crooksandliars--2020-04-23--Trump Campaign Tries To Stop This Ad About How He Trusted China

The Trump campaign has sent a cease-and-desist letter to a Michigan TV station over a super PAC ad that accuses Trump of being soft on China as the pandemic began .
Via NBC News : Trump ’ s campaign earlier this month sued a Wisconsin TV station and sent cease-and-desist letters to other swing-state TV stations over an ad from a different Democratic super PAC , Priorities USA .
The latest cease-and-desist letter , obtained by NBC News , targets WOOD , an NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids , Michigan , and demands the station stop running “ a false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced by an offshoot of the Democratic group American Bridge .
The ad , which Trump also attacked in a tweet , accuses Trump of trusting China even though , the narrator says , “ everyone knew they lied about the virus.
” And it suggests the Trump administration shipped 17 tons of medical supplies the U.S. now needs to China in the early days of the outbreak , before it was widespread in the United States .
The Trump campaign said the State Department merely helped manage logistics for the shipment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were bound for China to repatriate Americans and would have flown empty otherwise .
Instead , the planes carried goods donated by a group of charities and businesses .
American Bridge , however , noted how the Trump administration publicly touted the shipment and pointed to Trump 's repeated praise for China ’ s response to the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic .
In response to Trump 's criticism , the group said it would put an additional “ six figures ” behind the ad to run it on digital @ @

The Trump campaign has sent a cease-and-desist letter to a Michigan TV station over a super PAC ad that accuses Trump of being soft on China as the pandemic began. Via NBC News:
Trump’s campaign earlier this month sued a Wisconsin TV station and sent cease-and-desist letters to other swing-state TV stations over an ad from a different Democratic super PAC, Priorities USA. The latest cease-and-desist letter, obtained by NBC News, targets WOOD, an NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and demands the station stop running “a false, misleading, and deceptive advertisement” produced by an offshoot of the Democratic group American Bridge.
The ad, which Trump also attacked in a tweet, accuses Trump of trusting China even though, the narrator says, “everyone knew they lied about the virus.” And it suggests the Trump administration shipped 17 tons of medical supplies the U.S. now needs to China in the early days of the outbreak, before it was widespread in the United States.
The Trump campaign said the State Department merely helped manage logistics for the shipment of medical supplies by using chartered planes that were bound for China to repatriate Americans and would have flown empty otherwise. Instead, the planes carried goods donated by a group of charities and businesses.
American Bridge, however, noted how the Trump administration publicly touted the shipment and pointed to Trump's repeated praise for China’s response to the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic. In response to Trump's criticism, the group said it would put an additional “six figures” behind the ad to run it on digital platforms.


crooksandliars--2020-04-23--New Dem Coalition Ad Drops COVID-19 Deaths At Trump's Doorstep

There is so much material from which to choose for advertisers looking to make negative ads about Trump .
Boy @ @ @ @ @ nail it , with a new ad called `` The Most Basic Duty . ''
@ @ @ @ @ total failure at his one basic responsibility : keeping Americans alive .
Even better , @ @ @ @ @ himself said was the most important role of government .
This commercial takes the viewer @ @ @ @ @ insisting if a head of state could n't keep his citizens alive , they should @ @ @ @ @ — through the haunting images , howling winds , harrowing ambulance sirens that have been @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , when COVID-19 began its death march across the country .
It ends , @ @ @ @ @ at one of his COVID rallies/pressers saying , `` There will be a lot of @ @ @ @ @ failed , '' the screen reads at the end .
Perfectly simple .
In other @ @ @ @ @ his staunches defenders can understand .

There is so much material from which to choose for advertisers looking to make negative ads about Trump. Boy, did the Democratic Coalition nail it, with a new ad called "The Most Basic Duty."
It paints Trump as a total failure at his one basic responsibility: keeping Americans alive. Even better, that's the responsibility Trump himself said was the most important role of government.
This commercial takes the viewer from 2016 Candidate Trump — insisting if a head of state couldn't keep his citizens alive, they shouldn't be allowed to govern — through the haunting images, howling winds, harrowing ambulance sirens that have been ubiquitous since February in the U.S., when COVID-19 began its death march across the country. It ends, simply, with 2020 Trump at one of his COVID rallies/pressers saying, "There will be a lot of death."
"Trump failed," the screen reads at the end.
Perfectly simple. In other words, in terms even his staunches defenders can understand.


crooksandliars--2020-05-11--Fox News Suggests A Patriotic 'Sacrifice' For The Economy

Instead of transmitting information that can help people save lives during the coronavirus pandemic , Fox News and other right-wing media outlets are pushing Americans to ignore stay-at-home orders , act like Green Berets , and go back to work -- no matter what the cost is to them or their families .
This is all in an effort to pump up the economy and reelect Donald Trump .
The leader of the military death cult propaganda team is Pete Hegseth , scumbag extraordinaire , who was pimping his new Fox Nation special during Monday 's Fox and Friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for the Fatherland ' nonsense , and using former military veterans to do it .
After showing highlights of Hegseth 's web program , Brian Kilmeade delivered some Jim Jones-esque propaganda to his audience .
Kilmeade said , `` About 78,000 Americans are dead .
We understand how many got the virus -- I get it -- but at the same time can you get the military mindset with the masses to take on the enemy , because we have no choice '' '' Sitting on the sideline will destroy the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mindset to the everyday American ? ''
he asked .
Hegseth replied , `` The military mindset is a patriotic mindset that founded this country . ''
`` It is courage , '' he whined .
`` We have to reopen guys , right now , even in some of the more difficult places . ''
They sound like cult leaders brainwashing their viewers into suicide by preying on their ( retired ) viewers ' affinity for the military .
They have no clue as to what will happen 30 days from today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 days from today , but what we do know is that if Americans violate their stay-at-home orders , even -- as Pete says -- in hot zones ?
This pandemic will continue to spread causing more and more deaths .
It was only eight weeks ago that Donald Trump finally told the nation that we are facing a pandemic .
In this short time period , Fox News conservatives are flipping out and using the military to try and whip up a patriotic movement for Americans to go out `` sacrifice '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is suffering from COVID19 and the family is in terrible fear and pain .
These mother****ers are using sympathies for wounded soldiers to guilt American citizens into endangering themselves , their friends , and their families during a pandemic .
May they all rot in hell

Instead of transmitting information that can help people save lives during the coronavirus pandemic, Fox News and other right-wing media outlets are pushing Americans to ignore stay-at-home orders, act like Green Berets, and go back to work -- no matter what the cost is to them or their families.
This is all in an effort to pump up the economy and reelect Donald Trump.
The leader of the military death cult propaganda team is Pete Hegseth, scumbag extraordinaire, who was pimping his new Fox Nation special during Monday's Fox and Friends.
He's promoting a military-style 'return to work for the Fatherland' nonsense, and using former military veterans to do it.
After showing highlights of Hegseth's web program, Brian Kilmeade delivered some Jim Jones-esque propaganda to his audience.
Kilmeade said, "About 78,000 Americans are dead. We understand how many got the virus -- I get it -- but at the same time can you get the military mindset with the masses to take on the enemy, because we have no choice"
"Sitting on the sideline will destroy the country. How do you get the military mindset to the everyday American?" he asked.
Hegseth replied, "The military mindset is a patriotic mindset that founded this country."
"It is courage," he whined.
"We have to reopen guys, right now, even in some of the more difficult places."
They sound like cult leaders brainwashing their viewers into suicide by preying on their (retired) viewers' affinity for the military.
It's disgusting and despicable.
They have no clue as to what will happen 30 days from today, 60 days from today, or 90 days from today, but what we do know is that if Americans violate their stay-at-home orders, even -- as Pete says -- in hot zones? This pandemic will continue to spread causing more and more deaths.
It was only eight weeks ago that Donald Trump finally told the nation that we are facing a pandemic. In this short time period, Fox News conservatives are flipping out and using the military to try and whip up a patriotic movement for Americans to go out "sacrifice" themselves.
I have a family member who is suffering from COVID19 and the family is in terrible fear and pain.
These mother****ers are using sympathies for wounded soldiers to guilt American citizens into endangering themselves, their friends, and their families during a pandemic.
May they all rot in hell


crooksandliars--2020-05-11--Laura Ingraham Still Pushing Hydroxychloroquine; Demands Trump Pull FDA Warnings

Hours before the New England Journal Of Medicine published their study concluding that Hydroxychloroquine was ineffective against hospitalized coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ Ingraham demanded Trump pull warnings by the CDC , NIH , and FDA against people @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Being a truther means a person has to ignore all empirical evidence that @ @ @ @ @ purpose .
That 's Laura Ingraham on Hydroxychloroquine .
Ingraham said , `` Along with @ @ @ @ @ and rheumatoid arthritis patients who 've been taking the drug for decades without complications .
@ @ @ @ @ the president himself — to pull back on the misguided and unnecessary warning that was @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Who knew Laura Ingraham was a doctor of virology ?
Since Trump is @ @ @ @ @ , how long before he grants `` Doctor '' Laura Ingraham 's dangerous request that @ @ @ @ @ in danger ?
Has Laura purchased large amounts of stock in companies supplying the anti-Malaria @ @ @ @ @ to know .

Hours before the New England Journal Of Medicine published their study concluding that Hydroxychloroquine was ineffective against hospitalized coronavirus patients, Fox News host Laura Ingraham demanded Trump pull warnings by the CDC, NIH, and FDA against people using the drug to combat COVID-19.
She's a quack truther.
Being a truther means a person has to ignore all empirical evidence that contradicts their belief or political purpose. That's Laura Ingraham on Hydroxychloroquine.
Ingraham said, "Along with hundreds of thousands of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis patients who've been taking the drug for decades without complications. Time for the FDA — the president himself — to pull back on the misguided and unnecessary warning that was issued a few weeks ago."
Who knew Laura Ingraham was a doctor of virology?
Since Trump is the King of the Birthers, how long before he grants "Doctor" Laura Ingraham's dangerous request that puts more American's lives in danger?
Has Laura purchased large amounts of stock in companies supplying the anti-Malaria drug? We'd like to know.


crooksandliars--2020-05-11--Fox News Starts The 'Blame Dr. Fauci' Game For Trump's Immoral Handling Of COVID19

Fox News laid the groundwork on Friday evening 's Tucker Carlson 's White Power Hour to blame Dr. Fauci for all the wrongs the Trump administration has committed to dealing with the coronavirus since January .
Carlson brought on Dr. Makary from Johns Hopkins to smear Dr. Fauci and blame him for all the Trump administration shortcomings during this pandemic .
Remember , on Fox News It can never be Trump 's fault for anything .
Tucker opened up by saying it was only natural to trust Fauci .
Tucker is very upset that he and the CDC have helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in dealing with the virus outbreak .
That 's their job after all .
Dr. Makary is a lone wolf anti-testing professor , who made a fool out of himself previously on Fox when he said , `` You know , I 'm just of the opinion , Harris , that testing is not the silver bullet .
I know it 's a minority opinion . ''
He joined to give his assessment of Dr. Fauci 's performance thus far .
Makary said Dr. Fauci is a very nice man but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed it . ''
He then went on to blame Dr. Fauci for the Trump administration 's ostrich stick your head in the sand response to COVID-19 .
`` [ Dr. Fauci ] never once prepared this country with anything beyond simple hygiene and basic buyout virology lessons , '' Dr. Makary groused , without mentioning how Trump downplayed the possibility of a pandemic .
This idiot makes believe he was in every briefing and meeting Donald Trump had with the CDC and our medical professionals to make put up a shield to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outrageous claim .
`` He never once - did we hear let 's get ready with more PPE , let 's build up our stockpiles , let 's stop nonessential travel -- let 's build-up capacity with reagents and testing so that was a big mess , . ''
he continued .
Tucker replied that Dr. Fauci seems at times serious but at other times `` frivolous . ''
Really ?
Carlson then used a few selective statements that Fauci made this year to claim that he 's been a disaster and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tucker said , `` We need some leadership when we put our entire faith in one doctor that is the problem . ''
Trump is supposed to be the leader of the nation and he took on that mantle when he hijacked Mike Pence 's coronavirus task force so if we are short on leadership , Tucker should look no further than Donald Trump .
Makary called Fauci a very political man and a ruthless operator and claimed that Dr. Fauci did n't say enough or do enough .
He then used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no leadership ( from Trump ) in fighting this infectious virus , and he said he agreed .
`` We need some leadership and I think when we put our entire faith into one doctor that 's the problem , '' as if there was no person who outranked him .
The problem is that Donald Trump offers no leadership and instead only worries about how the virus affects his reelection .
And it was the Trump administration and not Dr. Fauci who turned down an offer to manufacture millions of N95 masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the question of leadership these knuckleheads never mentioned Donald Trump once .
Imagine if the White House did n't have testing how many would be infected right now , but sure , blame Dr. Fauci .

Fox News laid the groundwork on Friday evening's Tucker Carlson's White Power Hour to blame Dr. Fauci for all the wrongs the Trump administration has committed to dealing with the coronavirus since January.
Carlson brought on Dr. Makary from Johns Hopkins to smear Dr. Fauci and blame him for all the Trump administration shortcomings during this pandemic.
Remember, on Fox News It can never be Trump's fault for anything.
Tucker opened up by saying it was only natural to trust Fauci. Tucker is very upset that he and the CDC have helped form a lot of policies for the government in dealing with the virus outbreak. That's their job after all.
Dr. Makary is a lone wolf anti-testing professor, who made a fool out of himself previously on Fox when he said, "You know, I'm just of the opinion, Harris, that testing is not the silver bullet. I know it's a minority opinion." He joined to give his assessment of Dr. Fauci's performance thus far.
Makary said Dr. Fauci is a very nice man but in terms of preparing the country "he missed it." He then went on to blame Dr. Fauci for the Trump administration's ostrich stick your head in the sand response to COVID-19.
"[Dr. Fauci] never once prepared this country with anything beyond simple hygiene and basic buyout virology lessons," Dr. Makary groused, without mentioning how Trump downplayed the possibility of a pandemic.
This idiot makes believe he was in every briefing and meeting Donald Trump had with the CDC and our medical professionals to make put up a shield to protect Trump with which is a ridiculous and outrageous claim.
"He never once - did we hear let's get ready with more PPE, let's build up our stockpiles, let's stop nonessential travel -- let's build-up capacity with reagents and testing so that was a big mess,." he continued.
Tucker replied that Dr. Fauci seems at times serious but at other times "frivolous." Really?
Carlson then used a few selective statements that Fauci made this year to claim that he's been a disaster and is giving bad advice to Trump.
Tucker said, "We need some leadership when we put our entire faith in one doctor that is the problem."
Trump is supposed to be the leader of the nation and he took on that mantle when he hijacked Mike Pence's coronavirus task force so if we are short on leadership, Tucker should look no further than Donald Trump.
Makary called Fauci a very political man and a ruthless operator and claimed that Dr. Fauci didn't say enough or do enough.
He then used a Gov. Cuomo statement claiming there is no leadership (from Trump) in fighting this infectious virus, and he said he agreed.
"We need some leadership and I think when we put our entire faith into one doctor that's the problem," as if there was no person who outranked him.
The problem is that Donald Trump offers no leadership and instead only worries about how the virus affects his reelection.
And it was the Trump administration and not Dr. Fauci who turned down an offer to manufacture millions of N95 masks in America.
It's insane that on the question of leadership these knuckleheads never mentioned Donald Trump once.
Imagine if the White House didn't have testing how many would be infected right now, but sure, blame Dr. Fauci.


crooksandliars--2020-04-01--Trump Tells Fox & Friends ‘We’ll Do A Special’ On ‘Corrupt’ Media

In one Fox & Friends comment Monday , Donald Trump revealed he thinks Fox News is an extension of himself .
Not one of the three lapdog hosts objected .
During his Fox Friends chat Monday , Trump dismissed Washington Post reports of coronavirus disinformation campaigns from Russia , China and Iran by attacking the Post : TRUMP : They will do anything they can to hurt this presidency , and yet here we are with the best numbers we 've ever had .
I do n't even understand it when you can get such fake news from so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a totally dishonest paper .
They 're dishonest people .
`` The Washington Post , '' same thing .
I 'm trying to figure out for three and a half years who is more dishonest ?
Then , because Trump had nothing more important on his mind , apparently , he continued daydreaming about how to undermine American media : TRUMP : Who is more corrupt ?
`` The Washington Post '' or `` The New York Times '' ?
When I figure it out , I 'll let you know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how did the three lapdogs react ?
Cohost Ainsley Earhardt , the Super Duper Christian who never seems to mind Trump ’ s malice and ill will , changed the subject as if he had said nothing noteworthy : EARHARDT : Mr. President , you said we 're going to give it 15 days .
That 's today .
Then you said Easter and then you said yesterday that was aspirational .
Now you 're saying the end of this month .
If the -- if the physicians , if the experts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the month , hey , we need to continue to do this , we need to continue to take a pause into the next month , what will your response be ?
If ever you needed proof that Trump thinks he ’ s the head of Fox or that his TV image means more than anything , including Americans suffering and dying from the coronavirus , here it is .
You can watch it in video above , from the March 30 , 2020 Fox & Friends .

In one Fox & Friends comment Monday, Donald Trump revealed he thinks Fox News is an extension of himself. Not one of the three lapdog hosts objected.
During his Fox Friends chat Monday, Trump dismissed Washington Post reports of coronavirus disinformation campaigns from Russia, China and Iran by attacking the Post:
TRUMP: They will do anything they can to hurt this presidency, and yet here we are with the best numbers we've ever had. I don't even understand it when you can get such fake news from so many – "The New York Times" is a totally dishonest paper. They're dishonest people. "The Washington Post," same thing. I'm trying to figure out for three and a half years who is more dishonest?
Then, because Trump had nothing more important on his mind, apparently, he continued daydreaming about how to undermine American media:
TRUMP: Who is more corrupt? "The Washington Post" or "The New York Times"? When I figure it out, I'll let you know. We'll have a special.
We’ll have a special???
And how did the three lapdogs react? Cohost Ainsley Earhardt, the Super Duper Christian who never seems to mind Trump’s malice and ill will, changed the subject as if he had said nothing noteworthy:
EARHARDT: Mr. President, you said we're going to give it 15 days. That's today. Then you said Easter and then you said yesterday that was aspirational. Now you're saying the end of this month. If the -- if the physicians, if the experts, if your task force says at the end of the month, hey, we need to continue to do this, we need to continue to take a pause into the next month, what will your response be?
If ever you needed proof that Trump thinks he’s the head of Fox or that his TV image means more than anything, including Americans suffering and dying from the coronavirus, here it is.
You can watch it in video above, from the March 30, 2020 Fox & Friends.
Posted with permission from News Hounds.


crooksandliars--2020-04-02--Scientists Are Now Saying That Coronavirus Can Be Spread By Breathing

A terrifying new report by a panel of scientists states that `` research shows coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs , but also just by talking , or possibly even just breathing . ''
If true , this would be a game changer - and not in a good way .
The chairman of the committee , Dr. Harvey Fineberg , states : `` While the current [ coronavirus ] specific research is limited , the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing . ''
Based off of these findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to wear a mask anytime he goes out to the grocery store .
It sounds like we should all be doing the same , to be honest .
Fineberg says he will not wear a surgical mask , and he is not encouraging anyone else to either , Rather , he said `` I have a nice western-style bandana I might wear .
Or I have a balaclava .
I have some pretty nice options . ''
Dr. Fauci , the face of the White House 's coronavirus task force , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of making `` broad use of masks '' a recommendation to the general public .
The problem ?
There are NO masks for anyone to buy .
Hospitals and first responders do n't even have enough masks .
How is the public supposed to get a mask ?
Twitter had some ideas : Easy to make mask using a scaft , 2 rubber bands or hair ties .
And the best part ?
No sewing needed : Here is information on different fabrics and their effectiveness and droplet prevention : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from person to person when people are within about 6 feet of each other through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes . ''
But , further research has shown that `` aerosolized droplets produced by talking or possibly even by just breathing can also spread the virus . ''
Research at a hospital in China showed that the virus `` can be suspended in the air when doctors and nurses remove protective gear , or when floors are cleaned , or when staff move around . ''
Will this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masks 4 All movement ?
It should .
Better to be safe than sorry .
Like wearing a seatbelt - you may not need it everytime you get in the car , but you will wish you had it when you get in that car accident .

A terrifying new report by a panel of scientists states that "research shows coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking, or possibly even just breathing." If true, this would be a game changer - and not in a good way.
CNN is reporting that
The chairman of the committee, Dr. Harvey Fineberg, states: "While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing."
Based off of these findings, Fineberg told CNN that he personally plans to wear a mask anytime he goes out to the grocery store. It sounds like we should all be doing the same, to be honest. Fineberg says he will not wear a surgical mask, and he is not encouraging anyone else to either, Rather, he said "I have a nice western-style bandana I might wear. Or I have a balaclava. I have some pretty nice options."
Dr. Fauci, the face of the White House's coronavirus task force, told CNN that the team is actively discussing the idea of making "broad use of masks" a recommendation to the general public. The problem? There are NO masks for anyone to buy. Hospitals and first responders don't even have enough masks. How is the public supposed to get a mask? Twitter had some ideas:
Easy to make mask using a scaft, 2 rubber bands or hair ties. And the best part? No sewing needed:
Here is information on different fabrics and their effectiveness and droplet prevention:
For anyone interested in making a mask, here are several types of fabric/material & the level of protection they offer. As stated below, there is available data showing that homemade masks work. Link: how to sew a mask https://t.co/799DGUhhYU https://t.co/30jtWQ5aSs pic.twitter.com/lPJ5CvayaF — delthia ricks 🔬 (@DelthiaRicks) March 31, 2020
Back to the CNN article:
The CDC states that "the virus spreads from person to person when people are within about 6 feet of each other through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes."
But, further research has shown that "aerosolized droplets produced by talking or possibly even by just breathing can also spread the virus." Research at a hospital in China showed that the virus "can be suspended in the air when doctors and nurses remove protective gear, or when floors are cleaned, or when staff move around."
Will this latest set of revelations help fuel the Masks 4 All movement? It should. Better to be safe than sorry. Like wearing a seatbelt - you may not need it everytime you get in the car, but you will wish you had it when you get in that car accident.


crooksandliars--2020-04-24--'Unwatchable': Jim Cramer Tears Into Coronavirus Briefings

Jim Cramer spent a few seconds on his show complaining about the coronavirus briefings/rallies Trump stages in the White House every day but as he fleshed out his complaint , it turns out he had all the wrong reasons for saying anything .
He was n't concerned about the lies from Donald Trump as much as he was the reality checks from experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci .
`` Dr. Fauci completely just made us feel awful again by talking about how horrible it 's going to be in the fall , '' Cramer groused .
Growling a bit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or shows or whatever you want to call it are unwatchable .
They 're unwatchable because you ca n't tell whether things are great or things are catastrophic . ''
If you listen to the experts , Jim Cramer , you know exactly what 's up .
Catastrophe .
Stop listening to President CrazyPants tell everyone it 's all roses and champagne he 's serving with that shit sandwich .
After rambling a bit about hospitals opening for elective surgery , Cramer decided the reason the rallybriefings are unwatchable is because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at better news medically except when I pick up The New York Times and it turns out that we are so clueless about this thing , '' he said .
`` But if we 're so clueless and you have all of these people like [ Eli Lilly CEO ] David Ricks trying the RA drug -- really David Ricks is such a serious guy . ''
He 's also the CEO of Eli Lilly & Co and he has a vested interest in a breakthrough drug .
You can read a transcript @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others about COVID-19 and the research they 're doing .
But again it 's all hypothesis , trial and error at this point .
`` Are n't some of these people going to come through with some great proof ?
And I 'm not talking about a vaccine , '' Cramer said .
`` Is it okay to be hopeful ?
I guess that 's what I 'm asking . ''
In a word , Jim Cramer , no .
It 's not okay to be hopeful .
It 's not okay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all tingly in the leg when the government buys up a zillion of their pills without justification for doing so .
I realize this is difficult for everyone , really .
That 's not sarcasm .
It is .
But it is long past time for people to begin to understand that literally nothing will be the same again .
Workplaces will change , stores will change , but mostly , priorities have to change , because there are no guarantees that this virus will be contained or treated with any miracle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a cure for the coronavirus we all call the common cold .
No cures , no vaccines .
Right now , we do n't even understand all the damage this virus does .
We do n't know why some people 's blood clots or why young and healthy non-smoking athletic adults end up on ventilators but not ALL young and healthy adults .
We do n't really understand all the ways it can be transmitted , we do n't know why it impacts African-Americans more than others , and we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other than wearing masks and washing our hands all the time .
So why would anyone be hopeful about a miracle drug ?
So no .
Do n't be hopeful .
And do n't rag on the medical experts for not knowing or preparing for the worst .
Anyone with half a brain ought to be preparing for the absolute worst , because there have been no indicators for optimism or any `` best case scenario . ''

Jim Cramer spent a few seconds on his show complaining about the coronavirus briefings/rallies Trump stages in the White House every day but as he fleshed out his complaint, it turns out he had all the wrong reasons for saying anything. He wasn't concerned about the lies from Donald Trump as much as he was the reality checks from experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci.
"Dr. Fauci completely just made us feel awful again by talking about how horrible it's going to be in the fall," Cramer groused.
Growling a bit, he continued, "These press conferences or shows or whatever you want to call it are unwatchable. They're unwatchable because you can't tell whether things are great or things are catastrophic."
If you listen to the experts, Jim Cramer, you know exactly what's up. Catastrophe. Stop listening to President CrazyPants tell everyone it's all roses and champagne he's serving with that shit sandwich.
After rambling a bit about hospitals opening for elective surgery, Cramer decided the reason the rallybriefings are unwatchable is because of the New York Times.
" I'm looking at better news medically except when I pick up The New York Times and it turns out that we are so clueless about this thing," he said. "But if we're so clueless and you have all of these people like [Eli Lilly CEO] David Ricks trying the RA drug -- really David Ricks is such a serious guy."
He's also the CEO of Eli Lilly & Co and he has a vested interest in a breakthrough drug. You can read a transcript of the interview he did with Cramer and others about COVID-19 and the research they're doing. But again it's all hypothesis, trial and error at this point.
"Aren't some of these people going to come through with some great proof? And I'm not talking about a vaccine," Cramer said. "Is it okay to be hopeful? I guess that's what I'm asking."
In a word, Jim Cramer, no. It's not okay to be hopeful. It's not okay to pimp big Pharma because the markets get all tingly in the leg when the government buys up a zillion of their pills without justification for doing so.
I realize this is difficult for everyone, really. That's not sarcasm. It is. But it is long past time for people to begin to understand that literally nothing will be the same again. Workplaces will change, stores will change, but mostly, priorities have to change, because there are no guarantees that this virus will be contained or treated with any miracle cures. Let me know when they find a cure for the coronavirus we all call the common cold. No cures, no vaccines.
Right now, we don't even understand all the damage this virus does. We don't know why some people's blood clots or why young and healthy non-smoking athletic adults end up on ventilators but not ALL young and healthy adults. We don't really understand all the ways it can be transmitted, we don't know why it impacts African-Americans more than others, and we don't know how to keep it from spreading other than wearing masks and washing our hands all the time. So why would anyone be hopeful about a miracle drug?
So no. Don't be hopeful. And don't rag on the medical experts for not knowing or preparing for the worst. Anyone with half a brain ought to be preparing for the absolute worst, because there have been no indicators for optimism or any "best case scenario."


crooksandliars--2020-04-24--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

The `` Friday Does n't Mean Much Anymore '' Edition .
Long one from alicublog , summing up some of @ @ @ @ @ CORONAVIRUS LIBERATION ARMY '' .
Katherine Krueger at Discourse Blog : No normal .
Never @ @ @ @ @ be again .
Said out loud : Strangely Blogged on the 81-yr. old madwoman/moron mayor @ @ @ @ @ At that age we could chalk it up to dementia or whatever , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ obituary for a good professor from the Big Bad Bald Bastard .
And a viral @ @ @ @ @ .
M. Bouffant did this .
He does other stuff as well .
Send suggestions @ @ @ @ @ tips to mbru @ crooksandliars.com .

The "Friday Doesn't Mean Much Anymore" Edition.
Long one from alicublog, summing up some of the lunacy: "THE CORONAVIRUS LIBERATION ARMY".
Katherine Krueger at Discourse Blog: No normal. Never was, surely won't be again.
Said out loud: Strangely Blogged on the 81-yr. old madwoman/moron mayor of Sin City. (At that age we could chalk it up to dementia or whatever, right?)
Sad note: An obituary for a good professor from the Big Bad Bald Bastard.
And a viral musical bonus from First Draft.
M. Bouffant did this. He does other stuff as well. Send suggestions & great liberal blog post tips to mbru@crooksandliars.com.


crooksandliars--2020-04-13--Fauci's Job Is Safe And Trump Is Pissed

Fauci's Job Is Safe And Trump Is Pissed

NBC legal correspondent Pete Williams reported on Monday that it won ’ t be easy for President Donald Trump to @ @ @ @ @ s top infectious disease expert .
The question about whether Trump can oust Dr. Anthony @ @ @ @ @ retweeted a “ # FireFauci ” hashtag .
According to Williams , Fauci is not @ @ @ @ @ can only be fired “ for cause.
” If Trump fired Fauci without a legitimate @ @ @ @ @ likely end up in court , leaving the coronavirus pandemic response team in turmoil , @ @ @

NBC legal correspondent Pete Williams reported on Monday that it won’t be easy for President Donald Trump to fire the federal government’s top infectious disease expert.
The question about whether Trump can oust Dr. Anthony Fauci surfaced after the president retweeted a “#FireFauci” hashtag.
According to Williams, Fauci is not a political appointee so he can only be fired “for cause.”
If Trump fired Fauci without a legitimate reason, the case would likely end up in court, leaving the coronavirus pandemic response team in turmoil, Williams said.
Can Pres. Trump fire Dr. Fauci? In a word, no, @PeteWilliamsNBC reports. The president could, however, direct HHS Sec. Azar to see to it that Fauci is fired. Azar would then have to direct NIH Dir. Collins to fire Fauci. As a federal employee, Fauci can only be fired "for cause." — Monica Alba (@albamonica) April 13, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-04-14--Why #BloodOnHisHandsHannity Is Trending On Twitter

As Sean Hannity ’ s dangerous dishonesty about the coronavirus pandemic comes under scrutiny , Ellen DeGeneres producer Andy Lassner seems to have single-handedly started a Twitter trend that will surely have the thin-skinned bullyboy gnashing his teeth .
Writer and general funnyman Andy Lessner was the one begging for people not to tweet the hashtag .
On Friday , Media Matters put together a terrific video clearly demonstrating Sean Hannity ’ s “ astounding coronavirus hypocrisy ” about the COVID-19 pandemic .
In it , he ’ s seen repeatedly downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus threat , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuse others of downplaying it .
You can watch that video below .
Earlier this month , Media Matters published a disturbing study showing how Hannity ’ s broadcasts have endangered his viewers ' health : On March 9 , Hannity suggested that young , healthy Americans have no reason to fear coronavirus and claimed people were faking concern about it to “ bludgeon Trump with this new hoax , ” echoing a comment Trump had made at a rally in late February .
Two days later on his radio program , Hannity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep state ” allegedly using coronavirus to manipulate the public .
But these are just two of the most egregious things Hannity has said about coronavirus ; taken as a whole , his commentary falls into six discernible themes : peddling unproven treatments , comparing COVID-19 to other illnesses or focusing on other ways people can die , defending Trump ’ s response to the pandemic , blaming the media and journalists , downplaying supply shortages , and attacking local and congressional responses .
As Erik Wemple has pointed out in an aptly-named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must go , ” Fox fired Trish Regan for making virtually the same remarks as Hannity , yet his wider-reaching program remains on the air .
Not surprisingly , “ tough guy ” Hannity reacted to Wemple ’ s column with the same kind of childishness as his Bedtime BFF Donald Trump would have .
He repeatedly called Wemple “ Pimple.
” So , I can hardly wait for Hannity ’ s sure-to-be-just-as-witty response to # BloodOnHisHandsHannity .
14 hours ago , it was the sixth most popular Twitter trend in the U.S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some of the tweets that put # BloodOnHisHandsHannity in the top 10 .
My favorite is this one : Above is the very damning Media Matters video that will also likely trigger Hannity ’ s very delicate ( when it comes to himself ) fee-fees .

As Sean Hannity’s dangerous dishonesty about the coronavirus pandemic comes under scrutiny, Ellen DeGeneres producer Andy Lassner seems to have single-handedly started a Twitter trend that will surely have the thin-skinned bullyboy gnashing his teeth.
Raw Story explains:
Writer and general funnyman Andy Lessner was the one begging for people not to tweet the hashtag.
I’m blocked by @seanhannity and but please tell him Andy Lassner now calls him #BloodOnHisHandsHannity — andy lassner (@andylassner) April 12, 2020
On Friday, Media Matters put together a terrific video clearly demonstrating Sean Hannity’s “astounding coronavirus hypocrisy” about the COVID-19 pandemic. In it, he’s seen repeatedly downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus threat, only to thoroughly change his tune and viciously accuse others of downplaying it. You can watch that video below.
Earlier this month, Media Matters published a disturbing study showing how Hannity’s broadcasts have endangered his viewers' health:
On March 9, Hannity suggested that young, healthy Americans have no reason to fear coronavirus and claimed people were faking concern about it to “bludgeon Trump with this new hoax,” echoing a comment Trump had made at a rally in late February. Two days later on his radio program, Hannity promoted a conspiracy theory about the “deep state” allegedly using coronavirus to manipulate the public. But these are just two of the most egregious things Hannity has said about coronavirus; taken as a whole, his commentary falls into six discernible themes: peddling unproven treatments, comparing COVID-19 to other illnesses or focusing on other ways people can die, defending Trump’s response to the pandemic, blaming the media and journalists, downplaying supply shortages, and attacking local and congressional responses.
As Erik Wemple has pointed out in an aptly-named Washington Post column called, “Hannity must go,” Fox fired Trish Regan for making virtually the same remarks as Hannity, yet his wider-reaching program remains on the air.
Not surprisingly, “tough guy” Hannity reacted to Wemple’s column with the same kind of childishness as his Bedtime BFF Donald Trump would have. He repeatedly called Wemple “Pimple.”
So, I can hardly wait for Hannity’s sure-to-be-just-as-witty response to #BloodOnHisHandsHannity. 14 hours ago, it was the sixth most popular Twitter trend in the U.S.
Raw Story has a good roundup of some of the tweets that put #BloodOnHisHandsHannity in the top 10. My favorite is this one:
Failed TV producer @andylassner is being very unfair to Dr. Sean Hannity, without whose medical expertise I would not be able to make my most crucial life-or-death (OK, usually death) decisions! Please do NOT retweet the hashtag #BloodOnHisHandsHannity! — Donald J. Drumpf (@RealDonalDrumpf) April 12, 2020
Above is the very damning Media Matters video that will also likely trigger Hannity’s very delicate (when it comes to himself) fee-fees.
(H/T reader Eric Jefferson)
Posted with permission from News Hounds


crooksandliars--2020-04-14--Dr. Fauci Scores 80% Approval Rating In Fox News Polls As Trump Supporters Try To Fire Him

Trump supporters on television and social media are criticizing Dr. Anthony Fauci for giving us just the facts .
Fauci 's facts relating to medical issues that do not line up with the rantings of the so-called president , a serial liar whose inept responses to COVID-19 have had devastating effects for our country .
On Monday , Trump even retweeted a call to fire Dr. Fauci throwing more chaos into the coronavirus task force mess .
Chaos is what Trump does best .
Unfortunately for Trump , Dr. Fauci may have the highest approval rating by the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .
In Fox News ' latest poll , Dr. Fauci scores the highest approval rating in the Trump administration and his faux virus task force .
By the way , it appears Fox went out of their way to frame the poll as positive news for Trump , who has been bashing their network .
Trump saw a small bump in his approval rating , but not much , and most of the data from the Fox News poll is bad news for his presidency and re-election campaign .
But it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best ratings of those tested , as 80 percent approve of him , while 62 percent approve of Dr. Deborah Birx and 52 percent Vice President Pence .
In a new Quinnipiac poll Trump 's grades are failing : 14 percent give him a C ; 12 percent give him a D , and 31 percent give Trump an F. More disappointing news for Trump : it turns out Trump ca n't fire Fauci on a whim like he has he so many of administration , just because he refuses to kiss Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump can oust Dr. Anthony Fauci surfaced after the president retweeted a “ # FireFauci ” hashtag .
According to Williams , Fauci is not a political appointee so he can only be fired “ for cause.
” If Trump fired Fauci without a legitimate reason , the case would likely end up in court , leaving the coronavirus pandemic response team in turmoil , Williams said .

Trump supporters on television and social media are criticizing Dr. Anthony Fauci for giving us just the facts.
Remember when honesty was a virtue?
Fauci's facts relating to medical issues that do not line up with the rantings of the so-called president, a serial liar whose inept responses to COVID-19 have had devastating effects for our country.
On Monday, Trump even retweeted a call to fire Dr. Fauci throwing more chaos into the coronavirus task force mess.
Chaos is what Trump does best.
Unfortunately for Trump, Dr. Fauci may have the highest approval rating by the American people of anybody associated with the virus task force.
In Fox News' latest poll, Dr. Fauci scores the highest approval rating in the Trump administration and his faux virus task force.
By the way, it appears Fox went out of their way to frame the poll as positive news for Trump, who has been bashing their network.
Trump saw a small bump in his approval rating, but not much, and most of the data from the Fox News poll is bad news for his presidency and re-election campaign.
But it’s Dr. Anthony Fauci who gets the best ratings of those tested, as 80 percent approve of him, while 62 percent approve of Dr. Deborah Birx and 52 percent Vice President Pence.
In a new Quinnipiac poll Trump's grades are failing: 14 percent give him a C; 12 percent give him a D, and 31 percent give Trump an F.
More disappointing news for Trump: it turns out Trump can't fire Fauci on a whim like he has he so many of administration, just because he refuses to kiss Trump's toes.
The question about whether Trump can oust Dr. Anthony Fauci surfaced after the president retweeted a “#FireFauci” hashtag. According to Williams, Fauci is not a political appointee so he can only be fired “for cause.” If Trump fired Fauci without a legitimate reason, the case would likely end up in court, leaving the coronavirus pandemic response team in turmoil, Williams said.


crooksandliars--2020-04-01--Rush Limbaugh Attacks Drudge For Reporting On Hospitals

The Trump propaganda media has found a new conspiracy theory to spread among their followers : it 's all about hospitals .
On Sunday evening , Steve Hilton and his panel complained that there was a group-think on the coronavirus and if anyone diverges from the medical community 's view , then they want people to die .
Sarah Carter said , '' People are saying , “ Film your hospital , '' people are driving by their hospitals and they 're not seeing -- in the ones that I 'm seeing -- they 're not seeing anybody in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody drive up .
So , people are wondering what 's going inside the hospital . ''
What they are really complaining about is not being able to spread misinformation to their viewers to defend Trump 's inept handling of the pandemic .
Then on Tuesday , Rush Limbaugh went on a rant and attacked fellow conservative Matt Drudge for fearmongering about overcrowded hospitals .
RUSH LIMBAUGH : One of the things that interests me is the hospitalization numbers .
Because if you look at Drudge , if you look at the drive-by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a single hospital bed in this country , right ?
You have been led to believe that every hospital is overflowing .
That dead bodies are in body bags and refrigerated trucks that are being parked off to landfills or whatever .
I mean , some of the most incredible reporting I have seen , and it is in New York , it is in Washington D.C. , Maryland , the Eastern Seaboard states .
There 's just not a hospital bed around , the hospitals are overflowing .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as just well pack it in and die .
So I wanted to find out what the hospitalization rates were here in Palm Beach County .
To defend his moronic take on the hospitalization numbers , he recites data on Palm Beach County -- NOT the epicenter of infected zones like New York City .
Somehow that 's supposed to justify his attacks on those reporting that hospitals with virus outbreak centers are understaffed , undersupplied and overcrowded with dead bodies piling up .
He might as well used data from American Samoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are overwhelmed from the virus outbreak , hospitals are under siege , but since it reflects badly on Donald , Rush comes to his rescue .
Limbaugh should hope that the virus spread in Florida diminishes .
However , it 's on the rise .

The Trump propaganda media has found a new conspiracy theory to spread among their followers: it's all about hospitals.
On Sunday evening, Steve Hilton and his panel complained that there was a group-think on the coronavirus and if anyone diverges from the medical community's view, then they want people to die.
Sarah Carter said," People are saying, “Film your hospital," people are driving by their hospitals and they're not seeing -- in the ones that I'm seeing -- they're not seeing anybody in the parking lots. They're not seeing anybody drive up. So, people are wondering what's going inside the hospital."
What they are really complaining about is not being able to spread misinformation to their viewers to defend Trump's inept handling of the pandemic.
Then on Tuesday, Rush Limbaugh went on a rant and attacked fellow conservative Matt Drudge for fearmongering about overcrowded hospitals.
RUSH LIMBAUGH: One of the things that interests me is the hospitalization numbers. Because if you look at Drudge, if you look at the drive-by media, you would believe there is not a single hospital bed in this country, right? You have been led to believe that every hospital is overflowing. That dead bodies are in body bags and refrigerated trucks that are being parked off to landfills or whatever. I mean, some of the most incredible reporting I have seen, and it is in New York, it is in Washington D.C., Maryland, the Eastern Seaboard states. There's just not a hospital bed around, the hospitals are overflowing. If you have to go to a hospital you may as just well pack it in and die. So I wanted to find out what the hospitalization rates were here in Palm Beach County.
To defend his moronic take on the hospitalization numbers, he recites data on Palm Beach County--NOT the epicenter of infected zones like New York City. Somehow that's supposed to justify his attacks on those reporting that hospitals with virus outbreak centers are understaffed, undersupplied and overcrowded with dead bodies piling up.
He might as well used data from American Samoa to defend his opinion.
In cities that are overwhelmed from the virus outbreak, hospitals are under siege, but since it reflects badly on Donald, Rush comes to his rescue.
Asshat!
Limbaugh should hope that the virus spread in Florida diminishes.
However, it's on the rise.
WTSP reports: 85 deaths reported in Florida, with 6,741 confirmed cases.


crooksandliars--2020-03-31--Family's Lockdown Adaptation Of Les Misérables Song Goes Viral

This is a really clever way of expressing the daily frustration we 're all living in right now .
Amazingly , according to one report , the Marsh 's and their children have no experience in musical theatre .
Dr Marsh and his family live in Faversham , England in Kent County .
A family from Kent who shared a video of their living room performance of a lockdown-themed adaptation of a Les Misérables song have become a sensation online .
Ben and Danielle Marsh and their four children changed the lyrics of One Day More to reflect common complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video , which has gone viral , was intended to give friends and family a laugh during this stressful time 🎶 Wow .
Check out this # selfisolation adaptation of One Day More from # LesMis 👏 Ben and his family will be on the # BBCBreakfast sofa with @ mrdanwalker and @ louiseminchin after 0800 ⤵ pic.twitter.com/HjzCHohpth I know this is still early days , but this may be the best COVID-19 thing we see all year ... Watch one Kent family 's lockdown-themed rendition of Les Misérables hit One Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown success https : //t.co/q5n4aqtjIz I am laughing and I am crying .
This is the best thing to come out of quarantining .
Bravo to @ MarshBen1 and your talented ( and hilarious ! )
family .
# LesMiserables # LesMiz # broadway pic.twitter.com/zc53H8pyxA

This is a really clever way of expressing the daily frustration we're all living in right now. Amazingly, according to one report, the Marsh's and their children have no experience in musical theatre. Dr Marsh and his family live in Faversham, England in Kent County.
Source: The Guardian
A family from Kent who shared a video of their living room performance of a lockdown-themed adaptation of a Les Misérables song have become a sensation online. Ben and Danielle Marsh and their four children changed the lyrics of One Day More to reflect common complaints during the Covid-19 lockdown. They say the video, which has gone viral, was intended to give friends and family a laugh during this stressful time
🎶 Wow. Check out this #selfisolation adaptation of One Day More from #LesMis 👏
Ben and his family will be on the #BBCBreakfast sofa with @mrdanwalker and @louiseminchin after 0800 ⤵ pic.twitter.com/HjzCHohpth — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 31, 2020
I know this is still early days, but this may be the best COVID-19 thing we see all year ...
Watch one Kent family's lockdown-themed rendition of Les Misérables hit One Day More.
Family's viral Les Mis lockdown success https://t.co/q5n4aqtjIz — Leo Sadovy (@leosadovy) March 30, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-04-01--Sen. Murphy: They Have Never Been Serious About Pandemic, 'They Aren't Serious About It Today'

Sen. Chris Murphy ( D-CT ) has been sounding the alarm about the Trump administration 's past and current indifference to the national pandemic crisis .
`` What is shocking to me today is that there is nothing different than what was happening in early February when the administration was refusing to take this crisis seriously , '' he told Mika Brzezinski .
`` There was no national response in early February and there is no national response today , other than the three pieces of legislation passed by the Congress .
And the most egregious lack of federal response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment , ventilators and tests .
It is 'Lord Of The Flies ' out there right now , as Governor Cuomo said yesterday , it 's like eBay for states and hospitals .
They all go online every single day to try to bid on a ventilator and they run up the price and the ventilator ends up going to who can pay the most , not where it is needed the most .
And so we 've put in legislation that I hope Congress will take up soon that will require the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution of medical equipment . ''
He called it a `` core responsibility '' of the federal government during a crisis .
`` And for from what we understand , the only reason the president is n't doing this is because industry loves the fact that they are able to profiteer , they are able to make tons of money off of Governor Cuomo and Governor Lamont and others who are bidding up the prices on these scarce supplies . ''
Sen. Murphy blamed the national Chamber of Commerce and industry groups for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take control of the manufacturing and supply chain .
And to be clear , because right now they 're in a cat bird 's position .
they are able to make a lot of money when all these hospitals and states are bidding against each other . ''
There 's also the matter of an ideological resistance to any federal intervention in the marketplace , he said .
`` Early on , the Trump administration does n't think it was their responsibility to manage a crisis like this .
They did n't believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I do n't think anything 's changed .
Secretary Azar goes on TV and says it 's not the federal government 's job to help states get personal protective equipment , that 's states ' jobs , hospitals ' jobs .
No , it is n't .
You have to have a national response and there continues to be no federal strategy from this administration to confront this crisis . ''
Willie Geist asked Murphy about a Feb. 5 coronavirus briefing he has called `` chilling . ''
`` At this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a handful of cases .
But inside that room , senators were begging the administration to request emergency funding from Congress , and specifically for supplies .
In early February , we were telling the administration we do n't have the supplies necessary to be able to keep people alive if coronavirus hits us like it hit China .
And the answer from the administration was 'we do n't need anymore money , we can handle it with the resources that we have . '
`` And their response really has never changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 've put trillions of dollars into this fight .
But all of that has been at the initiative of Congress .
The administration initially asked for $ 1 billion , that 's all they thought they needed .
Finally after they finally came to their senses that they could n't do it with existing resources , they have never been serious about this .
`` They are n't serious about it today . ''

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) has been sounding the alarm about the Trump administration's past and current indifference to the national pandemic crisis.
"What is shocking to me today is that there is nothing different than what was happening in early February when the administration was refusing to take this crisis seriously," he told Mika Brzezinski.
"There was no national response in early February and there is no national response today, other than the three pieces of legislation passed by the Congress. And the most egregious lack of federal response comes on this issue of personal protective equipment, ventilators and tests. It is 'Lord Of The Flies' out there right now, as Governor Cuomo said yesterday, it's like eBay for states and hospitals. They all go online every single day to try to bid on a ventilator and they run up the price and the ventilator ends up going to who can pay the most, not where it is needed the most. And so we've put in legislation that I hope Congress will take up soon that will require the president to federalize the manufacture and the distribution of medical equipment."
He called it a "core responsibility" of the federal government during a crisis.
"And for from what we understand, the only reason the president isn't doing this is because industry loves the fact that they are able to profiteer, they are able to make tons of money off of Governor Cuomo and Governor Lamont and others who are bidding up the prices on these scarce supplies."
Sen. Murphy blamed the national Chamber of Commerce and industry groups for lobbying the president heavily "to not take control of the manufacturing and supply chain. And to be clear, because right now they're in a cat bird's position. they are able to make a lot of money when all these hospitals and states are bidding against each other."
There's also the matter of an ideological resistance to any federal intervention in the marketplace, he said.
"Early on, the Trump administration doesn't think it was their responsibility to manage a crisis like this. They didn't believe in the legitimacy of the federal government. I don't think anything's changed. Secretary Azar goes on TV and says it's not the federal government's job to help states get personal protective equipment, that's states' jobs, hospitals' jobs. No, it isn't. You have to have a national response and there continues to be no federal strategy from this administration to confront this crisis."
Willie Geist asked Murphy about a Feb. 5 coronavirus briefing he has called "chilling."
"At this time in early February, there were only a handful of cases. But inside that room, senators were begging the administration to request emergency funding from Congress, and specifically for supplies. In early February, we were telling the administration we don't have the supplies necessary to be able to keep people alive if coronavirus hits us like it hit China. And the answer from the administration was 'we don't need anymore money, we can handle it with the resources that we have.'
"And their response really has never changed. We passed three pieces of legislation. We've put trillions of dollars into this fight. But all of that has been at the initiative of Congress. The administration initially asked for $1 billion, that's all they thought they needed. Finally after they finally came to their senses that they couldn't do it with existing resources, they have never been serious about this.
"They aren't serious about it today."
UPDATE: A reminder of Sen. Murphy's tweet from Feb 5th.


crooksandliars--2020-04-27--Trump Cracks Up On Twitter, Hammers On Fox News

With the country suffering under the infectious and deadly coronavirus , instead of carrying out the duties of a sitting @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter to whine , bitch , complain , and lie .
Is he cracking @ @ @ @ @ last night by lying to the American as usual about the coronavirus .
And then @ @ @ @ @ Fox News for some ungodly reason since they 've been his right arm of state @ @ @ @ @ nuts on his favorite network , he turned his attention to his favorite target , @ @ @ @ @ what 's the diff between Noble , Nobel , and a Pulitzer , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ those .
America does n't need a lying phony to lead the nation ; it @ @ @ @ @ the wheel .
What we have is a narcissistic imbecile who only thinks about himself @ @ @ @ @ impacted his re-election chances .
And people are dying because of it .

With the country suffering under the infectious and deadly coronavirus, instead of carrying out the duties of a sitting U.S. president, Trump went on Twitter to whine, bitch, complain, and lie.
Is he cracking up?
He started out last night by lying to the American as usual about the coronavirus.
I never said the pandemic was a Hoax! Who would say such a thing? I said that the Do Nothing Democrats, together with their Mainstream Media partners, are the Hoax. They have been called out & embarrassed on this, even admitting they were wrong, but continue to spread the lie! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2020
And then he set his sights on Fox News for some ungodly reason since they've been his right arm of state sponsored propaganda.
.@FoxNews just doesn’t get what’s happening! They are being fed Democrat talking points, and they play them without hesitation or research. They forgot that Fake News @CNN & MSDNC wouldn’t let @FoxNews participate, even a little bit, in the poor ratings Democrat Debates..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020
The people that know me and know the history of our Country say that I am the hardest working President in history. I don’t know about that, but I am a hard worker and have probably gotten more done in the first 3 1/2 years than any President in history. The Fake News hates it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020
.@FoxNews just doesn’t get what’s happening! They are being fed Democrat talking points, and they play them without hesitation or research. They forgot that Fake News @CNN & MSDNC wouldn’t let @FoxNews participate, even a little bit, in the poor ratings Democrat Debates..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020
....Even the Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats laughed at the Fox suggestion. No respect for the people running @FoxNews. But Fox keeps on plugging to try and become politically correct. They put RINO Paul Ryan on their Board. They hire “debate questions to Crooked Hillary”.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020
....fraud @donnabrazile (and others who are even worse). Chris Wallace is nastier to Republicans than even Deface the Nation or Sleepy Eyes. The people who are watching @FoxNews, in record numbers (thank you President Trump), are angry. They want an alternative now. So do I! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020
After going nuts on his favorite network, he turned his attention to his favorite target, the media. Hey, what's the diff between Noble, Nobel, and a Pulitzer, right?
Even he had to delete those.
America doesn't need a lying phony to lead the nation; it needs a steady hand at the wheel. What we have is a narcissistic imbecile who only thinks about himself and how the virus has impacted his re-election chances.
And people are dying because of it.


crooksandliars--2020-04-27--Fox News Host Asks NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio: 'Are You Using This Crisis To Take Us Into Socialism?'

Fox News host Maria Bartiromo suggested to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that his city is `` using '' the COVID-19 crisis `` to take us into socialism . ''
The Fox News host made the remark during a Sunday interview after de Blasio revealed that the city needs $ 7.4 billion from the federal government .
`` Just like the federal government bailed out the airline industry to the tune of $ 258 billion , bail out the largest city in the country so we can restart and be able to be strong leaders in an economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bartiromo interrupted : `` Are you using this crisis to take us into socialism ? ''
The Fox News host went on to note that de Blasio wants to address `` racial inequalities '' during the pandemic response .
`` Are you trying to change things that have nothing to do with the coronavirus ? ''
she charged .
`` And we 're not impacted by that , Mr .
Mayor . ''
`` I 'm looking to go at the very things that the coronavirus crisis had dredged up , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it all over the country .
There are vast health care disparities that have come up that must be addressed for the good of all of us . ''

Fox News host Maria Bartiromo suggested to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that his city is "using" the COVID-19 crisis "to take us into socialism."
The Fox News host made the remark during a Sunday interview after de Blasio revealed that the city needs $7.4 billion from the federal government.
"Just like the federal government bailed out the airline industry to the tune of $258 billion, bail out the largest city in the country so we can restart and be able to be strong leaders in an economic revitalization," de Blasio explained.
Bartiromo interrupted: "Are you using this crisis to take us into socialism?"
The Fox News host went on to note that de Blasio wants to address "racial inequalities" during the pandemic response.
"Are you trying to change things that have nothing to do with the coronavirus?" she charged. "And we're not impacted by that, Mr. Mayor."
"I'm looking to go at the very things that the coronavirus crisis had dredged up," the mayor replied. "We've seen it all over the country. There are vast health care disparities that have come up that must be addressed for the good of all of us."


crooksandliars--2020-04-27--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike Pence gives a rambling response and changes the subject when asked by CBS reporter Paula Reid if the Trump @ @ @ @ @ the problem '' and contributing to the spread of COVID-19 by holding indoor campaign events @ @ @ @

Can you help us out?
For 18 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.


crooksandliars--2020-05-26--UH OH: Experts Warn Of Probable Power Brownouts, Blackouts This Summer

Come on , admit it : You did n't think this could get any worse -- but it will .
Via the Daily Beast : Energy producers and distributors are quick to point out that America ’ s overall power usage has plummeted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic , thanks to the shuttering of large commercial and industrial buildings .
But those structures usually sit on the most capacious portions of an urban electrical grid , said Dr. Yury Dvorkin , assistant professor at New York University ’ s Tandon School of Engineering .
By contrast , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to accommodate heavy use in the early mornings and evenings , with hours to cool off during the day .
Consumption patterns in these districts have already changed during the crisis , with demand spiking in the daytime .
Overall usage is already up by an average of 7 percent in New York City apartments , and by 15 to 20 percent in homes in California .
As the summer heat peaks , and juice-sucking air conditioners remain on through the afternoon , the risk of failure in aged transformers and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lower Manhattan is using less power is not going to help to deliver power to people in Queens , many of whom for health reasons may be intolerant to high temperatures , and whose buildings are connected to a very old transmission line with limited margins to carry extra power , ” said Dvorkin .
“ What 's going to happen this summer , if we have stay-at-home orders , if we have consumption which the grid was not designed to accommodate , it will push the system to its limits .
”

Come on, admit it: You didn't think this could get any worse -- but it will. Via the Daily Beast:
Energy producers and distributors are quick to point out that America’s overall power usage has plummeted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the shuttering of large commercial and industrial buildings. But those structures usually sit on the most capacious portions of an urban electrical grid, said Dr. Yury Dvorkin, assistant professor at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering. By contrast, the power infrastructure in residential areas is typically designed to accommodate heavy use in the early mornings and evenings, with hours to cool off during the day. Consumption patterns in these districts have already changed during the crisis, with demand spiking in the daytime. Overall usage is already up by an average of 7 percent in New York City apartments, and by 15 to 20 percent in homes in California.
As the summer heat peaks, and juice-sucking air conditioners remain on through the afternoon, the risk of failure in aged transformers and other equipment increases.
“The fact that Lower Manhattan is using less power is not going to help to deliver power to people in Queens, many of whom for health reasons may be intolerant to high temperatures, and whose buildings are connected to a very old transmission line with limited margins to carry extra power,” said Dvorkin. “What's going to happen this summer, if we have stay-at-home orders, if we have consumption which the grid was not designed to accommodate, it will push the system to its limits.”


crooksandliars--2020-05-25--Man Arrested After Grabbing Reporter, Yelling ‘F*ck Her Right In The P*ssy’ During Live Shot

To be fair , President Trump said you could do this , provided you 're the star , which apparently this young man forgot .
Trump 's full quote from that infamous Access Hollywood recording : `` And when you 're a star , they let you do it .
You can do anything .
Grab 'em by the pussy .
You can do anything . ''
A Chicago-based TV journalist announced over the weekend that a man was arrested after he physically disturbed her in order to profanely interrupt her live shot .
On Saturday night , WGN ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shorewood , IL about the damages that the local area sustained from a recent windstorm .
However , as Hall was giving the lead-in for her prepared news package , a man ( who was not wearing any protective equipment in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic ) ran into the shot , grabbed onto Hall and shouted “ fuck her right in the pussy ” at the camera .
The man was later identified and arrested .
Shorewood police said that during a live news broadcast of the news , Eric Farina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her shoulders and uttered a profane and disturbing statement .
Police said Farina left the area immediately afterward , but Shorewood detectives located Farina on Sunday morning at his house in the 700 block of O'Toole Drive in Minooka , reports show .
`` Farina made a full confession and was placed under arrest , '' Shorewood police said .
Farina was not taken to the Will County Jail , though .
Instead , he was released from custody on a $ 2,500 personal recognizance bond , police said .
On Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Facebook and asked Shorewood residents if they could identify the young man .
`` He just assaulted our reporter during her 10 p.m. live shot , '' Bange informed her followers .
`` He 's an absolute idiot and should be charged with assault ! ''
Shorewood police officers arrested 20-year-old Eric Farina , a former Joliet resident , on charges of battery and disorderly conduct .
( 2018 mugshot via Will County Sheriff )

To be fair, President Trump said you could do this, provided you're the star, which apparently this young man forgot. Trump's full quote from that infamous Access Hollywood recording: "And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the pussy. You can do anything."
Source: Mediaite
A Chicago-based TV journalist announced over the weekend that a man was arrested after he physically disturbed her in order to profanely interrupt her live shot. On Saturday night, WGN’s Gaynor Hall delivered a report from Shorewood, IL about the damages that the local area sustained from a recent windstorm. However, as Hall was giving the lead-in for her prepared news package, a man (who was not wearing any protective equipment in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic) ran into the shot, grabbed onto Hall and shouted “fuck her right in the pussy” at the camera.
The man was later identified and arrested.
Shorewood police said that during a live news broadcast of the news, Eric Farina grabbed a 37-year-old reporter from Chicago around her shoulders and uttered a profane and disturbing statement. Police said Farina left the area immediately afterward, but Shorewood detectives located Farina on Sunday morning at his house in the 700 block of O'Toole Drive in Minooka, reports show. "Farina made a full confession and was placed under arrest," Shorewood police said. Farina was not taken to the Will County Jail, though. Instead, he was released from custody on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond, police said. On Saturday night, WGN television personality Jackie Bange took to Facebook and asked Shorewood residents if they could identify the young man. "He just assaulted our reporter during her 10 p.m. live shot," Bange informed her followers. "He's an absolute idiot and should be charged with assault!"
Shorewood police officers arrested 20-year-old Eric Farina, a former Joliet resident, on charges of battery and disorderly conduct. (2018 mugshot via Will County Sheriff )


crooksandliars--2020-04-14--Trump White House Hands Out No-Bid Contracts For Pandemic Aid

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom .
Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox .
Last month , as a deadly new virus swept over the globe , one Canadian defense contractor predicted on an earnings call that it would lead to a big business opportunity in the U.S .
Thanks to the White House , that bet paid off just a few weeks later in a $ 96 million no-bid deal .
In an unusual move , even in times of disaster , the White House stepped into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Management Agency to award a contract to AirBoss of America .
The Trump administration has rushed through hundreds of deals to address the pandemic without the usual oversight , more than $ 760 million reported as of this week , but the AirBoss transaction is the single largest no-bid purchase , a ProPublica analysis of federal purchasing data found .
While FEMA placed the order , it was directed to do so by the White House , ProPublica found .
It is unclear why the White House chose AirBoss for the protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by other vendors .
“ I can ’ t think of an example of the White House sending FEMA a directive to procure items from a particular company in a particular manner , ” said Tim Manning , a former FEMA deputy administrator during the Obama administration .
The March 31 FEMA contract called for the company to produce 100,000 powered respirators and filters for medical workers treating patients in New York — a critical need that the Trump administration has been slow to address .
The contract calls for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , five months after the state ’ s first reported case .
A little more than a week after a White House official publicly praised the deal , AirBoss ’ stock price has more than doubled on the Toronto exchange .
A rubber manufacturer that sells to the auto industry and militaries , AirBoss targeted growth in U.S. federal contracts when it formed a new subsidiary , AirBoss Defense Group in Maryland , in January .
The new entity absorbed AirBoss ’ existing Maryland-based company , Immediate Response Technologies , that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FEMA contract was awarded to Immediate Response .
“ Against a backdrop of a $ 750 billion budget request by the U.S. Department of Defense , significant global political instability and the specter of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak , we believe this business built around a strong survivability platform is well positioned to grow in the quarters and years ahead , ” the parent company ’ s president , Chris Bitsakakis , told analysts in March .
For FEMA , the single deal makes up two-thirds of the $ 140 million the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 8 , federal purchasing data shows .
In response to questions from ProPublica about the award , FEMA said the company “ provided an unsolicited offer to the Government which was found to be acceptable.
” “ The company ’ s proposal/offer was submitted by a White House task force assisting with sourcing of needed supplies and equipment , ” the FEMA statement said .
In the government database , a contract officer wrote that the procurement was “ ordered by the White House.
” In an email , Gren Schoch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the firm ’ s devices have been used “ for many years protecting doctors from contagious or contaminated patients .
The picture is pretty self explanatory.
” He referred ProPublica to the White House for further information .
The White House did not respond to questions .
The Trump White House ’ s involvement in purchasing supplies is highly unusual , because the task of figuring out the best suppliers is typically left to procurement professionals and acquisition lawyers who know the markets best , Manning said .
Vice President Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force , which is made up of representatives from federal agencies and is overseeing the pandemic response .
President Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner , a White House official , has also established his own group working on the coronavirus response , which critics have dubbed a “ shadow task force , ” complaining that it adds another layer of confusion and bureaucracy to an already chaotic government effort .
FEMA did not respond to a question about which White House task force submitted AirBoss ’ bid to the agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 2,000 orders worth nearly $ 2.5 billion to companies to address the pandemic .
For instance , the Department of Veterans Affairs spent nearly $ 76,000 on a hand sanitizer order last month , while FEMA spent more than $ 322,000 on licenses for employees to use Zoom , the teleconferencing software that helps people work from home .
More than a quarter of the COVID-19 response contracts were signed without competitive bidding , ProPublica found .
The Army , for instance , rushed through about $ 415 million to hire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Race Track in Queens into makeshift hospitals .
The VA spent more than $ 160 million , also eschewing any competitive bidding , for medical supplies , ICU beds and ventilators .
But the AirBoss deal was the first — and largest — where contract officers explicitly noted that the White House ordered the deal , ProPublica found .
FEMA reported executing a second no-bid contract on the White House ’ s orders on Tuesday for N95 respirators , the commonly used masks that have become scarce .
That deal , with Texas-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.5 million .
In a press release announcing the AirBoss deal , White House trade adviser Peter Navarro praised the company .
“ ADG has stepped up with lightning speed , and their willingness to help meet the urgent need for powered respirators will save American lives , ” Navarro said .
Typically , the White House has little involvement in procurement decisions , which are handled by individual agencies .
But Kushner has taken a direct hand in coordinating emergency supplies , and Navarro was recently put in charge of the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in producing the products health care workers need most .
Ethics experts have criticized the White House ’ s effort as lacking transparency and opening the federal government to further influence from companies .
“ Now we know we ’ ve got orders coming in through the White House , and there ’ s no way anybody can be assured that the government is obtaining the goods and services that best meet its needs , ” said Virginia Canter , chief ethics counsel at the nonprofit watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s being done at the White House , we don ’ t know whether or not any of these individuals have financial interests that can be enhanced by directing this.
” At a White House press briefing last week , Kushner described a haphazard process that relies on Trump associates making personal appeals to the White House to get equipment .
For instance , Trump told Kushner on April 2 that he had heard from friends in New York that the city ’ s public hospitals were running low on supplies .
Kushner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who runs the city ’ s public hospitals , asked what was most urgently needed and arranged for a month ’ s worth of N95 masks to be sent .
Former FEMA officials said large sole-source contracts are often justified during emergencies because federal officials don ’ t have time to wade through multiple competing bids .
The respirators in the AirBoss contract are made by a variety of manufacturers , but the ability to quickly deliver them may have been a factor .
“ In a normal time , you sole-source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that make something you need , ” Manning , the Obama-era FEMA official , said .
“ In a crisis time , you sole-source because they ’ re the only people that have what you need in a time that you need it.
” AirBoss did not make an executive available for a phone interview .
Schoch , AirBoss of America ’ s CEO , didn ’ t provide specifics on how many of the powered air-purifying respirators , or PAPRs , have been delivered and to which hospitals .
FEMA said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months and that New York will determine how they are distributed .
But how and where the respirators are being distributed is unclear .
Michael Lanza , a spokesman for the New York City Health Department , said the agency has not received any PAPRs from the federal government .
The New York State Health Department did not respond to questions .
“ We delivered everything we had in inventory and are currently ramping up production , ” Schoch said .
“ The entire order is due in 13 weeks .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product has been sold directly to end users .
We have been a supplier to the U.S. military for 20 years.
” On Wednesday , a congressional oversight committee released information showing the Trump administration has almost emptied the nation ’ s stockpile of personal protective equipment .
But the administration had sent out just 100 PAPR devices overall as of April 6 , to Washington state and Alaska , the data shows .
The devices consist of a facepiece , breathing tube , battery-operated blower and filters .
They are used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wearers from fumes or infectious particles .
The specific type of PAPR that FEMA purchased from AirBoss is certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Jim Chang , director of safety and environmental health at the University of Maryland Medical Center , said the AirBoss devices appear to be “ run-of-the-mill ” PAPRs .
Although the exact unit price AirBoss is charging the government is unknown , the total contract size and number of units suggest a maximum price of around $ 960 per device , which Chang said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published in 2015 showed that PAPRs are often used as an alternative to N95 masks in health care settings , because they don ’ t require the same “ fit testing ” that the masks do .
A 2014 Pentagon memo outlining how to protect medical workers caring for Ebola virus patients included one of Immediate Response Technologies ’ PAPR models on its list of recommended devices , in addition to versions made by 3M , Avon and MAXAIR .
Several companies that manufacture PAPRs , including 3M , did not respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfilling any federal orders for the devices .
A Honeywell spokesman said the company does not comment on bids or contract pursuits .
One company , Draeger , referred only to a prior announcement about an order of N95 masks , and said it was based on an official tender by the government .
Do you have access to information about federal contracts that should be public ?
Email david.mcswane @ propublica.org or yeganeh.torbati @ propublica.org .
Here ’ s how tosend tips and documents to ProPublica securely .

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
Last month, as a deadly new virus swept over the globe, one Canadian defense contractor predicted on an earnings call that it would lead to a big business opportunity in the U.S. Thanks to the White House, that bet paid off just a few weeks later in a $96 million no-bid deal.
In an unusual move, even in times of disaster, the White House stepped into the federal purchasing process, ordering the Federal Emergency Management Agency to award a contract to AirBoss of America. The Trump administration has rushed through hundreds of deals to address the pandemic without the usual oversight, more than $760 million reported as of this week, but the AirBoss transaction is the single largest no-bid purchase, a ProPublica analysis of federal purchasing data found.
While FEMA placed the order, it was directed to do so by the White House, ProPublica found.
Help Us Continue Reporting on COVID-19 Are you a public health worker or front-line medical provider? Do you work for or with a government agency involved in the effort to protect the public? Have you or your family personally been affected? Show us what we should be covering or serve as an expert to make sure we’re on track. Note: If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, such as difficulty breathing or bluish lips, get medical attention immediately. The CDC has more information on what to do if you are sick.
It is unclear why the White House chose AirBoss for the protective equipment, which is similar to products made by other vendors.
“I can’t think of an example of the White House sending FEMA a directive to procure items from a particular company in a particular manner,” said Tim Manning, a former FEMA deputy administrator during the Obama administration.
The March 31 FEMA contract called for the company to produce 100,000 powered respirators and filters for medical workers treating patients in New York — a critical need that the Trump administration has been slow to address. The contract calls for them to be delivered to New York by July 31, five months after the state’s first reported case.
Get Our Top Investigations Subscribe to the Big Story newsletter.
A little more than a week after a White House official publicly praised the deal, AirBoss’ stock price has more than doubled on the Toronto exchange.
A rubber manufacturer that sells to the auto industry and militaries, AirBoss targeted growth in U.S. federal contracts when it formed a new subsidiary, AirBoss Defense Group in Maryland, in January. The new entity absorbed AirBoss’ existing Maryland-based company, Immediate Response Technologies, that has contracted with the Pentagon for years. The FEMA contract was awarded to Immediate Response.
“Against a backdrop of a $750 billion budget request by the U.S. Department of Defense, significant global political instability and the specter of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak, we believe this business built around a strong survivability platform is well positioned to grow in the quarters and years ahead,” the parent company’s president, Chris Bitsakakis, told analysts in March.
For FEMA, the single deal makes up two-thirds of the $140 million the agency has spent on COVID-19 response through April 8, federal purchasing data shows.
In response to questions from ProPublica about the award, FEMA said the company “provided an unsolicited offer to the Government which was found to be acceptable.”
“The company’s proposal/offer was submitted by a White House task force assisting with sourcing of needed supplies and equipment,” the FEMA statement said. In the government database, a contract officer wrote that the procurement was “ordered by the White House.”
In an email, Gren Schoch, CEO of the AirBoss parent company, said the firm’s devices have been used “for many years protecting doctors from contagious or contaminated patients. The picture is pretty self explanatory.” He referred ProPublica to the White House for further information. The White House did not respond to questions.
The Trump White House’s involvement in purchasing supplies is highly unusual, because the task of figuring out the best suppliers is typically left to procurement professionals and acquisition lawyers who know the markets best, Manning said.
Vice President Mike Pence leads the official White House Coronavirus Task Force, which is made up of representatives from federal agencies and is overseeing the pandemic response. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, a White House official, has also established his own group working on the coronavirus response, which critics have dubbed a “shadow task force,” complaining that it adds another layer of confusion and bureaucracy to an already chaotic government effort.
FEMA did not respond to a question about which White House task force submitted AirBoss’ bid to the agency.
Read More Trump Removed the Head of the Coronavirus Bailout Oversight Board. Its Members Could Be Next. Democrats are scrambling to stop the president from replacing independent government watchdogs after he quickly pushed aside the leader of coronavirus bailout oversight.
The federal government has published details of more than 2,000 orders worth nearly $2.5 billion to companies to address the pandemic. For instance, the Department of Veterans Affairs spent nearly $76,000 on a hand sanitizer order last month, while FEMA spent more than $322,000 on licenses for employees to use Zoom, the teleconferencing software that helps people work from home.
More than a quarter of the COVID-19 response contracts were signed without competitive bidding, ProPublica found. The Army, for instance, rushed through about $415 million to hire firms to transform buildings like the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens into makeshift hospitals. The VA spent more than $160 million, also eschewing any competitive bidding, for medical supplies, ICU beds and ventilators.
But the AirBoss deal was the first — and largest — where contract officers explicitly noted that the White House ordered the deal, ProPublica found. FEMA reported executing a second no-bid contract on the White House’s orders on Tuesday for N95 respirators, the commonly used masks that have become scarce. That deal, with Texas-based Prestige Ameritech, was worth about $9.5 million.
In a press release announcing the AirBoss deal, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro praised the company.
“ADG has stepped up with lightning speed, and their willingness to help meet the urgent need for powered respirators will save American lives,” Navarro said.
Typically, the White House has little involvement in procurement decisions, which are handled by individual agencies. But Kushner has taken a direct hand in coordinating emergency supplies, and Navarro was recently put in charge of the administration’s effort to corral American manufacturers in producing the products health care workers need most.
Ethics experts have criticized the White House’s effort as lacking transparency and opening the federal government to further influence from companies.
“Now we know we’ve got orders coming in through the White House, and there’s no way anybody can be assured that the government is obtaining the goods and services that best meet its needs,” said Virginia Canter, chief ethics counsel at the nonprofit watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “Because it’s being done at the White House, we don’t know whether or not any of these individuals have financial interests that can be enhanced by directing this.”
At a White House press briefing last week, Kushner described a haphazard process that relies on Trump associates making personal appeals to the White House to get equipment. For instance, Trump told Kushner on April 2 that he had heard from friends in New York that the city’s public hospitals were running low on supplies. Kushner said he then called Dr. Mitchell Katz, who runs the city’s public hospitals, asked what was most urgently needed and arranged for a month’s worth of N95 masks to be sent.
Former FEMA officials said large sole-source contracts are often justified during emergencies because federal officials don’t have time to wade through multiple competing bids. The respirators in the AirBoss contract are made by a variety of manufacturers, but the ability to quickly deliver them may have been a factor.
Read More Rationing Protective Gear Means Checking on Coronavirus Patients Less Often. This Can Be Deadly. Low on essential supplies and fearing they’ll get sick, doctors and nurses told ProPublica in-person care for coronavirus patients has been scaled back. In some cases, it’s causing serious harm.
“In a normal time, you sole-source because they’re the only ones that make something you need,” Manning, the Obama-era FEMA official, said. “In a crisis time, you sole-source because they’re the only people that have what you need in a time that you need it.”
AirBoss did not make an executive available for a phone interview. Schoch, AirBoss of America’s CEO, didn’t provide specifics on how many of the powered air-purifying respirators, or PAPRs, have been delivered and to which hospitals. FEMA said that all the devices will be delivered within three months and that New York will determine how they are distributed.
But how and where the respirators are being distributed is unclear. Michael Lanza, a spokesman for the New York City Health Department, said the agency has not received any PAPRs from the federal government. The New York State Health Department did not respond to questions.
“We delivered everything we had in inventory and are currently ramping up production,” Schoch said. “The entire order is due in 13 weeks. In the past, most of this particular product has been sold directly to end users. We have been a supplier to the U.S. military for 20 years.”
On Wednesday, a congressional oversight committee released information showing the Trump administration has almost emptied the nation’s stockpile of personal protective equipment. But the administration had sent out just 100 PAPR devices overall as of April 6, to Washington state and Alaska, the data shows.
Read More Pharmacy Workers Are Coming Down With COVID-19. But They Can’t Afford to Stop Working. As prescriptions surge, Walgreens and CVS employees say they need more protective gear, cleaning supplies and sick pay. “Someone will come into work sick and there’s nothing anyone can do about it,” a pharmacist says.
The devices consist of a facepiece, breathing tube, battery-operated blower and filters. They are used in construction and health care settings to protect the wearers from fumes or infectious particles. The specific type of PAPR that FEMA purchased from AirBoss is certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jim Chang, director of safety and environmental health at the University of Maryland Medical Center, said the AirBoss devices appear to be “run-of-the-mill” PAPRs. Although the exact unit price AirBoss is charging the government is unknown, the total contract size and number of units suggest a maximum price of around $960 per device, which Chang said is within the normal range.
Research published in 2015 showed that PAPRs are often used as an alternative to N95 masks in health care settings, because they don’t require the same “fit testing” that the masks do.
A 2014 Pentagon memo outlining how to protect medical workers caring for Ebola virus patients included one of Immediate Response Technologies’ PAPR models on its list of recommended devices, in addition to versions made by 3M, Avon and MAXAIR.
Several companies that manufacture PAPRs, including 3M, did not respond to questions from ProPublica about whether they are fulfilling any federal orders for the devices. A Honeywell spokesman said the company does not comment on bids or contract pursuits. One company, Draeger, referred only to a prior announcement about an order of N95 masks, and said it was based on an official tender by the government.
Derek Willis contributed reporting.
Do you have access to information about federal contracts that should be public? Email [email protected] or [email protected]. Here’s how to send tips and documents to ProPublica securely.
Help Us Continue Reporting on COVID-19 Are you a public health worker or front-line medical provider? Do you work for or with a government agency involved in the effort to protect the public? Have you or your family personally been affected? Show us what we should be covering or serve as an expert to make sure we’re on track. This form requires JavaScript to complete. Powered by CityBase.