thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-07--Pro-Trump Climate Denial Group Lays Off Staff Amid Financial Woes, Ex-Employees Say

J.D .
Pooley via Getty Images Heartland Institute 's finances appear to have gone up in smoke .
The Illinois-based Heartland Institute ― which captured headlines last month for promoting a German teenager with ties to neo-Nazis as the climate denier ’ s alternative to acclaimed youth activist Greta Thunberg ― pink-slipped at least 10 staffers Friday , shedding what one former employee described as “ more than half ” the organization ’ s staff .
Comerford blamed Frank Lasée , the former Wisconsin Republican state lawmaker who took over as Heartland ’ s president last July , for squandering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nascent tenure and leaving the group in dire financial straits .
Another former employee accused Lasée of mismanaging the budget , and private Facebook posts from other current staffers expressed dismay over the state of the organization , but HuffPost could not independently verify the state of Heartland ’ s finances because the nonprofit ’ s tax filings for 2019 are not yet due .
“ Frank Lasee spent all of our money in six months including the savings , ” she wrote in a text .
“ They had to lay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more coming .
What an asshole.
” By the late 2000s , pressure grew on companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. , Heartland ’ s benefactor since 1998 , to cut ties .
In 2006 , the oil behemoth did so as it sought to distance itself from outright denialism in the face of mounting evidence that climate change was not only real but occurring faster than scientists initially predicted .
In 2016 , as the Mercers pumped money into Trump ’ s presidential campaign , the secretive conservative megadonors increased grants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up from $ 100,000 the previous year .
In 2017 , the most recent year for which the Mercer Family Foundation ’ s tax filings are available , the family gave Heartland another $ 800,000 .
Heartland received $ 5.8 million in 2018 , according to its latest tax filing , and at least $ 3 million of that came from the Donors Trust , the nonprofit once described as “ the dark-money ATM of the conservative movement.
” Between two-thirds and three-quarters of Heartland ’ s budget is now directed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of Heartland ’ s climate efforts , said to undercover reporters from the German news site Collectiv last December .
But 2017 marked what appeared to be a zenith for Heartland .
Fundraising that year nearly hit $ 6 million .
After more than a decade on the fringes of power , cultivating influence with Republican lawmakers and aggressively promoting its contrarian and easily debunked takes on climate science , the group saw its influence in Washington blossom as Trump appointed pro-fossil fuel hardliners to his administration .
A HuffPost investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex offender : Oliver Manuel , a nuclear chemist whose crank theories about the sun alienated even the most ardent climate deniers , and who was convicted of attempted sodomy of an 11-year-old girl .
In a response to the exposé , EPA distanced itself from Heartland .
Five days after the story was published , Heartland , which is known to attempt to publicly discredit journalists and critics , disputed the nature of the list in a statement calling HuffPost “ shameful and even disgusting.
” Heartland ’ s woes continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another investigation detailing how a top fundraiser in the group ’ s leadership circle stepped in to defend the organization ’ s former marketing director , Eugene Koprowski , against criminal charges stemming from his alleged stalking and harassment of a female underling half his age .
Heartland again responded by accusing HuffPost of attempting to “ smear ” the organization .
Legal proceedings appear to still be ongoing , and Koprowski split with his lawyer , Heartland fundraiser Joseph Morris , earlier this year , according to a court document HuffPost obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid for a comeback .
The group announced that it hired Naomi Seibt , a 19-year-old German who makes YouTube videos railing against what she calls the “ alarmism ” of millions of youth climate activists .
Heartland cast Seibt as the climate-skeptic right ’ s answer to Greta Thunberg , the Swedish 17-year-old whose demands for radical action to halt planet-heating emissions captured the world ’ s attention and won her the title of 2019 ’ s Time Person of the Year .
But Seibt , too , became a lightning rod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seibt , is an attorney who works with Alternative für Deutschland , Germany ’ s far-right nationalist party with ties to neo-Nazis .
In 2018 , the mother was pictured partying with Milo Yiannopoulos , the far-right former star columnist at Breitbart who , according to BuzzFeed News , pushed white nationalist ideology into mainstream U.S. politics .
Following a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Germany last year , Naomi Seibt said in a YouTube discussion that Jews were considered “ at the top ” of groups perceived as oppressed , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom , ” The Guardian reported .
Muslims , she said , landed somewhere in between .
Making her American debut at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland last week , Seibt declared herself “ a fan , absolutely ” of white nationalist YouTuber Stefan Molyneux and defended his past remarks pining for an all-white country .

Heartland Institute's finances appear to have gone up in smoke. J.D. Pooley via Getty Images
An influential climate-denial think tank bankrolled by President Donald Trump’s far-right billionaire donors has laid off nearly a dozen staffers amid financial troubles, according to three former employees.
The Illinois-based Heartland Institute ― which captured headlines last month for promoting a German teenager with ties to neo-Nazis as the climate denier’s alternative to acclaimed youth activist Greta Thunberg ― pink-slipped at least 10 staffers Friday, shedding what one former employee described as “more than half” the organization’s staff.
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“Heartland is broke,” Nikki Comerford, the nonprofit’s events coordinator on staff for nearly 21 years, told a former colleague in a text message, a screenshot of which HuffPost reviewed.
Comerford blamed Frank Lasée, the former Wisconsin Republican state lawmaker who took over as Heartland’s president last July, for squandering the organization’s budget during his nascent tenure and leaving the group in dire financial straits. Another former employee accused Lasée of mismanaging the budget, and private Facebook posts from other current staffers expressed dismay over the state of the organization, but HuffPost could not independently verify the state of Heartland’s finances because the nonprofit’s tax filings for 2019 are not yet due.
“Frank Lasee spent all of our money in six months including the savings,” she wrote in a text. “They had to lay off more than half the staff today and more coming. What an asshole.”
Lasée did not respond to an email requesting comment on Friday night, but HuffPost confirmed the details with two former employees who left Heartland between 2016 and 2017 but maintained ties to the organization.
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On Sunday, Heartland confirmed the layoffs in a press release, saying it was part of a “reorganization” to put a new focus on “educating the public and public officials about climate alarmism” and “the significant threat alarmism poses to our economy.”
“This reduction in personnel and reorganization will make Heartland more efficient and focused,” Jim Lakely, a spokesman for the group, wrote in the press release. “Working with supporters and contributors, we are confident Heartland’s mission-oriented work will continue, uninterrupted, for many years to come.”
The nonprofit long suffered from “a lack of long-term financial planning,” another former staffer told HuffPost.
“When I was employed at Heartland, that organization was always barely making payroll,” the ex-staffer, who requested anonymity for fear of alienating former co-workers, said by phone Friday evening.
The Heartland Institute once towered as one of the most active nodes in the climate misinformation network that oil, gas and coal interests built to obscure the threat greenhouse gas emissions posed to life on Earth.
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By the late 2000s, pressure grew on companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp., Heartland’s benefactor since 1998, to cut ties. In 2006, the oil behemoth did so as it sought to distance itself from outright denialism in the face of mounting evidence that climate change was not only real but occurring faster than scientists initially predicted.
Heartland President Frank Lasée is a former Republican member of the Wisconsin state Senate. Douglas Graham via Getty Images
Billionaire ideologues stepped in to fill the void. In 2008, hedge funder Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, started donating to Heartland through their family foundation, which has also funded the right-wing website Breitbart News and other fringe organizations.
In 2016, as the Mercers pumped money into Trump’s presidential campaign, the secretive conservative megadonors increased grants to the Heartland Institute, giving $800,000, up from $100,000 the previous year. In 2017, the Mercer Family Foundation’s tax filings show, the family gave Heartland another $800,000.
Heartland received $5.8 million in 2018, according to its latest tax filing, and at least $3 million of that came from the Donors Trust, the nonprofit once described as “the dark-money ATM of the conservative movement.” Between two-thirds and three-quarters of Heartland’s budget is now directed at climate misinformation programs, James Taylor, the head of Heartland’s climate efforts, said to undercover reporters from the German news site Correctiv last December.
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But 2017 marked what appeared to be a zenith for Heartland. Fundraising that year nearly hit $6 million. After more than a decade on the fringes of power, cultivating influence with Republican lawmakers and aggressively promoting its contrarian and easily debunked takes on climate science, the group saw its influence in Washington blossom as Trump appointed pro-fossil fuel hardliners to his administration.
When, in late 2017, then-Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt began planning a sort of mock trial on climate science, pitting credible researchers against industry-backed rogues, Heartland submitted a list of 145 names of contrarian scientists to consider.
A HuffPost investigation found that the list included a child sex offender: Oliver Manuel, a nuclear chemist whose crank theories about the sun alienated even the most ardent climate deniers, and who was convicted of attempted sodomy of an 11-year-old girl. In a response to the exposé, EPA distanced itself from Heartland. Five days after the story was published, Heartland, which is known to attempt to publicly discredit journalists and critics, disputed the nature of the list in a statement calling HuffPost “shameful and even disgusting.”
Naomi Seibt, a 19-year-old climate change skeptic and self-proclaimed climate realist, speaks during a workshop last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference 2020. Samuel Corum via Getty Images
Heartland’s woes continued to mount. Months later, HuffPost published another investigation detailing how a top fundraiser in the group’s leadership circle stepped in to defend the organization’s former marketing director, Eugene Koprowski, against criminal charges stemming from his alleged stalking and harassment of a female underling half his age. Heartland again responded by accusing HuffPost of attempting to “smear” the organization. Legal proceedings appear to still be ongoing, and Koprowski split with his lawyer, Heartland fundraiser Joseph Morris, earlier this year, according to a court document HuffPost obtained.
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Since then, Heartland saw its influence wane, particularly after Pruitt resigned from the EPA over a mountain of corruption accusations and his replacement, Andrew Wheeler, attempted a less provocative approach to the administration’s deregulatory agenda.
Last month, Heartland made a bid for a comeback. The group announced that it hired Naomi Seibt, a 19-year-old German who makes YouTube videos railing against what she calls the “alarmism” of millions of youth climate activists. Heartland cast Seibt as the climate-skeptic right’s answer to Greta Thunberg, the Swedish 17-year-old whose demands for radical action to halt planet-heating emissions captured the world’s attention and won her the title of 2019’s Time Person of the Year.
“The events surrounding Koprowski put a real damper on Heartland’s momentum in 2017,” a second former employee said by phone. “Naomi Seibt was meant to be a way for Heartland to reappear on the map.”
But Seibt, too, became a lightning rod for controversy. Her mother, Karoline Seibt, is an attorney who works with Alternative für Deutschland, Germany’s far-right nationalist party with ties to neo-Nazis. In 2018, the mother was pictured partying with Milo Yiannopoulos, the far-right former star columnist at Breitbart who, according to BuzzFeed News, pushed white nationalist ideology into mainstream U.S. politics.
Following a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Germany last year, Naomi Seibt said in a YouTube discussion that Jews were considered “at the top” of groups perceived as oppressed, while “ordinary Germans” were “at the bottom,” The Guardian reported. Muslims, she said, landed somewhere in between. Making her American debut at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland last week, Seibt declared herself “a fan, absolutely” of white nationalist YouTuber Stefan Molyneux and defended his past remarks pining for an all-white country.
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That Heartland has struggled to raise money is a “predictable dilemma” at a time when the Trump administration continues gutting environmental safeguards, said Kert Davies, director of the Climate Investigations Center, a nonprofit watchdog group that tracks denialist organizations.
“It’s not surprising that they’ve had a hard time raising money and anxiously trying to find relevance in this era when their side is already winning more out of Trump,” Davies said. “The world can do without the Heartland Institute, for sure.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-07--CPAC Attendee Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Didn't Have Contact With Trump

A statement from the ACU said that the unnamed individual had “ no interaction ” with either Trump , or Vice President Mike Pence , who also attended CPAC , along with scores of other high-profile conservative politicians .
The person also did not attend any events in the main hall , according to ACU , which drew the largest crowds .
Some 19,000 people attended last year ’ s event .
“ The Trump administration is aware of the situation , and we will continue regular communication with all appropriate government offices , ” noted the ACU statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey and is under the care of medical professionals , according to the ACU .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan warned that people who attended or worked at the conference at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor just outside of Washington could be at risk of contracting the virus .
He urged that anyone experiencing symptoms should “ immediately ” reach out to their health-care provider .
“ Immediately after learning of this individual ’ s interactions in our state , we began coordinating with the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New Jersey Department of Health ... and conference organizers , ” Hogan said in a statement .
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham emphasized in a statement that “ at this time there is no indication that either President Trump or Vice President Pence met with or were in close proximity to the attendee .
The President ’ s physician and United States Secret Service have been working closely with White House Staff and various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First Family and the entire White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been in contact with the Health Department of the State of Maryland and we will explicitly follow the guidance from government health experts , ” the ACU statement noted .
“ During this time , we need to remain calm , listen to our health care professionals and support each other.
” ACU called its tweet about the situation an “ important health notification ” for those who attended CPAC .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear what other outreach the organization was doing— beyond to the Trump administration .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration an “ A+++ ” for its work battling coronavirus , though the administration has come under heavy fire from health professionals for a dearth of reliable kits to test for the disease .
Trump ’ s outgoing acting White House chief of staff , Mick Mulvaney , accused journalists in his speech at CPAC of hyping the coronavirus threat because “ they think this will bring down the president — that ’ s what this is all about.
” Trump , who initially called mounting fears about COVID-19 , the disease caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by the Democrats , is a self-professed germaphobe and a huge fan of frequent hand washing .
He did , however , plant a kiss on a flag displayed on the CPAC stage .

A statement from the ACU said the unnamed individual had “no interaction” with Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, who also attended CPAC, along with scores of other high-profile conservative politicians.
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The person also did not attend any events in the main hall, which drew the largest crowds, according to the ACU. Some 19,000 people attended last year’s event.
The individual’s exposure to coronavirus occurred before the four-day conference that began Feb. 26, according to the ACU.
“The Trump administration is aware of the situation, and we will continue regular communication with all appropriate government offices,” noted the ACU statement.
The affected participant has been quarantined in New Jersey and is under the care of medical professionals, according to the ACU.
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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan warned that people who attended or worked at the conference at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor just outside of Washington could be at risk of contracting the virus. He urged that anyone experiencing symptoms should “immediately” reach out to their health care provider.
“Immediately after learning of this individual’s interactions in our state, we began coordinating with the White House, the CDC and federal officials, the New Jersey Department of Health ... and conference organizers,” Hogan said in a statement.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham emphasized in a statement that “at this time there is no indication that either President Trump or Vice President Pence met with or were in close proximity to the attendee. The President’s physician and United States Secret Service have been working closely with White House Staff and various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First Family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy.”
“ACU has been in contact with the Health Department of the State of Maryland and we will explicitly follow the guidance from government health experts,” the ACU statement noted. “During this time, we need to remain calm, listen to our health care professionals and support each other.”
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The ACU called its tweet about the situation an “important health notification” for those who attended CPAC. It wasn’t immediately clear what other outreach the organization was doing ― beyond to the Trump administration.
Important Health Notification for CPAC 2020 participants and attendees. pic.twitter.com/NtahNO8st3 — ACU (@ACUConservative) March 7, 2020
In his speech at CPAC, Trump gave his administration an “A+++” for its work battling coronavirus, though the administration has come under heavy fire from health professionals for a dearth of reliable kits to test for the disease.
Trump’s outgoing acting White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, accused journalists in his speech at CPAC of hyping the coronavirus threat because “they think this will bring down the president — that’s what this is all about.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--White House Overruled CDC Push For Elderly Not To Fly Due To Coronavirus: Official

NEW YORK ( AP ) — The White House overruled health officials who wanted to recommend that elderly and physically fragile Americans be advised not to fly on commercial airlines because of the new coronavirus , a federal official told The Associated Press .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention submitted the plan this week as a way of trying to control the virus , but White House officials ordered the air travel recommendation be removed , said the official who had direct knowledge of the plan .
Trump administration officials have since suggested certain people should consider not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the stronger guidance sought by the CDC .
The person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity did not have authorization to talk about the matter .
The person did not have direct knowledge about why the decision to kill the language was made .
On Friday , the CDC quietly updated its website to tell older adults and people with severe medical conditions such as heart , lung or kidney disease to “ stay home as much as possible ” and avoid crowds .
It urges those people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of exposure , ” but it doesn ’ t specifically address flying .
“ If you ’ re a senior citizen with a serious underlying health condition , this would be a good time to practice common sense and to avoid activities including traveling on a cruise line , ” Pence said , adding they were looking to cruise line officials for action , guidance and flexibility with those passengers .
Vice President Mike Pence , center , along with Florida Sen. Rick Scott , far left , and Gov .
Ron DeSantis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Redfield , right , speaks to the media after a meeting with cruise line company leaders to discuss the efforts to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus , at Port Everglades , Saturday March 7 , 2020 , in Fort Lauderdale , Fla. For most people , the flu-like viral illness causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
But — like the flu — it can cause pneumonia and be much more lethal to people made frail by old age and by conditions that make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections .
Dr. Peter Hotez , dean of tropical medicine at Baylor College of Medicine , this week warned U.S. lawmakers against minimizing the viruses risk for vulnerable people .
During a Congressional hearing , he said the coronavirus “ is like the angel of death for older individuals.
” Some experts this week said clearer and louder guidance should be made to vulnerable people , so they take every possible step to avoid settings where they might more easily become infected .
“ The clear message to people who fit into those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a semi-hermit .
You ’ ve got to really get serious in your personal life about social distancing , and in particular avoiding crowds of any kind , ’ ” said Dr. William Schaffner , a Vanderbilt University expert on infectious diseases .
Dr. Tom Frieden , a former CDC director , said whether to recommend the frail and elderly avoid air travel is “ a difficult question , ” but clearly this is a time when such conversations should be taking place .
“ At this point the risk in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing it spread rapidly .
We are going from the calm before the storm to the beginning of the storm , ” said Frieden , who now heads Resolve to Save Lives , an organization promoting global public health .
The new virus is a member of the coronavirus family that can cause colds or more serious illnesses such as SARS and MERS .
Health officials think it spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes , similar to how the flu spreads .
The virus first emerged late last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year has increasingly been spreading around the world .
More than 100,000 illnesses have been reported globally , in more than 90 countries and territories .
the count includes more than 3,500 deaths .
President Donald Trump visited the CDC in Atlanta on Friday , where he defended his administration ’ s handling of the outbreak and tried to reassure Americans that the government had the virus under control .
But Trump also detoured from that message , calling Washington state ’ s governor a “ snake ” and saying he ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a cruise ship be left aboard so they wouldn ’ t be added to the nation ’ s tally .

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NEW YORK (AP) — The White House overruled health officials who wanted to recommend that elderly and physically fragile Americans be advised not to fly on commercial airlines because of the new coronavirus, a federal official told The Associated Press.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention submitted the plan this week as a way of trying to control the virus, but White House officials ordered the air travel recommendation be removed, said the official who had direct knowledge of the plan. Trump administration officials have since suggested certain people should consider not traveling, but they have stopped short of the stronger guidance sought by the CDC.
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The person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity did not have authorization to talk about the matter. The person did not have direct knowledge about why the decision to kill the language was made.
In a tweet, the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence, Katie Miller, said that “it was never a recommendation to the Task Force” and called the AP story “complete fiction.”
On Friday, the CDC quietly updated its website to tell older adults and people with severe medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease to “stay home as much as possible” and avoid crowds. It urges those people to “take actions to reduce your risk of exposure,” but it doesn’t specifically address flying.
Pence, speaking Saturday after meeting with cruise ship industry leaders in Florida, targeted his travel advice to a narrower group: older people with serious health problems.
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“If you’re a senior citizen with a serious underlying health condition, this would be a good time to practice common sense and to avoid activities including traveling on a cruise line,” Pence said, adding they were looking to cruise line officials for action, guidance and flexibility with those passengers.
Vice President Mike Pence, center, along with Florida Sen. Rick Scott, far left, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, and CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, right, speaks to the media after a meeting with cruise line company leaders to discuss the efforts to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at Port Everglades, Saturday March 7, 2020, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar suggested older Americans and those with health problems should avoid crowds “especially in poorly ventilated spaces.”
For most people, the flu-like viral illness causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But — like the flu — it can cause pneumonia and be much more lethal to people made frail by old age and by conditions that make it harder for their bodies to fight infections.
Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of tropical medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, this week warned U.S. lawmakers against minimizing the viruses risk for vulnerable people. During a Congressional hearing, he said the coronavirus “is like the angel of death for older individuals.”
Advertisement
Some experts this week said clearer and louder guidance should be made to vulnerable people, so they take every possible step to avoid settings where they might more easily become infected.
“The clear message to people who fit into those categories is; ‘You ought to become a semi-hermit. You’ve got to really get serious in your personal life about social distancing, and in particular avoiding crowds of any kind,’” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University expert on infectious diseases.
That can include not only avoiding essential commercial travel but also large church services and crowded restaurants, he added.
Dr. Tom Frieden, a former CDC director, said whether to recommend the frail and elderly avoid air travel is “a difficult question,” but clearly this is a time when such conversations should be taking place.
“At this point the risk in the U.S. remains low, but we are seeing it spread rapidly. We are going from the calm before the storm to the beginning of the storm,” said Frieden, who now heads Resolve to Save Lives, an organization promoting global public health.
Advertisement
The new virus is a member of the coronavirus family that can cause colds or more serious illnesses such as SARS and MERS. Health officials think it spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how the flu spreads.
The virus first emerged late last year in mainland China, but this year has increasingly been spreading around the world. More than 100,000 illnesses have been reported globally, in more than 90 countries and territories. the count includes more than 3,500 deaths.
For weeks, cases in the U.S. remained very low, but the count has been accelerating in the last several days.
President Donald Trump visited the CDC in Atlanta on Friday, where he defended his administration’s handling of the outbreak and tried to reassure Americans that the government had the virus under control. But Trump also detoured from that message, calling Washington state’s governor a “snake” and saying he’d prefer that people exposed to the virus on a cruise ship be left aboard so they wouldn’t be added to the nation’s tally.
___
Associated Press writers Lynn Berry in Washington and Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contributed to this report.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--Kamala Harris Endorses Joe Biden For 2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination

Harris , who dropped out of the race in December , announced her endorsement in a video posted to Twitter on Sunday .
“ There is no one better prepared than Joe to steer our nation through these turbulent times , and restore truth , honor , and decency to the Oval Office , ” she said in a statement .
“ He is kind and endlessly caring , and he truly listens to the American people.
” .
@ JoeBiden has served our country with dignity and we need him now more than ever .
I will do everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next President of the United States .
pic.twitter.com/DbB2fGWpaa — Kamala Harris ( @ KamalaHarris ) March 8 , 2020 Harris is the latest former Democratic presidential candidate to throw their support behind Biden .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-Minn. ) endorsed him after suspending their campaigns just ahead of Super Tuesday .
Former Texas Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke , who ended his bid for the White House in November , and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also recently endorsed the former vice president .
“ To all of Amy ’ s folks , to all of Pete ’ s folks , to all of Kamala ’ s folks , to all of the folks who have , Beto ’ s folks , I ’ ll tell you what , what a gigantic difference it ’ s made , ” he told the crowd .
“ We ’ re gon na unite this party and unite this country.
” After disappointing showings in the first few Democratic primary contests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a major boost on Super Tuesday last week , winning 10 of the 14 states up for grabs .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) won the other four states , including the state with the most delegates up for grabs : California .
Harris was at times critical of Biden on the campaign trail .
Her criticism during a Democratic debate in June of Biden ’ s record on racial segregation , including his previous remarks boasting about collaborating with two segregationist senators during his time in the Senate , marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I do not believe you are a racist .
And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground , ” Harris had said .
“ But it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.
” She pointed out Biden ’ s previous opposition to busing programs that integrated schools and recalled her own experience as a member of the “ second class to integrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child .
“ We deserve a president with the knowledge and experience to reassure a nation weary of tweets , lies , and incompetence , ” Harris said in her statement .
“ And we deserve a president who speaks to the best of who we are and challenges us to live up to our ideals.
” “ I believe in Joe Biden , ” she added , “ and will do everything in my power to help elect him the next president of the United States .
”

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Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
Harris, who dropped out of the race in December, announced her endorsement in a video posted to Twitter on Sunday.
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“There is no one better prepared than Joe to steer our nation through these turbulent times, and restore truth, honor, and decency to the Oval Office,” she said in a statement. “He is kind and endlessly caring, and he truly listens to the American people.”
Harris will join Biden at his rally in Detroit on Monday, his campaign announced Sunday.
.@JoeBiden has served our country with dignity and we need him now more than ever. I will do everything in my power to help elect him the next President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/DbB2fGWpaa — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) March 8, 2020
Harris is the latest former Democratic presidential candidate to throw their support behind Biden. Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) endorsed him after suspending their campaigns just ahead of Super Tuesday.
Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who ended his bid for the White House in November, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who dropped out of the race last week, have also recently endorsed the former vice president.
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Biden appeared to hint at Harris’ imminent endorsement during a campaign rally Saturday in St. Louis.
“To all of Amy’s folks, to all of Pete’s folks, to all of Kamala’s folks, to all of the folks who have, Beto’s folks, I’ll tell you what, what a gigantic difference it’s made,” he told the crowd. “We’re gonna unite this party and unite this country.”
After disappointing showings in the first few Democratic primary contests last month, Biden’s campaign got a major boost on Super Tuesday last week, winning 10 of the 14 states up for grabs. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) won the other four states, including the state with the most delegates up for grabs: California.
Harris was at times critical of Biden on the campaign trail. Her criticism during a Democratic debate in June of Biden’s record on racial segregation, including his previous remarks boasting about collaborating with two segregationist senators during his time in the Senate, marked the defining moment of the night.
“I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground,” Harris had said. “But it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.”
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She pointed out Biden’s previous opposition to busing programs that integrated schools and recalled her own experience as a member of the “second class to integrate her public schools” when she was a child.
But Harris struck a decidedly different tone in her endorsement on Sunday.
“We deserve a president with the knowledge and experience to reassure a nation weary of tweets, lies, and incompetence,” Harris said in her statement. “And we deserve a president who speaks to the best of who we are and challenges us to live up to our ideals.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--Top Health Official Urges Elderly People To ‘Absolutely’ Avoid Cruise Ships

A top U.S. health official on Sunday urged elderly people and individuals with underlying conditions such as heart disease and diabetes to “ absolutely ” avoid cruise ships as the coronavirus continues to spread across the world .
“ Something that ’ s important that I hope the American people appreciate is that the risk of getting into trouble with this infection ... is overwhelmingly weighted towards people with underlying conditions and the elderly , ” Fauci told NBC ’ s “ Meet The Press.
” “ If you are an elderly person with an underlying condition , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into trouble is considerable , ” he continued .
“ When I say protect , I mean right now , [ don ’ t ] wait until things get worse , say ‘ no large crowds , no long trips , and above all , don ’ t get on a cruise ship.
’ ” Over 100,000 people worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus first documented in December in Wuhan , China .
The virus has killed over 3,500 people globally , with the vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , the coronavirus has killed at least 18 people and infected over 350 , Fauci told “ Fox News Sunday.
” At least 46 of those confirmed cases were individuals who traveled aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship to Southeast Asia earlier this year .
Passengers were quarantined aboard the ship in Japan for weeks .
“ We ’ re having an acceleration of cases now , ” Fauci told Fox News ’ Chris Wallace on Sunday .
“ What we ’ re seeing is what is called ‘ community spread ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly in the area of Washington state.
” ″We have to be realistic , ” Fauci said .
“ I don ’ t think it would be as draconian as nobody in , nobody out .
But there ’ ll be , if we can continue to get cases like this , particularly at the community level , there will be what is called ‘ mitigation , ’ where you ’ ll have to do essentially social distancing.
” “ It ’ s particularly important among the most vulnerable , ” he continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department would be announcing new recommendations against travel for people with underlying conditions .
“ Those are the most vulnerable ones , particularly elderly people with underlying conditions ― heart disease , chronic lung disease , diabetes ― [ should ] take a look at things that are at high risk : crowded places , getting on airplanes and absolutely don ’ t get on a cruise ship , ” he said .
Wallace asked Fauci about the White House ’ s conflicting messages about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that tests for the virus are available to everyone who needs them , but Vice President Mike Pence , who is leading the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , said a day earlier that the U.S. does not have enough tests to meet the demand .
Democrats and some public health officials have criticized Trump for downplaying the deadly impacts of coronavirus and for botching some of the related science .
In describing what it ’ s like to work with Trump on the issue , Fauci told Politico last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own credibility.
” “ You don ’ t want to go to war with a president , ” he said .
“ But you got to walk the fine balance of making sure you continue to tell the truth.
” ″When you have the evidence , you give it as it is , ” he told Wallace .
“ If you don ’ t have all the evidence ’ cause we ’ re in a dynamic situation , you use your best judgment in recommendations and guidelines .
But you must always ― @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
”

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A top U.S. health official on Sunday urged elderly people and individuals with underlying conditions such as heart disease and diabetes to “absolutely” avoid cruise ships as the coronavirus continues to spread across the world.
Anthony Fauci, a doctor and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned vulnerable populations against unnecessary travel — especially on cruise ships — during a series of appearances on Sunday morning talk shows.
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“Something that’s important that I hope the American people appreciate is that the risk of getting into trouble with this infection ... is overwhelmingly weighted towards people with underlying conditions and the elderly,” Fauci told NBC’s “Meet The Press.”
“If you are an elderly person with an underlying condition, if you get infected, the risk of getting into trouble is considerable,” he continued. “When I say protect, I mean right now, [don’t] wait until things get worse, say ‘no large crowds, no long trips, and above all, don’t get on a cruise ship.’”
WATCH: "Don't get on a cruise ship" if you have an underlying health condition, the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases warns on #MTP.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says people who are already vulnerable to health infections should take extra precautions. pic.twitter.com/i9zdrJVR1C — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 8, 2020
Over 100,000 people worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus first documented in December in Wuhan, China. The virus has killed over 3,500 people globally, with the vast majority of deaths in China.
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In the U.S., the coronavirus has killed at least 18 people and infected over 350, Fauci told “Fox News Sunday.” At least 46 of those confirmed cases were individuals who traveled aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship to Southeast Asia earlier this year. Passengers were quarantined aboard the ship in Japan for weeks.
Another cruise ship suffering a coronavirus outbreak is scheduled to dock in Oakland, California, as early as Monday, officials said. It is carrying 3,000 passengers ― 21 of whom have tested positive for COVID-19.
“We’re having an acceleration of cases now,” Fauci told Fox News’ Chris Wallace on Sunday. “What we’re seeing is what is called ‘community spread’ in certain regions of the country, particularly in the area of Washington state.”
Earlier on Sunday, Italian officials announced a quarantine of a region in northern Italy that includes Milan and Venice that will restrict the movement of roughly 16 million people amid an outbreak of coronavirus.
Asked if that could happen in the U.S., Fauci said it’s “possible.”
″We have to be realistic,” Fauci said. “I don’t think it would be as draconian as nobody in, nobody out. But there’ll be, if we can continue to get cases like this, particularly at the community level, there will be what is called ‘mitigation,’ where you’ll have to do essentially social distancing.”
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“It’s particularly important among the most vulnerable,” he continued, adding that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department would be announcing new recommendations against travel for people with underlying conditions.
“Those are the most vulnerable ones, particularly elderly people with underlying conditions ― heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes ― [should] take a look at things that are at high risk: crowded places, getting on airplanes and absolutely don’t get on a cruise ship,” he said.
The State Department tweeted later Sunday that all U.S. citizens, especially those with underlying conditions, should not travel on cruise ships.
Doctor Anthony Fauci joined FOX News Sunday to give the latest on the spread of the coronavirus and the death toll. The virus has hit Italy hard and the government has shut certain areas down. Chris asked Doctor Fauci if this will be a reality in the U.S. #FNS pic.twitter.com/K9qBarQSVb — FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) March 8, 2020
Wallace asked Fauci about the White House’s conflicting messages about the coronavirus. President Donald Trump claimed Friday that tests for the virus are available to everyone who needs them, but Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House’s coronavirus task force, said a day earlier that the U.S. does not have enough tests to meet the demand.
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“Can anybody who needs a test get a test now?” Wallace asked.
Fauci didn’t directly answer the question, but said there are currently 1.1 million tests “out there now” with an additional 640,000 expected on Monday.
“The fact is, the tests are out there,” he said. “There was a misstep early on with regards to the test, mainly a technical difficulty.”
Democrats and some public health officials have criticized Trump for downplaying the deadly impacts of coronavirus and for botching some of the related science. In describing what it’s like to work with Trump on the issue, Fauci told Politico last week that “you should never destroy your own credibility.”
“You don’t want to go to war with a president,” he said. “But you got to walk the fine balance of making sure you continue to tell the truth.”
Fauci said Sunday that he tries his best to stay away from political spin while discussing the coronavirus.
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″When you have the evidence, you give it as it is,” he told Wallace. “If you don’t have all the evidence ’cause we’re in a dynamic situation, you use your best judgment in recommendations and guidelines. But you must always ― always ― be truthful with the American public.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--Rev. Jesse Jackson Endorses Bernie Sanders For 2020 Presidential Nomination

The Rev .
Jesse Jackson endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) for president during a campaign event at the University of Michigan on Sunday , telling the crowd that a vote for Sanders is a vote for justice and health care .
“ I stand with Bernie Sanders today because he stood with me .
I stand with him because he never lost his taste for justice with the people .
I stand with him because he stands with you , ” Jackson said .
The civil rights activist had been introduced by Sanders at the event in Grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest fighters for civil rights in America ’ s modern history .
If it wasn ’ t for Jackson ’ s tireless activism , Barack Obama would likely not have become the first Black president , Sanders said .
“ I stand with Bernie Sanders today because he stood with me .
I stand with him because he never lost his taste for justice with the people .
I stand with him because he stands with you.
” –Rev .
Jesse Jackson pic.twitter.com/PYpbhgWOSN — Bernie Sanders ( @ BernieSanders ) March 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson has broken down more barriers than one can even dream of , ” Sanders said .
Jackson later tweeted , “ It ’ s a joy to ‘ feel the Bern , ’ ” along with a photo of the two standing side-by-side .
“ We look to our youth for energy , expansion and inclusion which leads to growth .
The youth that come to these rallies represent hope , healing and promise for our nation , ” Jackson added .
The pair ’ s relationship goes back years , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run in 1988 and Sanders being an advocate of Jackson ’ s Rainbow Push Coalition , an organization that describes itself as working to “ protect , defend , and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields.
” Sanders brushed off Harris ’ endorsement when asked about it by ABC News host George Stephanopoulos in an earlier interview on Sunday .
“ We have the support of virtually every major grassroots organization , representing millions of workers , black and brown and white .
We have the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , ” Sanders said .
“ This is no secret George , you know politics , we are not going to get the support of most elected leaders .
Not most governors , not most senators .
But we are winning the support of grassroots America because we have an agenda that speaks to working people .
”

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president during a campaign event at the University of Michigan on Sunday, telling the crowd that a vote for Sanders is a vote for justice and health care.
“I stand with Bernie Sanders today because he stood with me. I stand with him because he never lost his taste for justice with the people. I stand with him because he stands with you,” Jackson said.
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The civil rights activist had been introduced by Sanders at the event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as one of the greatest fighters for civil rights in America’s modern history. If it wasn’t for Jackson’s tireless activism, Barack Obama would likely not have become the first Black president, Sanders said.
“I stand with Bernie Sanders today because he stood with me. I stand with him because he never lost his taste for justice with the people. I stand with him because he stands with you.” –Rev. Jesse Jackson pic.twitter.com/PYpbhgWOSN — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 8, 2020
“The Rev. Jesse Jackson has broken down more barriers than one can even dream of,” Sanders said.
Jackson later tweeted, “It’s a joy to ‘feel the Bern,’” along with a photo of the two standing side-by-side.
“We look to our youth for energy, expansion and inclusion which leads to growth. The youth that come to these rallies represent hope, healing and promise for our nation,” Jackson added.
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The pair’s relationship goes back years, with Sanders supporting Jackson’s second presidential run in 1988 and Sanders being an advocate of Jackson’s Rainbow Push Coalition, an organization that describes itself as working to “protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields.”
Jackson endorsed Sanders’ then-rival, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 race.
Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson stands on stage after endorsing presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Sunday. Lucas Jackson / Reuters
Sanders on Sunday said he’s proud to have Jackson’s back.
Jackson’s endorsement closely followed Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), a former 2020 candidate, endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday for the White House.
Sanders brushed off Harris’ endorsement when asked about it by ABC News host George Stephanopoulos in an earlier interview on Sunday.
JUST IN: Sen. Bernie Sanders tells @GStephanopoulos that civil rights activist Jesse Jackson will endorse him later today.
"We have the support of virtually every major grassroots organization." https://t.co/X1LhrSyd0J pic.twitter.com/ABbajFTKab — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) March 8, 2020
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“We have the support of virtually every major grassroots organization, representing millions of workers, black and brown and white. We have the support of a number of major unions in this country,” Sanders said. “This is no secret George, you know politics, we are not going to get the support of most elected leaders. Not most governors, not most senators. But we are winning the support of grassroots America because we have an agenda that speaks to working people.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--The Candidate Fighting To Save Coal Country From Mitch McConnell

The Senate leader has built his career actively ignoring the scale of the problems facing the planet and the changes that are plaguing his home state .
McConnell , who regularly ranks among the top recipients of campaign contributions from the coal , oil and gas industries , would rather pretend the jobs here have disappeared because of a liberal “ war on coal ” ― and not because the industry has for decades mechanized mining work in an effort to boost production and lower costs , not because other forms of energy ( including natural gas and solar ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly not because the eastern Kentucky coalfields are , well , running out of the stuff .
The people here know what kind of help they need , he said , and many of them are already trying to provide it for themselves .
Booker visited a grocery store in Isom , a town of 500 people , that had switched to solar energy in a desperate attempt to keep the business open and continue paying its employees a living wage .
Outside Whitesburg , he visited the Hemp Hill Community Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cut its electricity rates by two-thirds and allowed it to keep providing food and other services ― including heat , Wi-Fi and Narcotics Anonymous meetings ― to people who otherwise wouldn ’ t have access to them .
Gwen Moore , the community center ’ s director , asked local coal workers for permission before installing solar panels , to avoid offending them .
The Rough Side Of The Mountain

INEZ, Kentucky ― On a spring morning in 1964, hundreds of residents gathered at an old miniature golf course in the center of town as the whirling blades of a presidential chopper brought Lyndon B. Johnson to this tiny Appalachian enclave. Johnson had declared war on America’s corrosive levels of poverty three months earlier. He chose Inez, where a third of the population was unemployed and annual incomes were counted in the hundreds of dollars, as the site of his first offensive.
Fifty-six years later, no crowd assembled to greet Charles Booker when his black SUV, emblazoned with the logo of his fledgling U.S. Senate campaign, pulled into an empty parking lot at the community center. No one, save Booker himself and a few local activists he’d meet for lunch, even knew he was here.
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In January, Booker ― a 35-year-old Democratic state legislator from Louisville and one of the youngest Black state lawmakers ever elected in Kentucky ― entered the Democratic primary against Amy McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot and former congressional candidate. The winner will face Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader who is chasing his seventh term in the upper chamber. Despite his status as the country’s most loathed Republican this side of President Donald Trump, McConnell is still the prohibitive favorite in a state where no Democrat has come within 100,000 votes of beating him since 1990.
Places like Inez and Whitesburg, Lynch and Pikeville ― the towns Booker visited on a tour through eastern Kentucky in February ― are still struggling five decades after the launch of the War on Poverty. Today, they are ground zero for the environmental devastation wrought by the coal industry, and the poverty and economic pain its collapse has left behind.
So Booker had come to pitch not just his candidacy but the plan he has put at the center of his campaign: the Green New Deal.
Known primarily as a series of proposals that its progressive backers hope will alter the nation’s energy future in order to stem climate change, it’s also a project no less ambitious than the one Johnson began here: a dramatic overhaul of both the nation’s economy and its social contract in a way that addresses the systemic inequality that the old economy created and perpetuated.
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The Green New Deal is Booker’s plan to rescue coal country and Kentucky from total ruin ― and from politicians like McConnell who have stood idly by.
President Lyndon Johnson listens to Tom Fletcher, father of eight, describe some of the problems facing the residents of Inez, Kentucky, in April 1964. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
The Epicenter
Kentucky, where visitors crossing the West Virginia border are welcomed by pickup trucks with “Friends of Coal” bumper stickers and billowing clouds of smoke from the Ashland oil refinery, may seem like the least likely place to go in search of support for the Green New Deal. A plan that seeks to stem dependence on greenhouse gases while reorienting the American economy toward sustainable energy and development appears tailor-made to piss off people in coal country. Conventional political wisdom would suggest a Democrat doesn’t stand much chance against McConnell if he’s also running against coal.
To Booker, who has the backing of the Sunrise Movement, a group of youth organizers pushing the Green New Deal nationwide, this is precisely the time and precisely the place to pitch such a big idea. It presents an opportunity for the Kentuckians who dug the coal that powered the old energy economy to mold a new one.
“Kentucky is the epicenter of what it looks like if we lead and of what it looks like if we don’t,” Booker said during a HuffPost interview in Whitesburg. “We’re not out here talking about a Green New Deal because it’s cool or politically expedient. We’re out here trying to survive.”
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Bumper stickers for Sen. Mitch McConnell sit on a table alongside "Friends of Coal" advocacy stickers during a campaign stop in Lexington, Kentucky, on Oct. 31, 2014. Luke Sharrett/Getty Images
McConnell’s time in the Senate has coincided with the total collapse of the Kentucky coal industry, especially in the state’s Appalachian region. When he won his first Senate race in 1984, coal employed nearly 30,000 Kentuckians in Appalachia alone. Fewer than 6,000 coal jobs exist across the entire state today.
In Martin County, where Inez is located, the median income is $15,000 lower than Kentucky’s and just less than half that of the United States’. The poverty rate is a tick below 40%. The plight of the poor would be even worse were it not for the vast expansion of the welfare state created by Johnson’s War on Poverty.
The eastern Kentucky coalfields as a whole are one of the poorest, least healthy, least educated and least employed regions in the United States. The opioid crisis has ravaged communities. The drop in coal-related tax revenues has hammered local and county budgets, forcing cuts to basic services. Rising utility rates have made it so that the cities and towns whose workers once kept America’s lights on, as the industry slogan goes, are today buckling under the cost of trying to keep on their own.
The economic devastation has only one rival: the environmental disaster that has accompanied it. In 2000, a coal slurry pond in Martin County collapsed, spilling some 300 million gallons of toxic sludge into the local water supply. Residents can remember when the creeks in town ran black with the slurry, but they don’t have to dig as deep to recall the times their tap water turned brown. Two decades later, it often still does.
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The state water commission ordered rate hikes to pay for the cleanup of the spill, so now people in Martin County ― a good number of whom live on fixed incomes ― spend more on water they can’t drink than they ever have before and then go to the store to buy bottled water they can use to make coffee or cook. Some days, showering causes their skin to burn with allergic reactions to the contaminated water.
The remains of a Martin County coal sediment pond that collapsed near Inez is seen on Oct. 23, 2000. The release turned sections of the Tug Fork and Big Sandy rivers black and forced officials to seek alternative sources of water for thousands of residents. Bob Bird/AP
When Booker visited Appalshop, an art and music nonprofit that hosts its own radio station, concerts and educational workshops, his host, Mimi Pickering, told him that a flooding creek nearby posed a risk to the organization’s extensive archive of Appalachian music and historical records. Appalshop was founded 50 years ago, in the midst of the War on Poverty, to train Appalachians in radio and television production. Its main building “was supposed to be outside the 100-year floodplain,” said Pickering, who leads the nonprofit’s community media initiative. “But you know those are changing.”
Most Kentuckians don’t need a dose of reality or a frank conversation. They’re well aware of what’s going on. At an event in Pike County, which has historically produced more coal than any other county in Kentucky, Booker mentioned that coal jobs were “going away” when a voice from the crowd interjected.
“They’re already gone,” the person yelled.
‘He Don’t Give A Damn About Us’
If only someone would tell Mitch McConnell.
The Senate leader has built his career actively ignoring the scale of the problems facing the planet and the changes that are plaguing his home state. McConnell, who regularly ranks among the top recipients of campaign contributions from the coal, oil and gas industries, would rather pretend the jobs here have disappeared because of a liberal “war on coal” ― and not because the industry has for decades mechanized mining work in an effort to boost production and lower costs, not because other forms of energy (including natural gas and solar) have proven more economically viable, and certainly not because the eastern Kentucky coalfields are, well, running out of the stuff.
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The problem, Booker suggests, isn’t that McConnell doesn’t know this ― it’s that he doesn’t care.
“He sees us as insignificant,” Booker said. “He ain’t one of us. He don’t give a damn about us.”
In truth, Democrats and progressives have been guilty of not giving much of a damn about the people here, too. Fearful of being painted as “anti-coal,” Democrats have been hesitant to honestly engage Appalachia. Then there are the sort of progressives who come to the mountains with a copy of “Hillbilly Elegy” in one hand and a sweeping agenda to fix Appalachia in the other. Too often, they’ve offered only paternalistic half-measures, at best, and ideas rooted in outright disdain for the folks who live in the hills, at worst.
Hillary Clinton’s suggestion during her 2016 presidential campaign that “we’re going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business” is one example of Democrats brushing Appalachia aside. At one of Booker’s stops in Neon, Kentucky, last month, a woman paraphrased Saul Alinsky to explain how Clinton’s remark struck voters like her. “He said, ‘If you’re going to organize a Jewish community, don’t come eating a ham sandwich,’” the woman said. “She came to us eating a ham sandwich.”
Democrats have also maintained a steady devotion to technocratic drivel like “teaching miners to code” ― a stand-in, most recently repeated by former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, for the sort of job retraining programs that have proven inadequate time and again in reviving the fortunes of mountain communities and their people.
That will be a challenge for Booker and other proponents of the Green New Deal to overcome, in part because those past failures play into McConnell’s hands.
Even if he’s not well-liked in large parts of Kentucky, McConnell is good at positioning himself as a last line of defense against the big city know-it-alls, and he’s already trying to do the same with the Green New Deal. The plan’s pledge to eliminate all fossil fuels over the next decade “may sound like a neat deal in San Francisco or New York or places the Democratic Party seems focused on these days,” he said on the Senate floor last March. “But the communities practically everywhere else will be crushed by this.”
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In reality, coal has already crushed many communities here, and people are doing their best to eke out a living beneath the rubble by moving beyond fossil fuels as best they can. But they’re tired of being ignored and talked down to, told what will work instead of asked what they think will work for them.
“Kentuckians have been told what’s good for them my whole life,” Booker said in our interview, during which he noted that McConnell first took office in the Senate the year Booker was born. “We get judged. We get insulted. Folks have ... made a huge sacrifice to go down into a mine and risk their life to take care of their family, and their communities have been ridiculed and made to feel like they’re the bad people. … They want other opportunities they don’t have because we haven’t been paying attention to them.”
Booker argued that he doesn’t just believe in the Green New Deal; he believes Kentuckians must have a say in what the Green New Deal includes.
The people here know what kind of help they need, he said, and many of them are already trying to provide it for themselves. Booker visited a grocery store in Isom, a town of 500 people, that had switched to solar energy in a desperate attempt to keep the business open and continue paying its employees a living wage. Outside Whitesburg, he visited the Hemp Hill Community Center, which made a similar switch to solar that cut its electricity rates by two-thirds and allowed it to keep providing food and other services ― including heat, Wi-Fi and Narcotics Anonymous meetings ― to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them. Gwen Moore, the community center’s director, asked local coal workers for permission before installing solar panels, to avoid offending them.
Their answer: Do what you gotta do to survive.
But people also know they can’t ensure that survival without a level of investment and assistance that Appalachia can’t produce on its own.
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“Kentuckians want a Green New Deal,” Booker insisted. “They’re just not calling it that.”
The Rough Side Of The Mountain
Booker mouthed the words to Rev. F.C. Barnes’ hymn “Rough Side of the Mountain” as the Sunday morning service at Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church drew to a close in Lynch, an old coal-mining town in the shadow of Black Mountain, Kentucky’s tallest peak. Greater Mt. Sinai opened its doors in 1917, the same year that U.S. Steel founded Lynch as a company town for the workers who staffed its mine. Black workers from the South were common among the people who flocked to Lynch.
Like everywhere else nearby, the mines in Lynch are pretty much gone now, and so are the people, fewer than two dozen of whom were in attendance at Greater Mt. Sinai the day Booker stopped by. The prayers of the retired miners and their wives asked the good Lord to watch over their children and grandchildren who have moved on to Louisville or Lexington, Cincinnati or Columbus, for college and the sorts of jobs that aren’t available around here anymore.
To many who live in the mountains, Louisville ― the rich, liberal and growing city that’s three-plus hours away by car ― may as well be New York. And for many folks in Appalachia, the idea that a Louisvillian like Booker could fathom the struggles of mountain life defies belief.
Booker’s counter is that despite his roots in Kentucky’s largest city, he too came up on the rough side of the mountain, one that doesn’t look so different from the hills around these parts.
“I swear, if I took y’all to parts of West Louisville, you’d think you were in Appalachia,” Booker told a group of local activists over lunch in Inez.
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Booker hails from Russell, a neighborhood in West Louisville ― the side of the city where 75% of the population is Black and decades of disinvestment and neglect have fueled generational cycles of poverty. As locals in Inez tell him about the rising costs of utility bills, he recounts times during his childhood when his mother struggled to keep the lights on at home. Booker’s West Louisville neighbors, he tells voters and activists across Appalachia, are even poorer than they are. Many of them are surprised to learn that even today, he lives in the poorest ZIP code in the state.
When a woman in Inez asked, rhetorically, what happened to the crawdads she used to catch in the creek behind her house before coal sludge polluted the stream, Booker told her that the West Louisville waterways where people fish are marked with signs warning that nothing they catch is safe to eat.
“Some, even within the Democratic Party, will say, ‘You gotta be politically calculating. ... Don’t talk about the coal jobs leaving. Don’t talk about the environment that’s crumbling around us.’ We can’t afford not to.” - Charles Booker
The eastern Kentucky homes stained black with coal dust remind him of the West Louisville buildings covered in soot from the city’s chemical factories. The area known as Rubbertown is responsible for nearly half of the city’s emissions, and companies there have been repeatedly fined for releasing toxic chemicals into the air. The abandoned mines in Inez draw memories of the brownfields that dot Louisville, a sign of its erstwhile status as an industrial river town.
“We’re fighting the same fight, just from a different vantage point,” Booker said as we walked alongside a creek in Inez, in between knocking on doors.
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Kentucky has been roiled by political and social tumult for the better part of the last four years. In 2015, Matt Bevin, an arch-conservative whose outsider brand of politics should have offered an early indicator of the discontent that would boost Trump, became only the second Republican governor of the state in a half-century. The next year, hardly any other state so enthusiastically embraced Trump himself.
Bevin is gone now. He narrowly lost his reelection bid in November, thanks in part to massive protests from teachers and state workers over his attempts to cut their pensions and his repeated targeting of public schools. Just months before the election, laid-off coal miners from the Blackjewel mine in Harlan County staged a weekslong protest to block their employer, which had declared bankruptcy, from making one last shipment of coal without paying them.
Kentuckians, at times, seem to be teetering between anger, desperation and hopelessness.
“I’d give anything to live on clean water again,” one woman in Inez told Booker. “But the chances of that happening are slim to none.”
Simply ignoring the problems in Kentucky ― both the coal jobs leaving and the environmental decimation left behind ― is clearly a catastrophic strategy. That’s true for the people living here, and it’s true for the Democratic Party, which has failed to oust McConnell by sidestepping the issues, Booker argued.
“Some, even within the Democratic Party, will say, ‘You gotta be politically calculating,’” Booker said. “‘Don’t really deal with the real issues that Kentuckians are facing. Don’t talk about the coal jobs leaving. Don’t talk about the environment that’s crumbling around us.’”
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“We can’t afford not to.”
To Booker, the Green New Deal isn’t just a battle to change the power source that keeps the lights on in the U.S. It’s an effort to shift the balance of political power in a way that makes Washington more responsive to people’s needs and restores Democrats’ reputation as the party of the working class and the poor.
The son of two ministers, Booker talks politics in righteous terms. The abandonment of Appalachian towns like those he visited in February and urban communities like his own isn’t just a political failure but an ongoing American tragedy.
He chose to give up a safe seat in the state legislature for what still looks like a long-shot bid to win a place in the U.S. Senate because he didn’t see anyone approaching the race with an urgency that matches his own.
“My mother always told me, ‘Charles, if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains,’” he said over lunch with members of Greater Mt. Sinai after the service.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--Republicans Self-Quarantine After Interacting With Coronavirus Patient At CPAC

Some Republican lawmakers said Sunday that they will self-quarantine after discovering they interacted with an individual at last month ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference who later tested positive for the coronavirus .
Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) first announced his decision to self-quarantine in light of the news .
Rep. Paul Gosar ( R-Ariz. ) followed suit , adding that three of his staff members will also quarantine themselves .
It ’ s unclear how many lawmakers interacted with the individual .
“ Last night , I was informed that 10 days ago at CPAC I briefly interacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has tested positive for COVID-19 , ” which is the disease caused by the virus , Cruz said in a statement , adding that the interaction involved a handshake and a “ brief conversation.
” The senator said he ’ s spoken with his personal doctor , and medical officials from the Houston Health Department , the Harris County Public Health Department , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and the Department of Health and Human Services .
In addition , he ’ s notified Vice President Mike Pence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and incoming acting White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows .
“ I ’ m not experiencing any symptoms , and I feel fine and healthy , ” Cruz said .
“ Given that the interaction was 10 days ago , that the average incubation period is 5-6 days , that the interaction was for less than a minute , and that I have no current symptoms , the medical authorities have advised me that the odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low.
” The senator said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patient does not meet the CDC criteria for self-quarantine , but “ out of an abundance of caution , and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind , I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week , until a full 14 days have passed since the CPAC interaction.
” Gosar announced after Cruz ’ s statement that he and three senior staff members “ are officially under self-quarantine after sustained contact at CPAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz ’ s alleged brief interaction , the congressman said he was with the person “ for an extended period of time , and we shook hands several times.
” “ I am not currently experiencing any symptoms , nor is any member of my staff .
However , in order to prevent any potential transmission , I will remain at my home in Arizona until the conclusion of the 14 day period following my interaction with this individual , ” Gosar said in a statement .
“ Additionally , out of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my office in Washington , D.C. for the week and my team will follow the previously approved Tele-commute plan.
” The Arizona congressman said he and his staff are in touch with the CDC and the White House , and asked the public to “ keep the person in the hospital in your prayers.
” The ACU said Saturday that the individual ’ s exposure to the virus occurred before the four-day conference that began Feb. 26 .
The patient has been quarantined in New Jersey and is reportedly under the care of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPAC , the president gave his administration an “ A+++ ” for its work battling the outbreak — despite the administration facing criticism from health professionals for the lack of available testing kits .
Trump ’ s outgoing acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney accused journalists in his CPAC speech of hyperbolizing the threat of outbreak because “ they think this will bring down the president ― that ’ s what this is all about.
” “ Everyone should continue to treat this outbreak seriously and be driven by facts and medical science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to be proactive in mobilizing resources to combat this outbreak ― including the $ 8.3 billion in emergency funding we provided last week ― and I encourage everyone to follow the recommendations of the CDC and other health professionals in protecting their own health and welfare , as well as the health and welfare of those around them.
” “ We are pleased that we passed an emergency response bill on an overwhelming , bipartisan basis that provided a significant increase in resources beyond the administration ’ s request , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) said in a joint statement .
“ However , President Trump continues to manufacture needless chaos within his administration and it is hampering the government ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak .
”

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Some Republican lawmakers said they will self-quarantine after discovering they interacted with an individual at last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference who later tested positive for the coronavirus.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) first announced his decision to self-quarantine on Sunday, in light of the news. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) followed suit, adding that three of his staff members will also quarantine themselves. It’s unclear how many lawmakers interacted with the individual.
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“Last night, I was informed that 10 days ago at CPAC I briefly interacted with an individual who is currently symptomatic and has tested positive for COVID-19,” which is the disease caused by the virus, Cruz said in a statement, adding that the interaction involved a handshake and a “brief conversation.”
Today I released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/XGXEa4ozcg — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) March 8, 2020
The senator said he’s spoken with his personal doctor, and medical officials from the Houston Health Department, the Harris County Public Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, he’s notified Vice President Mike Pence, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and incoming acting White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
“I’m not experiencing any symptoms, and I feel fine and healthy,” Cruz said. “Given that the interaction was 10 days ago, that the average incubation period is 5-6 days, that the interaction was for less than a minute, and that I have no current symptoms, the medical authorities have advised me that the odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low.”
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The senator said that he was told his interaction with the patient does not meet the CDC criteria for self-quarantine, but “out of an abundance of caution, and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind, I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week, until a full 14 days have passed since the CPAC interaction.”
Two more Republicans, Reps. Doug Collins of Georgia and Matt Gaetz of Florida, announced Monday that they’ve decided to self-quarantine for 14 days after CPAC organizers said they came in contact with the patient during the conference.
“While I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution,” Collins tweeted.
Gaetz, who also said he is not experiencing any symptoms, tweeted that his Washington office will be closed during the quarantine. Last week, he mocked coronavirus fears by wearing a gas mask on the House floor. Two days later, one of his constituents died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Gosar announced after Cruz’s statement that he and three senior staff members “are officially under self-quarantine after sustained contact at CPAC” with the infected individual. Unlike Cruz’s alleged brief interaction, the congressman said he was with the person “for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times.”
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“I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, nor is any member of my staff. However, in order to prevent any potential transmission, I will remain at my home in Arizona until the conclusion of the 14 day period following my interaction with this individual,” Gosar said in a statement. “Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, I am closing my office in Washington, D.C. for the week and my team will follow the previously approved Tele-commute plan.”
The Arizona congressman said he and his staff are in touch with the CDC and the White House, and asked the public to “keep the person in the hospital in your prayers.”
Several media outlets, including The Washington Post and Politico, have reportedly asked employees who covered CPAC to self-quarantine “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Self-quarantine of well individuals who may have been exposed is simply a precautionary measure that helps mitigate spread of the virus and is a step that we will continue moving forward,” according to a memo sent to Politico staffers, reported The Hill.
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The individual who tested positive for coronavirus had “no interaction” with President Donald Trump or Pence at CPAC, according to the American Conservative Union, which organized the event.
The ACU said Saturday that the individual’s exposure to the virus occurred before the four-day conference that began Feb. 26. The patient has been quarantined in New Jersey and is reportedly under the care of medical professionals.
During his speech at CPAC, the president gave his administration an “A+++” for its work battling the outbreak — despite the administration facing criticism from health professionals for the lack of available testing kits.
Trump’s outgoing acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney accused journalists in his CPAC speech of hyperbolizing the threat of outbreak because “they think this will bring down the president ― that’s what this is all about.”
“Everyone should continue to treat this outbreak seriously and be driven by facts and medical science,” Cruz said Sunday. “We need to be proactive in mobilizing resources to combat this outbreak ― including the $8.3 billion in emergency funding we provided last week ― and I encourage everyone to follow the recommendations of the CDC and other health professionals in protecting their own health and welfare, as well as the health and welfare of those around them.”
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Democratic leadership called on Trump to support steps to help people in the U.S. deal with the outbreak, including paid sick leave, food security, free disease testing, better unemployment insurance, anti-price gouging protections and affordable treatment.
“We are pleased that we passed an emergency response bill on an overwhelming, bipartisan basis that provided a significant increase in resources beyond the administration’s request,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement. “However, President Trump continues to manufacture needless chaos within his administration and it is hampering the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-08--'Nero' Trends After Trump Shares Ominous Meme Of Himself Fiddling Amid Chaos

President Donald Trump shared a meme on Sunday with an image of himself playing a fiddle and text warning that “ nothing can stop what ’ s coming.
” Given the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus combined with the sinking markets ― including Dow futures plunging nearly 1,000 points around the time the president tweeted ― more than a few found the message a little ominous .
The president also added his own sentiment to the meme posted by his social media director , saying it sounds good to him ... even if the meaning isn ’ t exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it sounds good to me !
https : //t.co/rQVA4ER0PV — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 8 , 2020 The phrase in the meme is popular among QAnon conspiracy theorists , some of whom celebrated the tweet .
But Trump ’ s critics on Twitter were quick to suggest the image might have a meaning the president likely didn ’ t anticipate : The popular – if probably untrue – legend of Nero fiddling as Rome burns around him .
And since Trump played golf throughout the weekend as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few suggested that golf was his own version of the fiddle : Fiddle while Rome burns .
To do something trivial and irresponsible in the midst of an emergency ; legend has it that while a fire destroyed the city of Rome , the emperor Nero played his violin , thus revealing his total lack of concern for his people and his empire .
— Morten Øverbye ( @ morten ) March 8 , 2020 The president , who is goofing off at his golf resort as his administration 's train wreck of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse , retweets an image posted by HIS OWN social media director that 's reminiscent of Nero fiddling as Rome burned .
Because neither has heard of Nero .
pic.twitter.com/qlYvzV2NOn — Walter Shaub ( @ waltshaub ) March 8 , 2020 You see , Nero was a decadent and unpopular ruler .
In fact , he 's remembered as one of the cruelest and most sadistic rulers .
The phrase `` Nero fiddled while Rome burned '' refers to people who neglect their duties by engaging in frivolous pursuits ( like golf ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ //t.co/0D9qBSnOar — Teri Kanefield ( @ Teri_Kanefield ) March 9 , 2020 It means that playing golf while Americans die during an uncontained epidemic makes you look like the Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned .
The fact that neither you nor your social media director understand this meme and retweeted it makes you even more oblivious than Nero .
— Frank Figliuzzi ( @ FrankFigliuzzi1 ) March 8 , 2020 Nero is an example of somebody who ’ s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more pic.twitter.com/NrBhRXNRLY — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 , 2020 I was about to write the same thing : It means Donald Trump is fiddling while America burns .
Impressively subversive esoteric tweet by @ DanScavino .
— Bill Kristol ( @ BillKristol ) March 8 , 2020 It means that you are fiddling while Rome burns .
You might want to look up what happened to Nero .
— Renato Mariotti ( @ renato_mariotti ) March 8 , 2020 Trump : “ Who knows what ’ s this means , but it sounds good to me !
” Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like Nero , photoshopped a fiddle in your hands , and you and Dan Scavino are too dumb to understand the metaphor.
” pic.twitter.com/4f9sqEfeh6 — Santa Claus , CEO ( @ SantaInc ) March 8 , 2020 It means that Nero fiddled while Rome was burning , but you play golf and post stupid memes while many Americans are at risk of contracting the coronavirus .
It means you are clueless .
It means you 're an idiot .
It means November is coming .
Dumbass .
— BrooklynDad_Defiant !
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means Trump is just like Nero , but instead of playing the fiddle while Rome burns , Trump plays the violin in a stupid meme as our country is engulfed in a coronavirus outbreak .
— Eugene Gu , MD ( @ eugenegu ) March 8 , 2020 It 's true .
The coronavirus will wreck havoc on America , and your inaction , incompetence , and attempts to mislead the public will go down in history as 1,000x worse than Bush 's Katrina .
— William LeGate 🧢 # ByeDon 2020 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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President Donald Trump shared a meme on Sunday with an image of himself playing a fiddle and text warning that “nothing can stop what’s coming.”
Given the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus combined with the sinking markets ― including Dow futures plunging nearly 1,000 points around the time the president tweeted ― more than a few found the message a little ominous.
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The president also added his own sentiment to the meme posted by his social media director, saying it sounds good to him... even if the meaning isn’t exactly clear:
Who knows what this means, but it sounds good to me! https://t.co/rQVA4ER0PV — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2020
The phrase in the meme is popular among QAnon conspiracy theorists, some of whom celebrated the tweet.
But Trump’s critics on Twitter were quick to suggest the image might have a meaning the president likely didn’t anticipate: The popular – if probably untrue – legend of Nero fiddling as Rome burns around him.
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And since Trump played golf throughout the weekend as the crises unfolded, more than a few suggested that golf was his own version of the fiddle:
Fiddle while Rome burns. To do something trivial and irresponsible in the midst of an emergency; legend has it that while a fire destroyed the city of Rome, the emperor Nero played his violin, thus revealing his total lack of concern for his people and his empire. — Morten Øverbye (@morten) March 8, 2020
The president, who is goofing off at his golf resort as his administration's train wreck of a pandemic response goes from bad to worse, retweets an image posted by HIS OWN social media director that's reminiscent of Nero fiddling as Rome burned. Because neither has heard of Nero. pic.twitter.com/qlYvzV2NOn — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) March 8, 2020
I was a day early with my "Nero fiddles while Rome burns" reference, apparently https://t.co/1W2JadieiX — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) March 8, 2020
The American Nero fiddles while the U.S. burns. https://t.co/LVEPr1HDyZ — Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) March 8, 2020
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You see, Nero was a decadent and unpopular ruler. In fact, he's remembered as one of the cruelest and most sadistic rulers.
The phrase "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" refers to people who neglect their duties by engaging in frivolous pursuits
(like golf).
You're welcome. https://t.co/0D9qBSnOar — Teri Kanefield (@Teri_Kanefield) March 9, 2020
It means that playing golf while Americans die during an uncontained epidemic makes you look like the Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The fact that neither you nor your social media director understand this meme and retweeted it makes you even more oblivious than Nero. — Frank Figliuzzi (@FrankFigliuzzi1) March 8, 2020
Nero is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more pic.twitter.com/NrBhRXNRLY — Max Weiss (@maxthegirl) March 8, 2020
Lazy Nero? — John Weaver (@jwgop) March 8, 2020
I was about to write the same thing: It means Donald Trump is fiddling while America burns. Impressively subversive esoteric tweet by @DanScavino. — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) March 8, 2020
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I know what it means. You’re cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. https://t.co/QwMDANN4y7 — George Conway (@gtconway3d) March 9, 2020
It means that you are fiddling while Rome burns. You might want to look up what happened to Nero. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) March 8, 2020
Trump: “Who knows what’s this means, but it sounds good to me!”
Me: “Somebody wanted to make you look like Nero, photoshopped a fiddle in your hands, and you and Dan Scavino are too dumb to understand the metaphor.” pic.twitter.com/4f9sqEfeh6 — Santa Claus, CEO (@SantaInc) March 8, 2020
It means that Nero fiddled while Rome was burning, but you play golf and post stupid memes while many Americans are at risk of contracting the coronavirus.
It means you are clueless.
It means you're an idiot.
It means November is coming.
Dumbass. — BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) March 8, 2020
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I have to admit that I did not have "I'm Nero!" on my Donald Trump Batshittery Bingo card — Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) March 8, 2020
It means Trump is just like Nero, but instead of playing the fiddle while Rome burns, Trump plays the violin in a stupid meme as our country is engulfed in a coronavirus outbreak. — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 8, 2020
It's true.
The coronavirus will wreck havoc on America, and your inaction, incompetence, and attempts to mislead the public will go down in history as 1,000x worse than Bush's Katrina. — William LeGate 🧢 #ByeDon 2020 (@williamlegate) March 8, 2020
When your own social media director is posting Nero images during your disastrous pandemic response, do you a) try to do better b) fire him or c) assume it’s a compliment and RT pic.twitter.com/21XIhJPq54 — Hari Kunzru (@harikunzru) March 8, 2020
Someone’s never heard of Nero... https://t.co/esu9rpOjNx — Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) March 8, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-09--Trump 'Can't Bluff His Way Through' This Crisis, Slams Conservative News Site

Donald Trump is revealing how “ deeply unsuited he is to deal with a genuine crisis that he can ’ t bluff his way through , ” per an editorial published Sunday in the Washington Examiner , a conservative political news site and weekly magazine that often has the president ’ s back .
This time , the Examiner had a serious problem with the president ’ s deceitful approach to the coronavirus threat .
“ It ’ s one thing for Trump to insist he had a ‘ perfect ’ phone call [ to Ukraine ] and have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s another thing to downplay a growing epidemic as more and more Americans get sick , ” wrote the Examiner ’ s executive editor Philip Klein .
Trump ’ s comments on Friday while touring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were particularly disturbing , the Examiner noted .
Instead of making sober , steadying statements about the concrete steps being taken to protect Americans , Trump attacked CNN , called Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee ( D ) a “ snake ” for criticizing the administration ’ s handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Inslee ’ s state and asked about ratings for his Fox News town hall meeting .
Trump also claimed tests devised by the CDC were perfect and that anyone who needed one could get it , even though CDC and other federal officials revealed that early tests were flawed and demand for tests had outstripped supply .
Most stunning , Klein noted , was Trump ’ s reluctance to allow the passengers , including some 1,000 Americans , to leave the Grand Princess cruise ship , which is carrying nearly two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because it would increase the reported numbers of cases .
“ Trump appears to be more concerned with numbers that might make him look bad in the short-term , then he is with actually taking the most prudent measures to save lives over time , ” Klein wrote .
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the coronavirus threat is all but over , even as cases continued to mount .
He also claimed that the 15 domestic cases reported last month would “ go down close to zero.
” As of Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 22 deaths .
“ Trump will be judged on his handling of the spread of a virus , ” Klein warned .
“ And the outcome will be clear no matter how many things he makes up , no matter how confident he pretends to be , and no matter how many insults he heaves .
”

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Donald Trump is revealing how “deeply unsuited he is to deal with a genuine crisis that he can’t bluff his way through,” according to an editorial published Sunday in the Washington Examiner, a conservative political news site and weekly magazine that often has the president’s back.
This time, the Examiner had a serious problem with the president’s deceitful approach to the coronavirus threat.
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“It’s one thing for Trump to insist he had a ‘perfect’ phone call [to Ukraine] and have all his Republican minions fall in line. It’s another thing to downplay a growing epidemic as more and more Americans get sick,” wrote the Examiner’s executive editor Philip Klein.
Trump’s comments on Friday while touring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were particularly disturbing, the Examiner noted. Instead of making sober, steadying statements about the concrete steps being taken to protect Americans, Trump attacked CNN, called Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) a “snake” for criticizing the administration’s handling of a disease that has killed 14 people in Inslee’s state and asked about ratings for his Fox News town hall meeting.
Trump also claimed tests devised by the CDC were perfect and that anyone who needed one could get it, even though CDC and other federal officials revealed that early tests were flawed and that demand for tests had outstripped supply.
Most stunning, Klein noted, was Trump’s reluctance to allow the passengers, including some 1,000 Americans, to leave the Grand Princess cruise ship, which is carrying nearly two dozen people who are sick with coronavirus, because it would increase the reported numbers of cases.
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“Trump appears to be more concerned with numbers that might make him look bad in the short-term, then [sic] he is with actually taking the most prudent measures to save lives over time,” Klein wrote.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the coronavirus threat is all but over, even as cases continued to mount. He also claimed that the 15 domestic cases reported last month would “go down close to zero.” As of Sunday, there were more than 500 cases — and 22 deaths.
“Trump will be judged on his handling of the spread of a virus,” Klein warned. “And the outcome will be clear no matter how many things he makes up, no matter how confident he pretends to be, and no matter how many insults he heaves.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-09--Whoops!: Kevin McCarthy Accidentally Slams Trump's Nepotism

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ’ s ( R-Calif. ) latest attack on former Vice President Joe Biden didn ’ t go exactly as planned .
McCarthy , who is part of President Donald Trump ’ s inner circle , seemed to accuse Biden of nepotism over son Hunter Biden ’ s work for a Ukrainian energy company .
Just one problem : Everything he said could apply equally to the Trump family : Daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner currently serve as White House advisers , positions neither would hold in any other administration .
During her time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been granted multiple trademarks by the government of China , even as the White House attempted to negotiate trade issues with Beijing .
According to The New York Times , Kushner recently sold a stake in a real estate firm that sought to profit from a tax break pushed by the Trump White House .
He sold the stake for between $ 25 million and $ 50 million .
And Trump ’ s adult sons , Donald Jr. and Eric Trump , run the family company , which has taken in at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as money from foreign governments hoping to curry favor with the president .
The Trump Organization has also benefitted financially from taxpayer-funded trips made by Trump .
Twitter users were quick to point out how easily McCarthy ’ s comments could be used against Trump instead of Biden :

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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) latest attack on former Vice President Joe Biden didn’t go exactly as planned.
McCarthy, who is part of President Donald Trump’s inner circle, seemed to accuse Biden of nepotism over son Hunter Biden’s work for a Ukrainian energy company. Just one problem: Everything he said could apply equally to the Trump family:
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Omfg, this dummy doesn’t realize he’s describing the President’s children pic.twitter.com/kvrlVgUO5e — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) March 8, 2020
Daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner currently serve as White House advisers ― positions neither would hold in any other administration. During her time serving her father, Ivanka Trump has been granted multiple trademarks by the government of China, even as the White House attempted to negotiate trade issues with Beijing.
According to The New York Times, Kushner recently sold a stake in a real estate firm that sought to profit from a tax break pushed by the Trump White House. He sold the stake for between $25 million and $50 million.
And Trump’s adult sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, run the family company, which has taken in at least $20 million from political activity as well as money from foreign governments hoping to curry favor with the president. The Trump Organization has also benefitted financially from taxpayer-funded trips made by Trump.
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Twitter users were quick to point out how easily McCarthy’s comments could be used against Trump instead of Biden:
We need to have a serious discussion about Ivanka and Jared pic.twitter.com/aswvwOMJk0 — Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) March 8, 2020
I saw this live and I was dumbfounded — Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) March 8, 2020
Irony is dead, cremated, and scattered into the wind — Brian Jay Jones (@brianjayjones) March 8, 2020
McCarthy says $50,000 a month with such emphasis.
I wonder how he’d describe Kushner’s $50 MILLION haul in 2019.
pic.twitter.com/3orRpXsr19 — Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) March 8, 2020
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So Kevin McCarthy describes the trump children. Bring it on Kevin — thirteen thousand lies (@BurlisonJean) March 9, 2020
Real Keeper! Please keep reposting! Love this @GOPLeader honesty — Mrs. Harrington 💙 (@voter1vote) March 8, 2020
But but but Hunter Bidenhttps://t.co/xMqvXq02SX — DJ Burn 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@DJBurn77) March 8, 2020
Bookmark this clip for future use. — Lisbeth Farnum (@LisbethFarnum1) March 8, 2020