:
“[O]pening the schools under these circumstances is insane and irresponsible. There are no shortcuts. Teachers can’t do their jobs until state leaders do theirs.”
What we need to open schools safely is not rocket science. It includes:
The resources to regularly test students and staff and trace and isolate new cases
The manpower and equipment to quickly disinfect school buildings
Proper, widely available Personal Protective Equipment
Smaller class sizes
Proper ventilation in classrooms
Extra buses to allow for socially distant school transportation, and bus monitors to screen students for symptoms
Fulltime nurses in all schools
Between obtaining the manpower and materials needed to follow the CDC’s reopening recommendations while also backfilling revenue-starved states’ education funding cuts, the Council of Chief State School Officers estimates schools need between $158 billion and $245 billion in additional federal support. The Trump Administration and its Senate allies must stop playing this callous game of chicken and do what they needed to begin doing months ago—invest the resources needed to open schools safely.
Glenn Sacks teaches Social Studies and is co-chairman of United Teachers of Los Angeles at James Monroe High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.