bipartisanreport--2020-03-15--Obama Tweets Weekend COVID-19 Message Like A True Leader

President Donald Trump has failed to rise to the task of broadly inspiring leadership during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak — poll after poll show majorities disapproving of and not trusting his response to the crisis .
Former President Barack Obama is helping pick up the slack .
This Sunday afternoon , he shared a message with his almost 114 million Twitter followers admonishing them to take the Coronavirus situation seriously and do their part to stem the disease ’ s spread .
As he noted , many public health professionals have called for extra social distancing so that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less easily .
Referencing a recap he included from The Washington Post of the social distancing concept , he shared : ‘ Watch this .
It shows why we should all do the right thing and stay home to the fullest extent possible .
All of us can help slow the spread of the virus , protecting the elderly , the vulnerable , and each other.
’ Not everyone has taken the situation remotely seriously .
Oklahoma ’ s Republican Governor Kevin Stitt tweeted — and has since deleted — a photo of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant .
His spokesperson eventually claimed that Stitt “ will continue to take his family out to dinner and to the grocery store without living in fear and encourages Oklahomans to do the same ” — but it ’ s not about fear , it ’ s about common sense .
Still , similarly , during a Sunday morning appearance on Fox , House Republican Devin Nunes explicitly suggested that anyone who happened to be healthy go out to eat — against some professionals ’ advice .
Without actually naming the legislation or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to call on those in D.C. to quickly pass the currently on-deck plan to provide extra employment protections to workers around the country .
Those protections include expanded unemployment insurance , and House Dems helped pass the legislation last week , but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) adjourned his chamber until Monday evening .
‘ Not everybody can stay home , and we owe a big debt of gratitude to health professionals , transit and airport workers , first responders , and everyone keeping our communities going .
Leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose lives and livelihoods take a hit in the weeks ahead .
’

President Donald Trump has failed to rise to the task of broadly inspiring leadership during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak — poll after poll show majorities disapproving of and not trusting his response to the crisis. Former President Barack Obama is helping pick up the slack. This Sunday afternoon, he shared a message with his almost 114 million Twitter followers admonishing them to take the Coronavirus situation seriously and do their part to stem the disease’s spread. As he noted, many public health professionals have called for extra social distancing so that the virus reaches more vulnerable portions of the population less easily.
Referencing a recap he included from The Washington Post of the social distancing concept, he shared:
‘Watch this. It shows why we should all do the right thing and stay home to the fullest extent possible. All of us can help slow the spread of the virus, protecting the elderly, the vulnerable, and each other.’
Watch this. It shows why we should all do the right thing and stay home to the fullest extent possible. All of us can help slow the spread of the virus, protecting the elderly, the vulnerable, and each other. https://t.co/FgffQrMVB7 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 15, 2020
Not everyone has taken the situation remotely seriously. Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Kevin Stitt tweeted — and has since deleted — a photo of him and his family in a crowded restaurant. His spokesperson eventually claimed that Stitt “will continue to take his family out to dinner and to the grocery store without living in fear and encourages Oklahomans to do the same” — but it’s not about fear, it’s about common sense. Still, similarly, during a Sunday morning appearance on Fox, House Republican Devin Nunes explicitly suggested that anyone who happened to be healthy go out to eat — against some professionals’ advice.
Without actually naming the legislation or people involved in it, Obama also seemed to call on those in D.C. to quickly pass the currently on-deck plan to provide extra employment protections to workers around the country. Those protections include expanded unemployment insurance, and House Dems helped pass the legislation last week, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) adjourned his chamber until Monday evening.
Obama shared:
‘Not everybody can stay home, and we owe a big debt of gratitude to health professionals, transit and airport workers, first responders, and everyone keeping our communities going. Leaders have to step up to support people whose lives and livelihoods take a hit in the weeks ahead.’
Not everybody can stay home, and we owe a big debt of gratitude to health professionals, transit and airport workers, first responders, and everyone keeping our communities going. Leaders have to step up to support people whose lives and livelihoods take a hit in the weeks ahead. — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 15, 2020
Check out Twitter’s response below


bipartisanreport--2020-03-15--Schiff Hammers Trump Over Sunday Twitter Whine

This Sunday afternoon , as the United States and world continued to grapple with the Coronavirus outbreak , President Donald Trump took to Twitter to complain for the innumerable time in a row about those who ’ ve dared to investigate his team ’ s duly documented wrongdoing .
This time , he revealed that he ’ s considering a full pardon for his former national security adviser Michael Flynn , who pleaded guilty to lying to investigators during the Russia investigation but whose case has hit numerous snags .
In response , House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his self-obsession even in the midst of a crisis .
‘ Mr .
President , keep your focus on the current crisis .
The delay in testing and your failure to lead are already costing us dearly .
Your attacks on the independence of the justice system and rewarding of cronies who lied for you can wait .
Incompetence kills.
’ In an ideal world , one member of the government doesn ’ t need to remind another to , you know , focus on the overwhelming crisis at hand — but here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Trump at the helm .
Trump has , throughout this situation and despite claims otherwise from his team , belittled the legitimacy of concern about what ’ s going on .
At one rally — which was not that long ago !
— he called concern over the virus outbreak a “ hoax.
” Reportedly , he even delayed formally declaring a national emergency because of concern about how it might affect the public image of his team .
A public health situation is about more than optics !
An earlier emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the crisis sooner .
Trump has consistently refused to take more short term issues seriously throughout this situation .
Although it ’ s been on his own watch that officially-led testing lagged for weeks on end , he insisted at a press conference over the weekend that he doesn ’ t “ take responsibility at all.
” He ’ s now repeatedly claimed without evidence and without many people even having any idea what he ’ s talking about that testing delays are — somehow — Obama ’ s fault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem , because if someone carries the virus undetected , they could more freely spread it to others .

This Sunday afternoon, as the United States and world continued to grapple with the Coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to complain for the innumerable time in a row about those who’ve dared to investigate his team’s duly documented wrongdoing. This time, he revealed that he’s considering a full pardon for his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to investigators during the Russia investigation but whose case has hit numerous snags. In response, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) publicly chastised the president for his self-obsession even in the midst of a crisis.
Schiff shared:
‘Mr. President, keep your focus on the current crisis. The delay in testing and your failure to lead are already costing us dearly. Your attacks on the independence of the justice system and rewarding of cronies who lied for you can wait. Incompetence kills.’
Mr. President, keep your focus on the current crisis. The delay in testing and your failure to lead are already costing us dearly. Your attacks on the independence of the justice system and rewarding of cronies who lied for you can wait. Incompetence kills. https://t.co/uebbLzWBtE — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 15, 2020
In an ideal world, one member of the government doesn’t need to remind another to, you know, focus on the overwhelming crisis at hand — but here we are, with the constantly spouting off Trump at the helm. Trump has, throughout this situation and despite claims otherwise from his team, belittled the legitimacy of concern about what’s going on. At one rally — which was not that long ago! — he called concern over the virus outbreak a “hoax.” Reportedly, he even delayed formally declaring a national emergency because of concern about how it might affect the public image of his team. A public health situation is about more than optics! An earlier emergency declaration could have freed up extra resources to deal with the crisis sooner.
Trump has consistently refused to take more short term issues seriously throughout this situation. Although it’s been on his own watch that officially-led testing lagged for weeks on end, he insisted at a press conference over the weekend that he doesn’t “take responsibility at all.” He’s now repeatedly claimed without evidence and without many people even having any idea what he’s talking about that testing delays are — somehow — Obama’s fault. Yet, the delays are a problem, because if someone carries the virus undetected, they could more freely spread it to others.
Check out Twitter’s response below:


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--Trump Boasts About Failing Coronavirus Response System

The United States has confirmed almost 4,500 Coronavirus cases as of late Monday afternoon , and there ’ ve been at least 77 deaths from the disease in the U.S .
Researchers say that for “ every confirmed case , there are most likely another five to 10 people in the community with undetected infections , ” The New York Times adds , and although these people may be fine , they could pass the illness to a vulnerable person who could suffer .
Nevertheless , even as issues ranging from delayed testing to lagging resource allocation pile up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his administration ’ s Coronavirus response in a Monday conference call with a slew of U.S. governors .
The Times notes that on the call , which the publication obtained a recording of , Trump ‘ wrongfully said , “ we broke down a system that was broken , very badly broken ” and vowed to create one “ that I think is going to be the talk of the world.
” ’ In reality , there remains no evidence that any Obama-era policy has had any effect on testing capabilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reality — been hamstrung by arbitrary decisions like the attempted production ( and restrained distribution ) of testing kits domestically , even though the World Health Organization had some testing kits apparently available .
The publication adds that on the same call , Trump apparently admonished governors to pursue their own leads for obtaining crucial supplies like respirators , which reportedly “ surprised ” some of those on the call .
In a time of national public health emergency , with a president at the helm who ’ s shown no hesitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( like the border wall ) in the past , the president is apparently essentially telling governors “ oh , too bad , you ’ re on you ’ re own.
” It ’ s incredible that on the very same conference call on which Trump insisted that his administration ’ s Coronavirus response would be the talk of the world , he essentially admitted that his team hardly even has a response plan at all .
Indeed — after all , if one individual is able to carry the virus freely because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sick , then that burden could increase and increase .
With that issue in mind , government restrictions have gotten handed down with significant speed .
Just this Monday , half a dozen Bay Area counties issued an order for their residents to shelter in place for all but the most essential activities , which The Times notes includes “ essential work , going to the grocery store , picking up medication and even walking the dog .
”

The United States has confirmed almost 4,500 Coronavirus cases as of late Monday afternoon, and there’ve been at least 77 deaths from the disease in the U.S. Researchers say that for “every confirmed case, there are most likely another five to 10 people in the community with undetected infections,” The New York Times adds, and although these people may be fine, they could pass the illness to a vulnerable person who could suffer. Nevertheless, even as issues ranging from delayed testing to lagging resource allocation pile up, Trump proudly and startlingly ignorantly lavished praise on his administration’s Coronavirus response in a Monday conference call with a slew of U.S. governors.
The Times notes that on the call, which the publication obtained a recording of, Trump ‘wrongfully said, “we broke down a system that was broken, very badly broken” and vowed to create one “that I think is going to be the talk of the world.”’ In reality, there remains no evidence that any Obama-era policy has had any effect on testing capabilities in the current situation, which have — in reality — been hamstrung by arbitrary decisions like the attempted production (and restrained distribution) of testing kits domestically, even though the World Health Organization had some testing kits apparently available.
As The Times reports:
‘In fact, although the Food and Drug Administration under the Obama administration released guidance on testing, it never completed regulations on the matter, and experts have said repeatedly that no moves by the agency should have affected the testing problems.’
The publication adds that on the same call, Trump apparently admonished governors to pursue their own leads for obtaining crucial supplies like respirators, which reportedly “surprised” some of those on the call. In a time of national public health emergency, with a president at the helm who’s shown no hesitation to approve large sums for pet projects (like the border wall) in the past, the president is apparently essentially telling governors “oh, too bad, you’re on you’re own.”
He said:
‘Respirators, ventilators, all of the equipment — try getting it yourselves. We will be backing you, but try getting it yourselves. Point of sales, much better, much more direct if you can get it yourself.’
It’s incredible that on the very same conference call on which Trump insisted that his administration’s Coronavirus response would be the talk of the world, he essentially admitted that his team hardly even has a response plan at all.
Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico noted:
‘If one state doesn’t get the resources and materials they need, the entire nation continues to be at risk.’
Indeed — after all, if one individual is able to carry the virus freely because of a failure to appropriately care for the sick, then that burden could increase and increase.
New Mexico: We are in this together. Please remember we are in a public health emergency. Please stay home as much as possible. Please buy only what you need at the store. We will do everything we can to weather the storm. #AllTogetherNM pic.twitter.com/syI093S05H — Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) March 16, 2020
With that issue in mind, government restrictions have gotten handed down with significant speed. Just this Monday, half a dozen Bay Area counties issued an order for their residents to shelter in place for all but the most essential activities, which The Times notes includes “essential work, going to the grocery store, picking up medication and even walking the dog.”


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--GOP Congressman Delays Coronavirus Relief Approval

Apparently , not even a global Coronavirus outbreak is enough to drive some Republicans to abandon their partisanship .
Rep. Louie Gohmert ( R-Texas ) is threatening to delay the approval of a Coronavirus relief funding package as of early Monday afternoon , insisting that so-called “ technical corrections ” that House leaders want to pass via unanimous consent should be read on the House floor .
If unanimous consent fails — and it only takes one opposing member to sink it — the whole House would have to be brought back for a vote , but members are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their districts .
Gohmert voted against the bill when the House passed it the first time , although he was one of only a few dozen Republicans to do so — most fell in line following an endorsement from the president .
After his initial no vote , Gohmert insisted that the bill and quick vote process “ created so many concerns without time to examine whether some of our language did more harm than good.
” The legislation includes a demand for paid sick leave for workers at many businesses around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be that the companies deserve protecting on about the same level as the lives of its workers and patrons .
Sick leave isn ’ t optional for public health — it keeps those who are ill from coming in and potentially spreading the Coronavirus .
A Democratic leadership aide confirmed to NBC that Gohmert was insisting upon reading the technical corrections .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin himself — a close Trump ally – has been negotiating with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) to develop the legislation , and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would sign it , but that ’ s still not enough for Gohmert , apparently .
As is , besides the paid sick leave , the legislation also includes provisions like free Coronavirus testing , and the bill also “ strengthens unemployment insurance and boosts food security initiatives like food stamps , ” NBC notes .
Originally , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) derided the plan as an “ ideological wish list , ” and he ’ s backed that up via significant delays in even attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a long weekend break , the Senate will be reconvening this Monday evening to consider the situation , at which time they ’ ll first be handling a vote on security and surveillance legislation .
Thanks to opposition over in the Senate chamber , the legislation has again been kicked down the road — POLITICO reports that it ’ s only set to be considered days down the road at present .
All of this is unfolding as Americans are continuing to suffer .
The U.S. has reported almost 4,200 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been 73 deaths , and in order to help stem the spread , businesses are closing left and right .
That leaves people struggling and covered by the provisions that Dems are trying to pass .

Apparently, not even a global Coronavirus outbreak is enough to drive some Republicans to abandon their partisanship. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) is threatening to delay the approval of a Coronavirus relief funding package as of early Monday afternoon, insisting that so-called “technical corrections” that House leaders want to pass via unanimous consent should be read on the House floor. If unanimous consent fails — and it only takes one opposing member to sink it — the whole House would have to be brought back for a vote, but members are currently scattered across the country doing work in their districts.
NEW — LOUIE GOHMERT is insisting on reading the technical corrections to the House’s coronavirus bill. As long as one person stands in opposition, the House cannot send the bill to the senate without bringing the chamber back for a vote. — Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 16, 2020
Gohmert voted against the bill when the House passed it the first time, although he was one of only a few dozen Republicans to do so — most fell in line following an endorsement from the president. After his initial no vote, Gohmert insisted that the bill and quick vote process “created so many concerns without time to examine whether some of our language did more harm than good.” The legislation includes a demand for paid sick leave for workers at many businesses around the country, and Gohmert’s idea seems to be that the companies deserve protecting on about the same level as the lives of its workers and patrons. Sick leave isn’t optional for public health — it keeps those who are ill from coming in and potentially spreading the Coronavirus.
On Monday afternoon, he tweeted:
‘We still do not have a final draft of the negotiated changes being called ’technical corrections’ and some of us believe that the newly worded laws should be finished before we pass them.’
We still do not have a final draft of the negotiated changes being called ’technical corrections’ and some of us believe that the newly worded laws should be finished before we pass them. #CoronaVirus — Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) March 16, 2020
A Democratic leadership aide confirmed to NBC that Gohmert was insisting upon reading the technical corrections. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin himself — a close Trump ally – has been negotiating with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to develop the legislation, and as mentioned, Trump himself endorsed it and said he would sign it, but that’s still not enough for Gohmert, apparently.
As is, besides the paid sick leave, the legislation also includes provisions like free Coronavirus testing, and the bill also “strengthens unemployment insurance and boosts food security initiatives like food stamps,” NBC notes. Originally, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) derided the plan as an “ideological wish list,” and he’s backed that up via significant delays in even attempting to work on the House’s plan. After a long weekend break, the Senate will be reconvening this Monday evening to consider the situation, at which time they’ll first be handling a vote on security and surveillance legislation. Thanks to opposition over in the Senate chamber, the legislation has again been kicked down the road — POLITICO reports that it’s only set to be considered days down the road at present.
All of this is unfolding as Americans are continuing to suffer. The U.S. has reported almost 4,200 cases of the Coronavirus, and there have already been 73 deaths, and in order to help stem the spread, businesses are closing left and right. That leaves people struggling and covered by the provisions that Dems are trying to pass.


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--McConnell Crucified After Tone-Deaf Coronavirus Tweet

United States Coronavirus cases have been spiking significantly for some time — but Republicans kept their long weekend break in place anyway .
On Sunday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) tweeted out a statement recapping his supposedly “ urgent ” priorities for the Senate , but — as they say — actions speak louder than words .
In reality , McConnell adjourned the Senate for days rather than immediately starting work on Coronavirus relief legislation that the House passed days ago at this point , and Twitter users promptly pointed out his glaring hypocrisy .
‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details and are eager to act swiftly to help American workers , families , and small businesses navigate this challenging time… This new disease is challenging our great nation in unfamiliar ways .
But we have overcome far greater challenges before .
Those of us in elected office — at all levels — must continue to put partisanship aside and focus on our common work to serve the common good.
’ “ Common work ” ?
“ Common good ” ?
Is that why , not long ago at all , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ’ “ new hoax ” ?
Is that why he ’ s repeatedly claimed that coverage of the negative aspects of the situation is just some kind of conspiracy to make him look bad ?
Additionally , McConnell and his Republican colleagues have had ample opportunities to “ act swiftly ” to help American workers — the hypocrisy of McConnell ’ s claim that he ’ s ready and eager to use those opportunities is apparent via the fact that he shared the statement while on vacation .
Prior to the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( D-Ill. ) called on McConnell to pass the House ’ s new Coronavirus relief funding legislation via a unanimous consent voice vote — but the Senate is seemingly not going down that path either .
Instead , POLITICO has reported , the Senate seemingly won ’ t be ready to vote on the legislation until days down the road , although right now , American workers are struggling through the economic upheaval that the bill addresses .

United States Coronavirus cases have been spiking significantly for some time — but Republicans kept their long weekend break in place anyway. On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) tweeted out a statement recapping his supposedly “urgent” priorities for the Senate, but — as they say — actions speak louder than words. In reality, McConnell adjourned the Senate for days rather than immediately starting work on Coronavirus relief legislation that the House passed days ago at this point, and Twitter users promptly pointed out his glaring hypocrisy.
Hey Mitch McConnell — you may want to pass the House bill. Like. Right. NOW https://t.co/dmpBNcW9Iq — Neera Tanden (@neeratanden) March 16, 2020
Initially, he shared:
‘I know Senators are carefully reviewing the details and are eager to act swiftly to help American workers, families, and small businesses navigate this challenging time… This new disease is challenging our great nation in unfamiliar ways. But we have overcome far greater challenges before. Those of us in elected office — at all levels — must continue to put partisanship aside and focus on our common work to serve the common good.’
My statement on the urgent priorities before the Senate this week and beyond: pic.twitter.com/vUiiqrqEdZ — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 16, 2020
“Common work”? “Common good”? Is that why, not long ago at all, President Trump proclaimed that concern over the Coronavirus was Democrats’ “new hoax”? Is that why he’s repeatedly claimed that coverage of the negative aspects of the situation is just some kind of conspiracy to make him look bad?
Additionally, McConnell and his Republican colleagues have had ample opportunities to “act swiftly” to help American workers — the hypocrisy of McConnell’s claim that he’s ready and eager to use those opportunities is apparent via the fact that he shared the statement while on vacation. Prior to the Senate reconvening this Monday, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called on McConnell to pass the House’s new Coronavirus relief funding legislation via a unanimous consent voice vote — but the Senate is seemingly not going down that path either. Instead, POLITICO has reported, the Senate seemingly won’t be ready to vote on the legislation until days down the road, although right now, American workers are struggling through the economic upheaval that the bill addresses.
Given the President's emergency declaration, it is imperative that the Senate pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act by unanimous consent immediately. More on my thoughts below. pic.twitter.com/YJrHr1yVnB — Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) March 15, 2020
Check out Twitter’s response below…


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--McConnell Plots To Delay Coronavirus Relief Vote

Senate Republicans are apparently preparing to drag their feet even more dramatically while dealing with a Coronavirus relief funding package that the House initially passed days ago at this point .
Coronavirus cases have been ballooning in the days that the Senate spent on a long weekend break — according to one count , confirmed cases in the U.S. have now passed 4,000 — but , the Senate is still delaying their action anyway .
POLITICO reports that the Senate is not expected to “ get around to the coronavirus bill until MID- to LATE WEEK ” — even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the legislation was an urgent priority .
‘ Tonight at 5:30 p.m. , the Senate will have a procedural vote on a bill to renew the FISA laws .
The chamber will finish that bill .
If any senator wants to bring up the coronavirus bill before they finish FISA , it would require unanimous consent .
Sen. DICK DURBIN ( D-Ill. ) called on Senate Majority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL to pass the bill by UC in a pretty extraordinary statement .
LEADERSHIP AIDES BELIEVE there are GOP senators who are against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so unanimous consent seems unlikely.
’ The publication also notes that the House itself is gearing up to make “ technical corrections ” to their version of the bill , which adds another wrinkle that any passage has to overcome .
Over the weekend , numerous concerned public figures including Senators derided Republican leadership for kicking the Coronavirus relief so far down the priorities list that they freely took their weekend break — which , it ’ s worth noting , came after an outcry over their planned break of almost two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn posted an image of a Corona beer — no relation to the virus — and Hawaii ’ s Democratic Senator Brian Schatz poignantly publicly replied : In response to a viral question asking observers what they ’ d be doing if they were a Senator , Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy added : The relief bill that McConnell and other Republicans have been holding up includes provisions like paid sick leave for many workers , although not all .
It would also “ provide free testing [ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Manu Raju noted .
After a late endorsement from President Donald Trump himself — who apparently wasn ’ t even enough to galvanize Senate Republicans to act !
— the legislation passed the House with significant Republican support .
Trump , on his own time , has consistently attempted to downplay the Coronavirus threat .
He spent weeks insisting that it would quickly vanish from the U.S. and telling his followers that concern over the situation was a hoax — and he has since formally declared a national emergency over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight it .
Among other provisions , the emergency declaration opens the door to easier Medicaid enrollment , which could help low income people access the testing and treatment that they might need .

Senate Republicans are apparently preparing to drag their feet even more dramatically while dealing with a Coronavirus relief funding package that the House initially passed days ago at this point. Coronavirus cases have been ballooning in the days that the Senate spent on a long weekend break — according to one count, confirmed cases in the U.S. have now passed 4,000 — but, the Senate is still delaying their action anyway. POLITICO reports that the Senate is not expected to “get around to the coronavirus bill until MID- to LATE WEEK” — even though McConnell proclaimed in a pompous weekend tweet that the legislation was an urgent priority.
My statement on the urgent priorities before the Senate this week and beyond: pic.twitter.com/vUiiqrqEdZ — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 16, 2020
Early Monday, POLITICO reported:
‘Tonight at 5:30 p.m., the Senate will have a procedural vote on a bill to renew the FISA laws. The chamber will finish that bill. If any senator wants to bring up the coronavirus bill before they finish FISA, it would require unanimous consent. Sen. DICK DURBIN (D-Ill.) called on Senate Majority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL to pass the bill by UC in a pretty extraordinary statement. LEADERSHIP AIDES BELIEVE there are GOP senators who are against the House’s coronavirus package, so unanimous consent seems unlikely.’
The publication also notes that the House itself is gearing up to make “technical corrections” to their version of the bill, which adds another wrinkle that any passage has to overcome.
For those keeping score: The Fed can pump $700-billion into Wall Street on a Sunday. But American working families have to hold on till Mitch McConnell decides to pull his head out of his ass at lunch on Monday. — Scott Linnen (@ScottLinnen) March 15, 2020
Over the weekend, numerous concerned public figures including Senators derided Republican leadership for kicking the Coronavirus relief so far down the priorities list that they freely took their weekend break — which, it’s worth noting, came after an outcry over their planned break of almost two weeks, which McConnell eventually did cancel.
Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn posted an image of a Corona beer — no relation to the virus — and Hawaii’s Democratic Senator Brian Schatz poignantly publicly replied:
‘John when you are finished with that beer let’s reconvene.’
John when you are finished with that beer let’s reconvene. https://t.co/8kGsM15yvR — Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) March 14, 2020
In response to a viral question asking observers what they’d be doing if they were a Senator, Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy added:
‘Voting on paid sick leave. Today. Like right now. But that’s not what I’m doing because the Senate got sent home.’
Voting on paid sick leave. Today. Like right now. But that’s not what I’m doing because the Senate got sent home. https://t.co/jeeuvxwczc — Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 15, 2020
The relief bill that McConnell and other Republicans have been holding up includes provisions like paid sick leave for many workers, although not all. It would also “provide free testing [and] extend unemployment insurance,” CNN’s Manu Raju noted. After a late endorsement from President Donald Trump himself — who apparently wasn’t even enough to galvanize Senate Republicans to act! — the legislation passed the House with significant Republican support.
363-40, House approves economic aid bill to provide relief from coronavirus outbreak. The 110-page bill, which was released right before midnight, would in part provide free testing, extend unemployment insurance and ensure paid leave for some workers. Justin Amash voted present — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 14, 2020
Trump, on his own time, has consistently attempted to downplay the Coronavirus threat. He spent weeks insisting that it would quickly vanish from the U.S. and telling his followers that concern over the situation was a hoax — and he has since formally declared a national emergency over the virus, which frees up extra resources to fight it. Among other provisions, the emergency declaration opens the door to easier Medicaid enrollment, which could help low income people access the testing and treatment that they might need.


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--Nunes Mocked On TV For Trying To Out-Macho Coronavirus

President Donald Trump and his allies have consistently failed to take the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak seriously .
In one particularly memorable example , Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was forced to declare a state of emergency over the virus literally the day after he posted a widely derided photo of him and his family at a packed restaurant in open defiance of public health professionals ’ advice to practice “ social distancing ” to stem the potentially dangerous illness ’ s spread .
During a Monday Morning Joe segment , host ( and former Republican Congressman ) Joe Scarborough hammered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similarly for trying to out-macho the virus .
Over the weekend , even as Coronavirus cases climbed dramatically , prominent House Republican Devin Nunes even suggested during a Fox News appearance that healthy people should go out to local restaurants — which , again , is in open defiance of public health professionals ’ counsel .
Even healthy people can be carriers .
‘ What is it about these Republican leaders , that they think that you can shoot a virus ?
They think your AR-15 is going to help a virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ display is somehow going to beat the virus ?
No , you can ’ t .
See , let me help you out here .
You can ’ t bully a virus , okay ?
You ’ ve got to outthink it , you can ’ t be stupid.
’ He used the example of Gov .
Stitt , continuing : ‘ Taking your family out to a restaurant when the top scientists in the world are telling you to stay home and protect them — then the next day , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to call a national emergency , so you ’ ve admitted you put your family at risk , everybody around your family at risk.
’ Over in South Carolina , Governor Henry McMaster also joined those deriding concern over the virus .
He insisted that he ’ d even personally attend the state ’ s Greenville St. Patrick ’ s Day Parade — but then it was cancelled , and Governor McMaster himself was pressured into closing all public schools in the state through at least the end of the month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re a governor of a state , and you ’ re responsible for the health and well-being of senior citizens whose very lives are on the line .
You have got to do better , your calling is higher .
You ’ ve got to do more .
You can ’ t play for the cheap seats.
’ The blustering behavior from Republican leaders around the country mirrors behavior from the president himself .
Trump has mocked concern over the virus as a hoax , and throughout recent weeks , he repeatedly publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about and would be gone soon .
He did the same at a press conference over the weekend — and at literally the very same press conference , Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health insisted that the worst is yet to come in the U.S. from the virus .
In response , the Trump administration has rolled out a ban on travel from most areas in Europe to the U.S. , and this Monday evening , the Senate will be reconvening to take up a new relief funding package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some workers , expanded unemployment insurance , and more .

President Donald Trump and his allies have consistently failed to take the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak seriously. In one particularly memorable example, Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was forced to declare a state of emergency over the virus literally the day after he posted a widely derided photo of him and his family at a packed restaurant in open defiance of public health professionals’ advice to practice “social distancing” to stem the potentially dangerous illness’s spread. During a Monday Morning Joe segment, host (and former Republican Congressman) Joe Scarborough hammered Stitt and those who’ve behaved similarly for trying to out-macho the virus.
The Oklahoma governor who bragged about going out to a crowded dinner with his kids last night, only to delete the tweet, once boasted that he does not vaccinate his kids and ran on opposing mandatory vaccines https://t.co/TQBDeCC7VC — Sam Stein (@samstein) March 15, 2020
Over the weekend, even as Coronavirus cases climbed dramatically, prominent House Republican Devin Nunes even suggested during a Fox News appearance that healthy people should go out to local restaurants — which, again, is in open defiance of public health professionals’ counsel. Even healthy people can be carriers.
In an appearance on Fox News, Rep. Nunes stated "if you're healthy, you and your family, it's a great time to just go out, go to a local restaurant." Dr. Leana Wen says that is "exactly the opposite of what we should be doing right now."https://t.co/xzqLzn9QWT — MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 16, 2020
Scarborough commented:
‘What is it about these Republican leaders, that they think that you can shoot a virus? They think your AR-15 is going to help a virus. They think some, like, macho display is somehow going to beat the virus? No, you can’t. See, let me help you out here. You can’t bully a virus, okay? You’ve got to outthink it, you can’t be stupid.’
Public health experts say stay in. Devin Nunes and other defiant officials say, "It’s a great time to just go out." https://t.co/Rz2A3VSd34 — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 16, 2020
He used the example of Gov. Stitt, continuing:
‘Taking your family out to a restaurant when the top scientists in the world are telling you to stay home and protect them — then the next day, you’re made a fool of, you have to call a national emergency, so you’ve admitted you put your family at risk, everybody around your family at risk.’
Over in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster also joined those deriding concern over the virus. He insisted that he’d even personally attend the state’s Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Parade — but then it was cancelled, and Governor McMaster himself was pressured into closing all public schools in the state through at least the end of the month.
Scarborough continued:
‘The recklessness is unbelievable… You’re a governor of a state, and you’re responsible for the health and well-being of senior citizens whose very lives are on the line. You have got to do better, your calling is higher. You’ve got to do more. You can’t play for the cheap seats.’
Watch below:
The blustering behavior from Republican leaders around the country mirrors behavior from the president himself. Trump has mocked concern over the virus as a hoax, and throughout recent weeks, he repeatedly publicly insisted that the Coronavirus was nothing to worry about and would be gone soon. He did the same at a press conference over the weekend — and at literally the very same press conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health insisted that the worst is yet to come in the U.S. from the virus.
Trump’s message is the opposite of Fauci’s. Look st the quotes pic.twitter.com/SXmwoj6QMc — Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) March 15, 2020
In response, the Trump administration has rolled out a ban on travel from most areas in Europe to the U.S., and this Monday evening, the Senate will be reconvening to take up a new relief funding package with provisions like mandated sick leave for some workers, expanded unemployment insurance, and more.


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--Fox Host Demands COVID-19 Accountability From Trump

According to newly available polls from sources like The Hill/Harris X , majorities of Americans are not on board with President Donald Trump ’ s chaotic response to the Coronavirus outbreak .
He spent weeks repeatedly insisting that the virus would quickly disappear from the U.S. and that concern over the situation was a hoax — and now , the U.S. is facing a quickly rising total number of both cases and deaths .
His failures , which he ’ s backed up with behind-the-scenes policy stumbles over issues as simple as virus testing , have been broadcast far and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted in an opinion piece this week that Trump and his allies must be held “ fully accountable for their spin and failure to govern effectively.
” As Williams recaps , the president ’ s team ’ s “ incompetent response to the coronavirus has sent financial markets on a rollercoaster ride while triggering an explosion of public anxiety ” via means like Trump ’ s disastrous Oval Office address that he delivered last week .
At the time , the president failed to even accurately represent a travel ban policy that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose of stemming the Coronavirus spread .
He failed to indicate that the ban wouldn ’ t cover return trips for American citizens , and he falsely indicated that the ban would cover cargo — and the next day , the U.S. stock market faced its biggest one day crash since 1987 , and it ’ s been careening wildly ever since .
Trading was halted altogether because of a too sharp decline for the third time in eight days shortly after the market opened on Monday .
Other issues , Williams notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has inexplicably blamed Barack Obama for the Coronavirus testing delays that have happened on Trump ’ s own watch — few if any are quite sure what on earth Trump is actually talking about .
In reality , Trump ’ s own administration even completely eliminated the pandemic response team from the National Security Council , and — for whatever reason — they ’ re the ones who refused to take the World Health Organization up on their offer of testing kits that could have gotten the ball rolling in the U.S. weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus spreads undetected , which puts extra lives at risk .
‘ Trump regularly fires up his base by telling them he is looking out for them .
He presents himself as their guardian , standing between them and every threat… Well , four years later there is no wall .
Coal mines and manufacturing remain in decline .
Household debt and the national deficit continue to balloon .
And now he has failed to protect anyone with his faulty response to a pandemic .
Local officials in the absence of federal leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , major sports leagues and Broadway shows.
’ Williams suggests that Trump ’ s extremity suggests that even him cancelling the November election altogether in some kind of bid to hang onto power isn ’ t completely out of the question .
Reportedly , Trump even “ offered large sums of money to secure exclusive rights ” to a Coronavirus vaccine that ’ s under development by German scientists !
Do his power grabs know any bounds at all ?

According to newly available polls from sources like The Hill/Harris X, majorities of Americans are not on board with President Donald Trump’s chaotic response to the Coronavirus outbreak. He spent weeks repeatedly insisting that the virus would quickly disappear from the U.S. and that concern over the situation was a hoax — and now, the U.S. is facing a quickly rising total number of both cases and deaths. His failures, which he’s backed up with behind-the-scenes policy stumbles over issues as simple as virus testing, have been broadcast far and wide. Fox News contributor Juan Williams insisted in an opinion piece this week that Trump and his allies must be held “fully accountable for their spin and failure to govern effectively.”
As Williams recaps, the president’s team’s “incompetent response to the coronavirus has sent financial markets on a rollercoaster ride while triggering an explosion of public anxiety” via means like Trump’s disastrous Oval Office address that he delivered last week. At the time, the president failed to even accurately represent a travel ban policy that he was seeking to implement with the stated purpose of stemming the Coronavirus spread. He failed to indicate that the ban wouldn’t cover return trips for American citizens, and he falsely indicated that the ban would cover cargo — and the next day, the U.S. stock market faced its biggest one day crash since 1987, and it’s been careening wildly ever since. Trading was halted altogether because of a too sharp decline for the third time in eight days shortly after the market opened on Monday.
Other issues, Williams notes, have centered on testing. Trump has inexplicably blamed Barack Obama for the Coronavirus testing delays that have happened on Trump’s own watch — few if any are quite sure what on earth Trump is actually talking about. In reality, Trump’s own administration even completely eliminated the pandemic response team from the National Security Council, and — for whatever reason — they’re the ones who refused to take the World Health Organization up on their offer of testing kits that could have gotten the ball rolling in the U.S. weeks prior. Without adequate testing, the virus spreads undetected, which puts extra lives at risk.
Williams writes:
‘Trump regularly fires up his base by telling them he is looking out for them. He presents himself as their guardian, standing between them and every threat… Well, four years later there is no wall. Coal mines and manufacturing remain in decline. Household debt and the national deficit continue to balloon. And now he has failed to protect anyone with his faulty response to a pandemic. Local officials in the absence of federal leadership took the lead by shutting down schools, major sports leagues and Broadway shows.’
Williams suggests that Trump’s extremity suggests that even him cancelling the November election altogether in some kind of bid to hang onto power isn’t completely out of the question.
Williams notes:
‘Americans are panicked. The markets are tanking. People are dying. If now is not the time for Trump’s base, independent voters and journalists to challenge him on his failures then there will never be a good time to do it.’
Reportedly, Trump even “offered large sums of money to secure exclusive rights” to a Coronavirus vaccine that’s under development by German scientists! Do his power grabs know any bounds at all?


bipartisanreport--2020-03-16--Trump Has Ignorant Post-Debate Monday Meltdown

President Donald Trump is continuing to struggle through responding to the Coronavirus outbreak , which not too long ago at all , he derided concern about as a supposed “ hoax.
” In recent days , he ’ s taken to supposedly spiritual messages ; following an officially proclaimed National Day of Prayer on Sunday , Trump rushed to Twitter this Monday morning to ask for God ’ s “ blessing ” in this time of crisis .
Trump has a wide open chance to accompany these messages with tangible action to bulk up U.S. defenses against the crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That followed a spree of retweets with desperate attacks on Democratic presidential candidates following the latest debate between the two main figures left , Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders .
Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale , in a message that the president retweeted , called Biden “ a train wreck on illegal immigration ” who “ would harm national security.
” Parscale also claimed that Biden “ Trashes the rule of law and makes us less safe ” — all because he said he ’ d dial back deportations as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and deal with crime that don ’ t involve punitively removing people from the country !
So-called sanctuary cities use these methods every day .
Although one of Trump ’ s retweets also ominously declared that with Biden as president , “ EVERY city is a sanctuary city , ” neither the original poster nor the president identified why that ’ s actually so supposedly dangerous .
Sanctuary cities still prosecute each and every crime to the fullest extent of the law .
They just don ’ t invite federal immigration agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
Claiming that those cities endanger the public , release criminals , or whatever else , is ludicrous and wrong .
The U.S. could use a president who is focused on real-world issues right about now .

President Donald Trump is continuing to struggle through responding to the Coronavirus outbreak, which not too long ago at all, he derided concern about as a supposed “hoax.” In recent days, he’s taken to supposedly spiritual messages; following an officially proclaimed National Day of Prayer on Sunday, Trump rushed to Twitter this Monday morning to ask for God’s “blessing” in this time of crisis. Trump has a wide open chance to accompany these messages with tangible action to bulk up U.S. defenses against the crisis, but he’s coming up short.
He tweeted simply:
‘God Bless the USA!’
God Bless the USA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
That followed a spree of retweets with desperate attacks on Democratic presidential candidates following the latest debate between the two main figures left, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale, in a message that the president retweeted, called Biden “a train wreck on illegal immigration” who “would harm national security.” Parscale also claimed that Biden “Trashes the rule of law and makes us less safe” — all because he said he’d dial back deportations as president.
Joe Biden is a train wreck on illegal immigration and would harm national security. He’d have ZERO deportations for the first 100 days INCLUDING CRIMINALS and after that deport only felons. Trashes the rule of law and makes us less safe. Insanity!
pic.twitter.com/MCUSAt83Wo — Brad Parscale – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@parscale) March 16, 2020
There are ways to accomplish safety and deal with crime that don’t involve punitively removing people from the country! So-called sanctuary cities use these methods every day. Although one of Trump’s retweets also ominously declared that with Biden as president, “EVERY city is a sanctuary city,” neither the original poster nor the president identified why that’s actually so supposedly dangerous. Sanctuary cities still prosecute each and every crime to the fullest extent of the law. They just don’t invite federal immigration agents in to meddle with their local justice system. Claiming that those cities endanger the public, release criminals, or whatever else, is ludicrous and wrong. The U.S. could use a president who is focused on real-world issues right about now.
Joe Biden would set an extreme and dangerous course on illegal immigration. Wouldn’t deport anyone except convicted felons. Says local police should not cooperate with ICE. In Biden’s America, EVERY city is a sanctuary city. — Tim Murtaugh – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TimMurtaugh) March 16, 2020
Sleepy Joe is SO CONFUSED. Joe has… – Called the coronavirus “SARS” – Called the coronavirus the “swine flu” – Called the H1N1 virus the "N1H1" – Forgot the name of the Ebola virus, describing it as “what happened in Africa” Joe is SO LOST!pic.twitter.com/nDKvztN6yf — Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) March 16, 2020
Check out Twitter’s response…


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--Michigan Governor Criticizes Trump On TV – Don Freaks

President Donald Trump ’ s response to the Coronavirus outbreak has been largely coming up short , so local and state officials like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) have been picking up the slack .
This week , she ’ s already undertaken steps like closing restaurants , bars , movie theaters , and other similar places for social gathering , all in an attempt to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus .
During an MSNBC appearance this Tuesday morning addressing her decisions , she harshly criticized Trump for his own stumbling , which has even included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) should try and get crucial supplies like respirators on their own .
She called his commentary , which he offered during a conference call with governors from around the country , “ mind-boggling , ” and she insisted that states need federal support .
She explained : Trump was , apparently , paying attention to Whitmer ’ s appearance , because he promptly tweeted about it .
He insisted that the “ Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive ” — but it ’ s not as though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent of the federal government ’ s response into existence !
Trump added that his team is “ pushing her to get the job done ” — but that job which he is referring to is the job of the federal government , which he and his team are failing to fulfill .
And again , Whitmer has already taken many steps .
Besides the restaurant closures and unemployment benefits extension , she also closed public schools in the state , which has been done in numerous other states as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see governors making across the country… they weigh heavily on us , knowing that when we close the restaurants to dine-in and we close all the bars , that is going to mean that people are going to lose their jobs , and a lot of businesses are going to struggle — we know this .
But at the end of the day , we have to make decisions based on the best science , the best facts , and what is in the best interest of the public health.
’ And here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up short .
It took Trump weeks to declare a national emergency over the Coronavirus outbreak , which frees up extra resources to deal with the situation .
The delay was reportedly in part because of concern about how such a declaration might make his administration look .
Whitmer commented : ‘ The federal government did not take this seriously early enough , and now , it is on us to make sure we are doing everything we can based on the best facts and science available , and that we are always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and center.
’ As of Tuesday morning , the U.S. has some 5,200 confirmed cases of the virus , and there have been at least 94 deaths — and at the White House , it ’ s still people like Trump and Pence in charge .

President Donald Trump’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak has been largely coming up short, so local and state officials like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) have been picking up the slack. This week, she’s already undertaken steps like closing restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and other similar places for social gathering, all in an attempt to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus. During an MSNBC appearance this Tuesday morning addressing her decisions, she harshly criticized Trump for his own stumbling, which has even included him insisting that governors (like Whitmer) should try and get crucial supplies like respirators on their own.
She called his commentary, which he offered during a conference call with governors from around the country, “mind-boggling,” and she insisted that states need federal support. She explained:
‘This has to be all hands on deck… so to hear the leader of the federal government tell us to work around the federal government because it’s too slow — it’s kind of mind-boggling, to be honest… We need the federal government to work!’
Watch:
Trump was, apparently, paying attention to Whitmer’s appearance, because he promptly tweeted about it. He insisted that the “Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive” — but it’s not as though she can just “work harder” the equivalent of the federal government’s response into existence! Trump added that his team is “pushing her to get the job done” — but that job which he is referring to is the job of the federal government, which he and his team are failing to fulfill.
Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive. We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
And again, Whitmer has already taken many steps. Besides the restaurant closures and unemployment benefits extension, she also closed public schools in the state, which has been done in numerous other states as well.
Whitmer explained:
‘All of these decisions that you see governors making across the country… they weigh heavily on us, knowing that when we close the restaurants to dine-in and we close all the bars, that is going to mean that people are going to lose their jobs, and a lot of businesses are going to struggle — we know this. But at the end of the day, we have to make decisions based on the best science, the best facts, and what is in the best interest of the public health.’
And here too — the Trump administration has come up short. It took Trump weeks to declare a national emergency over the Coronavirus outbreak, which frees up extra resources to deal with the situation. The delay was reportedly in part because of concern about how such a declaration might make his administration look. Whitmer commented:
‘The federal government did not take this seriously early enough, and now, it is on us to make sure we are doing everything we can based on the best facts and science available, and that we are always putting the health of our people front and center.’
As of Tuesday morning, the U.S. has some 5,200 confirmed cases of the virus, and there have been at least 94 deaths — and at the White House, it’s still people like Trump and Pence in charge.


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--Ivanka Shamed Big Time For Pic Of Her In Quarantine

Across the U.S. , large swaths of the public school system have temporarily closed down at the same time that huge portions of industries like hospitality — including restaurants , bars , and more — have also either mostly or entirely closed .
That ’ s left many people suddenly struggling to make ends meet , but this Tuesday , a post from President Donald Trump ’ s daughter and adviser Ivanka seemed to suggest to many that she completely failed to understand the gravity of the situation .
To her , the situation seemed like just another opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her and her kids taking her own advice , she shared on Twitter : That ’ s great !
The problem is that her privilege obscures the many Americans who are right now struggling .
What are the families of the many children suddenly out of school supposed to do ?
What if their parents still have to go into work outside the house ?
What if their parents ’ job or jobs have been eliminated altogether ?
As just one example , the Marriott corporation is planning to furlough tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Odds are , plenty of those folks have children who they ’ re now wondering how to care for .
While Ivanka has been tweeting , others have been working on a solution .
There ’ s already a third phase of Coronavirus relief funding in development , which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) insists must put “ families first.
” She shared : There ’ ve been reports swirling about bailout packages for industries like airlines , which have been hit hard by a combination of plummeting demand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that , at a Tuesday press conference , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did say that direct aid for American families was getting planned .

Across the U.S., large swaths of the public school system have temporarily closed down at the same time that huge portions of industries like hospitality — including restaurants, bars, and more — have also either mostly or entirely closed. That’s left many people suddenly struggling to make ends meet, but this Tuesday, a post from President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser Ivanka seemed to suggest to many that she completely failed to understand the gravity of the situation. To her, the situation seemed like just another opportunity for a photo op.
Alongside a photo of her and her kids taking her own advice, she shared on Twitter:
‘Staying home today w/ kids? Plan living room camp out! Throw a bedsheet over some taped together brooms. Plan a menu & ‘pack’ sandwiches, salads (S’mores optional) A fun activity that also brings family together for a meal! Share your ideas & use the hashtag #TogetherApart’
Staying home today w/ kids? Plan living room camp out! Throw a bedsheet over some taped together brooms. Plan a menu & ‘pack’ sandwiches, salads (S’mores optional😜) A fun activity that also brings family together for a meal! Share your ideas & use the hashtag #TogetherApart pic.twitter.com/rgwCl8IIHY — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 17, 2020
That’s great! The problem is that her privilege obscures the many Americans who are right now struggling. What are the families of the many children suddenly out of school supposed to do? What if their parents still have to go into work outside the house? What if their parents’ job or jobs have been eliminated altogether? As just one example, the Marriott corporation is planning to furlough tens of thousands of workers. Tens of thousands! Odds are, plenty of those folks have children who they’re now wondering how to care for.
While Ivanka has been tweeting, others have been working on a solution. There’s already a third phase of Coronavirus relief funding in development, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) insists must put “families first.” She shared:
‘During negotiations, the Democratic House will continue to make clear to the Administration that any emergency response package must put Families First before any aid to corporate America is considered.’
Pelosi makes no mention of aid to airlines or hotels as Mnuchin is pitching. “During negotiations, the Democratic House will continue to make clear to the Administration that any emergency response package must put Families First before any aid to corporate America is considered” https://t.co/D86AY2pKpo — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 17, 2020
There’ve been reports swirling about bailout packages for industries like airlines, which have been hit hard by a combination of plummeting demand and travel restrictions. On the flip side of that, at a Tuesday press conference, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did say that direct aid for American families was getting planned.
Check out Twitter’s response below:


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--Trump Says He Knew COVID-19 Was A Pandemic Before W.H.O.

President Donald Trump ’ s attempts to downplay the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak are well-documented .
In the early days of the virus ’ s spread through the U.S. , he called concern over the situation the Democrats ’ “ new hoax , ” and he and his allies have consistently suggested that coverage of the situation was just a conspiracy to make the president look bad .
Well , now 100 Americans have died from the illness , and almost 6,000 have been infected , and he ’ s changed his tone slightly — but at a Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s been serious since the very beginning .
He does know tweets are public right ?
And that we can all see them ?
Is there any context in which he ’ d admit even the slightest mistake ?
A reporter — sitting far enough apart from her colleagues to adhere to social distancing guidelines — asked Trump at a press conference this Tuesday : And amazingly — although it wasn ’ t long ago at all that Trump was calling concern over the Coronavirus a “ hoax ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known and portrayed how serious it was .
He claimed : ‘ I didn ’ t feel different .
I ’ ve always known this is a real — This is a pandemic .
I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic .
All you had to do was look at other countries .
I think now it ’ s in almost 120 countries all over the world .
I ’ ve always viewed it as very serious .
There was no difference yesterday from days before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but some people said it wasn ’ t. ’ Roll the tapes !
Metaphorically speaking , at least .
Among many possible examples , there ’ s a tweet from March 9 , which is barely a week ago at this point .
On that day , Trump tweeted : Further back , he also tweeted : Repeatedly , Trump insisted that the Coronavirus would soon disappear and was nothing to be concerned about — and even just days ago , at a weekend press conference , Trump insisted that observers should “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference , public health official Dr. Anthony Fauci insisted that the worst may be yet to come for the United States , indicating how far off-base that the president really is and has been in regards to this crisis .
He ’ s even actively gone against World Health Organization recommendations with his repeated insistence on calling the Coronavirus the “ Chinese virus ” or something of the sort .

President Donald Trump’s attempts to downplay the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak are well-documented. In the early days of the virus’s spread through the U.S., he called concern over the situation the Democrats’ “new hoax,” and he and his allies have consistently suggested that coverage of the situation was just a conspiracy to make the president look bad. Well, now 100 Americans have died from the illness, and almost 6,000 have been infected, and he’s changed his tone slightly — but at a Tuesday press conference, he laughably wrongly claimed that he’s been serious since the very beginning.
He does know tweets are public right? And that we can all see them? Is there any context in which he’d admit even the slightest mistake? A reporter — sitting far enough apart from her colleagues to adhere to social distancing guidelines — asked Trump at a press conference this Tuesday:
‘Some people did note that your tone seemed more somber yesterday. You talked about that August timeline. Did you see a projection some people talked about 2 million potentially that could die maybe prompted part of that? Was there a shift in tone?’
And amazingly — although it wasn’t long ago at all that Trump was calling concern over the Coronavirus a “hoax” — Trump insisted that he’s always known and portrayed how serious it was. He claimed:
‘I didn’t feel different. I’ve always known this is a real — This is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic. All you had to do was look at other countries. I think now it’s in almost 120 countries all over the world. I’ve always viewed it as very serious. There was no difference yesterday from days before. I feel the tone is similar, but some people said it wasn’t.’
Watch:
Roll the tapes! Metaphorically speaking, at least. Among many possible examples, there’s a tweet from March 9, which is barely a week ago at this point. On that day, Trump tweeted:
‘The Fake News Media and their partner, the Democrat Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power (it used to be greater!) to inflame the CoronaVirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant.’
The Fake News Media and their partner, the Democrat Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power (it used to be greater!) to inflame the CoronaVirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant. Surgeon General, “The risk is low to the average American.” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
Further back, he also tweeted:
‘Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action. USA in great shape!’
Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action. USA in great shape! @CDCgov….. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 26, 2020
Repeatedly, Trump insisted that the Coronavirus would soon disappear and was nothing to be concerned about — and even just days ago, at a weekend press conference, Trump insisted that observers should “relax.” Notably, at that same press conference, public health official Dr. Anthony Fauci insisted that the worst may be yet to come for the United States, indicating how far off-base that the president really is and has been in regards to this crisis.
President Trump says the coronavirus is “something that we have total control over.” Completely and utterly false. The president is followed by Dr. Fauci: “the worst is yet ahead of us.” — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 15, 2020
He’s even actively gone against World Health Organization recommendations with his repeated insistence on calling the Coronavirus the “Chinese virus” or something of the sort.
President Donald Trump referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” even as the World Health Organization advised against naming a virus for a place. Read the latest on coronavirus: https://t.co/5OAPkZWxU7 #Covid2019 pic.twitter.com/qDH53OvOvu — HuffPost UK (@HuffPostUK) March 17, 2020


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--Trump Says Fox Viewers Are ‘Especially’ Important

This Tuesday , the White House Coronavirus response team held another press conference , which provided President Donald Trump with the opportunity to spout off some more of his partisanship .
As if throughout this whole Coronavirus outbreak , his re-election prospects really have been at the forefront of his thinking , at one point during the press conference , he blurted out that Fox News viewers were supposedly “ especially ” important .
The Coronavirus has , of course , affected Americans across the spectrum without regard to political affiliation or news watching habits — but Fox News viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s electoral coalition .
He made the comment in question after Fox News correspondent John Roberts asked him to step closer to the microphone when answering his question .
Addressing the planned relief for those affected by the economic upheaval of trying to stem the spread of the Coronavirus , Roberts asked : Trump then chimed in .
After Roberts asked about the mic , Trump said : After Roberts pointed out that the mic would be for the people at home , Trump commented : Roberts has been around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no reason to question whether or not Trump really meant Fox News viewers in particular .
He clearly gestured towards Roberts when making the comment .
Trump went on to praise “ getting the money out and getting it out quickly.
” Businesses across the country have either closed entirely or dramatically dialed back operations because of concern about social distancing to help stem the spread of the virus .
According to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll , “ Nearly 1 in 5 American households have already experienced a layoff or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic ” — which is just an astronomically large portion .
Jurisdictions across the country have shuttered restaurants , bars , public events , and even schools , among other interests affected .
Global coronavirus cases are almost at 200,000 , with almost 7,900 deaths around the globe from the disease .
Before the afternoon was even over on Tuesday , the U.S. already reported more than 1,000 new cases and 11 new deaths , and it ’ s not yet entirely clear when exactly the Coronavirus precautions might actually be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , Trump suggested that the restrictions could last until July or August , although again , it ’ s unclear .

This Tuesday, the White House Coronavirus response team held another press conference, which provided President Donald Trump with the opportunity to spout off some more of his partisanship. As if throughout this whole Coronavirus outbreak, his re-election prospects really have been at the forefront of his thinking, at one point during the press conference, he blurted out that Fox News viewers were supposedly “especially” important. The Coronavirus has, of course, affected Americans across the spectrum without regard to political affiliation or news watching habits — but Fox News viewers are, of course, crucial to Trump’s electoral coalition.
He made the comment in question after Fox News correspondent John Roberts asked him to step closer to the microphone when answering his question. Addressing the planned relief for those affected by the economic upheaval of trying to stem the spread of the Coronavirus, Roberts asked:
‘How would the mechanics of this work? I mean, we’ve been talking about a payroll tax holiday, some $500 billion worth was floated to me today. So how would this idea of sending people a check work? Would that be sort of an advance on what they pay in payroll taxes?’
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin answered first. He insisted:
‘We want to make sure that Americans get money in their pockets quickly. We want to make sure small business owners have access to funds. We want to make sure that hotels, airlines — we have an entire package, we’ll be laying out those details later today.’
Trump then chimed in. After Roberts asked about the mic, Trump said:
‘You can hear me well enough, I imagine?’
After Roberts pointed out that the mic would be for the people at home, Trump commented:
‘Oh, the people at home, you’re right. Those are very important people, come to think of it — especially your people.’
Roberts has been around the White House for awhile, so there’s no reason to question whether or not Trump really meant Fox News viewers in particular. He clearly gestured towards Roberts when making the comment.
Watch below:
Trump went on to praise “getting the money out and getting it out quickly.” Businesses across the country have either closed entirely or dramatically dialed back operations because of concern about social distancing to help stem the spread of the virus.
According to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll, “Nearly 1 in 5 American households have already experienced a layoff or a reduction in work hours due to the coronavirus pandemic” — which is just an astronomically large portion. Jurisdictions across the country have shuttered restaurants, bars, public events, and even schools, among other interests affected.
Nearly 1 in 5 American households have already experienced a layoff or a reduction in work hours due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds.https://t.co/TKySoTv6Fp — NPR (@NPR) March 17, 2020
Global coronavirus cases are almost at 200,000, with almost 7,900 deaths around the globe from the disease. Before the afternoon was even over on Tuesday, the U.S. already reported more than 1,000 new cases and 11 new deaths, and it’s not yet entirely clear when exactly the Coronavirus precautions might actually be lifted. At a press conference this week, Trump suggested that the restrictions could last until July or August, although again, it’s unclear.


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--Trump Praises Himself After Belittling Governors On Twitter

No number of reported Coronavirus cases in the U.S. is enough to make President Donald Trump doubt himself , apparently .
This Tuesday morning , as the confirmed case count in the U.S. continued to climb , he took to Twitter to both mockingly demean Democratic governors working on dealing with the crisis and , of course , lavish praise on the actually quite struggling response from his own administration .
Neither one of the governors who he targeted — New York ’ s Andrew Cuomo and Michigan ’ s Gretchen Whitmer — even made remotely extreme claims or demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all Trump has to offer are some sarcastic tweets .
Trump criticized Cuomo just for insisting that states should be getting equitable treatment from the federal government , since one state without adequate protections puts its neighboring states in danger , and so on .
He went after Whitmer for her criticism of Trump ’ s suggestion that governors should just try to get crucial supplies like respirators on their own rather than expect federal assistance to fill in the gap — although of course , when it comes to pet projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not exactly hesitated before to dump out federal resources on a whim .
Trump insisted that Whitmer “ must work harder and be much more proactive ” — but what exactly does he even have in mind for her to do ?
She ’ s banned eating out and expanded state unemployment benefits .
After his mockery of those governors , Trump lavished praise on himself .
He tweeted : To be clear — just moments before that tweet , Trump admitted that his administration didn ’ t even have much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was all fine and dandy for him to say that governors around the country should just go it alone , essentially .
Across the country , local officials have been picking up the slack left by the Trump administration .
Many schools are closed , as are many restaurants , and in some areas , large gatherings have been outright banned in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus .

No number of reported Coronavirus cases in the U.S. is enough to make President Donald Trump doubt himself, apparently. This Tuesday morning, as the confirmed case count in the U.S. continued to climb, he took to Twitter to both mockingly demean Democratic governors working on dealing with the crisis and, of course, lavish praise on the actually quite struggling response from his own administration. Neither one of the governors who he targeted — New York’s Andrew Cuomo and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer — even made remotely extreme claims or demands. They just want federal assistance — and all Trump has to offer are some sarcastic tweets.
Trump criticized Cuomo just for insisting that states should be getting equitable treatment from the federal government, since one state without adequate protections puts its neighboring states in danger, and so on. He went after Whitmer for her criticism of Trump’s suggestion that governors should just try to get crucial supplies like respirators on their own rather than expect federal assistance to fill in the gap — although of course, when it comes to pet projects like his southern border wall, Trump has not exactly hesitated before to dump out federal resources on a whim.
Trump insisted that Whitmer “must work harder and be much more proactive” — but what exactly does he even have in mind for her to do? She’s banned eating out and expanded state unemployment benefits.
Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive. We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
After his mockery of those governors, Trump lavished praise on himself. He tweeted:
‘Federal Government is working very well with the Governors and State officials. Good things will happen! #KILLTHEVIRUS’
To be clear — just moments before that tweet, Trump admitted that his administration didn’t even have much of a response, because he insisted that it was all fine and dandy for him to say that governors around the country should just go it alone, essentially.
Federal Government is working very well with the Governors and State officials. Good things will happen! #KILLTHEVIRUS — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Across the country, local officials have been picking up the slack left by the Trump administration. Many schools are closed, as are many restaurants, and in some areas, large gatherings have been outright banned in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.
Check out Twitter’s response below…


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--WH Official Caught Making Racist Coronavirus Remark

Almost 100 Americans have died from the Coronavirus , and well over 5,000 people have been confirmed as infected in the country — and one White House official ’ s priorities lie with making nasty racist remarks about the whole situation , apparently .
They could be working to help plug the wholes in the U.S. response to the outbreak , which include issues with getting adequate testing out to the masses and supporting those who ’ ve been left out of work during the economic upheaval of trying to stem the spread of the virus , but according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who she does not name ) opted to mockingly seethe and call the Coronavirus “ Kung-Flu , ” in reference to its initial emergence in China .
Her revelation even sparked replies from a Congressman , California Democrat Eric Swalwell .
He replied : And ACLU official Cecillia Wang chimed in : Although Jiang did not name the official who made the racist remark that she reported , President Donald Trump himself and other top Republicans have insisted , in defiance of the facts of the situation , on referring to the Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or some variant of that .
In reality , the outbreak in China has largely abated — on Monday , they reported less than two dozen new cases — yet Trump and his cronies are sticking to this nonsense anyway .
‘ Cuomo wants “ all states to be treated the same.
” But all states aren ’ t the same .
Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus , some are being hit practically not at all .
New York is a very big “ hotspot ” , West Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew , keep politics out of it….
’ It ’ s not a Chinese virus !
( And that doesn ’ t even cover the grave issues with his belligerent criticism of a governor for daring to request assistance . )
The World Health Organization itself has admonished observers against using ethnic or racist markers to describe the virus , because it “ is not a ‘ Wuhan Virus ’ , ‘ Chinese Virus ’ or ‘ Asian Virus .
’ ”

Almost 100 Americans have died from the Coronavirus, and well over 5,000 people have been confirmed as infected in the country — and one White House official’s priorities lie with making nasty racist remarks about the whole situation, apparently. They could be working to help plug the wholes in the U.S. response to the outbreak, which include issues with getting adequate testing out to the masses and supporting those who’ve been left out of work during the economic upheaval of trying to stem the spread of the virus, but according to journalist Weijia Jiang, one official (who she does not name) opted to mockingly seethe and call the Coronavirus “Kung-Flu,” in reference to its initial emergence in China.
She shared on Twitter:
‘This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the “Kung-Flu” to my face. Makes me wonder what they’re calling it behind my back.’
This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the “Kung-Flu” to my face. Makes me wonder what they’re calling it behind my back. — Weijia Jiang (@weijia) March 17, 2020
Her revelation even sparked replies from a Congressman, California Democrat Eric Swalwell. He replied:
‘They’re not serious about this. And I’m sorry you were subjected to that.’
They’re not serious about this. And I’m sorry you were subjected to that. — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) March 17, 2020
And ACLU official Cecillia Wang chimed in:
‘Classic Trump administration. Utterly stupid + racist.’
Classic Trump administration. Utterly stupid + racist. — Cecillia Wang (@WangCecillia) March 17, 2020
Although Jiang did not name the official who made the racist remark that she reported, President Donald Trump himself and other top Republicans have insisted, in defiance of the facts of the situation, on referring to the Coronavirus outbreak as the “Chinese virus” or some variant of that. In reality, the outbreak in China has largely abated — on Monday, they reported less than two dozen new cases — yet Trump and his cronies are sticking to this nonsense anyway.
Just this Tuesday morning, Trump tweeted:
‘Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it….’
Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
It’s not a Chinese virus! (And that doesn’t even cover the grave issues with his belligerent criticism of a governor for daring to request assistance.) The World Health Organization itself has admonished observers against using ethnic or racist markers to describe the virus, because it “is not a ‘Wuhan Virus’, ‘Chinese Virus’ or ‘Asian Virus.’”
When talking about #COVID19, certain words & language may have a negative meaning for people and fuel stigmatizing attitudes https://t.co/yShiCMfYF3 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/d54qL4LY2H — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 2, 2020
Check out Twitter’s response below…


bipartisanreport--2020-03-17--New COVID-19 Poll Reveals That Trump Is Not Trusted

Most Americans don ’ t trust President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the Coronavirus outbreak , according to a new Axios/SurveyMonkey poll .
In contrast , majorities of Americans do trust major public health organizations like the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , according to that same poll .
Only 42 percent of respondents “ say they trust President Trump to protect Americans from a major outbreak , ” while levels of trust in various national and international health agencies are in the 60 to 70 percent range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 68 percent trust the National Institutes of Health and state health departments , and 67 and 66 percent of respondents trust local emergency offices and the WHO , respectively .
Unsurprisingly , Republicans trust Trump the most , by far .
84 percent of them opt for trusting Trump , and overall , they “ have more trust in President Trump than they do in any of the local , national , or international organizations staffed with experts who are trained to manage public health crises.
” It ’ s not exactly reassuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cult of personality , although — to be clear — he has no immediately relevant public health experience or competence whatsoever .
During one recent interview that he did with Fox News ’ s Sean Hannity , he suggested that the World Health Organization ’ s reported fatality rate for the Coronavirus was false , based on nothing but a “ hunch.
” Pointedly , Trump ’ s insistence to his followers that mainstream media sources peddle “ fake news ” may be driving their distrust of competent health agencies .
79 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re closely following updates on coronavirus in the news , ” and those respondents were all about “ equally likely to say they trust various organizations to handle the coronavirus outbreak , ” the poll report explains .
But on the flip side , respondents who said that they “ do not get news from major news sources on a daily basis are decidedly less trusting of the major international , federal , and local level public health organizations.
” That ’ s despite the fact that it ’ s public health professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth during the crisis .
For example , the National Institutes of Health ’ s Dr. Anthony Fauci admitted to Congress that the U.S. Coronavirus testing regimen was a “ failing ” while Trump and his own cronies refused to acknowledge any major issues .
At a follow-up press conference days later , at the very same podium that Trump pompously told people to “ relax , ” Fauci said that the worst is likely yet to come for the U.S .
There have been about 4,700 cases of the virus reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , the count grew by almost 1,000 .
There ’ ve also been almost 100 Coronavirus deaths in the U.S. — as of Tuesday morning , the count is at about 93 .
The measures that the Trump administration and local authorities have rolled out to combat the spread of the virus have been wide-ranging .
The White House banned the majority of travel from most countries in Europe , while jurisdictions across the U.S. have forced the closure of many types of establishments like bars and restaurants .
These closures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which helped drive the latest Coronavirus relief funding package that Congress has been developing .

Most Americans don’t trust President Donald Trump’s handling of the Coronavirus outbreak, according to a new Axios/SurveyMonkey poll. In contrast, majorities of Americans do trust major public health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to that same poll. Only 42 percent of respondents “say they trust President Trump to protect Americans from a major outbreak,” while levels of trust in various national and international health agencies are in the 60 to 70 percent range. 75 percent trust the CDC, 68 percent trust the National Institutes of Health and state health departments, and 67 and 66 percent of respondents trust local emergency offices and the WHO, respectively.
Unsurprisingly, Republicans trust Trump the most, by far. 84 percent of them opt for trusting Trump, and overall, they “have more trust in President Trump than they do in any of the local, national, or international organizations staffed with experts who are trained to manage public health crises.” It’s not exactly reassuring for Trump to be leading a veritable cult of personality, although — to be clear — he has no immediately relevant public health experience or competence whatsoever. During one recent interview that he did with Fox News’s Sean Hannity, he suggested that the World Health Organization’s reported fatality rate for the Coronavirus was false, based on nothing but a “hunch.”
Pointedly, Trump’s insistence to his followers that mainstream media sources peddle “fake news” may be driving their distrust of competent health agencies. 79 percent of respondents said that “they’re closely following updates on coronavirus in the news,” and those respondents were all about “equally likely to say they trust various organizations to handle the coronavirus outbreak,” the poll report explains. But on the flip side, respondents who said that they “do not get news from major news sources on a daily basis are decidedly less trusting of the major international, federal, and local level public health organizations.”
That’s despite the fact that it’s public health professionals who’ve been the source of truth during the crisis. For example, the National Institutes of Health’s Dr. Anthony Fauci admitted to Congress that the U.S. Coronavirus testing regimen was a “failing” while Trump and his own cronies refused to acknowledge any major issues. At a follow-up press conference days later, at the very same podium that Trump pompously told people to “relax,” Fauci said that the worst is likely yet to come for the U.S.
Fauci today: "The worst is yet ahead for us," possible there'll be hundreds of thousands of US deaths, young people aren't safe Trump today: "It's something we have tremendous control of," "it will all pass," young people "just are not strongly affected" https://t.co/omfjT2Rr7O — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 16, 2020
There have been about 4,700 cases of the virus reported in the U.S. so far — on Monday alone, the count grew by almost 1,000. There’ve also been almost 100 Coronavirus deaths in the U.S. — as of Tuesday morning, the count is at about 93.
The measures that the Trump administration and local authorities have rolled out to combat the spread of the virus have been wide-ranging. The White House banned the majority of travel from most countries in Europe, while jurisdictions across the U.S. have forced the closure of many types of establishments like bars and restaurants. These closures have left large swaths of Americans struggling financially, which helped drive the latest Coronavirus relief funding package that Congress has been developing.