bonginoreport--2020-03-09--Harvey Weinstein Not Having a Great Time in Prison

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein has two cellmates on Rikers Island , where he took a bad fall this weekend and is “ miserable , ” his spokesman said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Infirmary Command with two “ older gentlemen , ” his spokesman Juda Engelmayer said .
“ He ’ s miserable but trying to be optimistic as best he can , ” Engelmayer said .
“ He has had a lot of time to think about his life and be humbled , but he thinks it ’ s going to be a long , uphill battle from here.
” Weinstein , 67 , was ordered held without bail following his Feb. 24 conviction for raping a hairstylist and forcibly performing oral sex on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant .
“ It ’ s a prison cell , ” Engelmayer said .
“ It has a sink and toilet , all stainless steel and open.
” Adjusting to jail life has been especially difficult without the aid of his walker .
On Saturday night , Weinstein took a tumble after trying to walk on his own .
“ He fell on his head and thinks he has a concussion , ” Engelmayer said .
“ His head has been pounding since yesterday.
” Weinstein has a wheelchair but finds it difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein was transferred to Rikers Island on March 5 after spending nearly two weeks at Bellevue Hospital , where he underwent a heart procedure last Wednesday .
The “ Shakespeare in Love ” producer faces up to 29 years in prison when he ’ s sentenced March 11 .

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Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein has two cellmates on Rikers Island, where he took a bad fall this weekend and is “miserable,” his spokesman said.
The disgraced movie mogul is housed in the North Infirmary Command with two “older gentlemen,” his spokesman Juda Engelmayer said.
“He’s miserable but trying to be optimistic as best he can,” Engelmayer said. “He has had a lot of time to think about his life and be humbled, but he thinks it’s going to be a long, uphill battle from here.”
Weinstein, 67, was ordered held without bail following his Feb. 24 conviction for raping a hairstylist and forcibly performing oral sex on a former “Project Runway” production assistant.
“It’s a prison cell,” Engelmayer said. “It has a sink and toilet, all stainless steel and open.”
Adjusting to jail life has been especially difficult without the aid of his walker.
On Saturday night, Weinstein took a tumble after trying to walk on his own. “He fell on his head and thinks he has a concussion,” Engelmayer said. “His head has been pounding since yesterday.”
Weinstein has a wheelchair but finds it difficult to use, the spokesman said. Weinstein was transferred to Rikers Island on March 5 after spending nearly two weeks at Bellevue Hospital, where he underwent a heart procedure last Wednesday.
The “Shakespeare in Love” producer faces up to 29 years in prison when he’s sentenced March 11.


bonginoreport--2020-03-09--Liberals Decide Term “Wuhan Virus” is Racist, Because Why Not

A firestorm erupted over the weekend in Western media and politics over how to deal with China ’ s role in the outbreak of the new coronavirus , COVID-19 .
Many have taken to referring to the virus as the “ Wuhan virus , ” noting the commonly used term and the suspected place of the origin ’ s outbreak .
But now , high-profile members of the media have come to decide that this label is a blatantly racist term .
Much of the hysteria when Rep. Paul Gosar , a Republican from Arizona , announced that he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he made contact “ with a person who has since been hospitalized with the Wuhan Virus.
” The response from the Left was swift and clear .
“ FYI : Calling # COVID19 the 'Wuhan Virus ' is racist , ” David Gura of NBC and MSNBC on Twitter .
“ Just astoundingly gross to call it the Wuhan Virus , ” MSNBC host Chris Hayes .
The hot takes from the Left continued to stream in : The idea that calling it the Wuhan virus is racist or irregular couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and historical precedent proves it .
In fact , the idea that the `` Wuhan virus '' label is racist appears to have sprung up in China ’ s state media and its propaganda apparatus .
Beijing authorities are attempting to silence their critics , who have rightly condemned the Chinese government for its incompetence in facilitating the spread of an emerging global pandemic .
The idea that it ’ s “ racist ” to document this newest epidemic as the Wuhan virus or any name referring to its origin in China is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities and China ’ s state media .
Over the past months , both entities have made a concerted campaign of marking all critiques of China ’ s handling of the virus and the fact that it originated in Wuhan , China , as “ racist ” acts .
Over the weekend , Chinese officials castigated Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for referring to the coronavirus as the “ Wuhan virus.
” China ’ s Foreign Ministry his comments as “ highly irresponsible ” and contributing to anti-China sentiment .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journal reporters from China after the publication 's opinion page published a column headlined “ China is the Real Sick Man of Asia.
” On Feb. 24 , the state-controlled proclaimed that identifying the latest coronavirus as the Wuhan virus or other terms referring to its Chinese origin is “ racist , discriminatory , and distasteful.
” On Feb. 16 , the state-controlled published a piece declaring that critiques of China ’ s negligence concerning the Wuhan virus , such as the labeling of China as a “ disease incubator , ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ racism ” against China .
In early February , Communist Party authorities expressed at a Der Spiegel article that described the coronavirus as “ Made in China.
” Beijing called the news report “ racist ” and a clear example of “ discrimination and xenophobia.
” It has been a common practice to refer to previous global epidemics by their place of origin .
The Ebola virus , or just Ebola , was named as such because it originated in villages near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just Zika , has a namesake borrowed from the Zika forest of Uganda , where the virus originated .
Lyme disease got its name for being diagnosed for the first time in Old Lyme , Connecticut .
The American Council on Science and Health on Monday , commenting in an article on its website : It ’ s not only the West that to the Wuhan virus by its origin city .
In fact , media outlets in nations such as Singapore , where the majority of the population is ethnically Chinese , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan virus .
Feel free to continue calling it the Wuhan virus , not only because it meets historical precedent , but also to make sure we ’ re not letting Beijing off the hook .
When media and political figures declare that Beijing is right that the Wuhan virus label is “ racist , ” it silences critics of China ’ s authoritarian regime and its gross negligence in handling the coronavirus outbreak .
Stick it to China .
Call it the `` Wuhan virus , '' now and forever .
Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigative journalist and foreign policy analyst based in D.C .

A firestorm erupted over the weekend in Western media and politics over how to deal with China’s role in the outbreak of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. Many have taken to referring to the virus as the “Wuhan virus,” noting the commonly used term and the suspected place of the origin’s outbreak. But now, high-profile members of the media have come to decide that this label is a blatantly racist term.
Much of the hysteria began when Rep. Paul Gosar, a Republican from Arizona, announced that he is placing himself in a quarantine over fears that he made contact “with a person who has since been hospitalized with the Wuhan Virus.”
The response from the Left was swift and clear.
“FYI: Calling #COVID19 the 'Wuhan Virus' is racist,” David Gura of NBC and MSNBC wrote on Twitter.
“Just astoundingly gross to call it the Wuhan Virus,” added MSNBC host Chris Hayes.
The hot takes from the Left continued to stream in:
Calling #COVID19 the “Wuhan Virus” is not only problematic — it’s racist. https://t.co/dQxuGcfeHP — Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) March 9, 2020
Yo. Calling COVID-19 the "Wuhan Virus" is racist AF. Hope you spend that quarantine looking in the mirror. #CoronavirusOutbreak — Matt Villano (@mattvillano) March 9, 2020
If you’re calling #CoronaVirus “Wuhan Virus” you’re a damn racist. — Blair Amadeus Imani (@BlairImani) March 9, 2020
The idea that calling it the Wuhan virus is racist or irregular couldn’t be further from the truth, and historical precedent proves it. In fact, the idea that the "Wuhan virus" label is racist appears to have sprung up in China’s state media and its propaganda apparatus. Beijing authorities are attempting to silence their critics, who have rightly condemned the Chinese government for its incompetence in facilitating the spread of an emerging global pandemic.
The idea that it’s “racist” to document this newest epidemic as the Wuhan virus or any name referring to its origin in China is a tactical propaganda play being made by Chinese authorities and China’s state media. Over the past months, both entities have made a concerted campaign of marking all critiques of China’s handling of the virus and the fact that it originated in Wuhan, China, as “racist” acts.
Over the weekend, Chinese officials castigated Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for referring to the coronavirus as the “Wuhan virus.” China’s Foreign Ministry described his comments as “highly irresponsible” and contributing to anti-China sentiment.
In late February, Beijing authorities expelled three Wall Street Journal reporters from China after the publication's opinion page published a column headlined “China is the Real Sick Man of Asia.”
On Feb. 24, the state-controlled China Daily proclaimed that identifying the latest coronavirus as the Wuhan virus or other terms referring to its Chinese origin is “racist, discriminatory, and distasteful.”
On Feb. 16, the state-controlled Global Times published a piece declaring that critiques of China’s negligence concerning the Wuhan virus, such as the labeling of China as a “disease incubator,” is a clear sign of “xenophobia” and “racism” against China.
In early February, Communist Party authorities expressed outrage at a Der Spiegel article that described the coronavirus as “Made in China.” Beijing called the news report “racist” and a clear example of “discrimination and xenophobia.”
It has been a common practice to refer to previous global epidemics by their place of origin. The Ebola virus, or just Ebola, was named as such because it originated in villages near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Zika virus, or just Zika, has a namesake borrowed from the Zika forest of Uganda, where the virus originated. Lyme disease got its name for being diagnosed for the first time in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
The American Council on Science and Health set the record straight on Monday, commenting in an article on its website:
“Historically, new infectious diseases are named after places, animals, or people. Today, a flu strain is named after the city in which it's first isolated. That's not because microbiologists are racist.”
It’s not only the West that refers to the Wuhan virus by its origin city. In fact, media outlets in nations such as Singapore, where the majority of the population is ethnically Chinese, has no issue reporting on it as the Wuhan virus.
Feel free to continue calling it the Wuhan virus, not only because it meets historical precedent, but also to make sure we’re not letting Beijing off the hook. When media and political figures declare that Beijing is right that the Wuhan virus label is “racist,” it silences critics of China’s authoritarian regime and its gross negligence in handling the coronavirus outbreak.
Stick it to China. Call it the "Wuhan virus," now and forever.
Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) is an investigative journalist and foreign policy analyst based in D.C.


bonginoreport--2020-03-09--Why Desperate Democrats Settled for Biden

Until last Sunday , Joe Biden was just a doddering old pol with his best days behind him , unimpressive in every presidential debate and certainly nothing special on the stump .
His performance in the first three presidential contests was embarrassing , and , to make matters worse , Biden was showing clear signs of mental decline , such as ( in fairness , it could just be dishonesty ) and .
After Super Tuesday , Biden is still the exact same guy described above , but he ’ s also the Democrats ’ new front-runner .
Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , suddenly finds himself in a marriage of convenience with Democratic voters , who realize belatedly and with a feeling of desperation that they have no other viable choice for president .
It all began last Sunday .
In a televised interview , Bernie Sanders reminded voters who he is and always will be and refusing to distance himself from revolutionary socialist movements .
From that moment , he sank like a stone as Democratic voters decided they weren ’ t going to let this happen .
Rank-and-file Democrats , it turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their candidates or the media have tried to suggest .
They aren ’ t stupid — which is to say , they aren ’ t socialists .
Democratic primary voters also probably considered former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , given his massive ad spending and his ability to self-finance .
But , after his appalling , disappointing , infuriating performance at the Democrats ’ Las Vegas debate , most of them were having none of it .
They also couldn ’ t go with Elizabeth Warren , who has polled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic candidates .
As a result , Biden suddenly came back from the dead in South Carolina and won handily on Saturday .
Then , with Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar finally dropping out and endorsing Biden , Democratic voters all around the country decided spontaneously and simultaneously that now was the time to settle for , well , that guy .
They will line up , lockstep , behind the safe , establishment choice whom everyone had been anticipating as the winner last summer .
This hasn ’ t necessarily been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats elected their last three presidents by taking risks and choosing dark-horse candidates ( Jimmy Carter , Bill Clinton , and Barack Obama ) .
Their relatively inoffensive , “ safe ” nominees ( think of Al Gore or John Kerry ) tend not to do so well .
Before Trump , Republicans had also fared poorly in choosing inoffensive , “ my turn next ” nominees out of large , competitive fields .
Neither Bob Dole nor John McCain nor Mitt Romney had what it took .
If he can hold off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cobble together enough delegates to secure the nomination , Biden will surely be a tough opponent for Trump .
But how strange that , having been given up for dead , he has become the one Democrats are desperate to settle for .

Until last Sunday, Joe Biden was just a doddering old pol with his best days behind him, unimpressive in every presidential debate and certainly nothing special on the stump.
His performance in the first three presidential contests was embarrassing, and, to make matters worse, Biden was showing clear signs of mental decline, such as false memories (in fairness, it could just be dishonesty) and bizarre delusions .
After Super Tuesday, Biden is still the exact same guy described above, but he’s also the Democrats’ new front-runner.
Biden, whose primary campaign was on the way out, suddenly finds himself in a marriage of convenience with Democratic voters, who realize belatedly and with a feeling of desperation that they have no other viable choice for president.
It all began last Sunday. In a televised interview, Bernie Sanders reminded voters who he is and always will be by praising Fidel Castro and refusing to distance himself from revolutionary socialist movements. From that moment, he sank like a stone as Democratic voters decided they weren’t going to let this happen. Rank-and-file Democrats, it turns out, are not nearly as woke as their candidates or the media have tried to suggest. They aren’t stupid — which is to say, they aren’t socialists.
Democratic primary voters also probably considered former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, given his massive ad spending and his ability to self-finance. But, after his appalling, disappointing, infuriating performance at the Democrats’ Las Vegas debate, most of them were having none of it.
They also couldn’t go with Elizabeth Warren, who has polled weakest against President Trump among all the Democratic candidates.
As a result, Biden suddenly came back from the dead in South Carolina and won handily on Saturday. Then, with Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar finally dropping out and endorsing Biden, Democratic voters all around the country decided spontaneously and simultaneously that now was the time to settle for, well, that guy. They will line up, lockstep, behind the safe, establishment choice whom everyone had been anticipating as the winner last summer.
This hasn’t necessarily been a winning formula for either political party. Democrats elected their last three presidents by taking risks and choosing dark-horse candidates (Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama). Their relatively inoffensive, “safe” nominees (think of Al Gore or John Kerry) tend not to do so well.
Before Trump, Republicans had also fared poorly in choosing inoffensive, “my turn next” nominees out of large, competitive fields. Neither Bob Dole nor John McCain nor Mitt Romney had what it took.
If he can hold off Sanders for a few more weeks and cobble together enough delegates to secure the nomination, Biden will surely be a tough opponent for Trump. But how strange that, having been given up for dead, he has become the one Democrats are desperate to settle for.


bonginoreport--2020-03-09--Trump’s Only Real Opponent in November Could Be Coronavirus

With a visibly aged Joe Biden duking it out with socialist Bernie Sanders , there are three very good reasons that President Trump 's greatest opponent in November could be the Coronavirus .
Long before the sun rose Thursday , British regional airline Flybe collapsed .
Americans probably haven ’ t heard of it , but when an Englishman flew domestically there was a 40 percent chance it was with Flybe .
Its final demise was swift and brutal : Passengers booked to fly as soon as that morning receiving a 2 a.m. text message informing them otherwise .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,300 pensioned employees are now “ facing financial ruin.
” Flybe had been struggling for years , with investors losing money and a government bailout in the works , but executives say its final cause of death was the spread of Coronavirus , which demolished incoming cash flow .
Some competing airline executives call this an excuse from a failing company , but true or not , Flybe won ’ t be the only Coronavirus bankruptcy .
The disease ’ s effect on airlines is “ almost without precedent , ” the CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement predicting between $ 63 and $ 113 billion in industry losses .
“ It has a 9/11-like feel , ” Southwest CEO Gary Kelly echoed Thursday .
Southwest , he notes , is “ 97 percent domestic.
” American domestic .
That ’ s just the airlines .
And it ’ s a sign of what U.S. citizens can prepare for in the coming weeks as we watch to see if the virus ’ s first First-World hosts , Italy and South Korea , are able to grapple with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ally .
With a visibly aged Joe Biden duking it out with socialist Bernie Sanders , there are three very good reasons that President Trump ’ s greatest opponent in November could be the Coronavirus .
First , the ability to handle a possible medical crisis and the hard choices the triage of limited supplies would then force on us will leave a lasting impact with the American public .
Second , the economic consequences spreading through U.S. cities and towns will force Republicans in government to choose between saying this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the gains of the last three years .
Third , the potential medical scare lends rhetorical energy to a number of Democrat talking points they ’ re guaranteed to use in the general election .
The voluntary social separation Americans are already moving toward will go a long way toward curbing the continued spread of the virus , hopefully even to the point that the situation can be handled and all forgotten .
In the meantime , emergency spending to bulk up medical supplies and prepare personnel is crucial .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday to aid states and research in the fight goes a long way toward that .
It ’ s reassuring to hear White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow say the government is communicating with the airlines , thinking of the “ small businesses that might get hurt by this , ” and of the “ individuals who might lose paychecks because they had to stay home if they get the virus.
” It is not , however , reassuring to hear Kudlow claim during the same interview that the virus “ looks relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ avoid ” Seattle .
The disease will threaten the existence of many small and medium businesses , and if Republicans are not drafting legislation to help them –like , say , interest-free loans over the coming months– they are behind .
Recession is fatal to reelection , with William McKinley the last president to win in the midst of one — 120 years ago .
Coronavirus is on the loose and spreading by the hour in populations across the country , and we have no idea where the large majority of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , we know little about the true nature of the virus , and what we do know shows us there is not yet some miraculous First-World technology to protect us .
What will be needed is old fashioned : hospital beds , ventilators , and N95 respirator masks for medical personnel — three things the United States does not have nearly enough of .
For example , “ we currently have 30 million N95 respirators in the strategic national stockpile , ” Health and Human Services Sec .
Alex Azar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates the country will need 300 million .
The government does not have a national stockpile of ventilators .
Democrats have already seized on the crisis , much to the public ire of the president , and free health-care-for-all is a campaign call that will be specifically energized by the pandemic .
In addition to serious governance and the action necessary to stave off a recession , the president must make the case to reelect the administration responsible for so much economic success .
So what does Trump have in his pocket ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ American manufacturing home from countries like China looks near prophetic in the face of the country ’ s responsibility for yet another global pandemic as well as the looming medical supply shortages from Chinese producers .
Second , his focus on securing the border is empowered– especially when contrasted with increasingly shrill Democratic calls against any enforcement at all .
Finally , his quick move to curtail Chinese nationals from traveling to the United States slowed the virus ’ s move here a great deal despite , for example , the obscene New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country are “ xenophobic.
” So far he ’ s stressed the third point but the first two , not so much .
Compare this to President Barack Obama ’ s administration , which never let “ a serious crisis go to waste.
” In all of this , the president and his lieutenants will have to be careful .
While his base often rejoices in the president skipping the nuances of political correctness , in this case nuance and cool judgement will be central .
“ Pandemics are difficult to talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sec .
Mike Leavitt correctly warns .
“ Anything said in advance of a pandemic seems alarmist .
After a pandemic begins , anything one has said or done is inadequate.
” Coronavirus might prove the administration ’ s great crisis , and its leadership will prove crucial in staving off worst-case scenarios or dealing with them when they come .
Simply downplaying events and assuring the public everything is under control does not suffice .
In addition to swift action to curb infection and shore up the economy , now is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show the public they are up to the job — and deserve it for the next four years .

Long before the sun rose Thursday, British regional airline Flybe collapsed. Americans probably haven’t heard of it, but when an Englishman flew domestically there was a 40 percent chance it was with Flybe. Its final demise was swift and brutal: Passengers booked to fly as soon as that morning receiving a 2 a.m. text message informing them otherwise. The company employed 2,300 people, and its 1,300 pensioned employees are now “facing financial ruin.”
Flybe had been struggling for years, with investors losing money and a government bailout in the works, but executives say its final cause of death was the spread of Coronavirus, which demolished incoming cash flow.
Some competing airline executives call this an excuse from a failing company, but true or not, Flybe won’t be the only Coronavirus bankruptcy. The disease’s effect on airlines is “almost without precedent,” the CEO of the International Air Transport Association said in a statement predicting between $63 and $113 billion in industry losses. “It has a 9/11-like feel,” Southwest CEO Gary Kelly echoed Thursday. Southwest, he notes, is “97 percent domestic.” American domestic.
That’s just the airlines. And it’s a sign of what U.S. citizens can prepare for in the coming weeks as we watch to see if the virus’s first First-World hosts, Italy and South Korea, are able to grapple with its spread and impact. Time is not an ally.
With a visibly aged Joe Biden duking it out with socialist Bernie Sanders, there are three very good reasons that President Trump’s greatest opponent in November could be the Coronavirus.
First, the ability to handle a possible medical crisis and the hard choices the triage of limited supplies would then force on us will leave a lasting impact with the American public. Second, the economic consequences spreading through U.S. cities and towns will force Republicans in government to choose between saying this is all partisan hype and executing a plan to protect the gains of the last three years. Third, the potential medical scare lends rhetorical energy to a number of Democrat talking points they’re guaranteed to use in the general election.
The voluntary social separation Americans are already moving toward will go a long way toward curbing the continued spread of the virus, hopefully even to the point that the situation can be handled and all forgotten. In the meantime, emergency spending to bulk up medical supplies and prepare personnel is crucial. The $8.3 billion bill the president signed Friday to aid states and research in the fight goes a long way toward that.
It’s reassuring to hear White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow say the government is communicating with the airlines, thinking of the “small businesses that might get hurt by this,” and of the “individuals who might lose paychecks because they had to stay home if they get the virus.” It is not, however, reassuring to hear Kudlow claim during the same interview that the virus “looks relatively contained” and that Americans should simply “avoid” Seattle.
The disease will threaten the existence of many small and medium businesses, and if Republicans are not drafting legislation to help them –like, say, interest-free loans over the coming months– they are behind. Recession is fatal to reelection, with William McKinley the last president to win in the midst of one — 120 years ago.
Coronavirus is on the loose and spreading by the hour in populations across the country, and we have no idea where the large majority of America’s infected patients contracted the disease. In addition, we know little about the true nature of the virus, and what we do know shows us there is not yet some miraculous First-World technology to protect us.
What will be needed is old fashioned: hospital beds, ventilators, and N95 respirator masks for medical personnel — three things the United States does not have nearly enough of. For example, “we currently have 30 million N95 respirators in the strategic national stockpile,” Health and Human Services Sec. Alex Azar told senators Feb. 24. The department estimates the country will need 300 million. The government does not have a national stockpile of ventilators.
Democrats have already seized on the crisis, much to the public ire of the president, and free health-care-for-all is a campaign call that will be specifically energized by the pandemic. In addition to serious governance and the action necessary to stave off a recession, the president must make the case to reelect the administration responsible for so much economic success.
So what does Trump have in his pocket? First, his hawkish push to bring American manufacturing home from countries like China looks near prophetic in the face of the country’s responsibility for yet another global pandemic as well as the looming medical supply shortages from Chinese producers. Second, his focus on securing the border is empowered– especially when contrasted with increasingly shrill Democratic calls against any enforcement at all. Finally, his quick move to curtail Chinese nationals from traveling to the United States slowed the virus’s move here a great deal despite, for example, the obscene New York Times claim actions targeting the host country are “xenophobic.”
So far he’s stressed the third point but the first two, not so much. Compare this to President Barack Obama’s administration, which never let “a serious crisis go to waste.”
In all of this, the president and his lieutenants will have to be careful. While his base often rejoices in the president skipping the nuances of political correctness, in this case nuance and cool judgement will be central. “Pandemics are difficult to talk about,” former Health and Human Services Sec. Mike Leavitt correctly warns. “Anything said in advance of a pandemic seems alarmist. After a pandemic begins, anything one has said or done is inadequate.”
Coronavirus might prove the administration’s great crisis, and its leadership will prove crucial in staving off worst-case scenarios or dealing with them when they come. Simply downplaying events and assuring the public everything is under control does not suffice. In addition to swift action to curb infection and shore up the economy, now is the time for Trump and his allies to show the public they are up to the job — and deserve it for the next four years.
Christopher Bedford is the executive editor of the upcoming Common Sense magazine, from the Common Sense Society. From December 2019 through October 2022, he was a senior editor at The Federalist. He is vice chairman of Young Americans for Freedom, a board member at The Daily Caller News Foundation and National Journalism Center, and the author of "The Art of the Donald." His work has been featured in The American Mind, National Review, the New York Post and the Daily Caller, where he led the Daily Caller News Foundation and spent eight years. A frequent guest on Fox News and Fox Business, he was raised in Massachusetts and lives across the river from D.C. Follow him on Twitter


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--Sanders Quadruples Down on Cuba at FNC Townhall

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) on Monday said during a Fox News town hall that he does n't regret praising the deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro .
Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked Sanders whether he regretted his praise of Castro 's `` literacy program '' in an interview on 60 Minutes , since it appears those comments hurt him in subsequent primaries .
Sanders replied , `` No . ''
`` Look , I have spent my entire life fighting for working people and fighting for democracy , '' Sanders said .
`` If you check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it is in the Soviet Union , whether it is in Cuba , whether it is in Saudi Arabia . ''
Sanders , who has fallen behind former vice president Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination , attempted to blame the media for the backlash he received for praising Castro .
`` I know it 's hard given ‘ gotcha ' questions , '' Sanders said .
`` Given the media that we deal with and everything else , you say something and people can beat up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to tell the truth .
So , if in China they 've reduced extreme poverty , does that make me a communist who supports China ?
No , I 'm just telling you a simple fact . ''
Baier later brought up that some Democrats , including Rep. Stephanie Murphy ( Fla. ) , criticized Sanders 's praise of Castro , prompting him to say , `` Of course they did . ''
`` So what ?
I 've got a lot of Democrats who are attacking me as well .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sanders said .
Several Florida Democrats criticized Sanders after the 60 Minutes interview , saying his comments were `` ill-informed '' and `` insulting to thousands of Floridians . ''
`` Whether the subject is Cuba , Venezuela , Nicaragua , Israel or other foreign policy challenges , [ Sanders ] has consistently taken positions that are wrong on the merits and will alienate many Florida voters now and in the general election if he is nominated , '' Murphy said .
During the Cold War , Sanders praised Castro 's Cuba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and impressed by the Cuban Revolution . ''
He said that while Cuba was n't `` perfect , '' it `` solved some very important problems . ''

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) on Monday said during a Fox News town hall that he doesn't regret praising the deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked Sanders whether he regretted his praise of Castro's "literacy program" in an interview on 60 Minutes, since it appears those comments hurt him in subsequent primaries. Sanders replied, "No."
"Look, I have spent my entire life fighting for working people and fighting for democracy," Sanders said. "If you check my record, I have condemned authoritarianism, whether it is in the Soviet Union, whether it is in Cuba, whether it is in Saudi Arabia."
Sanders, who has fallen behind former vice president Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, attempted to blame the media for the backlash he received for praising Castro.
"I know it's hard given 'gotcha' questions," Sanders said. "Given the media that we deal with and everything else, you say something and people can beat up on you. I think you've got to tell the truth. So, if in China they've reduced extreme poverty, does that make me a communist who supports China? No, I'm just telling you a simple fact."
Baier later brought up that some Democrats, including Rep. Stephanie Murphy (Fla.), criticized Sanders's praise of Castro, prompting him to say, "Of course they did."
"So what? I've got a lot of Democrats who are attacking me as well. You know that. Nothing new there," Sanders said.
Several Florida Democrats criticized Sanders after the 60 Minutes interview, saying his comments were "ill-informed" and "insulting to thousands of Floridians."
"Whether the subject is Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Israel or other foreign policy challenges, [Sanders] has consistently taken positions that are wrong on the merits and will alienate many Florida voters now and in the general election if he is nominated," Murphy said.
During the Cold War, Sanders praised Castro's Cuba and said he was "very excited and impressed by the Cuban Revolution." He said that while Cuba wasn't "perfect," it "solved some very important problems."


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--Dow Futures Indicate +1,000 Point Gain on Open, Recovering Half of Monday Losses

Stock futures rallied back early Tuesday morning after the S & P 500 's worst day since the financial crisis as investors cheered potential stimulative measures to stem the economic downturn from the coronavirus .
Around 7 a.m .
ET Tuesday , futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average indicated an opening surge of 1,079 points on Tuesday .
S & P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures also pointed to a sharply higher open for the two indexes on Tuesday .
S & P 500 futures were up 5 % earlier in the session , reaching their upside limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of `` a payroll tax cut or relief '' to offset the negative impact from the coronavirus .
The potential tax incentives come on top of an $ 8.3 billion spending package Trump signed last month .
The market suffered a historic sell-off in the previous session , with the Dow and the S & P 500 plunging 7.8 % and 7.6 % , respectively , both posting their worst day since 2008 .
The Dow 's 2,013-point drop was also the biggest-ever point drop for the 30-stock average .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market in jeopardy .
With Monday 's drop , the S & P 500 is 19 % below its intraday all-time high of 3,393.52 from Feb.19 .
The benchmark would fall into bear market territory if it slumps 20 % from its peak or more .
`` We have repriced across the board , '' said Gregory Faranello , head of U.S. rates trading at AmeriVet Securities .
`` Things have simply moved a lot .
And we are not suggesting this move is over , yet comparisons to prior periods in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood but may be misleading . ''

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Stocks rose sharply in wild trading on Tuesday as investors weighed the prospects of fiscal stimulus to curb slower economic growth stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 1,167.14 points higher, or 4.9%, at 25,018.16. Tuesday's gains for the Dow cut the index's losses from Monday in half. Earlier in the day, the 30-stock average was down 160 points. The S&P 500 was up 4.9% at 2,882.23, notching its best day since Dec. 26, 2018. The Nasdaq Composite also advanced 4.9% to 8,347.40. Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google-parent Alphabet all rose more than 4.8%. JPMorgan Chase and Home Depot led the Dow higher, rising more than 7% each. Tech and financials were the best-performing sectors in the S&P 500, rising at least 6% each. Energy gained more than 4%. "Fiscal stimulus is the antidote that can bridge the gap between what was happening before coronavirus and what will happen after it," said Brent Schutte, chief investment strategist for Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management. "It certainly can't cure the virus, but it can help contain some of the economic fallout." "Today's trading activity is the market trying to gauge whether the stimulus is going to be sufficient," he said.
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President Donald Trump floated on Monday the idea of "a payroll tax cut or relief" to offset the negative impact from the coronavirus. The potential tax incentives come on top of an $8.3 billion spending package Trump signed last week. However, administration officials told CNBC that the White House is not close to rolling out specific proposals to deal with a coronavirus-induced economic slowdown. CNBC later learned Trump pitched a 0% payroll tax rate for the rest of 2020. "While we believe that a fiscal stimulus package will be produced, the timing and scope remain uncertain," said Ed Mills, Washington policy analyst at Raymond James, in a note. "When asked about the potential for a fiscal package, some Republican leaders on the Hill signaled that they believe these actions to be premature and key Congressional Democrats arguing that there are more immediate priorities over tax cuts and plan to introduce their own package in coming days." The market suffered a historic sell-off on Monday, with the Dow and the S&P 500 plunging 7.8% and 7.6%, respectively, both posting their worst day since 2008. The Dow's 2,013-point drop was also the biggest-ever point drop for the 30-stock average.
Oil prices move higher


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--South Korea Sees Four Consecutive Days of Decline in New Coronavirus Cases

Health workers wearing protective gear take samples from employees at a building in Seoul where 46 people were confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ Photo : AFP

Health workers wearing protective gear take samples from employees at a building in Seoul where 46 people were confirmed to have the Covid-19 coronavirus. Photo: AFP


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--Hunter Biden Says He Can’t Attend Child Support Deposition – Blaming Coronavirus

Hunter Biden ’ s lawyers told an Arkansas judge on Tuesday that he is unable to attend a child support deposition scheduled for this week due to coronavirus and his pregnant wife ’ s imminent due date .
“ It is unsafe for the Defendant to travel , as travel restrictions have been implemented both domestically and internationally , particularly on airlines , due to the Coronavirus , ” Hunter Biden ’ s lawyer wrote in a court filing .
“ Setting aside personal endangerment , Defendant reasonably believes that such travel unnecessarily exposes his wife and unborn child to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , Melissa Cohen Biden , is due to deliver his unborn child in two and a half weeks or less , according to the court filing .
The couple is renting a $ 3.9 million home in Los Angeles at $ 12,000 per month .
Hunter Biden , the son of former Vice President Joe Biden , is being sued in Arkansas for child support by former stripper Lunden Alexis Roberts .
A DNA test in November 2019 confirmed that Hunter Biden was the father of Roberts ’ s child .
Arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be physically present in Arkansas for the March 11 deposition was “ unduly burdensome and oppressive , ” his lawyers also cited the “ intense media scrutiny ” surrounding the child support case due to his father ’ s status as the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary .
“ The tremendously elevated media scrutiny creates some physical risks and logistics difficult with travel to Arkansas , ” the filing state .
Lawyers for Roberts have filed multiple motions in court asking for Hunter Biden to be held in contempt for failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is Refusing To Provide ‘ Basic ’ Financial Information In Paternity Suit , Lawyer Says ) Hunter Biden filed a motion in February seeking to delay his child support deposition , but the request was shot down by Circuit Judge Holly Meyer .
“ He needs to make himself available and unless his hair is on fire , he needs to be in Arkansas and he needs to be in a deposition , ” Meyer told Hunter Biden ’ s lawyer in reaction to the request , the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported .
Content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Hunter Biden’s lawyers told an Arkansas judge on Tuesday that he is unable to attend a child support deposition scheduled for this week due to coronavirus and his pregnant wife’s imminent due date.
“It is unsafe for the Defendant to travel, as travel restrictions have been implemented both domestically and internationally, particularly on airlines, due to the Coronavirus,” Hunter Biden’s lawyer wrote in a court filing. “Setting aside personal endangerment, Defendant reasonably believes that such travel unnecessarily exposes his wife and unborn child to this virus.”
Hunter Biden’s wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, is due to deliver his unborn child in two and a half weeks or less, according to the court filing. The couple is renting a $3.9 million home in Los Angeles at $12,000 per month.
Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, is being sued in Arkansas for child support by former stripper Lunden Alexis Roberts. A DNA test in November 2019 confirmed that Hunter Biden was the father of Roberts’s child.
Arguing that the request for Hunter Biden to be physically present in Arkansas for the March 11 deposition was “unduly burdensome and oppressive,” his lawyers also cited the “intense media scrutiny” surrounding the child support case due to his father’s status as the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary.
“The tremendously elevated media scrutiny creates some physical risks and logistics difficult with travel to Arkansas,” the filing state.
Lawyers for Roberts have filed multiple motions in court asking for Hunter Biden to be held in contempt for failing to provide financial documents. (Hunter Biden Is Refusing To Provide ‘Basic’ Financial Information In Paternity Suit, Lawyer Says)
Hunter Biden filed a motion in February seeking to delay his child support deposition, but the request was shot down by Circuit Judge Holly Meyer.
“He needs to make himself available and unless his hair is on fire, he needs to be in Arkansas and he needs to be in a deposition,” Meyer told Hunter Biden’s lawyer in reaction to the request, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--CPAC Coronavirus Patient Attended VIP Congressional Event

The coronavirus-infected individual at the Conservative Political Action Committee 's 2020 conference attended a VIP congressional reception held on the Wednesday evening the conference first began , the Washington Free Beacon has learned from multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter .
This would mean that potentially dozens of members of Congress and CPAC leaders who attended the reception were exposed to the infected individual as early as the evening of Wednesday , Feb. 26 , rather than Thursday , as initial reports had stated .
Republican bigwigs at the conference are known to have interacted with the infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This includes Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) , and Reps. Paul Gosar ( R. , Ariz. ) , Matt Gaetz ( R. , Fla. ) , and Doug Collins ( R. , Ga. ) , among others .
The lawmakers self-quarantined after learning they came in contact with the infected attendee .
CPAC officials first disclosed the infected party interacted with several lawmakers and other high-level individuals during events held primarily on Thursday .
It later became clear that the person also attended a Shabbat dinner held Friday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time he was sick and showed no symptoms while at CPAC .
Now , the Free Beacon has learned that on Wednesday , the first night of the conference , an official CPAC VIP congressional gathering was held at the posh Pose Rooftop Lounge .
It included hundreds of CPAC VIPs and staffers , multiple sources confirmed .
The infected individual attended this gathering and may have interacted with countless attendees , three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told the Free Beacon .
CPAC organizers would not disclose the identities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked by the Free Beacon , citing privacy concerns .
News outlets that attended the event have since asked their journalists to self-quarantine to prevent the potential spread of the virus .
CPAC attendees have been on edge since it was revealed that at least one coronavirus-infected person with `` gold level '' VIP access attended the annual conference held at the National Harbor in Maryland .
With the virus quickly spreading across the United States , including in Washington , D.C. , and Virginia , conference-goers have been left to wonder if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has thus far tested positive for the virus .
That individual has been identified in the press as 55-year-old doctor and Cruz donor Alan Berger .
While the American Conservative Union , CPAC 's organizer , attempted to allay concerns about the virus 's spread at the conference , many attendees expressed frustration over what they say is the organization 's failure to provide informative and timely updates .
An ACU spokesman said the organization is keeping everyone who may have come into contact with the infected individual informed of the latest developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attendees—both VIPs and average conference-goers—to provide them with real-time information and updates .
These communications will continue , sources said .
Still , this has not been enough for some who attended .
`` No one at the ACU has communicated with us about this , and there are an increasing number of us with sick friends , or kids , or colleagues , '' said one source present on the evening of the VIP congressional reception .
`` I get that not everyone will have the coronavirus .
Maybe no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the least we expect is for the ACU—which we give so much money every year—to spare us some anxiety .
I guess they just do n't care . ''
A second source who attended Wednesday night 's `` very crowded '' VIP shindig had direct interaction with the infected individual and is now experiencing flu-like symptoms .
The source , who requested anonymity , spotted at least a couple hundred top-level CPAC supporters and staffers at the exclusive event .
While ACU head Matt Schlapp tweeted on Monday that no new cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conference was held , some attendees are questioning the timing of that claim , particularly in light of how difficult it has been for many to get tested for the virus .
It can take several days for an infected individual to show symptoms of the illness , complicating efforts to stop those with it from passing it to others .
Raheem Kassam , a conservative commentator and annual CPAC speaker who took ill after the conference , went on Twitter this week to report the issues he has had obtaining a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with the infected individual who attended CPAC .

The coronavirus-infected individual at the Conservative Political Action Committee's 2020 conference attended a VIP congressional reception held on the Wednesday evening the conference first began, the Washington Free Beacon has learned from multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
This would mean that potentially dozens of members of Congress and CPAC leaders who attended the reception were exposed to the infected individual as early as the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26, rather than Thursday, as initial reports had stated.
Republican bigwigs at the conference are known to have interacted with the infected individual during their time at CPAC. This includes Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), and Reps. Paul Gosar (R., Ariz.), Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.), and Doug Collins (R., Ga.), among others. The lawmakers self-quarantined after learning they came in contact with the infected attendee.
CPAC officials first disclosed the infected party interacted with several lawmakers and other high-level individuals during events held primarily on Thursday. It later became clear that the person also attended a Shabbat dinner held Friday evening. The individual was not aware at the time he was sick and showed no symptoms while at CPAC.
Now, the Free Beacon has learned that on Wednesday, the first night of the conference, an official CPAC VIP congressional gathering was held at the posh Pose Rooftop Lounge. It included hundreds of CPAC VIPs and staffers, multiple sources confirmed. The infected individual attended this gathering and may have interacted with countless attendees, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told the Free Beacon.
CPAC organizers would not disclose the identities of those who attended the VIP gathering when asked by the Free Beacon, citing privacy concerns. News outlets that attended the event have since asked their journalists to self-quarantine to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
CPAC attendees have been on edge since it was revealed that at least one coronavirus-infected person with "gold level" VIP access attended the annual conference held at the National Harbor in Maryland. With the virus quickly spreading across the United States, including in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, conference-goers have been left to wonder if they were exposed.
Only one individual has thus far tested positive for the virus. That individual has been identified in the press as 55-year-old doctor and Cruz donor Alan Berger.
While the American Conservative Union, CPAC's organizer, attempted to allay concerns about the virus's spread at the conference, many attendees expressed frustration over what they say is the organization's failure to provide informative and timely updates.
An ACU spokesman said the organization is keeping everyone who may have come into contact with the infected individual informed of the latest developments.
Already, CPAC officials contacted hundreds of attendees—both VIPs and average conference-goers—to provide them with real-time information and updates. These communications will continue, sources said.
Still, this has not been enough for some who attended.
"No one at the ACU has communicated with us about this, and there are an increasing number of us with sick friends, or kids, or colleagues," said one source present on the evening of the VIP congressional reception. "I get that not everyone will have the coronavirus. Maybe no one else got it. Hopefully. But the least we expect is for the ACU—which we give so much money every year—to spare us some anxiety. I guess they just don't care."
A second source who attended Wednesday night's "very crowded" VIP shindig had direct interaction with the infected individual and is now experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The source, who requested anonymity, spotted at least a couple hundred top-level CPAC supporters and staffers at the exclusive event.
While ACU head Matt Schlapp tweeted on Monday that no new cases have been reported in the nine days since the conference was held, some attendees are questioning the timing of that claim, particularly in light of how difficult it has been for many to get tested for the virus. It can take several days for an infected individual to show symptoms of the illness, complicating efforts to stop those with it from passing it to others.
https://twitter.com/mschlapp/status/1237156303304302592
Raheem Kassam, a conservative commentator and annual CPAC speaker who took ill after the conference, went on Twitter this week to report the issues he has had obtaining a coronavirus test. Kassam also came in contact with the infected individual who attended CPAC.
I'm now on with CDC. The first number I called the woman asked, "Are you media?" I'm not a liar and I am in the media sphere so I said yes. I've now been told I can only speak to their public affairs team. Despite the fact I'm just trying to get a test for myself. — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) March 9, 2020
Update 10:17 p.m.: CPAC organizers confirmed the veracity of the Free Beacon's reporting late Tuesday in an email sent to supporters.
The infected person did "attend a Wednesday (2/26) evening event in the POSE Lounge," the group wrote. "If you attended that event you are at very low risk for infection. It takes about five days for symptoms to show after contracting this particular coronavirus."
CPAC organizer ACU said the group contacted anyone who might have been in contact with the virus carrier and is monitoring future developments.


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--President Trump Pitches 0% Payroll Tax for Rest of 2020

President Donald Trump , in a meeting with Republican lawmakers Tuesday on Capitol Hill , pitched a 0 % payroll tax rate for employers and employees that would last through the rest of this year , a White House official told CNBC .
There was also discussion of making the payroll tax rollback permanent , said the official , who declined to be named .
Payroll taxes are used to fund Medicare and Social Security .
When asked about the potential cost of a payroll tax cut , the official pushed back and asked why there is always a focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The development comes as Trump and the White House try to put together an economic stimulus plan to counteract the impact from the widening coronavirus outbreak .
After a 2,000-point drop by the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Monday , the Dow bounced back somewhat Tuesday , rising 1,000 points late in the trading session .
Earlier Tuesday , CNBC reported that the White House was not ready to roll out a specific plan of action on the economy while the deadly coronavirus spreads .
Trump stunned people in the White House on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said that he would announce economic policy proposals at a news conference Tuesday .
A press briefing with the White House coronavirus task force is slated for 5:30 p.m .
ET Tuesday , according to Trump 's official schedule .
The White House has also invited Wall Street executives to a meeting Wednesday to discuss an economic response to the coronavirus 's impact .

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President Donald Trump, in a meeting with Republican lawmakers Tuesday on Capitol Hill, pitched a 0% payroll tax rate for employers and employees that would last through the rest of this year, a White House official told CNBC. There was also discussion of making the payroll tax rollback permanent, said the official, who declined to be named. Payroll taxes are used to fund Medicare and Social Security. When asked about the potential cost of a payroll tax cut, the official pushed back and asked why there is always a focus on the cost of tax cuts. The development comes as Trump and the White House try to put together an economic stimulus plan to counteract the impact from the widening coronavirus outbreak. After a 2,000-point drop by the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Monday, the Dow bounced back somewhat Tuesday, rising 1,000 points late in the trading session. Earlier Tuesday, CNBC reported that the White House was not ready to roll out a specific plan of action on the economy while the deadly coronavirus spreads. Trump stunned people in the White House on Monday, according to officials, when he said that he would announce economic policy proposals at a news conference Tuesday.
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A press briefing with the White House coronavirus task force is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, according to Trump's official schedule. The White House has also invited Wall Street executives to a meeting Wednesday to discuss an economic response to the coronavirus's impact. Trump met with Senate Republicans earlier Tuesday afternoon, but they didn't reach a resolution on a potential response. Still, the president sounded an optimistic note. "Be calm. It's really working out," he said after the meeting, referring to the government's response to the outbreak. "A lot of good things are going to happen." Trump, who faces a bitter reelection fight this year, mentioned the possibility of a payroll tax cut Monday evening. He has said he wants to help out the airline and cruise industries, as well, while fear of the virus and travel restrictions have crushed demand for tourism and business travel. Republican senators have reportedly been skeptical of a payroll tax cut, which has been pushed by Peter Navarro, one of Trump's leading advisors on trade policy. Payroll taxes are paid by employers and employees. They are used to fund Social Security, Medicare and other government programs. For Social Security, employee wages are subject to a 6.2% tax up to $137,700. Workers pay a Medicare tax of 1.45%. Employers match what employees contribute by kicking in 6.2% toward Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare.
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Read more: What a payroll tax cut would mean for your pay The discussion about potential payroll tax reductions comes as Trump has come under fire for saying that he would consider cutting entitlements. His potential Democratic rivals in November's election, particularly Sen. Bernie Sanders, have hammered Trump for his remarks on entitlements. The White House is also considering federal assistance for the shale industry as oil prices have tanked in recent days due to a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The administration doesn't want it to be perceived as a bailout, the official said. At least 28 people have died from the coronavirus in the U.S., while at least 805 people have been infected. Worldwide, more than 118,000 people have been infected, resulting in at least 4,262 deaths.
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bonginoreport--2020-03-10--The Democrat Primary Has Been Great for Gun Manufacturers

FBI gun background checks required in most weapon sales have jumped 30 % as consumers have rushed in to gun stores and shows to load up amid threats from Democratic presidential candidates to end sales and safety concerns as the coronavirus spreads .
Background checks in January and February recorded the highest number ever for the period , said the FBI .
In just two months , there have been 5,505,169 checks .
Last year , there were 4,218,980 background checks in January and February .
If the trend continues the way arms industry officials expect , 2020 will record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Background Check System , at over 30 million .
`` Sales are in record territory for both January and February for us .
Along with political pressure , coronavirus fears are also driving sales .
In particular , entry-level AR-15s are selling extremely well , and thankfully , unlike the Obama years , there ’ s enough inventory in the pipeline to satisfy demand .
It should be an interesting year , '' said Justin Anderson , the director of marketing for Hyatt Guns of Charlotte , North Carolina , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number is a key barometer on gun sales .
The system is used for sales from federal firearm license holders , such as gun shows , but misses private sales and sales in a handful of states where it is not used .
Checks are also made for concealed carry permits and other security needs .
Sales saw a similar surge in 2016 when Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton was polling ahead of Donald Trump for president .
She had promised to enact an assault weapons ban like her husband did .
At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines to get in stretched blocks .
Secrets witnessed long lines inside as people bought multiple guns , including so-called `` ghost guns '' that do not carry a serial number .
And sales of pro-Trump goods like MAGA hats and flags were brisk .
This year , Michael Bloomberg , who funds several anti-gun groups and politicians , is spending heavily to win the nomination .
And surging Joe Biden has teamed up with gun-banner Beto O ’ Rourke .
Bloomberg yesterday said during a Fox town hall , “ The whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns.
” He added during a discussion of his controversial “ stop and frisk ” policy he ’ s since apologized for , “ You just have to make sure there 's no guns.
” Biden , at a Texas rally , said that O ’ Rourke will be his gun czar .
During his short presidential campaign , O ’ Rourke promised to take every sporting rifle in America .
“ Hell , yes , we 're going to take your AR-15 , your AK-47 , ” he said of the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has promised a new ban and wants to buy back every AR and AK in the country .
He told a CNN debate , `` The fact of the matter is they should be illegal , period .
Look , the Second Amendment does n't say you ca n't restrict the kinds of weapon people can own .
You ca n't buy a bazooka , you ca n't have a flame thrower . ''
Trump , meanwhile , is expected to win a second endorsement from the National Rifle Association this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab .
At last week ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference , he mocked O ’ Rourke ’ s gun plan and Biden ’ s erroneous claim that 150 million people have been killed by guns .

FBI gun background checks required in most weapon sales have jumped 30% as consumers have rushed in to gun stores and shows to load up amid threats from Democratic presidential candidates to end sales and safety concerns as the coronavirus spreads.
Background checks in January and February recorded the highest number ever for the period, said the FBI. In just two months, there have been 5,505,169 checks. Last year, there were 4,218,980 background checks in January and February.
If the trend continues the way arms industry officials expect, 2020 will record the most-ever checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, at over 30 million.
"Sales are in record territory for both January and February for us. Along with political pressure, coronavirus fears are also driving sales. In particular, entry-level AR-15s are selling extremely well, and thankfully, unlike the Obama years, there’s enough inventory in the pipeline to satisfy demand. It should be an interesting year," said Justin Anderson, the director of marketing for Hyatt Guns of Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the nation's biggest.
The NICS number is a key barometer on gun sales. The system is used for sales from federal firearm license holders, such as gun shows, but misses private sales and sales in a handful of states where it is not used. Checks are also made for concealed carry permits and other security needs.
Sales saw a similar surge in 2016 when Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton was polling ahead of Donald Trump for president. She had promised to enact an assault weapons ban like her husband did.
Joe Biden tells Beto, of "hell yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47," fame that "you're going to take care of the gun problem with me. You're gonna to be the one who leads this effort." pic.twitter.com/rKNlkyHWYA — Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) March 3, 2020
At a recent gun show in northern Virginia, lines to get in stretched blocks. Secrets witnessed long lines inside as people bought multiple guns, including so-called "ghost guns" that do not carry a serial number. And sales of pro-Trump goods like MAGA hats and flags were brisk.
This year, Michael Bloomberg, who funds several anti-gun groups and politicians, is spending heavily to win the nomination. And surging Joe Biden has teamed up with gun-banner Beto O’Rourke.
When he ran for president, Beto O'Rourke sold these t-shirts.
Bloomberg yesterday said during a Fox town hall, “The whole idea is to keep people from carrying guns.” He added during a discussion of his controversial “stop and frisk” policy he’s since apologized for, “You just have to make sure there's no guns.”
Biden, at a Texas rally, said that O’Rourke will be his gun czar. During his short presidential campaign, O’Rourke promised to take every sporting rifle in America. “Hell, yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47,” he said of the two most popular rifles in the world.
Biden has promised a new ban and wants to buy back every AR and AK in the country. He told a CNN debate, "The fact of the matter is they should be illegal, period. Look, the Second Amendment doesn't say you can't restrict the kinds of weapon people can own. You can't buy a bazooka, you can't have a flame thrower."
Trump, meanwhile, is expected to win a second endorsement from the National Rifle Association this year and has pledged to fight any gun grab.
At last week’s Conservative Political Action Conference, he mocked O’Rourke’s gun plan and Biden’s erroneous claim that 150 million people have been killed by guns.


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--The Government Could Save $15 Billion by Selling Unused Federal Buildings

Given their propensity for and , government bureaucrats aren ’ t exactly known for putting taxpayer money to good use .
But even with its wasteful reputation , the federal government 's mismanagement of public properties is far more shocking .
Thankfully , two Republican congressmen have a plan that could address this issue once and for all — and pass the savings on to taxpayers .
On Monday , Reps. Greg Murphy and Ted Budd introduced the “ Eliminate Agency Excess Space Act.
” The two North Carolina Republicans ’ would ease restrictions and eliminate red tape , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell off unused buildings and properties .
Right now , there ’ s an that makes it almost impossible to do so .
Right now , federal government buildings sit vacant , while almost 8,000 are partially empty or underutilized .
According to Citizens Against Government Waste , selling off these unused properties would save .
Under the bill , this money is deposited in the U.S. Treasury and used to pay down the federal debt .
That ’ s $ 106 in debt relief for every U.S. taxpayer .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reining in government waste and paying down the more than $ 23 trillion national debt will require thousands of small reforms such as this .
It ’ s unclear whether Democrats , and notably , Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , will block this bill or join forces with its Republican sponsors .
But eliminating obvious waste really shouldn ’ t be partisan or controversial .
“ Nothing should be more frustrating to a taxpayer than to see their hard-earned dollars pay to lease vacant buildings that the federal government has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a .
“ This is a prime example of what happens when federal agencies are not held accountable for failing to use basic best practices from the private sector.
” The congressman makes a good point : It ’ s hard to imagine a private business letting valuable property rot away unused without selling it off .
Yet this sort of thing regularly happens in our government because , sadly , bureaucrats just don ’ t have the same kind of profit incentives forcing them to work efficiently .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of commonsense waste-reduction legislation are both urgently needed .

Given their propensity for subsidizing Serbian cheese and propping up the Pakistani film industry , government bureaucrats aren’t exactly known for putting taxpayer money to good use. But even with its wasteful reputation, the federal government's mismanagement of public properties is far more shocking.
Thankfully, two Republican congressmen have a plan that could address this issue once and for all — and pass the savings on to taxpayers.
On Monday, Reps. Greg Murphy and Ted Budd introduced the “Eliminate Agency Excess Space Act.” The two North Carolina Republicans’ bill would ease restrictions and eliminate red tape, making it much easier for federal agencies to sell off unused buildings and properties. Right now, there’s an extremely cumbersome process that makes it almost impossible to do so.
Taxpayers currently pay for thousands of unused federal buildings and offices.
Agencies should be able to sell off excess space and save up to $15 billion. @RepGregMurphy and I have a bill that does just that. @GovWaste https://t.co/y2B957wate — Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) March 9, 2020
This is a real problem.
Right now, 3,120 federal government buildings sit vacant, while almost 8,000 are partially empty or underutilized. According to Citizens Against Government Waste, selling off these unused properties would save $15 billion over five years . Under the bill, this money is deposited in the U.S. Treasury and used to pay down the federal debt.
That’s $106 in debt relief for every U.S. taxpayer. It’s just a start, sure, but reining in government waste and paying down the more than $23 trillion national debt will require thousands of small reforms such as this.
It’s unclear whether Democrats, and notably, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, will block this bill or join forces with its Republican sponsors. But eliminating obvious waste really shouldn’t be partisan or controversial.
“Nothing should be more frustrating to a taxpayer than to see their hard-earned dollars pay to lease vacant buildings that the federal government has no intention of ever using,” Budd said in a statement . “This is a prime example of what happens when federal agencies are not held accountable for failing to use basic best practices from the private sector.”
The congressman makes a good point: It’s hard to imagine a private business letting valuable property rot away unused without selling it off. Yet this sort of thing regularly happens in our government because, sadly, bureaucrats just don’t have the same kind of profit incentives forcing them to work efficiently. This is why more congressional oversight and the passage of commonsense waste-reduction legislation are both urgently needed.


bonginoreport--2020-03-10--Yale Hack Who Claims Trump is Mentally Unfit Refuses to “Diagnose” Biden

“ I do not diagnose without examination and do not speak about public figures in general , unless there is evidence of such profound danger to public health ” Yale psychiatrist Bandy Lee has repeatedly called Trump mentally unfit for office , despite the fact that she has never even met him .
This has been widely condemned as an ethical violation of her profession .
As concerns grow about Joe Biden ’ s mental health , Lee is now refusing to apply the same standard to the former Vice President .
As Professor Jacobson pointed out , watching Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anyone who watches clips of Biden campaigning , that he is not as sharp as he used to be .
Bandy Lee suddenly thinks diagnosing someone from afar is inappropriate .
Brandy X. Lee , one of the mental health professionals who has been very vocal about Trump ’ s unfitness for office , explained why a declination to diagnose Biden is in keeping with professional standards .
I do not diagnose without examination and do not speak about public figures in general , unless there is evidence of such profound danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious signs of mental instability in a public servant , that it would be a public disservice not to share the knowledge and training that I have .
Biden has not risen to this threshold… I never spoke up about a president or a presidential candidate either before or after Donald Trump , and neither have thousands of mental health professionals who have come forth with similar concerns in ways that are unprecedented in U.S. history , for any president of any party .
I only speak up when there is a medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk the survival of the human species .
This is definitively Donald Trump , not Biden .
Nor is it Bernie Sanders , Hillary Clinton , or any other false equivalences people wish to create for political purposes .
As recently as three days ago , Lee was repeating her claims about Trump .
Yale psychiatrist : Trump is “ putting lives at risk ” with coronavirus ; Pence is “ enabling ” him President Trump ’ s preoccupation with his own image amid the spread of the coronavirus is “ putting lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only “ enabling ” him , Yale psychiatrist Dr. Bandy X. Lee told Salon in an interview this week .
Lee is a forensic psychiatrist at the Yale School of Medicine who also teaches at Yale Law School and has spent the last three years urging Congress to respond more forcefully to the dangers posed by what she sees as the president ’ s deteriorating mental health .
Lee , who consults widely with state and foreign governments on public health approaches to violence prevention , urged the House Judiciary Committee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Trump ’ s impeachment and called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to request an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold of the president .
It becomes increasingly clear that Lee is using her position to influence politics for purely partisan reasons .
How does the Yale administration justify this ?

Yale psychiatrist Bandy Lee has repeatedly called Trump mentally unfit for office, despite the fact that she has never even met him. This has been widely condemned as an ethical violation of her profession.
As concerns grow about Joe Biden’s mental health, Lee is now refusing to apply the same standard to the former Vice President.
As Professor Jacobson pointed out, watching Biden has become sad. It is obvious to anyone who watches clips of Biden campaigning, that he is not as sharp as he used to be.
Bandy Lee suddenly thinks diagnosing someone from afar is inappropriate.
Nancy LeTourneau writes at the Washington Monthly:
Brandy X. Lee, one of the mental health professionals who has been very vocal about Trump’s unfitness for office, explained why a declination to diagnose Biden is in keeping with professional standards. I do not diagnose without examination and do not speak about public figures in general, unless there is evidence of such profound danger to public health and well-being because of serious signs of mental instability in a public servant, that it would be a public disservice not to share the knowledge and training that I have. Biden has not risen to this threshold… I never spoke up about a president or a presidential candidate either before or after Donald Trump, and neither have thousands of mental health professionals who have come forth with similar concerns in ways that are unprecedented in U.S. history, for any president of any party. I only speak up when there is a medical need of such great magnitude as to risk the survival of the human species. This is definitively Donald Trump, not Biden. Nor is it Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, or any other false equivalences people wish to create for political purposes.
As recently as three days ago, Lee was repeating her claims about Trump.
Igor Derysh wrote at Salon:
Yale psychiatrist: Trump is “putting lives at risk” with coronavirus; Pence is “enabling” him President Trump’s preoccupation with his own image amid the spread of the coronavirus is “putting lives at risk” and Vice President Pence is only “enabling” him, Yale psychiatrist Dr. Bandy X. Lee told Salon in an interview this week. Lee is a forensic psychiatrist at the Yale School of Medicine who also teaches at Yale Law School and has spent the last three years urging Congress to respond more forcefully to the dangers posed by what she sees as the president’s deteriorating mental health. Lee, who consults widely with state and foreign governments on public health approaches to violence prevention, urged the House Judiciary Committee to include a panel of mental health experts during Trump’s impeachment and called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to request an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold of the president.
It becomes increasingly clear that Lee is using her position to influence politics for purely partisan reasons.
How does the Yale administration justify this?
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bonginoreport--2020-03-12--Hotel Disputes Matt Schlapp’s Claim About CPAC Coronavirus Screening

Matt Schlapp , chairman of the American Conservative Union , arrives to introduce President Donald Trump during the Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC ) at National Harbor in Oxon Hill , Maryland , February 29 , 2020 .
The operator of the Maryland hotel which recently hosted a major conservative political convention has denied claims by conservative activist Matt Schlapp that state health officials `` did 2,000 screens all around the hotel '' for the coronavirus after an attendee tested positive for the disease .
Schlapp said Monday on Twitter and later in a Fox News interview that Maryland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union that those screenings were done after they learned a man at the Conservative Political Action Conference had been diagnosed with the coronavirus days after the conference ended Feb. 29 .
Several members of Congress announced Monday that they were self-quarantining because they had contact in late February with the man during CPAC at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center , which is located in National Harbor , just outside of Washington , D.C .
The annual conference run by ACU is a highlight of conservatives ' calendars , and was attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence this year .
`` They did 2,000 screens all around the hotel , '' Schlapp told Fox News host Laura Ingraham via Skype from his home , where he was in self-quarantine because of his exposure to the same CPAC attendee .
`` They found nothing , '' he said .
`` Several days ago they came to us and said there 's nothing to be alarmed about , '' said Schlapp , a lobbyist who is the ACU 's chairman .
Schlapp 's wife , Mercedes Schlapp , now works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and previously served as director of strategic communications in the Trump White House .
Allison Sitch , a spokeswoman for Marriott , the company that operates the Gaylord National , in an email to CNBC , contradicted Matt Schlapp 's claim .
`` It is my understanding that no screens of either people or facilities has been performed at the property , '' Sitch said .
She did say that Marriott has been in contact with local health authorities `` and are following their guidance about this situation.
`` `` We take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already taken a number of additional steps to perform enhanced cleaning of areas of the hotel where the conference was hosted , '' she said .
At a meeting Monday of hundreds of Gaylord National workers , the hotel 's general manager `` was flat out asked if that was true '' that thousands of screenings had been performed at the hotel on the heels of CPAC , one of those workers told CNBC .
`` And he [ the manager ] said , 'No , ' '' the worker said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been no sort of mass screening of employees ... he flat out denied it . ''
A health official from Prince George 's County , Maryland , who was also present at that meeting , said he `` did not have any knowledge that the state of Maryland had screened thousands of employees '' at the hotel , the worker said .
A spokesman for the Maryland Health Department said in an email `` I do n't have any information on this '' when first asked if any coronavirus screening was done @ @ @ @ @

Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, arrives to introduce President Donald Trump during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, February 29, 2020.
The operator of the Maryland hotel which recently hosted a major conservative political convention has denied claims by conservative activist Matt Schlapp that state health officials "did 2,000 screens all around the hotel" for the coronavirus after an attendee tested positive for the disease.
Schlapp said Monday on Twitter and later in a Fox News interview that Maryland health officials had told his American Conservative Union that those screenings were done after they learned a man at the Conservative Political Action Conference had been diagnosed with the coronavirus days after the conference ended Feb. 29.
Several members of Congress announced Monday that they were self-quarantining because they had contact in late February with the man during CPAC at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which is located in National Harbor, just outside of Washington, D.C.
The annual conference run by ACU is a highlight of conservatives' calendars, and was attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence this year.
"They did 2,000 screens all around the hotel," Schlapp told Fox News host Laura Ingraham via Skype from his home, where he was in self-quarantine because of his exposure to the same CPAC attendee.
"They found nothing," he said.
"Several days ago they came to us and said there's nothing to be alarmed about," said Schlapp, a lobbyist who is the ACU's chairman.
Schlapp's wife, Mercedes Schlapp, now works for President Donald Trump's reelection campaign, and previously served as director of strategic communications in the Trump White House.
Allison Sitch, a spokeswoman for Marriott , the company that operates the Gaylord National, in an email to CNBC, contradicted Matt Schlapp's claim.
"It is my understanding that no screens of either people or facilities has been performed at the property," Sitch said.
She did say that Marriott has been in contact with local health authorities "and are following their guidance about this situation. "
"We take hotel hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and have already taken a number of additional steps to perform enhanced cleaning of areas of the hotel where the conference was hosted," she said.
At a meeting Monday of hundreds of Gaylord National workers, the hotel's general manager "was flat out asked if that was true" that thousands of screenings had been performed at the hotel on the heels of CPAC, one of those workers told CNBC.
"And he [the manager] said, 'No,'" the worker said. "According to the general manager there's been no sort of mass screening of employees ... he flat out denied it."
A health official from Prince George's County, Maryland, who was also present at that meeting, said he "did not have any knowledge that the state of Maryland had screened thousands of employees" at the hotel, the worker said.
A spokesman for the Maryland Health Department said in an email, "I don't have any information on this," when first asked if any coronavirus screening was done at the Gaylord National.


bonginoreport--2020-03-12--WH Says Trump/Pence Don’t Require Testing After Meeting Brazilian Who Has Coronavirus

President Trump will not get tested for coronavirus despite being in close contact with an aide of a foreign leader who tested positive for the virus .
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told reporters on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence `` require '' testing after reports surfaced that one of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 's aides tested positive for the virus and photos surfaced showing them together over the weekend .
“ The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation ‘ s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending .
Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps , '' Grisham said in a statement .
`` Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time . ''
“ As stated before , the White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First & Second Families , and all White House staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To reiterate CDC guidelines , there is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms , and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine . ''
Bolsonaro 's communication secretary Rabio Wajngarten tested positive for the virus .
Wajngarten was photographed with Trump and Pence at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach , Florida , over the weekend , as the president held a `` Make America Great Again '' hat .
Florida Sen. Rick Scott , who also was in close proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantining himself out of `` an abundance of caution . ''
The Repubilcan said both the Senate 's attending physician and his personal doctor told him that his chance to contract the virus is `` low , '' and he does not need to get tested for it .
Trump and Pence , who is leading the administration 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , were present at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference two weeks ago .
One of the attendees later tested positive for the virus .
Trump and Pence did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but the attendee interacted with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida , Rep. and Doug Collins of Georgia , both of whom have self-quarantined .
Other members of congress who did interact with `` patient zero '' also self-quarantined themselves .
COVID-19 cases have appeared on every continent except Antarctica since the virus first appeared in Wuhan , China , last year .
Nearly 128,000 people have tested positive for the virus globally , and it has killed at least 4,717 people .
In the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus across 45 states and Washington , D.C. , and at least 39 patients have died .

President Trump will not get tested for coronavirus despite being in close contact with an aide of a foreign leader who tested positive for the virus.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told reporters on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence "require" testing after reports surfaced that one of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's aides tested positive for the virus and photos surfaced showing them together over the weekend.
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“The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation‘s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19; confirmatory testing is pending. Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps," Grisham said in a statement. "Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time."
“As stated before, the White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First & Second Families, and all White House staff healthy," the statement added. "To reiterate CDC guidelines, there is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms, and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine."
Bolsonaro's communication secretary Rabio Wajngarten tested positive for the virus. Wajngarten was photographed with Trump and Pence at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, over the weekend, as the president held a "Make America Great Again" hat.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who also was in close proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend, announced on Thursday that he is quarantining himself out of "an abundance of caution." The Repubilcan said both the Senate's attending physician and his personal doctor told him that his chance to contract the virus is "low," and he does not need to get tested for it.
Trump and Pence, who is leading the administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, were present at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference two weeks ago. One of the attendees later tested positive for the virus.
Trump and Pence did not interact with "patient zero," but the attendee interacted with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Rep. and Doug Collins of Georgia, both of whom have self-quarantined. Other members of congress who did interact with "patient zero" also self-quarantined themselves.
COVID-19 cases have appeared on every continent except Antarctica since the virus first appeared in Wuhan, China, last year. Nearly 128,000 people have tested positive for the virus globally, and it has killed at least 4,717 people. In the U.S., more than 1,300 people have been diagnosed with the virus across 45 states and Washington, D.C., and at least 39 patients have died.