thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-11--Trump Won't Answer CNN Reporter's Question About His False Coronavirus Comments

President Donald Trump dismissed a reporter as “ fake news ” on Wednesday afternoon when asked to respond to Americans who see him downplaying the coronavirus pandemic and giving statements that differ from what experts are saying about the public health crisis .
The president ’ s refusal to answer the question from CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta came during a Cabinet Room meeting with banking leaders to talk about the virus ’ s effect on the economy .
“ What do you say to Americans who are concerned that you ’ re not taking this seriously enough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t match what your health experts are saying ?
” Acosta asked .
While he could not be identified in the video , Acosta later confirmed on Twitter that he was the reporter who asked the question .
Acosta and Trump have sparred on several occasions , and the president has often targeted the reporter and CNN in his attacks on the media .
During a news conference in New Delhi just last month , Acosta told the president that CNN ’ s “ record on delivering the truth is better than yours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You probably have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.
” The White House briefly revoked Acosta ’ s press pass in 2018 after a fiery exchange that ended with an administration intern trying to grab a microphone from the reporter .
The president said he will address the nation Wednesday evening at 9 p.m .
ET to talk about the government ’ s response to the pandemic .
He said the address will include economic and health announcements , but would not say whether he will issue a national disaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone out of his way to downplay COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
He lied when he said the number of Americans infected with the virus was declining even as health officials told him and the public that it was rising .
He said there were enough coronavirus tests for every American , although Vice President Mike Pence ― who ’ s been leading the administration ’ s response ― said that wasn ’ t true .
Trump compared a year ’ s worth of influenza deaths to a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans about the disease ’ s severity .
Earlier on Wednesday , the World Health Organization declared that the world is facing a COVID-19 pandemic , with 118,000 cases globally and more than 4,000 deaths .
Wall Street trembled again in light of the news , with the Dow confirming a bear market for the first time since 2008 after closing down more than 20 % from its Feb. 12 high .
Public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s leading infectious diseases expert , have worked to counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While experts can not yet predict how many people will be ultimately affected in the U.S. , Fauci said on Wednesday that it could be “ many millions ” if the government and Americans don ’ t take steps to contain the outbreak .
'We will see more cases , and things will get worse than they are right now , ' Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of said as U.S. coronavirus cases cross 1,000 .
More here : https : //t.co/Obr1IdOyLG pic.twitter.com/7l39eu7eJ2 — Reuters ( @ Reuters ) March @ @ @

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President Donald Trump dismissed a reporter as “fake news” on Wednesday afternoon when asked to respond to Americans who see him downplaying the coronavirus pandemic and giving statements that differ from what experts are saying about the public health crisis.
The president’s refusal to answer the question from CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta came during a Cabinet Room meeting with banking leaders to talk about the virus’s effect on the economy.
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“What do you say to Americans who are concerned that you’re not taking this seriously enough and that some of your statements don’t match what your health experts are saying?” Acosta asked.
“That’s CNN, fake news,” Trump responded, at which several meeting attendees began snickering. The reporting pool was then dismissed from the room.
While he could not be identified in the video, Acosta later confirmed on Twitter that he was the reporter who asked the question.
Incredible, irresponsible behavior by the President of the United States in a public health crisis. pic.twitter.com/65a3T8UFzJ — Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 11, 2020
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Acosta and Trump have sparred on several occasions, and the president has often targeted the reporter and CNN in his attacks on the media. During a news conference in New Delhi just last month, Acosta told the president that CNN’s “record on delivering the truth is better than yours sometimes.” Trump hit back saying, “You probably have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.”
The White House briefly revoked Acosta’s press pass in 2018 after a fiery exchange that ended with an administration intern trying to grab a microphone from the reporter.
The president said he will address the nation Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. ET to talk about the government’s response to the pandemic. He said the address will include economic and health announcements, but would not say whether he will issue a national disaster declaration.
So far, Trump has gone out of his way to downplay COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. He lied when he said the number of Americans infected with the virus was declining even as health officials told him and the public that it was rising. He said there were enough coronavirus tests for every American, although Vice President Mike Pence ― who’s been leading the administration’s response ― said that wasn’t true. Trump compared a year’s worth of influenza deaths to a few months of COVID-19 deaths, thereby misleading Americans about the disease’s severity.
Earlier on Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared that the world is facing a COVID-19 pandemic, with 118,000 cases globally and more than 4,000 deaths. Wall Street trembled again in light of the news, with the Dow confirming a bear market for the first time since 2008 after closing down more than 20% from its Feb. 12 high.
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Public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious diseases expert, have worked to counter Trump’s misinformation about the pandemic. While experts cannot yet predict how many people will be ultimately affected in the U.S., Fauci said on Wednesday that it could be “many millions” if the government and Americans don’t take steps to contain the outbreak.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-11--Chelsea Manning Attempted Suicide In Jail Ahead Of Court Appearance

Imprisoned Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning is recovering in a hospital after attempting to kill herself Wednesday , her legal team said .
“ On Wednesday , March 11 , 2020 , Chelsea Manning attempted to take her own life , ” a statement said .
“ She was taken to a hospital and is currently recovering.
” The revelation comes two days before Manning , a former Army intelligence analyst , is scheduled to appear before a judge ruling on a motion to terminate the sanctions she ’ s facing for refusing to testify in an investigation into WIkiLeaks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she will not betray her principles , even at risk of grave harm to herself , ” her legal team said .
Manning , who was held in a military prison from 2010 to 2017 for leaking classified information about the Iraq and Afghan wars to WikiLeaks , has been held in custody for the past year for refusing to testify before a grand jury about the WikiLeaks site , saying she thought the judicial process did not have enough transparency .
“ Her actions today evidence the strength of her convictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she continues to suffer as a result of her ‘ civil ’ confinement , ” her legal team said of the attempted suicide .
Manning , who is in custody at a federal detention center in Alexandria , Virginia , is still scheduled to appear before the judge Friday .
If you or someone you know needs help , call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline .
You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free , 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line .
Outside of the U.S. , please visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a database of resources .

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Imprisoned Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning is recovering in a hospital after attempting to kill herself Wednesday, her legal team said.
“On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Chelsea Manning attempted to take her own life,” a statement said. “She was taken to a hospital and is currently recovering.”
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The revelation comes two days before Manning, a former Army intelligence analyst, is scheduled to appear before a judge ruling on a motion to terminate the sanctions she’s facing for refusing to testify in an investigation into WIkiLeaks.
“Ms. Manning has previously indicated that she will not betray her principles, even at risk of grave harm to herself,” her legal team said.
Former military intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. ERIC BARADAT via Getty Images
Manning, who was held in a military prison from 2010 to 2017 for leaking classified information about the Iraq and Afghan wars to WikiLeaks, has been held in custody for the past year for refusing to testify before a grand jury about the WikiLeaks site, saying she thought the judicial process did not have enough transparency.
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“Her actions today evidence the strength of her convictions, as well as the profound harm she continues to suffer as a result of her ‘civil’ confinement,” her legal team said of the attempted suicide.
Manning, who is in custody at a federal detention center in Alexandria, Virginia, is still scheduled to appear before the judge Friday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-11--Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Trump Still Won't Explain His Mystery Hospital Visit

The White House at the time claimed that the president was getting a head start on his annual physical and that he would undergo the remainder of it early this year .
Yet Trump himself has now said his physical might not happen until June .
The evening of Nov. 16 , hours after the trip and after putting out a release claiming that Trump was merely taking advantage of a “ free weekend ” to get part of his physical done , White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News : “ He ’ s got more energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That man works from 6 a.m. until , you know , very , very late at night .
He ’ s doing just fine.
” “ We have a very corrupt media , ” he said , claiming that first lady Melania Trump asked him how he was feeling upon his return to the White House .
“ My wife said , ‘ Darling , are you OK ?
’ What ’ s wrong ?
‘ Oh , they ’ re reporting you may have had a heart attack , ’ ” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very routine ― just a piece of it , the rest of it takes place in January ― did a very routine physical.
” Those trips also used the Marine One helicopter , while the Nov. 16 trip was done by motorcade .
The Secret Service prefers helicopter trips to driving whenever possible because they are easier to secure , and Walter Reed is a particularly easy helicopter destination because it has its own helipad inside the perimeter .
The helicopters used by the president are based in Quantico , Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by air , but arranging a flight on a weekend takes a few hours to round up the on-call crews and to fuel and check the aircraft .
Arranging for roads to be closed off along a motorcade route also takes some time .
When that is not available , the Secret Service shifts to a smaller motorcade that uses unmarked black SUVs instead of the distinctive presidential limos and fewer total vehicles , traveling without lights and sirens except when crossing a controlled intersection that would otherwise leave part of the motorcade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what took place on Nov. 16 .
What is typically a five-minute helicopter ride to cover the eight miles became a 32-minute , 20-mile motorcade ride because of “ some traffic jams , ” according to a report filed by one of the journalists on duty who rode in the motorcade .
The peculiarity of Trump ’ s method of travel that day was matched by his attire .
The president normally wears a suit and tie for most events , including visits to Walter Reed , but that Saturday he wore an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the SUV , carrying a thick packet of papers under one arm .
The former White House official said speculation about Trump suffering a serious medical issue was likely wrong , as then they would have taken him just a few blocks to George Washington University Hospital , which is equipped with a Level 1 trauma center .
What ’ s more , routine tests could have been done at the White House , which has its own suite of medical equipment , including an X-ray machine and an ultrasound .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring providers to the White House , ” the former official said , adding that the most likely cause for the sudden trip was access to tests or medical equipment not available in the building ― an MRI machine , for example .
The American public has never had as clear an understanding of Trump ’ s health as it has had of other presidents ’ health in the modern era .
During the 2016 campaign , Trump refused to release a detailed medical history , which previous candidates from both parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brief letter from his personal doctor , which declared Trump ’ s health to be “ astonishingly excellent.
” In January 2018 , Trump had his first physical as president at Walter Reed .
That was followed by a press briefing from then-White House physician Ronny Jackson , who declared the president to be in excellent health despite a poor diet .
“ He has incredibly good genes , and it ’ s just the way God made him , ” Jackson said .
A year later , after his second physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter from the new physician , Conley , who wrote that Trump was in “ very good health overall ” but noted that he had gained four pounds while lowering his cholesterol thanks to a higher dosage of medication .

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WASHINGTON ― Amid a coronavirus pandemic and a political campaign in which he is questioning the health of his leading opponent, President Donald Trump and the White House continue to withhold details of his hasty hospital visit four months ago.
The White House at the time claimed that the president was getting a head start on his annual physical and that he would undergo the remainder of it early this year. Yet Trump himself has now said his physical might not happen until June.
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“I’m going probably over the next 90 days. I’m so busy, I can’t do it,” he told reporters last week on the White House South Lawn before boarding a helicopter to fly to a campaign rally.
The White House has not responded to repeated HuffPost queries about his November visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which began with a sudden, unannounced drive through Saturday afternoon traffic. The White House has released almost no information about the excursion, save for the president’s cholesterol count.
President Donald Trump reacts during a White House meeting with banking leaders to discuss how the financial services industry can meet the needs of customers affected by COVID-19 on March 11, 2020. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
The evening of Nov. 16, hours after the trip and after putting out a release claiming that Trump was merely taking advantage of a “free weekend” to get part of his physical done, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News: “He’s got more energy than anybody in the White House. That man works from 6 a.m. until, you know, very, very late at night. He’s doing just fine.”
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Two days later, the White House released a letter from Trump’s doctor, Sean Conley, stating that the visit was part of a “routine, planned interim checkup” and that Trump afterward visited hospital staff and the family of a soldier undergoing surgery.
“Despite some of the speculation, the president has not had any chest pain, nor was he evaluated or treated for any urgent or acute issues,” Conley wrote. “Specifically, he did not undergo any specialized cardiac or neurological evaluations.”
The following day, Trump brought up the subject himself, unprompted, during the self-laudatory remarks with which he publicly opens Cabinet meetings. He called the news media “sick” for reporting on the unusual nature of the trip.
“We have a very corrupt media,” he said, claiming that first lady Melania Trump asked him how he was feeling upon his return to the White House. “My wife said, ‘Darling, are you OK?’ What’s wrong? ‘Oh, they’re reporting you may have had a heart attack,’” Trump said. “I went ― did a very routine ― just a piece of it, the rest of it takes place in January ― did a very routine physical.”
In reality, though, nothing about that afternoon’s trip was “routine.”
For starters, it was not published on the president’s schedule. Previous trips to Walter Reed had been listed on the schedule that’s made public daily.
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Those trips also used the Marine One helicopter, while the Nov. 16 trip was done by motorcade. The Secret Service prefers helicopter trips to driving whenever possible because they are easier to secure, and Walter Reed is a particularly easy helicopter destination because it has its own helipad inside the perimeter.
Further, when motorcades are used, the Secret Service typically arranges with local law enforcement to shut down the roads to traffic along the route to isolate the president’s limousine as much as possible.
That Saturday afternoon, not only was there no helicopter but the roads were never shut down as Trump’s motorcade crossed the Potomac River and then headed north on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia to catch Interstate 495 into Bethesda, Maryland.
“It struck me as very odd,” said one former White House official familiar with the transportation and medical care protocols available to the president. “It suggests to me that it all did come together very quickly.”
The helicopters used by the president are based in Quantico, Virginia, about 15 minutes from the White House by air, but arranging a flight on a weekend takes a few hours to round up the on-call crews and to fuel and check the aircraft. Arranging for roads to be closed off along a motorcade route also takes some time. When that is not available, the Secret Service shifts to a smaller motorcade that uses unmarked black SUVs instead of the distinctive presidential limos and fewer total vehicles, traveling without lights and sirens except when crossing a controlled intersection that would otherwise leave part of the motorcade behind a red light.
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That is what took place on Nov. 16. What is typically a five-minute helicopter ride to cover the eight miles became a 32-minute, 20-mile motorcade ride because of “some traffic jams,” according to a report filed by one of the journalists on duty who rode in the motorcade.
The peculiarity of Trump’s method of travel that day was matched by his attire. The president normally wears a suit and tie for most events, including visits to Walter Reed, but that Saturday he wore an open-collared shirt and jacket as he climbed into the SUV, carrying a thick packet of papers under one arm.
The former White House official said speculation about Trump suffering a serious medical issue was likely wrong, as then they would have taken him just a few blocks to George Washington University Hospital, which is equipped with a Level 1 trauma center. What’s more, routine tests could have been done at the White House, which has its own suite of medical equipment, including an X-ray machine and an ultrasound.
“It is safer and less operationally complex to bring providers to the White House,” the former official said, adding that the most likely cause for the sudden trip was access to tests or medical equipment not available in the building ― an MRI machine, for example.
The American public has never had as clear an understanding of Trump’s health as it has had of other presidents’ health in the modern era. During the 2016 campaign, Trump refused to release a detailed medical history, which previous candidates from both parties had done. Instead, he offered a brief letter from his personal doctor, which declared Trump’s health to be “astonishingly excellent.”
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“If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency,” Dr. Harold Bornstein wrote.
Bornstein later told NBC News that White House aides had come to his office in February 2017 and taken all of Trump’s medical records, and he told CNN that Trump had dictated the original letter. (Asked by HuffPost this week if he would discuss that incident, Bornstein replied: “No!”)
In January 2018, Trump had his first physical as president at Walter Reed. That was followed by a press briefing from then-White House physician Ronny Jackson, who declared the president to be in excellent health despite a poor diet. “He has incredibly good genes, and it’s just the way God made him,” Jackson said.
A year later, after his second physical, there was no briefing ― only a letter from the new physician, Conley, who wrote that Trump was in “very good health overall” but noted that he had gained four pounds while lowering his cholesterol thanks to a higher dosage of medication.
In lieu of actual, detailed medical reports ― such as those provided annually by his predecessors George W. Bush and Barack Obama ― Trump’s White House and his allies instead make broad claims about how healthy Trump is.
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“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Grisham said on Monday in a statement explaining why he had not received a test for the coronavirus.
“The president is healthy as a horse,” Matt Schlapp, lobbyist and head of the American Conservative Union, told Fox News on Wednesday.
Trump, meanwhile, has been questioning the health of likely Democratic nominee Joe Biden, including his mental acumen. “There’s something going on there,” Trump said during a recent Fox News appearance.
The president himself, however, has a rich history of verbal and memory slips. Among them: He has conflated the birthplace of his father with that of his grandfather, said “oranges” when he meant “origins,” called Apple’s CEO “Tim Apple” instead of “Tim Cook,” and, more recently, claimed his border wall is being paid for by Mexico using “redemption money.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--The Youth Vote May Not Be Declining — There Are Just A Lot More Older Voters

At first blush , Sanders ’ hopes for a mass youth turnout appear not to have materialized .
Instead , the older , suburban voters who favor Biden turned out in record numbers in the states that have voted since his 30-point victory in South Carolina .
Exit polls currently show the youth share of the electorate declining across most states .
“ Have we been as successful as I would hope in bringing in young people in ?
And the answer is ‘ no , ’ ” Sanders told reporters following Super Tuesday .
“ We ’ re making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that young people do not vote in the kind of numbers that older people vote.
” The Older Voters Are Showing Up It seems evident from exit polling that middle-age and older voters are driving Biden ’ s big wins .
And a large increase in older voting demographics will cause the youth vote share to shrink if youth voting holds steady , or increases by a smaller amount than the increase in voting among older populations .
“ We know in 2018 there was a kind of revolt of the educated suburbanite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burden , founding director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin , Madison .
“ It may be we ’ re seeing residue of that in the 2020 primaries .
It is these educated suburbanites who are still agitated by Trump and are showing it in the primaries and younger people are not animated in the same way.
” Compared to 2004 or 2012 , the youth vote is “ absolutely not ” in decline , according to Abby Kiesa , the director of impact at Tufts University ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Learning & Engagement ( CIRCLE ) .
But that also means youth turnout is not meeting 2008 levels , when big turnout among millennials who are now over 30 helped Barack Obama win the presidential nomination .
But comparing youth turnout to past years is complicated .
Current estimates of youth turnout are based on a set of exit polls conducted by a consortium of media outlets .
While these have notable advantages over pre-election surveys ― they ’ re conducted at mass scale , and can be weighted to the final election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with margins of error , not precise sets of data .
And , as an additional wrinkle , changes implemented to the exit polls in the wake of the 2016 election , including a tweak to the way voters ’ educational attainment is measured and weighted , mean that this year ’ s findings on the generational and educational composition of the electorate aren ’ t directly comparable to past years ’ .
What Does That Mean For The General Election ?
Turnout among voters age 18-29 is always the lowest of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth vote is consistently lower in primary elections than in general elections and lower in midterm elections than in presidential elections .
So it can be difficult to come to a conclusion about November based on what ’ s happening now in the primaries .
Biden , if he becomes the Democratic nominee , may be unlikely to lure a record number of young , infrequent voters to the polls on the strength of his own candidacy .
His favorability ratings are lower among 18-to-29-year-olds than among any other age group .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell us is how eager young voters might be to turn out mostly in service of defeating Donald Trump , rather than in support of a specific candidate .
The youngest Americans , the same polling finds , are also the most likely to disapprove of the president ’ s job performance .
But obstacles still remain to youth voting in the general election .
Voting is new and complicated for the youngest voters who may be casting their first ballot in 2020 .
Among other things , younger voters are more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding time to vote difficult , or to have moved and be needing to re-register .
Young Americans are also less likely than older ones to feel well-informed about politics , and more likely to believe that this should disqualify them from voting .

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Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders bet his candidacy on a mass turnout of young voters. A majority of older and middle-age voters favor former Vice President Joe Biden. This essentially turned the Democratic primary ― which has winnowed to these two men ― into a generational face-off.
At first blush, Sanders’ hopes for a mass youth turnout appear not to have materialized. Instead, the older, suburban voters who favor Biden turned out in record numbers in the states that have voted since his 30-point victory in South Carolina. Exit polls currently show the youth share of the electorate declining across most states.
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“Have we been as successful as I would hope in bringing in young people in? And the answer is ‘no,’” Sanders told reporters following Super Tuesday. “We’re making some progress, but historically everybody knows that young people do not vote in the kind of numbers that older people vote.”
A closer look, however, reveals the youth vote may not have declined at all. Instead, what the declining youth vote share may really be showing is the massive surge in turnout among older voters.
The Older Voters Are Showing Up
Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) hold signs as they listen during a campaign rally in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ASSOCIATED PRESS
It seems evident from exit polling that middle-age and older voters are driving Biden’s big wins. And a large increase in older voting demographics will cause the youth vote share to shrink if youth voting holds steady, or increases by a smaller amount than the increase in voting among older populations.
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Raw vote totals in youth-dense college precincts in Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia shared with HuffPost by NextGen America, a super PAC working to turn out the youth vote, show an increase in turnout. Still, the youth vote is not increasing at the rate the older, suburban vote is surging.
“We know in 2018 there was a kind of revolt of the educated suburbanite against the Republicans,” said Barry Burden, founding director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “It may be we’re seeing residue of that in the 2020 primaries. It is these educated suburbanites who are still agitated by Trump and are showing it in the primaries and younger people are not animated in the same way.”
Compared to 2004 or 2012, the youth vote is “absolutely not” in decline, according to Abby Kiesa, the director of impact at Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE). But that also means youth turnout is not meeting 2008 levels, when big turnout among millennials who are now over 30 helped Barack Obama win the presidential nomination.
“The anecdotes are pointing in the same direction, which is that the youth vote has not been particularly strong this year,” Burden said.
Measuring Turnout Isn’t Easy At This Stage
On Super Tuesday, the share of voters under age 30 ranged from about 10% to 19%, depending on the state, according to CIRCLE. Those numbers were down from 2016 in most states.
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But comparing youth turnout to past years is complicated. Current estimates of youth turnout are based on a set of exit polls conducted by a consortium of media outlets. While these have notable advantages over pre-election surveys ― they’re conducted at mass scale, and can be weighted to the final election results ― they’re still polls with margins of error, not precise sets of data. And, as an additional wrinkle, changes implemented to the exit polls in the wake of the 2016 election, including a tweak to the way voters’ educational attainment is measured and weighted, mean that this year’s findings on the generational and educational composition of the electorate aren’t directly comparable to past years’.
There’s also a major structural difference between 2020 and 2016: This year, only one party is holding a contested primary election. That could mean more crossover voting for independents and moderate Republicans voting in open Democratic primaries. This also makes direct comparisons to 2016 difficult.
What Does That Mean For The General Election?
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden greets the crowd during a campaign rally on March 7 in Kansas City, Missouri. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Turnout among voters age 18-29 is always the lowest of any age demographic in U.S. elections. The youth vote is consistently lower in primary elections than in general elections and lower in midterm elections than in presidential elections. So it can be difficult to come to a conclusion about November based on what’s happening now in the primaries.
“It’s hard to draw a straight line between mediocre turnout in a primary and in the general election,” Burden said. “I predict youth voter turnout will be pretty strong in a general election.”
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Youth voter turnout was up dramatically in the 2018 general election, jumping from 20% in 2014 to 39%, according to the Census Bureau. This was the largest increase in turnout among all age demographic groups.
Biden, if he becomes the Democratic nominee, may be unlikely to lure a record number of young, infrequent voters to the polls on the strength of his own candidacy. His favorability ratings are lower among 18-to-29-year-olds than among any other age group. But what the primary election doesn’t tell us is how eager young voters might be to turn out mostly in service of defeating Donald Trump, rather than in support of a specific candidate. The youngest Americans, the same polling finds, are also the most likely to disapprove of the president’s job performance.
“It’s a hard thing to do as a young person to cast a ballot in this country,” Ben Wessel, executive director of NextGen America, said. “We need to make it as easy as possible.”
But obstacles still remain to youth voting in the general election. Voting is new and complicated for the youngest voters who may be casting their first ballot in 2020. Among other things, younger voters are more likely to be juggling multiple jobs that make finding time to vote difficult, or to have moved and be needing to re-register. Young Americans are also less likely than older ones to feel well-informed about politics, and more likely to believe that this should disqualify them from voting.
“Fundamentally, this is an issue of access, it’s not an issue of apathy,” said Kiesa.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-13--Influential Evangelical Calls Out Trump's 'Sloppy & Dangerous' Coronavirus Lies

An influential evangelical Christian journalist put President Donald Trump on notice over his many lies related to the coronavirus outbreak .
David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network said Trump ’ s vow last week that “ anyone who wants a test can get a test ” has turned out to be “ 100 % false.
” And Brody ― who in 2018 told The New York Times he had “ phenomenal ” access to the White House ― called out Trump for confusing Americans and repeatedly providing false information : On Friday March 6th , @ realDonaldTrump said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test .
`` That is 100 % FALSE .
Full stop .
He was wrong then and it 's wrong today too .
Many American citizens want a # coronavirus test right now but ca n't get access to one .
This is a MAJOR FAILURE .
@ POTUS pic.twitter.com/fvAUqQzf1f — David Brody ( @ DavidBrodyCBN ) March 12 , 2020 Good luck simply asking for and getting a # coronavirus test .
This is n't like the flu where your doctor quickly orders up a flu test if you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH .
pic.twitter.com/GyGrOYAohW — David Brody ( @ DavidBrodyCBN ) March 12 , 2020 Being a great leader has many attributes .
Confusing people is not among them .
@ realDonaldTrump provided false information about testing ... multiple times !
Invoking hyperbole in certain situations may be permissible but false statements about the # Coronavirus is sloppy & dangerous .
— David Brody ( @ DavidBrodyCBN ) March 12 , 2020 Despite infection outbreaks across the nation , Yahoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested 77 people between Sunday and Wednesday morning .
What ’ s more , local health officials have said they ’ re either not receiving the tests or getting incomplete ones , which is causing more delays .

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An influential evangelical Christian journalist put President Donald Trump on notice over his many lies related to the coronavirus outbreak.
David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network said Trump’s vow last week that “anyone who wants a test can get a test” has turned out to be “100% false.” And Brody ― who in 2018 told The New York Times he had “phenomenal” access to the White House ― called out Trump for confusing Americans and repeatedly providing false information:
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On Friday March 6th, @realDonaldTrump said, "Anybody that needs a test gets a test."That is 100% FALSE. Full stop. He was wrong then and it's wrong today too. Many American citizens want a #coronavirus test right now but can't get access to one. This is a MAJOR FAILURE. @POTUS pic.twitter.com/fvAUqQzf1f — David Brody (@DavidBrodyCBN) March 12, 2020
Good luck simply asking for and getting a #coronavirus test. This isn't like the flu where your doctor quickly orders up a flu test if you have a few symptoms. Understand more from Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH. pic.twitter.com/GyGrOYAohW — David Brody (@DavidBrodyCBN) March 12, 2020
Being a great leader has many attributes. Confusing people is not among them. @realDonaldTrump provided false information about testing...multiple times! Invoking hyperbole in certain situations may be permissible but false statements about the #Coronavirus is sloppy & dangerous. — David Brody (@DavidBrodyCBN) March 12, 2020
Despite the rising number of COVID-19 infections, Yahoo News reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had only tested 77 people between Sunday and Wednesday morning. What’s more, local health officials have said they’re either not receiving the tests or getting incomplete ones, which is causing more delays.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--Leading Health Groups Urge Trump To Declare Coronavirus A National Emergency

Three of the nation ’ s largest organizations representing hospitals , physicians , nurses and health care providers called on the Trump administration to declare the spread of COVID-19 a national disaster or emergency on Thursday , saying the designation could free up needed resources to help treat the growing number of Americans infected with the new coronavirus .
“ Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is crucial to the health of our nation , ” the chiefs of the American Hospital Association , the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association wrote in a letter to Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of upmost [ sic ] importance that any concerns about costs for testing and care be removed so that individuals can be screened and if necessary treated.
” The call comes as coronavirus infections continue to spread throughout the United States .
At least 1,600 people in the country have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease , and states have taken dramatic measures to try to curb infections .
New York banned most gatherings of more than 500 people , Disneyland and Disney World are closed until at least the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCAA have scuttled future games .
Trump has so far declined to issue a national emergency declaration over the coronavirus outbreak , which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization this week .
Politico reported the president has worried that doing so would stoke further panic and batter the already plummeting financial markets .
During an address to the nation Wednesday , Trump instead rolled out a ban on some travel from Europe and said he was working with lawmakers to develop a fiscal package to avert any lasting financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in getting tested for the virus , which have been widely reported .
The White House has worked with American health care companies , which will cover testing to determine if people are infected with the coronavirus .
Treatment is not covered without copayments , and the costs could leave the sick with high medical bills .
The health associations on Thursday pointed to the urgency of expanded testing and said that a disaster or emergency declaration would cut red tape and let “ hospitals , physicians and other health care providers … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for their community.
” “ America ’ s health care system must be there to help communities face an emergency from a natural disaster , a manmade disaster , or a virulent contagious disease , ” the groups wrote .
“ Our members are prepared to do our part to help patients and our communities .
This requested action will provide the support we need in our collective mission to support the well-being , health and safety of patients by allowing flexibility at a time when it is needed most.
” Hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an onslaught of patients should the outbreak continue to spread , and some are worried about their capacity to treat everyone who comes through the doors .

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Three of the nation’s largest organizations representing hospitals, physicians, nurses and health care providers called on the Trump administration to declare the spread of COVID-19 a national disaster or emergency on Thursday, saying the designation could free up needed resources to help treat the growing number of Americans infected with the new coronavirus.
“Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is crucial to the health of our nation,” the chiefs of the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association wrote in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday. “It is of upmost [sic] importance that any concerns about costs for testing and care be removed so that individuals can be screened and if necessary treated.”
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Pence is currently leading the nation’s response to the rapidly spiraling coronavirus outbreak.
The AMA, @ahahospitals, @ANANursingWorld are calling on the administration to declare #COVID19 a disaster or emergency under Stafford Act or National Emergencies Act, a necessary step to ensure health care services/items are available to aid in response. https://t.co/4DWGodlmKk pic.twitter.com/I3QnzXstVP — AMA (@AmerMedicalAssn) March 12, 2020
The call comes as coronavirus infections continue to spread throughout the United States. At least 1,600 people in the country have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease, and states have taken dramatic measures to try to curb infections. New York banned most gatherings of more than 500 people, Disneyland and Disney World are closed until at least the end of the month, and both the NBA and NCAA have scuttled future games.
Trump has so far declined to issue a national emergency declaration over the coronavirus outbreak, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization this week. Politico reported the president has worried that doing so would stoke further panic and batter the already plummeting financial markets.
During an address to the nation Wednesday, Trump instead rolled out a ban on some travel from Europe and said he was working with lawmakers to develop a fiscal package to avert any lasting financial crisis. But he failed to address difficulties in getting tested for the virus, which have been widely reported.
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The White House has worked with American health care companies, which will cover testing to determine if people are infected with the coronavirus. Treatment is not covered without copayments, and the costs could leave the sick with high medical bills.
The health associations on Thursday pointed to the urgency of expanded testing and said that a disaster or emergency declaration would cut red tape and let “hospitals, physicians and other health care providers … share resources in a coordinated effort to care for their community.”
“America’s health care system must be there to help communities face an emergency from a natural disaster, a manmade disaster, or a virulent contagious disease,” the groups wrote. “Our members are prepared to do our part to help patients and our communities. This requested action will provide the support we need in our collective mission to support the well-being, health and safety of patients by allowing flexibility at a time when it is needed most.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--All Of The Times Donald Trump May Have Been Exposed To The Coronavirus

President Donald Trump is constantly downplaying the threat of the coronavirus pandemic .
In impromptu comments on Tuesday , he urged Americans to “ stay calm , ” promising , “ it will go away ” and “ a lot of good things are going to happen.
” In a Wednesday night speech from the Oval Office , he sought to reassure the nation that his administration was on top of the crisis .
At least four people who have either tested positive for the virus or previously been in contact with someone who tested positive have met and come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Doug Collins ( R-Ga. ) shook Trump ’ s hand after Air Force One landed in Atlanta for a visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last Friday .
Collins would discover on Monday that he had come into contact with a major donor at last month ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington who tested positive for coronavirus .
Collins entered himself into self-quarantine .
Rep. Doug Collins ( R-Ga. ) greets President Donald Trump last Friday as Air Force One arrived in Atlanta .
Collins later learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus .
Before the donor ’ s contacts were discovered , Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-Fla. ) rode with Trump in his presidential limousine and onboard Air Force One on March 9 .
Gaetz was informed while on the plane that he had been in contact with the donor at CPAC , and he self-quarantined himself during the flight .
He has tested negative but remains in self-quarantine .
Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-Fla. ) exits Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had come into contact in late February with same person as Collins ' had who tested positive for coronavirus .
Gaetz self-quarantined himself from Trump and others during the flight .
Trump named retiring Rep. Mark Meadows ( R-N.C. ) last Friday to serve as his next White House chief of staff .
Meadows attended a White House meeting on immigration policy with Trump before learning that he had also come into contact with the CPAC donor .
He briefly self-quarantined , but tested negative for the virus and was back at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows ( R-N.C. ) , seen here with outgoing White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney ( left ) , also had contact with the same person as Collins and Gaetz .
Meadows , who is replacing Mulvaney , briefly self-quarantined but tested negative for coronavirus .
Trump also recently hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida .
Fabio Wajngarten , Bolsonaro ’ s top communications official , tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday .
Wajngarten was with Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago and was photographed with Trump .
Bolsonaro awaits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
As this virus spreads rapidly across the country , the exposure experienced by politicians is no surprise .
The life of a political figure involves meeting and greeting all sorts ― from average voters to heads of state and high-rolling donors .
Numerous government officials in France , the U.K. and Iran have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in self-quarantine after his wife , Sophie Grégoire Trudeau , became ill with flu-like symptoms .
Public health officials warn that everyone should maintain social distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming into contact with someone who has tested positive .
Vice President Mike Pence , though , said he and Trump would continue to shake hands , despite health officials discouraging the practice .
The Trump campaign waited until Wednesday to postpone planned political rallies .

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President Donald Trump is constantly downplaying the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. In impromptu comments on Tuesday, he urged Americans to “stay calm,” promising, “it will go away” and “a lot of good things are going to happen.” In a Wednesday night speech from the Oval Office, he sought to reassure the nation that his administration was on top of the crisis.
But reality keeps walking up and shaking his hand.
At least five people who have either tested positive for the virus or previously been in contact with someone who tested positive have met and come into close contact with the president.
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Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) shook Trump’s hand after Air Force One landed in Atlanta for a visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last Friday. Collins would discover on Monday that he had come into contact with a major donor at last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington who tested positive for coronavirus. Collins entered himself into self-quarantine.
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) greets President Donald Trump last Friday as Air Force One arrived in Atlanta. Collins later learned that in late February he had come into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Before the donor’s contacts were discovered, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) rode with Trump in his presidential limousine and onboard Air Force One on March 9. Gaetz was informed while on the plane that he had been in contact with the donor at CPAC, and he self-quarantined himself during the flight. He has tested negative but remains in self-quarantine.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) exits Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington on Monday shortly after learning he had come into contact in late February with same person as Collins' had who tested positive for coronavirus. Gaetz self-quarantined himself from Trump and others during the flight. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Trump named retiring Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) last Friday to serve as his next White House chief of staff. Meadows attended a White House meeting on immigration policy with Trump before learning that he had also come into contact with the CPAC donor. He briefly self-quarantined, but tested negative for the virus and was back at the White House on Thursday.
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), seen here with outgoing White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney (left), also had contact with the same person as Collins and Gaetz. Meadows, who is replacing Mulvaney, briefly self-quarantined but tested negative for coronavirus. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
Trump also recently hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro’s top communications official, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday. Wajngarten was with Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago and was photographed with Trump. Bolsonaro on Friday said that he tested negative.
Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and White House adviser, and Attorney General William Barr were photographed with Peter Dutton, Australia’s minister for home affairs, at an intelligence meeting related to online child exploitation on March 5. Dutton began to feel symptoms on Friday and subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus. Ivanka Trump has been in contact with her father throughout the past week.
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Yesterday 🇦🇺 Home Affairs @PeterDutton_MP joins @IvankaTrump, Attorney General Barr & our five eyes partners 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇨🇦🇳🇿 to fight online child exploitation. We heard from 9 brave survivors & announced principles that technology companies should implement to protect children online pic.twitter.com/3ifeJnGJPI — Australia in the US 🇦🇺🇺🇸 (@AusintheUS) March 6, 2020
As the virus spreads rapidly across the country, the exposure experienced by politicians is no surprise. The life of a political figure involves meeting and greeting all sorts ― from average voters to heads of state and high-rolling donors.
Numerous government officials in France, the U.K. and Iran have tested positive for the coronavirus. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in self-quarantine after his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus.
But Trump and other White House officials have been shockingly cavalier and dismissive about the threat this kind of contact poses.
Public health officials warn that everyone should maintain social distance, avoid large gatherings and self-quarantine if coming into contact with someone who has tested positive. Vice President Mike Pence, though, said he and Trump would continue to shake hands, despite health officials discouraging the practice. The Trump campaign waited until Wednesday to postpone planned political rallies.
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Meanwhile, no plans are in the works to test Trump or Pence for the coronavirus, according to the White House.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--Trump Twiddles His Thumbs With Economy In A Tailspin

It ’ s not yet clear that a recession would be as painful or prolonged as it was a decade ago .
Once the threat of the virus recedes , things could bounce back .
However , serious signs of a downturn are here already , showing up in the bond market and stock market , which had its worst day since 1987 on Thursday , and in the plunging price of oil .
Layoffs in sectors already affected by the virus have begun .
And there ’ s been a widespread downturn in spending as events are canceled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any questions about whether there would be economic repercussions are gone , ” said Jay Shambaugh , an economist and director of the Hamilton Project .
“ It is clear , ” he said .
The NBA suspending its season and the NCAA canceling March Madness ― and all the lost revenue that comes with those decisions ― are just a few examples .
Yet the policy response from the White House has been almost nonexistent .
In his Oval Office speech Wednesday night , President Donald Trump spoke vaguely about paid leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies to shore up small businesses .
Trump has repeatedly criticized Federal Reserve chair , Jerome Powell , and is pushing for more rate cuts .
But interest rates are already at historic lows .
The Fed also announced other moves on Thursday to stabilize the markets , but no one thinks that will be enough to cushion the crisis .
The fact that the Trump administration and the Republicans have not come out with a clear plan is an outrage .
It is an outright cruelty .
Claudia Sahm , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Equitable Growth “ The payroll cut is better than nothing , but we can do a lot better , ” said Furman , who helped design a similar tax cut during the Obama administration .
For starters , it would only help those Americans who are still employed .
It would take too long before working people would feel its impact , as it would mean just slightly higher earnings .
And the cut would give a bigger boost to those who earn bigger paychecks .
Economists Have A Plan , Even If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s a clear need to get more money to individuals and households to help them smooth over what is hopefully a temporary economic shock , ” said Shambaugh .
“ This isn ’ t trying to get people to [ go on a ] shopping spree , it ’ s trying to get people to meet their daily needs.
” “ You want the bounce back to be really strong , you want people to have the resources to do it , ” said Josh Bivens , an economist at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hope is for a “ V-shaped ” downturn , in which the economy plunges temporarily during the crisis and comes back quickly when people can stop social distancing measures .
The Difference Between Now And 2008 The key difference , of course , between now and the financial crisis in 2008 is that this time around , the country is facing a public health crisis that ’ s creating an economic downturn .
Last time around , it was the finance sector , courtesy of the mortgage bust , that sent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no such thing as an overreaction , he said .
“ The likelihood that someone does more than needed and looks back and regrets it is almost zero , ” he said .
“ A week from now , you ’ re going to wish you ’ ve done more .
”

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Economists say that a recession fueled by the coronavirus pandemic is on the horizon and warn that if policymakers don’t move quickly, the damage could be painful. Yet so far, the White House and congressional Republicans haven’t released any actual policy proposals to deal with the economic blows of COVID-19.
“It could very plausibly be worse than the financial crisis,” said Jason Furman, a Harvard economist and former economic adviser to President Barack Obama who helped design the 2009 stimulus bill crafted in response to the Great Recession.
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It’s not yet clear that a recession would be as painful or prolonged as it was a decade ago. Once the threat of the virus recedes, things could bounce back. However, serious signs of a downturn are here already, showing up in the bond market and stock market, which had its worst day since 1987 on Thursday, and in the plunging price of oil. Layoffs in sectors already affected by the virus have begun. And there’s been a widespread downturn in spending as events are canceled and Americans encouraged to stay home.
“Any questions about whether there would be economic repercussions are gone,” said Jay Shambaugh, an economist and director of the Hamilton Project. “It is clear,” he said. The NBA suspending its season and the NCAA canceling March Madness ― and all the lost revenue that comes with those decisions ― are just a few examples.
Yet the policy response from the White House has been almost nonexistent. In his Oval Office speech Wednesday night, President Donald Trump spoke vaguely about paid leave, financing for coronavirus-related health care and policies to shore up small businesses. Trump has repeatedly criticized Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, and is pushing for more rate cuts. But interest rates are already at historic lows. The Fed also announced other moves on Thursday to stabilize the markets, but no one thinks that will be enough to cushion the crisis.
Trump has also been pushing hard for a cut to payroll taxes in response to the outbreak. Such a tax cut would increase working Americans’ paychecks by a small percentage and would do little to offset the economic pain of a pandemic.
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“The fact that the Trump administration and the Republicans have not come out with a clear plan is an outrage. It is an outright cruelty.” - Claudia Sahm, director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth
“The payroll cut is better than nothing, but we can do a lot better,” said Furman, who helped design a similar tax cut during the Obama administration. For starters, it would only help those Americans who are still employed. It would take too long before working people would feel its impact, as it would mean just slightly higher earnings. And the cut would give a bigger boost to those who earn bigger paychecks.
“It drips out,” he said. “it’s too much money for people who don’t need it. And too little for people who really do need it.”
Even conservative economists say it’s not a good solution.
Republicans in the House and Senate have been lukewarm on a payroll tax cut and are also pushing back on a plan from House Democrats that would mandate paid sick leave.
They’ve offered no solutions of their own.
“The fact that the Trump administration and the Republicans have not come out with a clear plan is an outrage,” said Claudia Sahm, director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. “It is an outright cruelty.”
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Sahm said that without fast and bold actions, the coronavirus will spread faster and hurt more people. And the economic blows would be significant.
Economists Have A Plan, Even If The White House Doesn’t
Economists are pushing for direct cash payments to all Americans; similar to what was done under the George W. Bush administration during the financial crisis.
The money would help many meet their day-to-day expenses as work slows or dries up.
“There’s a clear need to get more money to individuals and households to help them smooth over what is hopefully a temporary economic shock,” said Shambaugh. “This isn’t trying to get people to [go on a] shopping spree, it’s trying to get people to meet their daily needs.”
Still, the hope is that when the economy does come back after the virus fades, those checks would provide an immediate boost of cash to an ailing economy.
“You want the bounce back to be really strong, you want people to have the resources to do it,” said Josh Bivens, an economist at the progressive Economic Policy Institute. He said the hope is for a “V-shaped” downturn, in which the economy plunges temporarily during the crisis and comes back quickly when people can stop social distancing measures.
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The Difference Between Now And 2008
The key difference, of course, between now and the financial crisis in 2008 is that this time around, the country is facing a public health crisis that’s creating an economic downturn. Last time around, it was the finance sector, courtesy of the mortgage bust, that sent the country into freefall.
That means the first order of business is addressing public health, making COVID-19 testing available and widespread, beefing up funding for Medicaid to the states, and ensuring that sick workers can stay home and still get paid.
But part of keeping citizens healthy will involve taking economic measures to ensure they can access health care and practice the social distancing measures that are key to slowing the spread of the virus.
Paid sick leave is crucial. Also helpful: Making sure folks that need food assistance can get it.
Though the ’08 financial crisis was obviously quite severe, back then, many Americans did keep spending money. Now Americans are already slowing down on spending, with more pain to come.
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In fact, the recommended way to solve this public health crisis is to literally slow the economy ― forbidding large events and gatherings, keeping people home and away from work and shops and restaurants and theaters.
Consider all the events and travel that’s already been canceled: There will be no spectators for the NCAA basketball tournament. The NBA regular season has been suspended. Colleges are shutting down campuses. That’s all lost revenue that can’t be recovered and lost work for millions.
“Everyone in the U.S. is cutting back on their spending, not counting the stocking up they’re doing at this moment,” said Furman, who also chaired the Council of Economic Advisers from 2013-2017. “If everyone who was going to spend $1,000 spends $950, that’s a recession.”
All the economists who spoke to HuffPost emphasized that the coronavirus should not be a political issue. It’s a virus that doesn’t care about political affiliation.
During the financial crisis, the idea of who was to blame came up constantly. Homebuyers were often criticized for taking on bigger mortgages than they could handle, and bailing them out was viewed in some corners as unethical.
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“This is not about particular groups that might not have done what they need to do,” said Sahm. “The coronavirus is highly infectious. The coronavirus does not care if you’re going to vote for Biden or Trump this fall.”
Shambaugh put it this way: “I’m still hopeful, and maybe I’m naive that this doesn’t need to be partisan, [but] people need help and we need to do it fast.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-13--Trump Calls To Put Politics Aside Over Coronavirus, Then Attacks Biden Anyway

Sleepy Joe Biden was in charge of the H1N1 Swine Flu epidemic which killed thousands of people .
The response @ @ @ @ @ on record .
Our response is one of the best , with fast action of @ @ @ @ @ % Approval Rating , the highest on record .
His was lowest !

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In his somber prime-time Oval Office address on Wednesday, Donald Trump asked people to put politics aside amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship and unify together as one nation and one family,” the president said.
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But Trump did not heed his own request — and critics on Twitter noticed.
Late Thursday, the president returned to politicizing the public health crisis that has sickened more than 134,000 people worldwide by lashing out at his potential Democratic 2020 election rival, former Vice President Joe Biden:
Sleepy Joe Biden was in charge of the H1N1 Swine Flu epidemic which killed thousands of people. The response was one of the worst on record. Our response is one of the best, with fast action of border closings & a 78% Approval Rating, the highest on record. His was lowest! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2020
Twitter users ripped Trump over the post, which followed a string of attacks from him on Democrats about other issues:
Teleprompter Trump 25 hours ago: “We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship.” https://t.co/urNrYK92I1 — j.d. durkin (@jiveDurkey) March 13, 2020
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So that "working together" stuff and ending partisanship was just more b.s. as you play politics with COVID-19. @realDonaldTrump. Thanks. https://t.co/LqfSRanQvZ — Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) March 13, 2020
“We are all in this together... We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family.”
-This guy, last night https://t.co/aXuMPgryr7 — John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) March 13, 2020
He cannot stop himself. It's obscene. https://t.co/PXcGbPpsYF — Dylan Reeve ⬆⬆⬇⬇⬅➡⬅➡🅱🅰 (@DylanReeve) March 13, 2020
WHAT I truly thought I couldn't be surprised https://t.co/NjbyGuGnqa — ✊ (@jujueyeball) March 13, 2020
I guess all that stuff about how "we must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family” only had a 24-hour expiration date https://t.co/jtSoqKvUwX — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) March 13, 2020
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You, last night to the nation: "Stop the partisanship."
Good job. https://t.co/rBUUqelr87 — Bob Cesca (@bobcesca_go) March 13, 2020
What was that about not being politically decisive around this pandemic?
What does Jesus say about lying?
Also the stock market never crashed during their administration you forgot to mention that#TrumpLiesAboutCoronavirus #TrumpResignNow #TrumpRecession #BidenbeatsTrump https://t.co/FqFmOQpWLs — Stefan Lessard (@SLessard) March 13, 2020
In times of crises, I want my president focused on the present not the past. I also want her/him focused on bringing all Americans together, not slandering leaders of the opposition party with insults like "sleepy Joe." Call me crazy. Call me naive. I call myself an American. https://t.co/Q7OYk4JkUm — Michael McFaul (@McFaul) March 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--Mike Pence Won't Say How Many Coronavirus Tests Have Been Conducted

Vice President Mike Pence ducked a question Thursday about how many coronavirus tests have been carried out after the nation ’ s top infectious disease doctor , Anthony Fauci , said the dearth of testing remains “ a failing ” of the nation ’ s battle against COVID-19 .
Pence speculated that the CDC was missing tests being carried out by states .
Asked , then , what the total was , he responded : “ Well , I would leave that to the experts.
” ( Check out the video above . )
Testing is critical to isolate those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in particular to protect more vulnerable people who could die of COVID-19 .
Pence conceded earlier on CBS that the Trump administration is still working to cut “ red tape ” holding up testing .
“ We are going to continue to work in every way to clear out , as the president said , any red tape , any barriers to testing that might have existed ” at the Food and Drug Administration , he said on “ CBS This Morning.
” Pence had vowed earlier this month that testing would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it continued to be outstripped by demand .
The COVID-19 Tracking Project by The Atlantic and a data team , which combines most state tests , estimates 10,000 people have been tested in the U.S. South Korea has tested more than 230,000 people .
( Two specimens per person are usually tested , according to The Atlantic , which is why test numbers are larger than the number of people tested . )
Dr. Matt McCarthy , an infectious disease expert and physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital , early this month blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ national scandal ” and complained that he had to “ plead ” for tests for sick people in the emergency room .
The testing issue should have been addressed immediately in December as news of the coronavirus first emerged , McCarthy said , adding that the “ capacity ” for testing is increasing but that critical “ hurdles ” still remain to obtaining the tests .
This is the most important issue facing our country today : we must be able to identify people in the community who have coronavirus .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that person feels relatively well .
— Matt McCarthy ( @ DrMattMcCarthy ) March 12 , 2020 Initial tests developed by the CDC were flawed and worked in only a handful of labs .
In addition , they were initially available only for people returning from China or for those who had contact with an individual known to be ill with coronavirus .
President Donald Trump insisted at an appearance a week ago at the CDC that “ anyone that needs a test ” for coronavirus could get it .
On Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing has been very smooth.
” Trump also claimed that everyone coming into the U.S. is tested .
International travelers are observed for symptoms ; their temperature may be taken with a non-contact thermometer , but they ’ re not tested for the virus .
Trump claims ( falsely ) all Americans returning to country are being tested : '' We have heavily tested .
If an American coming back or anybody coming back , we have a tremendous testing set up where people coming in have to be tested ... if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
pic.twitter.com/ndGlKmSFJh — Josh Marshall ( @ joshtpm ) March 12 , 2020 Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Thursday that the shortage of testing is “ a failing.
” The “ system is not really geared to what we need right now , ” he said .
“ The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it , we ’ re not set up for that .
Do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Vice President Mike Pence ducked a question Thursday about how many coronavirus tests have been carried out after the nation’s top infectious disease doctor, Anthony Fauci, said the dearth of testing remains “a failing” of the nation’s battle against COVID-19.
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Pence speculated that the CDC was missing tests being carried out by states. Asked, then, what the total was, he responded: “Well, I would leave that to the experts.” (Check out the video above.) Testing is critical to isolate those with coronavirus symptoms, even mild ones, in particular to protect more vulnerable people who could die of COVID-19.
Pence conceded earlier on CBS that the Trump administration is still working to cut “red tape” holding up testing. “We are going to continue to work in every way to clear out, as the president said, any red tape, any barriers to testing that might have existed” at the Food and Drug Administration, he said on “CBS This Morning.”
Pence had vowed earlier this month that testing would be ramped up but admitted last week that it continued to be outstripped by demand.
The COVID-19 Tracking Project by The Atlantic and a data team, which combines most state tests, estimates 10,000 people have been tested in the U.S. South Korea has tested more than 230,000 people. (Two specimens per person are usually tested, according to The Atlantic, which is why test numbers are larger than the number of people tested.)
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Dr. Matt McCarthy, an infectious disease expert and physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, early this month blasted the lack of available tests as a “national scandal” and complained that he had to “plead” for tests for sick people in the emergency room. The testing issue should have been addressed immediately in December as news of the coronavirus first emerged, McCarthy said, adding that the “capacity” for testing is increasing but that critical “hurdles” still remain to obtaining the tests.
This is the most important issue facing our country today: we must be able to identify people in the community who have coronavirus. It matters if someone is infected, even if that person feels relatively well. — Matt McCarthy (@DrMattMcCarthy) March 12, 2020
Initial tests developed by the CDC were flawed and worked in only a handful of labs. In addition, they were initially available only for people returning from China or for those who had contact with an individual known to be ill with coronavirus.
Trump also claimed that everyone coming into the U.S. is tested. International travelers are observed for symptoms; their temperature may be taken with a non-contact thermometer, but they’re not tested for the virus.
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Trump claims (falsely) all Americans returning to country are being tested:"We have heavily tested. If an American coming back or anybody coming back, we have a tremendous testing set up where people coming in have to be tested ... if it shows positive ... We have to quarantine." pic.twitter.com/ndGlKmSFJh — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) March 12, 2020
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Thursday that the shortage of testing is “a failing.”
The “system is not really geared to what we need right now,” he said. “The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it, we’re not set up for that. Do I think we should be? Yes.”
Check out his testimony here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-13--George Conway Puts Trump's Senate Enablers On Notice Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Conservative attorney George Conway said on Thursday that Republican lawmakers had a chance to stop President Donald Trump before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States .
They failed and that should be remembered on Election Day .
Trump has repeatedly spread false information about COVID-19 .
Last month , he insisted the cases would be “ down to close to zero ” within days .
His administration has also been slow to deliver essential testing to health agencies around the country , with Yahoo News reporting this week that the CDC conducted just 77 tests between Sunday and Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway , said Trump shouldn ’ t be blamed for being “ intellectually , psychologically , and morally unfit for any public office.
” But the Senate had a chance to stop him during the impeachment trial earlier this year .
Instead , all Senate Republicans except for Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) voted to acquit him .
Conway listed each one by name and pinned it to the top of his Twitter feed : .
@ realDonaldTrump actually can ’ t help that he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any public office .
But there are 52 people who could ’ ve done something about it 5 weeks ago .
No one should forget their responsibility , not this fall , in 2022 and 2024—or ever .
pic.twitter.com/gTQHZLqbiN — George Conway ( @ gtconway3d ) March 12 , 2020 Conway is a member of a group of conservatives called The Lincoln Project , which is working to oust the president this autumn .
Now , that Conway has turned his attention to the Senate , others are sharing his call to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And never let them say “ but we didn ’ t know he was THIS bad.
” They did .
It just didn ’ t affect them so they didn ’ t care .
https : //t.co/MSck8fg7WI — shauna ( @ goldengateblond ) March 12 , 2020 Like I said : The entire country is now paying for those colossally irresponsible decisions -- to elect Trump and not impeach him -- as we face the worst crisis since 9/11 under the bungling leadership of the worst president in modern times .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ //t.co/43g2anJxrE — Max Boot ( @ MaxBoot ) March 12 , 2020 I just read an article called 15 Of The World ’ s Weirdest Marriages and they were pretty weird , a woman and dolphin , a woman and a roller coaster , but none of them confound me as much as this marriage .
https : //t.co/kFX67FD2XL — Review Complete Series DVD Is Here !
( @ TVsAndyDaly ) March 12 , 2020 I will NEVER forget their responsibility , not this fall , not in 2022 & 2024—or ever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COWARDS OUT !
https : //t.co/AR2nPyVls6 — Sakina Jaffrey ( @ sakinajaffrey ) March 12 , 2020

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Conservative attorney George Conway said on Thursday that Republican lawmakers had a chance to stop President Donald Trump before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. They failed, he said, and that should be remembered on Election Day.
Trump has repeatedly spread false information about COVID-19. Last month, he insisted U.S. cases would be “down to close to zero” within days. His administration has also been slow to deliver essential testing to health agencies around the country, with Yahoo News reporting this week that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted just 77 tests between Sunday and Wednesday.
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Conway, who is married to White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, said Trump shouldn’t be blamed for being “intellectually, psychologically, and morally unfit for any public office.” But the Senate had a chance to stop him during the impeachment trial, and all Republican senators except Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) voted to acquit him. Conway listed each one by name and pinned it to the top of his Twitter feed:
.@realDonaldTrump actually can’t help that he’s intellectually, psychologically, and morally unfit for any public office. But there are 52 people who could’ve done something about it 5 weeks ago. No one should forget their responsibility, not this fall, in 2022 and 2024—or ever. pic.twitter.com/gTQHZLqbiN — George Conway (@gtconway3d) March 12, 2020
Conway is a member of a group of conservatives called The Lincoln Project, which is working to oust the president in the 2020 election.
Now that Conway has turned his attention to the Senate, others are sharing his call to remember the Republicans who enabled Trump:
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And never let them say “but we didn’t know he was THIS bad.” They did. It just didn’t affect them so they didn’t care. https://t.co/MSck8fg7WI — shauna (@goldengateblond) March 12, 2020
Like I said: The entire country is now paying for those colossally irresponsible decisions--to elect Trump and not impeach him--as we face the worst crisis since 9/11 under the bungling leadership of the worst president in modern times. In @PostOpinions: https://t.co/ZbUK53rInU https://t.co/43g2anJxrE — Max Boot (@MaxBoot) March 12, 2020
I just read an article called 15 Of The World’s Weirdest Marriages and they were pretty weird, a woman and dolphin, a woman and a roller coaster, but none of them confound me as much as this marriage. https://t.co/kFX67FD2XL — Review Complete Series DVD Is Here! (@TVsAndyDaly) March 12, 2020
Amen to this and retweet it 1 million times — Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) March 13, 2020
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It is a wall of shame and a wall of shams! https://t.co/8oCunezM3T — Curtis Ingraham (@CurtisIngraham1) March 12, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--Trump Not Planning To Get Coronavirus Test After Meeting Aide Who Tested Positive

President Donald Trump said Thursday he ’ s not concerned that he came into contact with a Brazilian official who has since tested positive for coronavirus , even as other U.S. politicians who may have met the man self-quarantine as a precaution .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was accompanied by his press secretary , Fabio Wajngarten , on a presidential trip to Florida , where they dined at Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago resort .
Wajngarten , who posted a picture of himself standing beside Trump on Instagram after the meeting , was confirmed to be infected with the virus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , Trump said that he was “ not concerned ” about the meeting with Bolsonaro ’ s infected aide .
“ I did hear something about that .
We had dinner together in Florida , at Mar-a-Lago .
With the entire delegation .
I don ’ t know if the press aide was there .
If he was there , he was there , ” Trump said when asked about his contact with the official .
“ We did nothing very unusual .
We sat next to each other for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s doing a terrific job in Brazil , and we ’ ll find out what happens .
I guess they ’ re being tested right now , ” he added .
Later Thursday , White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence would not seek testing , citing CDC guidelines that there is “ currently no indication to test patients without symptoms , and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine.
” “ The White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Brazilian delegation ’ s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19 ; confirmatory testing is pending , ” Grisham said in the statement .
“ Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps .
Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.
” Sen. Rick Scott ( R-Fla. ) , Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) , City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Miami-Dade County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after possibly being exposed to the infected individual in Florida .
Graham ’ s office released a statement that , although the senator has “ no recollection of direct contact with the President of Brazil , who is awaiting results of a coronavirus test , or his spokesman who tested positive , ” he would self-quarantine as a precaution .

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President Donald Trump said Thursday he’s not concerned that he came into contact with a Brazilian official who has since tested positive for coronavirus, even as other U.S. politicians who may have met the man self-quarantine as a precaution.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was accompanied by his press secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, on a presidential trip to Florida, where they dined at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Wajngarten, who posted a picture of himself standing beside Trump on Instagram after the meeting, was confirmed to be infected with the virus on Wednesday.
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During remarks Thursday at the White House, Trump said that he was “not concerned” about the meeting with Bolsonaro’s infected aide.
“I did hear something about that. We had dinner together in Florida, at Mar-a-Lago. With the entire delegation. I don’t know if the press aide was there. If he was there, he was there,” Trump said when asked about his contact with the official.
“We did nothing very unusual. We sat next to each other for a period of time, had great conversation. He’s doing a terrific job in Brazil, and we’ll find out what happens. I guess they’re being tested right now,” he added.
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Later Thursday, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence would not seek testing, citing CDC guidelines that there is “currently no indication to test patients without symptoms, and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine.”
“The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation’s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19; confirmatory testing is pending,” Grisham said in the statement.
“Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps. Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.”
Four U.S. government officials announced Thursday they would self-quarantine after interacting with Bolsonaro’s aide.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez are all isolating themselves after possibly being exposed to the infected individual in Florida.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-12--U.S. Strikes Iran-Backed Group That Hit American Troops In Iraq

One U.S. official said multiple strikes targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq .
The strikes were a partnered operation with the British , that official said .
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because operations were still going on .
The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq , just two months after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq .
They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack , making clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attackers would be held accountable .
“ We ’ re going to take this one step at a time , but we ’ ve got to hold the perpetrators accountable , ” Esper said .
“ You don ’ t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.
” At the White House , Trump had also hinted that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming , telling reporters , “ We ’ ll see what the response is.
” And Army Gen. Mark Milley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staff , told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows ” with a high degree of certainty ” who launched the attack .
On Capitol Hill earlier in the day , Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie , the top U.S. commander for the Middle East , told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a “ red line ” for the U.S. , but said he didn ’ t think Iran has “ a good understanding of where our red line is.
” Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rockets hit the base Wednesday .
The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack .
U.S. officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack , but Kataib Hezbollah , an Iranian-backed Shia militia group , was the likely perpetrator .
And the U.S. strikes , which came in the middle of the night in Iraq , targeted that group .
That in turn led to protests at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed Jan. 3 by a U.S. airstrike that killed Iran ’ s most powerful military officer , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq , of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member .
In response to the Soleimani killing , Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8 , at al-Asad air base in Iraq , that resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops .
McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. troops and assets in the region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there .
He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran .
However , he said : “ What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly again us .
That is a far more difficult area to deter.
” Asked why none of the rockets was intercepted , Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors , and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. launched airstrikes in Iraq, targeting the Iranian-backed Shiite militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad, the Pentagon said.
U.S. officials said multiple strikes by U.S. fighter jets on Thursday hit five locations and mainly targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq. A Defense Department statement said the strikes targeted five weapons storage facilities “to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks.”
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The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq, just two months after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq. They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack, making clear that they knew who did it and that the attackers would be held accountable.
“The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. “As we have demonstrated in recent months, we will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region.”
The Pentagon statement said the facilities hit in the precision strikes were used to store weapons used to target the U.S. and coalition forces. It called the counterattack “defensive, proportional and in direct response to the threat” posed by the Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups.
U.S. officials said the locations of the strikes were largely around the Baghdad region. One U.S. official said there were two strikes at Jurf al-Sakher, one in Karbala, one at Al-Musayib, and one at Arab Nawar Ahmad. The official said the U.S. expected casualties would be lower than 50, and said the main effort was to hit the weapons.
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The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because some details about the operations had not yet been made public.
An official with the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Units told The Associated Press that two Iraqi federal police personnel were killed in Jurf al-Sakher. An Iraqi military statement said the aerial “aggression” occurred at 1:15 a.m. in the areas of Jurf al-Sakher, Al-Musayib, Najaf and Alexandria on the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Units, emergency regiments and commandos of the 9th division of the Iraqi army.
Esper told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Thursday that President Donald Trump had given him the authority to take whatever action he deemed necessary.
“We’re going to take this one step at a time, but we’ve got to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Esper said. “You don’t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.”
At the White House, Trump had also hinted that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming, telling reporters, “We’ll see what the response is.” And Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows ”with a high degree of certainty” who launched the attack.
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On Capitol Hill earlier in the day, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East, told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a “red line” for the U.S., but said he didn’t think Iran has “a good understanding of where our red line is.”
Asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran, Esper said, “We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq.”
Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and 14 other personnel were wounded when 18 rockets hit the base Wednesday. The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack.
U.S. officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack, but Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia group, was the likely perpetrator. And the U.S. strikes, which came in the middle of the night in Iraq, targeted that group.
Kataib Hezbollah was responsible for a late December rocket attack on a military base in Kirkuk that killed a U.S. contractor, prompting American military strikes in response.
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That in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. They were followed Jan. 3 by a U.S. airstrike that killed Iran’s most powerful military officer, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member. In response to the Soleimani killing, Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8, at al-Asad air base in Iraq, that resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops.
McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the killing of Soleimani and the increase in U.S. troops and assets in the region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there. He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran.
However, he said: “What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly again us. That is a far more difficult area to deter.”
On Thursday, Esper and Milley said they spoke with their British counterparts about the attack, but declined to provide details.
Asked why none of the rockets was intercepted, Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against that type of attack.
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He also said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors, and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-13--Harvard Health Professor Slams Trump's 'Catastrophic Failure' On Coronavirus

Harvard global health professor Dr. Ashish Jha on Thursday lamented the haphazard U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic , describing it as “ among the very worst in the world.
” “ Certainly among all the major countries , ” Jha told MSNBC ’ s Lawrence O ’ Donnell , noting how “ every major country has more testing than we do across Europe , South Korea , Japan , even Vietnam and Iran until recently have been doing a better job testing than we have.
” Jha said the testing failure is “ really mind-boggling ” and makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how many people actually have the infection , where the infections are , how widespread it is and what we can do to respond to it.
” “ I see this as just a catastrophic failure on the part of the federal government and the federal leadership , ” said Jha , who is also director of the Harvard Global Health Institute .
His comments were echoed by Ronald Klain , who former President Barack Obama tasked with leading the U.S. response to the Ebola crisis .
Klain repeated his fierce criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , attributing it to “ failure stacked on failure stacked on failure .
”

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Harvard global health professor Dr. Ashish Jha on Thursday lamented the haphazard U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic, describing it as “among the very worst in the world.”
“Certainly among all the major countries,” Jha told MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, noting how “every major country has more testing than we do across Europe, South Korea, Japan, even Vietnam and Iran until recently have been doing a better job testing than we have.”
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Jha said the testing failure is “really mind-boggling” and makes it “really hard to get a grip on how many people actually have the infection, where the infections are, how widespread it is and what we can do to respond to it.”
“I see this as just a catastrophic failure on the part of the federal government and the federal leadership,” said Jha, who is also director of the Harvard Global Health Institute.
His comments were echoed by Ronald Klain, who former President Barack Obama tasked with leading the U.S. response to the Ebola crisis. Klain repeated his fierce criticism of the Trump White House handling of the coronavirus pandemic, attributing it to “failure stacked on failure stacked on failure.”