politicususa--2020-03-08--Opinion: Decency and Empathy are Key Political Factors Helping Biden, Hurting Sanders

As primary election day , March 17 , approaches in Illinois , I have been doing some canvassing for a candidate running to keep her seat as a state representative , Lindsey LaPointe .
I have known Lindsey for a few years as someone who is active in our neighborhoods ( before she took over as state rep ) , always present around local issues and trying to make life better in our little corner of the world in Chicago .
Last fall I attended an event at a local park called “ Peace in the Preserves , ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell into conversation , and as a professor at a small state university in the city , I drifted into my usual and somewhat long-winded talking points about higher education funding , pension issues , and so forth .
She listened with a placid yet eager thoughtfulness and care .
I could see the look of careful listening , of absorption , on her face .
She was taking it all in , really wanting and trying to understand .
You could tell she wanted to represent people , not just her own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is this experience and these qualities of Lindsey I talk about .
Although I have some sense of her political platform , I can ’ t say I have a complete or in any way thorough knowledge of all her platforms and views , or even how she has voted .
That doesn ’ t matter so much .
What matters more is that she listens and wants to represent people ’ s interests and advocate for their needs to make our world better for all .
Listening to people carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience the world is the basis of empathy .
Seeking to understand their needs and do good by them without harming others , that is decency .
As I watch the Democratic primary narrow down to a tussle between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders , I have been thinking about these terms , wondering in particular why I have seemed to gravitate toward favoring Biden over Sanders , even though I define myself as a socialist and believe in a single-payer healthcare system .
It is beyond question , in my view , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with one-third of costs going to fund the bureaucracies of private insurance companies reaping billions in profits .
We could reform , meaning socialize , this system and certainly find a way to fund quality healthcare for all .
But that ’ s not the point .
Or , it hasn ’ t come to be the point for me .
As much as I might get a little weary of Biden talking about the death of his son as a way of connecting with people ’ s pain and grief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his platforms , I at least see him listening to people , empathizing with them , trying to understand them .
This quality may in fact guide the development of his platforms and policies .
These qualities have , in fact , become the hallmark of his campaign , even intentionally so .
This quality not only differentiates him from the uncaring and often downright meanness of Trump , but it also distinguishes him from Sanders , who often comes off more as someone who wants to be right than someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve people ’ s lives working within the inevitable constraints of our current political arrangement .
For example , at a previous Democratic primary debate , both Sanders and Warren were under fire , being asked how they would proceed on healthcare policy given that many Democrats , not to mention basically all Republicans , did not support Medicare for all .
Warren gave examples of measures she could pursue immediately to expand healthcare coverage for many more Americans .
Sanders simply said that he will make sure Congress passes his Medicare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem like a serious one , by which I mean he did not come across as one who was really taking Americans ’ suffering seriously .
He was not confronting the reality of the composition of the Senate and the House of Representatives .
It wasn ’ t just a naivete .
He ’ s been a senator for a long time , maybe too long .
Rather than naivete , his response indicated a refusal to engage the political process as it is and make what progress he can to actually improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one has .
Like too many on the left ( and I consider myself a leftist ) , Sanders is more content to settle in , pleasure in , his righteousness and moral superiority , than to figure out how to work with others who don ’ t share his views in order to address people ’ s dire needs .
I published a piece earlier this week railing against the media and political pundits for basically rallying for a “ stop Sanders ” campaign .
I argued it flat-out flew in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sanders supporters have blamed the electoral outcomes on the machinations of Democratic establishment .
Seriously ?
What about the voters ?
Especially those African American voters in South Carolina that may have had more than a little to do with Biden ’ s surge ?
Again , there is a refusal to listen .
And the tenor of his campaign , in which I include the tenor of his supporters ’ behaviors , reflects a lack of decency and an unwillingness to engage and listen to others respectfully .
In a painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elizabeth Warren clearly struggled in discussing the attacks of Sanders ’ supporters on her supporters and campaign , and even the actual harassment of others who expressed different views , including members of the Nevada Culinary Union .
So much for solidarity .
Empathy means listening to people to figure out what they think their interests , concerns , and needs are , not simply telling them what is best for them .
The latter is not good democratic governance or process .
Policies and platforms aside , we can see why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues this political season .

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As primary election day, March 17, approaches in Illinois, I have been doing some canvassing for a candidate running to keep her seat as a state representative, Lindsey LaPointe. I have known Lindsey for a few years as someone who is active in our neighborhoods (before she took over as state rep), always present around local issues and trying to make life better in our little corner of the world in Chicago. Last fall I attended an event at a local park called “Peace in the Preserves,” and of course Lindsey was there. We fell into conversation, and as a professor at a small state university in the city, I drifted into my usual and somewhat long-winded talking points about higher education funding, pension issues, and so forth.
She listened with a placid yet eager thoughtfulness and care. I could see the look of careful listening, of absorption, on her face. She was taking it all in, really wanting and trying to understand. You could tell she wanted to represent people, not just her own views and ideas.
When I canvass, it is this experience and these qualities of Lindsey I talk about. Although I have some sense of her political platform, I can’t say I have a complete or in any way thorough knowledge of all her platforms and views, or even how she has voted.
That doesn’t matter so much.
What matters more is that she listens and wants to represent people’s interests and advocate for their needs to make our world better for all.
Listening to people carefully with the objective of knowing—and feeling—how they experience the world is the basis of empathy. Seeking to understand their needs and do good by them without harming others, that is decency.
As I watch the Democratic primary narrow down to a tussle between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, I have been thinking about these terms, wondering in particular why I have seemed to gravitate toward favoring Biden over Sanders, even though I define myself as a socialist and believe in a single-payer healthcare system.
It is beyond question, in my view, that our healthcare system is incredibly inefficient, with one-third of costs going to fund the bureaucracies of private insurance companies reaping billions in profits. We could reform, meaning socialize, this system and certainly find a way to fund quality healthcare for all.
But that’s not the point. Or, it hasn’t come to be the point for me.
As much as I might get a little weary of Biden talking about the death of his son as a way of connecting with people’s pain and grief, wishing he would talk more about issues and his platforms, I at least see him listening to people, empathizing with them, trying to understand them. This quality may in fact guide the development of his platforms and policies. These qualities have, in fact, become the hallmark of his campaign, even intentionally so.
This quality not only differentiates him from the uncaring and often downright meanness of Trump, but it also distinguishes him from Sanders, who often comes off more as someone who wants to be right than someone who wants to figure out how actually to improve people’s lives working within the inevitable constraints of our current political arrangement.
For example, at a previous Democratic primary debate, both Sanders and Warren were under fire, being asked how they would proceed on healthcare policy given that many Democrats, not to mention basically all Republicans, did not support Medicare for all. Warren gave examples of measures she could pursue immediately to expand healthcare coverage for many more Americans. Sanders simply said that he will make sure Congress passes his Medicare for all plan.
His response did not seem like a serious one, by which I mean he did not come across as one who was really taking Americans’ suffering seriously. He was not confronting the reality of the composition of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
It wasn’t just a naivete. He’s been a senator for a long time, maybe too long. Rather than naivete, his response indicated a refusal to engage the political process as it is and make what progress he can to actually improve people’s lives using the power one has.
Like too many on the left (and I consider myself a leftist), Sanders is more content to settle in, pleasure in, his righteousness and moral superiority, than to figure out how to work with others who don’t share his views in order to address people’s dire needs.
I published a piece earlier this week railing against the media and political pundits for basically rallying for a “stop Sanders” campaign. I argued it flat-out flew in the face of democracy.
After Super Tuesday, Sanders supporters have blamed the electoral outcomes on the machinations of Democratic establishment.
Seriously? What about the voters? Especially those African American voters in South Carolina that may have had more than a little to do with Biden’s surge?
Again, there is a refusal to listen.
And the tenor of his campaign, in which I include the tenor of his supporters’ behaviors, reflects a lack of decency and an unwillingness to engage and listen to others respectfully.
In a painful “exit” interview with Rachel Maddow, Elizabeth Warren clearly struggled in discussing the attacks of Sanders’ supporters on her supporters and campaign, and even the actual harassment of others who expressed different views, including members of the Nevada Culinary Union.
So much for solidarity.
Empathy means listening to people to figure out what they think their interests, concerns, and needs are, not simply telling them what is best for them. The latter is not good democratic governance or process.
Policies and platforms aside, we can see why decency and empathy have become such key issues this political season.


politicususa--2020-03-09--Ted Cruz Was Exposed To The Coronavirus At CPAC

Sen. Ted Cruz is the first member of Congress to confirm that he was exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC @ @ @ @ @ he is feeling fine , but the bulk of his statement is dedicated to downplaying @ @ @ @ @ that he only interacted with the infected person for a minute , but the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Pocket in the microwave .
It is extremely contagious .
There is no amount of @ @ @ @ @ interacting with someone who has the virus .
Donald Trump may have also been exposed @ @ @ @ @ , which suggests that the coronavirus could be targeting Republican pathological liars .
In all @ @ @ @ @ t help Trump ’ s efforts to downplay the outbreak when members of his own @ @ @ @ @ For the record , Trump has no plans to cancel his campaign rallies , so @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus will spread among the conservative ` coronavirus deniers for weeks and months to @ @ @ @ @ about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Ted Cruz is the first member of Congress to confirm that he was exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC.
Cruz issued a statement:
Today I released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/XGXEa4ozcg — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) March 8, 2020
Sen. Cruz says that he is feeling fine, but the bulk of his statement is dedicated to downplaying the coronavirus. Cruz claimed that he only interacted with the infected person for a minute, but the coronavirus is not like a Hot Pocket in the microwave. It is extremely contagious. There is no amount of “safe time” for interacting with someone who has the virus.
Donald Trump may have also been exposed to the virus at CPAC, which suggests that the coronavirus could be targeting Republican pathological liars.
In all seriousness, it doesn’t help Trump’s efforts to downplay the outbreak when members of his own party are being exposed. For the record, Trump has no plans to cancel his campaign rallies, so the odds are good that the coronavirus will spread among the conservative `coronavirus deniers for weeks and months to come.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-09--A Former Sanders Employee Is Calling Voters And Lying About Biden Having Dementia

A former employee of Bernie Sanders was using the Biden campaign ’ s virtual phone banking tool to call voters and spreading the lie that Biden has Dementia .
The Biden campaign posted about the former employee : The guy was live-streaming his calls to voters : Joe Biden does not have Dementia .
What Sanders and Trump supporters are calling Dementia , is , in reality , a stutter .
Joe Biden has a stutter that he has worked his entire life to overcome .
It is very Trump-like of Bernie Sanders supporters to falsely claim that Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release his full medical records after he had a very real heart attack .
Out of Trump , Sanders , and Biden , Joe Biden is the only candidate who has released his medical records .
The actions of some Sanders supporters are why his campaign has been isolated from the Democratic Party and is withering on the vine .
Sanders ’ s supporters are acting like the Trump campaign and Trump supporters .
These activities have no place in a Democratic primary and should have been immediately condemned by Bernie Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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A former employee of Bernie Sanders was using the Biden campaign’s virtual phone banking tool to call voters and spreading the lie that Biden has Dementia.
The Biden campaign posted about the former employee:
A former Bernie employee is using our virtual phonebank tool to call voters and tell them Joe Biden has dementia — and is live-streaming it. We’ll cut him off in a little bit but I figured it’s worth everyone seeing this stuff in action. https://t.co/wBFeCR6wAo pic.twitter.com/QI4D8tOY1E — Rob Flaherty (@Rob_Flaherty) March 9, 2020
The guy was live-streaming his calls to voters:
Joe Biden does not have Dementia. What Sanders and Trump supporters are calling Dementia, is, in reality, a stutter. Joe Biden has a stutter that he has worked his entire life to overcome.
It is very Trump-like of Bernie Sanders supporters to falsely claim that Joe Biden has Dementia when their candidate has refused to release his full medical records after he had a very real heart attack.
Out of Trump, Sanders, and Biden, Joe Biden is the only candidate who has released his medical records.
The actions of some Sanders supporters are why his campaign has been isolated from the Democratic Party and is withering on the vine.
Sanders’s supporters are acting like the Trump campaign and Trump supporters. These activities have no place in a Democratic primary and should have been immediately condemned by Bernie Sanders.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-09--After Being Exposed To Coronavirus, Matt Gaetz Was Chilling With Trump On Air Force One

Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) was placed in an isolated room on Air Force One after being exposed to @ @ @ @ @ to the front of the plane .
Rep. Gaetz was also exposed to coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus is an overblown hoax that is being driven by the media to manipulate @ @ @ @ @ .
Is anyone actually surprised that Trump invited Gaetz to the front of the plane @ @ @ @ @ president who stared into an eclipse .
The Republican Party doesn ’ t believe in @ @ @ @ @ being led by a president who appears to be actively trying to get the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ that Trump could get any more reckless , he managed to top himself by hanging @ @ @ @ @ Gaetz on Air Force One .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel @ @ @ @ @

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Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was placed in an isolated room on Air Force One after being exposed to coronavirus until Trump brought him to the front of the plane.
Rep. Gaetz was also exposed to coronavirus:
Congressman Gaetz was informed today that he came into contact with a CPAC attendee 11 days ago who tested positive for COVID-19. — Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 9, 2020
According to Gaetz:
I just spoke to Rep. Gaetz, who said he was put into a "closed up room" on AF1 after he found out he might have been exposed to Covid19. After landing, Trump "coaxed" him up front before leaving. "He was not hyper cautious about being in the same space that I was in." — Ben Terris (@bterris) March 9, 2020
Trump has convinced himself that the coronavirus is an overblown hoax that is being driven by the media to manipulate the stock market against him.
Is anyone actually surprised that Trump invited Gaetz to the front of the plane? This is the same president who stared into an eclipse.
The Republican Party doesn’t believe in science, and they are being led by a president who appears to be actively trying to get the coronavirus.
Just when one thinks that Trump could get any more reckless, he managed to top himself by hanging out with an exposed Matt Gaetz on Air Force One.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-09--Trump Just Set A New Record For The Biggest Dow Points Drop In History

Monday ’ s stock market plunge of more than 2,000 points is now the biggest single-day Dow points drop in US history .
The Dow fell more than 2,013 points on Monday , which makes it the biggest one-day points drop in US history .
CNBC reported that the Trump plummet by percentage was the worst day since the financial crisis in 2008 : The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank more than 2,000 points on Monday , notching its worst day since 2008 , as market angst over the spread of the new coronavirus and an oil price war sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped 2,013.7 points — 7.79 % — as Boeing , Apple , Goldman Sachs and Caterpillar cut the Dow by at least 100 points each ; the 30-stock index ended the day at 23,851.02 .
The session represented the Dow ’ s single-worst day since Oct. 15 , 2008 , when it fell 7.87 % .
Trump is freaking out about the stock market and trying to reassure Wall Street that everything is going to be fine , but Wall Street is looking at the facts , and they see plunging oil market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no clear plan to deal with the virus and doesn ’ t seem to be in control of the situation .
‘ The President ’ s plan to run on the economy is going up in flames in front of his eyes .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Monday’s stock market plunge of more than 2,000 points is now the biggest single-day Dow points drop in US history.
The Dow fell more than 2,013 points on Monday, which makes it the biggest one-day points drop in US history.
CNBC reported that the Trump plummet by percentage was the worst day since the financial crisis in 2008:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank more than 2,000 points on Monday, notching its worst day since 2008, as market angst over the spread of the new coronavirus and an oil price war sent investors scrambling for safety.
The Dow dropped 2,013.7 points — 7.79% — as Boeing, Apple, Goldman Sachs and Caterpillar cut the Dow by at least 100 points each; the 30-stock index ended the day at 23,851.02. The session represented the Dow’s single-worst day since Oct. 15, 2008, when it fell 7.87%.
Trump is freaking out about the stock market and trying to reassure Wall Street that everything is going to be fine, but Wall Street is looking at the facts, and they see plunging oil market combined with a president and administration that has no clear plan to deal with the virus and doesn’t seem to be in control of the situation.
‘
The President’s plan to run on the economy is going up in flames in front of his eyes.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-09--Rep. Doug Collins Was With Trump On Friday Now He’s In Coronavirus Self-Quarantine

Rep. Doug Collins , who was with Trump on Friday at the CDC , is now under self-quarantine after being @ @ @ @ @ is Collins shaking hands with Trump on Friday : Ted Cruz has quarantined himself , @ @ @ @ @ Kellyanne Conway , Ronna McDaniel , and Betsy DeVos all may have been exposed to @ @ @ @ @ positive for the coronavirus .
Trump is surrounded by people who may have been exposed @ @ @ @ @ the White House is pretending like everything is fine and the President is trying to @ @ @ @ @ investigate the press for reporting on the coronavirus .
Everything is clearly not fine , @ @ @ @ @ been in the same places as Donald Trump are self-quarantining due to fears of potential @ @ @ @ @ The situation is spiraling out of control , and Trump can do nothing to stop @ @ @ @ @ about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Rep. Doug Collins, who was with Trump on Friday at the CDC, is now under self-quarantine after being exposed to coronavirus.
Rep. Collins said in a statement:
BREAKING: Rep. Doug Collins says he will self-quarantine after discovering he interacted with the infected CPAC attendee. Collins said he isn't experiencing any symptoms, but will stay home out of an abundance of caution. https://t.co/unw4kSVI82 pic.twitter.com/FDJpaNm8pq — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) March 9, 2020
Here is Collins shaking hands with Trump on Friday:
Still of video of President Trump shaking hands with @RepDougCollins Friday in Atlanta per @gardenswartzj pic.twitter.com/WDRsn4QSD1 — Alex Moe (@AlexNBCNews) March 9, 2020
Ted Cruz has quarantined himself, and there are reports that Kellyanne Conway, Ronna McDaniel, and Betsy DeVos all may have been exposed to the CPAC attendee who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Trump is surrounded by people who may have been exposed to the coronavirus, yet the White House is pretending like everything is fine and the President is trying to get the Justice Department to investigate the press for reporting on the coronavirus.
Everything is clearly not fine, as people who have recently been in the same places as Donald Trump are self-quarantining due to fears of potential exposure to the coronavirus.
The situation is spiraling out of control, and Trump can do nothing to stop it.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-09--Trump Demands Barr Investigate The Media’s Coronavirus Coverage

Trump has asked Attorney General William Barr to launch a Department of Justice investigation into the media ’ s coronavirus coverage .
The problem is that the crisis fits into his preexisting and deeply held worldview—that the media is always searching for a story to bring him down .
Covid-19 is merely the latest instance , and he ’ s reacting in familiar ways .
“ So much FAKE NEWS !
” Trump tweeted this morning .
“ He wants Justice to open investigations of the media for market manipulation , ” a source close to the White House told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his West Wing for not getting a handle on the news cycle .
“ He ’ s very frustrated he doesn ’ t have a good team around him , ” a former White House official said .
On Friday , he forced out acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with former House Freedom Caucus chair Mark Meadows .
Trump thought the virus was “ getting beyond Mick , ” a person briefed on the internal discussions said .
Trump thinks that the stock market can be manipulated by media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press is conspiring against him to manipulate the stock market by reporting on the coronavirus .
The stock market is plummeting , because they see a domestic public health crisis that is worsening by the day , and a president who has no clue what to do about it .
Trump is trying to deal with the coronavirus as a stock market problem , not a health issue .
He is incapable of understanding that the markets would go up if he would competently address the coronavirus crisis .
Not even William Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their reporting on the coronavirus .
Trump only cares about the stock market and is looking to blame the media for his total failure as a president .
Trump ’ s lies can ’ t hide the ugly truth about the spread of the coronavirus .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump has asked Attorney General William Barr to launch a Department of Justice investigation into the media’s coronavirus coverage.
Gabriel Sherman of Vanity Fair reported:
The problem is that the crisis fits into his preexisting and deeply held worldview—that the media is always searching for a story to bring him down. Covid-19 is merely the latest instance, and he’s reacting in familiar ways. “So much FAKE NEWS!” Trump tweeted this morning. “He wants Justice to open investigations of the media for market manipulation,” a source close to the White House told me.
Trump is also frustrated with his West Wing for not getting a handle on the news cycle. “He’s very frustrated he doesn’t have a good team around him,” a former White House official said. On Friday, he forced out acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with former House Freedom Caucus chair Mark Meadows. Trump thought the virus was “getting beyond Mick,” a person briefed on the internal discussions said.
Trump has a long history of making demands by saying he wants something and an established history of pressuring those around him into political hit jobs. The way he pressured former FBI Director James Comey is but one example.
Trump thinks that the stock market can be manipulated by media coverage, so he believes that the press is conspiring against him to manipulate the stock market by reporting on the coronavirus.
The stock market is plummeting, because they see a domestic public health crisis that is worsening by the day, and a president who has no clue what to do about it. Trump is trying to deal with the coronavirus as a stock market problem, not a health issue. He is incapable of understanding that the markets would go up if he would competently address the coronavirus crisis.
Not even William Barr will launch an investigation into the media for their reporting on the coronavirus.
Trump only cares about the stock market and is looking to blame the media for his total failure as a president.
Trump’s lies can’t hide the ugly truth about the spread of the coronavirus.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-09--Biden Campaign Blasts Jamie Dimon To Treasury Rumor As Laughable

Joe Biden ’ s spokesman Andrew Bates called the Axios column speculating on Biden cabinet picks , including that the former Vice President was considering Jamie Dimon for Treasury , “ laughable speculation , ” likening it to fantasy football .
“ Biden camp on Axios piece : ‘ This is like fantasy football for politics , and no one who actually works on this campaign and is engaged in getting Joe Biden elected has the time to play .
It is laughable speculation and should only be treated as such , ’ Natasha Korecki reported .
The fuss is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen reported on Joe Biden ’ s “ secret governing plan , ” citing “ Joe Biden confidants ” considering both Jamie Dimon and Elizabeth Warren for Treasury Secretary .
Soon , Jamie Dimon was trending on Twitter and people were not pleased .
They wrote , ” Biden wants known , trusted people around him — many from the Obama years.
” Which sounds find and dandy , until the Jamie Dimon drop .
Axios noted that “ campaign officials say the name game isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knows he has major primary and general-election fights ahead .
Officials point out they don ’ t yet have a transition — and haven ’ t run a process that would surface new talent , like Dr. Steven Chu , the Nobel Prize physicist who was Obama ’ s first secretary of energy.
” Even before the Biden camp disputed this , it made no sense .
No one says they are considering both Elizabeth Warren and Jamie Dimon for the same job .
They represent two very disparate approaches to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of values .
I wasn ’ t alone in side-eyeing the Jamie Dimon claim : Clara Jeffery , Editor-in-Chief of Mother Jones , noted that Dimon just had emergency heart surgery , which indeed was reported just several days ago .
Dimon also underwent treatment for throat cancer in 2014 .
Perhaps a confidant was putting together a list of people they thought could restore the country to steadier times , and trying to signal to Wall Street that they wouldn ’ t necessarily be an enemy .
( Weird that Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock market keeps cratering under Republican presidents . )
But without names and with a renouncement , it should be taken with a grain of salt at this point .
Axios noted that the “ confidant ” said Biden was considering a handful of candidates for VP , one of whom is Senator Kamala Harris , which matches up with his own comments .
But if she isn ’ t on the ticket , she ’ s in line for Attorney General , which is only common sense .
Biden was the underdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly leapt forward in a “ comeback ” that surprised everyone , most of all the press .
With Biden now surging in polls , leading in delegates and bursting at the seams with important endorsements , it makes sense that his team would be tossing around names .
Everyone who ’ s interested in politics is doing the same thing .
But that is very different than the serious process of vetting people for important jobs .
Should a sane competent person win in 2020 , the people they chose will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brink to which Trump ’ s undermining of our institutions has brought us .
Furthermore , the Democratic primary is still ongoing .
One step at a time , people .

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Joe Biden’s spokesman Andrew Bates called the Axios column speculating on Biden cabinet picks, including that the former Vice President was considering Jamie Dimon for Treasury, “laughable speculation,” likening it to fantasy football.
“Biden camp on Axios piece: ‘This is like fantasy football for politics, and no one who actually works on this campaign and is engaged in getting Joe Biden elected has the time to play. It is laughable speculation and should only be treated as such,’ Natasha Korecki reported.
Biden camp on Axios piece: "This is like fantasy football for politics, and no one who actually works on this campaign and is engaged in getting Joe Biden elected has the time to play. It is laughable speculation and should only be treated as such." https://t.co/WHJueTe0H5 — Natasha Korecki (@natashakorecki) March 9, 2020
The fuss is about an Axios on HBO column in which Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen reported on Joe Biden’s “secret governing plan,” citing “Joe Biden confidants” considering both Jamie Dimon and Elizabeth Warren for Treasury Secretary. Soon, Jamie Dimon was trending on Twitter and people were not pleased.
They wrote,”Biden wants known, trusted people around him — many from the Obama years.” Which sounds find and dandy, until the Jamie Dimon drop.
:
Sen. Elizabeth Warren as Treasury secretary could help unite the party.
Jamie Dimon — chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, and mentioned over the years as a potential presidential candidate — would also be considered for Treasury.
Anne Finucane, vice chairman of Bank of America, is another possibility for Treasury.
Axios noted that “campaign officials say the name game isn’t where Biden’s head is — he knows he has major primary and general-election fights ahead. Officials point out they don’t yet have a transition — and haven’t run a process that would surface new talent, like Dr. Steven Chu, the Nobel Prize physicist who was Obama’s first secretary of energy.”
Even before the Biden camp disputed this, it made no sense. No one says they are considering both Elizabeth Warren and Jamie Dimon for the same job. They represent two very disparate approaches to the job, and two very different sets of values.
I wasn’t alone in side-eyeing the Jamie Dimon claim:
Axios story of a potential Biden cabinet bizarre. In what world would someone have Warren and Jamie Dimon on the same list to be Treasury Secretary. My guess is whoever spoke to Axios is not in the loop. A loop may well not even exist yet. pic.twitter.com/Af0KbWFkny — Tom Wright (@thomaswright08) March 9, 2020
Clara Jeffery, Editor-in-Chief of Mother Jones, noted that Dimon just had emergency heart surgery, which indeed was reported just several days ago.
Dimon also underwent treatment for throat cancer in 2014.
This list is bizarre/peak Axios Also Jamie Diamond just had emergency heart surgery https://t.co/tSHSiwTtHE — Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) March 9, 2020
Perhaps a confidant was putting together a list of people they thought could restore the country to steadier times, and trying to signal to Wall Street that they wouldn’t necessarily be an enemy. (Weird that Democrats have to always make those overtures when the stock market keeps cratering under Republican presidents.) But without names and with a renouncement, it should be taken with a grain of salt at this point.
Axios noted that the “confidant” said Biden was considering a handful of candidates for VP, one of whom is Senator Kamala Harris, which matches up with his own comments. But if she isn’t on the ticket, she’s in line for Attorney General, which is only common sense.
Biden was the underdog going into Super Tuesday, where he suddenly leapt forward in a “comeback” that surprised everyone, most of all the press. With Biden now surging in polls, leading in delegates and bursting at the seams with important endorsements, it makes sense that his team would be tossing around names. Everyone who’s interested in politics is doing the same thing.
But that is very different than the serious process of vetting people for important jobs. Should a sane competent person win in 2020, the people they chose will have to bring our country back from the brink to which Trump’s undermining of our institutions has brought us.
Furthermore, the Democratic primary is still ongoing. One step at a time, people.


politicususa--2020-03-09--White House Says They Are Taking No Coronavirus Safety Precautions

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham is denying that they are taking any safety precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Grisham said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA , “ Reports that the White House has issued formal guidelines to staff instructing them to limit in-person interactions and meetings are completely false .
While we have asked all Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures , we are conducting business as usual .
I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting.
” The White House ’ s denial of taking safety precautions is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of touch and unresponsive to a crisis .
The Trump administration is more interested in managing the political optics , which they are also failing at , than leading the way , and providing an example for employers around the country to follow as the virus spreads .
Trump has the band continuing to play as his political Titanic sinks .
Nothing to see here and business as usual are tone-deaf responses that only reinforce the incompetence and ineptitude of Donald Trump .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel @ @ @ @ @

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White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham is denying that they are taking any safety precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Grisham said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, “Reports that the White House has issued formal guidelines to staff instructing them to limit in-person interactions and meetings are completely false. While we have asked all Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures, we are conducting business as usual. I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting.”
The White House’s denial of taking safety precautions is only making matters worse because they look out of touch and unresponsive to a crisis. The Trump administration is more interested in managing the political optics, which they are also failing at, than leading the way, and providing an example for employers around the country to follow as the virus spreads.
Trump has the band continuing to play as his political Titanic sinks.
Nothing to see here and business as usual are tone-deaf responses that only reinforce the incompetence and ineptitude of Donald Trump.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-09--Biden Has Double-Digit Lead Over Trump, Public Prefers A Democratic-Run Congress, Poll Finds

Although the nomination contests to determine who Democrats will choose to be their presidential nominee have not yet completed , both candidates , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden , appear to be the favorites in head-to-head polling against incumbent President Donald Trump .
Data from a new CNN/SSRS poll showcases that , among a national electorate , Biden is ahead of Trump by 10 points .
Fifty-three percent of respondents in the poll said they ’ d back Biden , while only 43 percent said they wanted Trump to serve a second term in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poll shows the Vermont senator leading Trump 52 percent to 45 percent , respectively .
The poll found that most Democratic-leaning voters were planning to vote for or hoped that Biden would win the nomination , with 52 percent saying as much while 36 percent nationally said they preferred Sanders would win .
Trump ’ s predicted losses likely stem from the fact that he isn ’ t a well-liked president .
Only 43 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion about him , while 54 percent say they view him disfavorably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to what kind of Congress the next president ( Democratic or Republican ) will be working with , the poll demonstrated that respondents wanted Democrats to continue to run the show .
Only 46 percent said they wanted a Republican Congress , while 51 percent said they hoped Democrats took control again .
Of course , as we saw in 2016 , a win in the popular vote doesn ’ t necessarily translate to a win in the Electoral College — yet , on that front , other polls show Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-leaning Optimus found that Trump is presently losing to both Biden and Sanders in Wisconsin , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
Those three states helped propel him to victory four years ago , and without them in his corner again , it ’ s hard to see a path Trump can take to re-election .

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Although the nomination contests to determine who Democrats will choose to be their presidential nominee have not yet completed, both candidates, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden, appear to be the favorites in head-to-head polling against incumbent President Donald Trump.
Data from a new CNN/SSRS poll showcases that, among a national electorate, Biden is ahead of Trump by 10 points. Fifty-three percent of respondents in the poll said they’d back Biden, while only 43 percent said they wanted Trump to serve a second term in office.
With Sanders taking on Trump, the poll shows the Vermont senator leading Trump 52 percent to 45 percent, respectively.
The poll found that most Democratic-leaning voters were planning to vote for or hoped that Biden would win the nomination, with 52 percent saying as much while 36 percent nationally said they preferred Sanders would win.
NEW: @JoeBiden has opened up a double-digit lead over @BernieSanders, a new CNN poll finds, with 52 percent saying they would like to see Biden become the nominee while 36 percent favor Sanders. https://t.co/I0kT1jBg1l — Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) March 9, 2020
Trump’s predicted losses likely stem from the fact that he isn’t a well-liked president. Only 43 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion about him, while 54 percent say they view him disfavorably, the poll found.
When it comes to what kind of Congress the next president (Democratic or Republican) will be working with, the poll demonstrated that respondents wanted Democrats to continue to run the show. Only 46 percent said they wanted a Republican Congress, while 51 percent said they hoped Democrats took control again.
New 2020 head-to-heads via @CNN poll just out: Biden 53%
Trump 43% Sanders 52%
Trump 45% — Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) March 9, 2020
Of course, as we saw in 2016, a win in the popular vote doesn’t necessarily translate to a win in the Electoral College — yet, on that front, other polls show Trump is in trouble.
A separate poll from Republican-leaning Optimus found that Trump is presently losing to both Biden and Sanders in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Those three states helped propel him to victory four years ago, and without them in his corner again, it’s hard to see a path Trump can take to re-election.


politicususa--2020-03-09--Trump Calls Wall Street’s Coronavirus Concerns ‘Fake News’ In Monday Morning Tweets

In spite of deeply held concerns from medical professionals and the business world alike , President Donald Trump appeared to mock the worries posed by the spread of COVID-19 , or coronavirus , around the globe and within the United States .
After a tremendous drop in stocks on Monday morning , brought about by concerns of coronavirus in conjunction with an oil deal between OPEC nations that failed to materialize last week , Trump sought to blame those factors but dismissed as legitimate the worries of the former in a tweet he authored .
“ Saudi Arabia and Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oil .
That , and the Fake News , is the reason for the market drop !
” Trump said .
It ’ s believed that Trump ’ s use of the term “ fake news ” in this instance applied to media reports of coronavirus ’ spread .
As of Monday morning , the U.S. alone has seen 22 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 500 cases of the disease diagnosed in others .
Trump also implied in an earlier tweet that the oil economic wars set to commence between OPEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] ood for the consumer ” as it would result in lower gas prices .
Finally , Trump tried to imply that coronavirus wasn ’ t anything to put serious worry into due to the fact that the flu kills tens of thousands of Americans each year .
“ So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu .
It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year .
Nothing is shut down , life & the economy go on , ” Trump wrote .
But scientists and other health experts — including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own coronavirus task force — have said any comparisons between coronavirus and influenza are inappropriate at this time .
As senior Live Science writer Rachael Retter explained in a recent post for that site : “ Scientists have studied seasonal flu for decades .
So , despite the danger of it , we know a lot about flu viruses and what to expect each season .
In contrast , very little is known about the new coronavirus and the disease it causes , dubbed COVID-19 , because it ’ s so new .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild card in terms of how far it will spread and how many deaths it will cause.
” Rettner ’ s words are backed up by comments from Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , and a member of Trump ’ s task force on the disease .
During a press conference about coronavirus ( which Trump himself even attended ) , Fauci stated that comparing the two diseases was the wrong way to go .
“ Despite the morbidity and mortality with influenza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Fauci explained .
He went on to explain that “ [ t ] he issue now with [ COVID-19 ] is that there ’ s a lot of unknowns .
”

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In spite of deeply held concerns from medical professionals and the business world alike, President Donald Trump appeared to mock the worries posed by the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, around the globe and within the United States.
After a tremendous drop in stocks on Monday morning, brought about by concerns of coronavirus in conjunction with an oil deal between OPEC nations that failed to materialize last week, Trump sought to blame those factors but dismissed as legitimate the worries of the former in a tweet he authored.
“Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil. That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop!” Trump said.
Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil. That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
It’s believed that Trump’s use of the term “fake news” in this instance applied to media reports of coronavirus’ spread. As of Monday morning, the U.S. alone has seen 22 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 500 cases of the disease diagnosed in others.
Trump also implied in an earlier tweet that the oil economic wars set to commence between OPEC nations and others were “[g]ood for the consumer” as it would result in lower gas prices.
Good for the consumer, gasoline prices coming down! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
Finally, Trump tried to imply that coronavirus wasn’t anything to put serious worry into due to the fact that the flu kills tens of thousands of Americans each year.
So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
“So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on,” Trump wrote.
But scientists and other health experts — including those who sit on Trump’s own coronavirus task force — have said any comparisons between coronavirus and influenza are inappropriate at this time.
As senior Live Science writer Rachael Retter explained in a recent post for that site:
“Scientists have studied seasonal flu for decades. So, despite the danger of it, we know a lot about flu viruses and what to expect each season. In contrast, very little is known about the new coronavirus and the disease it causes, dubbed COVID-19, because it’s so new. This means COVID-19 is something of a wild card in terms of how far it will spread and how many deaths it will cause.”
Rettner’s words are backed up by comments from Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and a member of Trump’s task force on the disease. During a press conference about coronavirus (which Trump himself even attended), Fauci stated that comparing the two diseases was the wrong way to go.
“Despite the morbidity and mortality with influenza, there’s a certainty…of seasonal flu,” Fauci explained. He went on to explain that “[t]he issue now with [COVID-19] is that there’s a lot of unknowns.”


politicususa--2020-03-09--As Coronavirus Death Toll Rises, Stephanie Grisham Claims Media, Dems Are Just Trying To ‘Scare Peop

As Coronavirus Death Toll Rises, Stephanie Grisham Claims Media, Dems Are Just Trying To ‘Scare People’

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham , appearing on Fox News ’ Fox & Friends program on Monday morning , suggested that media reports about the spread of coronavirus and criticism from Democrats over the administration ’ s response so far to the disease are nothing more than scare tactics meant to help them politically .
“ I just want to stress to politicians and the media to stop using this as a tool to politicize things and to scare people , ” Grisham said in her Fox News interview .
The Press Secretary added that people need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a sentiment that World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned against holding just last week .
“ This virus is not SARS , it ’ s not MERS , and it ’ s not influenza .
It is a unique virus with unique characteristics , ” Tedros said .
That didn ’ t deter Grisham , apparently , who continued on her rant during the morning program .
“ This is absolutely not the time to be trying to scare people to gain political points or make headlines , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread has produced a number of reasonable reactions , including school closures in some areas , travel restrictions , and reactions from Wall Street as coronavirus continues to move throughout the world .
Within the United States , more cases were being reported .
As of when Grisham made her comments on Monday morning , more than 500 cases were positively identified in the U.S. , and at least 22 deaths came as a result of COVID-19 .
Trump has been criticized for a number of things related to coronavirus , including not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false claims about the number of infected set to go down ( when experts have said it ’ s going to go up ) , and suggesting the virus could die out by the time spring temperatures arrive .
Even so , Trump himself complained on Twitter over the weekend about the portrayal of his response so far to the disease ’ s spread .
“ The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad .
Sad !
” he wrote .

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White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, appearing on Fox News’ Fox & Friends program on Monday morning, suggested that media reports about the spread of coronavirus and criticism from Democrats over the administration’s response so far to the disease are nothing more than scare tactics meant to help them politically.
“I just want to stress to politicians and the media to stop using this as a tool to politicize things and to scare people,” Grisham said in her Fox News interview.
The Press Secretary added that people need to be “treating this like the flu,” a sentiment that World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned against holding just last week.
“This virus is not SARS, it’s not MERS, and it’s not influenza. It is a unique virus with unique characteristics,” Tedros said.
That didn’t deter Grisham, apparently, who continued on her rant during the morning program. “This is absolutely not the time to be trying to scare people to gain political points or make headlines,” she said.
Yet the disease’s spread has produced a number of reasonable reactions, including school closures in some areas, travel restrictions, and reactions from Wall Street as coronavirus continues to move throughout the world.
Within the United States, more cases were being reported. As of when Grisham made her comments on Monday morning, more than 500 cases were positively identified in the U.S., and at least 22 deaths came as a result of COVID-19.
Trump has been criticized for a number of things related to coronavirus, including not having enough test kits ready, making false claims about the number of infected set to go down (when experts have said it’s going to go up), and suggesting the virus could die out by the time spring temperatures arrive.
Even so, Trump himself complained on Twitter over the weekend about the portrayal of his response so far to the disease’s spread.
We have a perfectly coordinated and fine tuned plan at the White House for our attack on CoronaVirus. We moved VERY early to close borders to certain areas, which was a Godsend. V.P. is doing a great job. The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad. Sad! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2020
“The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad. Sad!” he wrote.


politicususa--2020-03-09--Trading On Wall Street Halted As Markets Drop Thousands Of Points Over Coronavirus, Oil Concerns

Wall Street stock markets dropped so precipitously on Monday ’ s opening bell that a 15-minute delay in all trading conducted was triggered .
Such a trigger happens on trading when the S & P 500 dips below 7 percent from its previous close , Bloomberg reported .
If the rate drops down to 20 percent below its previous close , Wall Street itself will close for the day .
It ’ s the first time since 2008 , during The Great Recession , that the trigger mechanism was utilized .
On Monday , the halt on trading came about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rang .
In addition to S & P ’ s big losses , the Dow Jones also dropped by 1,800 points , more than 7 percent , while NASDAQ went down by 6 percent in the early morning hours of trading , ABC News reported .
The sudden declines in the market came about for two major reasons : first , the continued worries over coronavirus and its global spread have created ; and second , a deal between OPEC nations that fell apart , prompting a trade war between oil-rich nations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ minds , demonstrate how fragile the market has been for quite some time now .
Yet just two weeks ago , President Donald Trump implied there was nothing to worry about , even regarding coronavirus ’ effects on the marketplace , on the same day that there was a drop in market numbers .
“ The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA…Stock Market starting to look very good to me !
” Trump said on February 24 of this year .
If the stock markets continue to plunge for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could spell disaster for Trump ’ s re-election chances , as he ’ s frequently cited the economy as his top selling-point for being given a second term in office .
David Rothschild , an economics journalist , noted that the stock market going into a “ free fall ” would be a bad look for an administration plagued with so many other non-economic issues already .

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Wall Street stock markets dropped so precipitously on Monday’s opening bell that a 15-minute delay in all trading conducted was triggered.
Such a trigger happens on trading when the S&P 500 dips below 7 percent from its previous close, Bloomberg reported. If the rate drops down to 20 percent below its previous close, Wall Street itself will close for the day.
It’s the first time since 2008, during The Great Recession, that the trigger mechanism was utilized. On Monday, the halt on trading came about just mere minutes after the opening bell rang.
In addition to S&P’s big losses, the Dow Jones also dropped by 1,800 points, more than 7 percent, while NASDAQ went down by 6 percent in the early morning hours of trading, ABC News reported.
.@ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: Stock trading halted as markets plunge worldwide amid coronavirus fears. https://t.co/qZ8WPJmjwW https://t.co/lblNM3tz5O — ABC News (@ABC) March 9, 2020
The sudden declines in the market came about for two major reasons: first, the continued worries over coronavirus and its global spread have created; and second, a deal between OPEC nations that fell apart, prompting a trade war between oil-rich nations.
The huge dropoffs, in some experts’ minds, demonstrate how fragile the market has been for quite some time now. Yet just two weeks ago, President Donald Trump implied there was nothing to worry about, even regarding coronavirus’ effects on the marketplace, on the same day that there was a drop in market numbers.
The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA…Stock Market starting to look very good to me!” Trump said on February 24 of this year.
If the stock markets continue to plunge for a long period of time, it could spell disaster for Trump’s re-election chances, as he’s frequently cited the economy as his top selling-point for being given a second term in office.
David Rothschild, an economics journalist, noted that the stock market going into a “free fall” would be a bad look for an administration plagued with so many other non-economic issues already.


politicususa--2020-03-09--Trump Slammed For Another “Pocahontas” Attack Against Warren as Coronavirus Outbreak Takes Toll

President Donald Trump claimed Senator Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
“ singlehandedly destroyed ” the campaign of fellow Senator Bernie Sanders ( ID-Vt. ) , accusing her of “ stripping voters away ” from him on Super Tuesday .
Sanders “ lost states that he easily would have won if she had dropped out 3 days earlier , ” Trump said before suggesting that the Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) is looking to deny Sanders the Democratic nomination .
Warren dropped out of the presidential race after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday .
The DNC has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block Sanders from the nomination ; in January news emerged that select members were discussing a policy reversal to effectively weaken the Sanders campaign .
But the president ’ s attack against Warren , who he once again referred to using the derogatory nickname “ Pocahantas , ” did not go over well with Twitter users who accused him of racism and spending more time on feuds than leading the national response to the coronavirus outbreak , which state officials , who ’ ve documented nearly 550 cases nationwide , say has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a response to the president ’ s attack , which is his second in three days .
When asked by reporters on Friday whether sexism played a role in Warren ’ s decision to suspend her campaign , Trump was firm .
“ No , I think lack of talent was her problem .
She has a tremendous lack of talent , ” he said at the time .
Although he conceded Warren is a “ good debater , ” he said her “ mean ” behavior cost her substantial support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , ” he added .
“ She ’ s a very mean person .
… People don ’ t want that .
They like a person like me , that ’ s not mean .
”

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President Donald Trump claimed Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) “singlehandedly destroyed” the campaign of fellow Senator Bernie Sanders (ID-Vt.), accusing her of “stripping voters away” from him on Super Tuesday.
Sanders “lost states that he easily would have won if she had dropped out 3 days earlier,” Trump said before suggesting that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is looking to deny Sanders the Democratic nomination.
Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren singlehandedly destroyed the Bernie Sanders campaign by stripping voters away from his count on Super T. He lost states that he easily would have won if she had dropped out 3 days earlier. The DNC is doing it to Bernie again! Will he ever get angry? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
Warren dropped out of the presidential race after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday. The DNC has been dogged by repeated accusations that they will block Sanders from the nomination; in January news emerged that select members were discussing a policy reversal to effectively weaken the Sanders campaign.
But the president’s attack against Warren, who he once again referred to using the derogatory nickname “Pocahantas,” did not go over well with Twitter users who accused him of racism and spending more time on feuds than leading the national response to the coronavirus outbreak, which state officials, who’ve documented nearly 550 cases nationwide, say has now claimed 22 lives.
https://twitter.com/matthewjdowd/status/1236979261719920640
People are dying of the coronavirus and you’re throwing out Native American slurs. You’re a sicko. You need medical attention. — Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) March 9, 2020
There you go again. You are an ardent racist. — Dr. Jeffrey Guterman (@JeffreyGuterman) March 9, 2020
For every new coronavirus case or death in the US, you should have a day taken off the remainder of your interminable, insufferable term squatting in office, you odious ogre. #TrumpVirus — Lesley Abravanel 🪩 (@lesleyabravanel) March 9, 2020
Americans are dying from the #coronavirus pandemic and you're posting divisive misogynist and racist bullying instead of doing your job. @ewarren put out a plan for #COVID19 in January. You STILL don't have a plan. Your incompetence is killing people. — Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) March 9, 2020
Warren has not issued a response to the president’s attack, which is his second in three days.
When asked by reporters on Friday whether sexism played a role in Warren’s decision to suspend her campaign, Trump was firm.
“No, I think lack of talent was her problem. She has a tremendous lack of talent,” he said at the time. Although he conceded Warren is a “good debater,” he said her “mean” behavior cost her substantial support.
“But people don’t like her,” he added. “She’s a very mean person. … People don’t want that. They like a person like me, that’s not mean.”


politicususa--2020-03-09--Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara Just Listed Everything That’s Wrong With Trump

Preet Bharara , the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York , tweeted a list of everything he believes is wrong with President Donald Trump , calling him “ the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on America.
” Bharara ’ s list continues below and includes citations where appropriate .
Among other things , Bharara referred to the president as “ a liar , ” “ a cheat , ” and “ a bad businessman.
” ( Trump made a total “ 16,241 false or misleading claims in his first three years ” according to Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come under fire for shoddy business practices . )
Bharara continued , accusing the president of lacking “ principles ” and projecting “ his every flaw on others.
” ( As recently as last month , news outlets reported that the White House launched a “ purge campaign ” to remove anyone perceived to be disloyal to the president . )
The Trump presidency has been characterized as one of “ post-truth , ” a charge perhaps most successfully realized by presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway , who infamously coined the phrase “ alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Press Secretary Sean Spicer ’ s false statement about the attendance numbers at Trump ’ s inauguration .
The president ’ s disregard for science , most recently in his misleading claims about the national coronavirus outbreak , is particularly well documented , as ishis history of climate change denial .
He once suggested nuclear warheads could be used to stop hurricanes and has expressed a disregard for history , once telling a Washington Post reporter that he had never read a biography of a president and had no intention of picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for claiming he ’ d want to purchase Greenland , the president has continued to face criticism for refusing to release his tax returns , ensuring that his financial dealings can not come under scrutiny .
The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on March 31 for three cases involving access to the president ’ s financial documents .
Bharara further noted that Trump “ attacks war heroes while he pardons war criminals.
” Trump had a regular feud with the late Senator John McCain ( R-Ariz. ) , a former prisoner-of-war in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and claimed several times McCain was “ not a war hero.
” In November 2019 , he garnered fierce criticism for pardoning three members of the armed forces who have been accused or convicted of war crimes , including former army lieutenant Clint Lorance , who received a 19-year sentence for murdering two civilians .
On the matter of the privileges Trump bestows on his children , Bharara was similarly peeved : In addition to promoting his two sons to significant roles within the Trump organization––an organization from which he has refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , granting her unparalleled influence over White House affairs .
Bharara pointed out that Trump referred to Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , who testified in the House ’ s impeachment inquiry , as “ human scum ” while “ surrounding himself with scumbags like Roger Stone , who was arrested and later sentenced as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation over his communications with WikiLeaks .
Bharara made additional note of Trump ’ s tendency to praise despots , including Chinese leader Xi Jinping , whom he lauded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appointed himself “ president for life.
” Finally , Bharara mentioned that Trump has claimed “ no one has more respect for women than he does ” ( despite a litany of sexual assault allegations against him ) , and that he “ knows more than his generals ” ( as he once claimed during a 2015 rally ) .
Bharara ’ s claim that Trump said he “ has a special talent for infectious diseases ” is incorrect : Trump said this in reference to Vice President Mike Pence , whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coronavirus response .
The irony of this statement is that Pence received blistering criticism for his handling of an HIV outbreak while he was governor of Indiana .
Bharara has his own personal history with the president ; he was one of 46 U.S. attorneys from the Obama administration who was asked to resign by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions shortly after Trump took office .
Bharara was the only one of the group who publicly refused to resign , a move that garnered significant media attention during the Trump administration ’ s @ @ @ @

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Preet Bharara, the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, tweeted a list of everything he believes is wrong with President Donald Trump, calling him “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on America.”
Donald Trump is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on America — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Bharara’s list continues below and includes citations where appropriate.
Among other things, Bharara referred to the president as “a liar,” “a cheat,” and “a bad businessman.” (Trump made a total “16,241 false or misleading claims in his first three years” according to Washington Post fact-checkers, and has for decades repeatedly come under fire for shoddy business practices.)
He is a liar He is a cheat He is a bad businessman He can’t spell He doesn’t read He doesn’t listen — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Bharara continued, accusing the president of lacking “principles” and projecting “his every flaw on others.” (As recently as last month, news outlets reported that the White House launched a “purge campaign” to remove anyone perceived to be disloyal to the president.)
He has no principles He doesn’t give a shit about anyone He is profoundly disloyal He projects his every flaw on others — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
The Trump presidency has been characterized as one of “post-truth,” a charge perhaps most successfully realized by presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway, who infamously coined the phrase “alternative facts” when she defended former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s false statement about the attendance numbers at Trump’s inauguration.
The president’s disregard for science, most recently in his misleading claims about the national coronavirus outbreak, is particularly well documented, as ishis history of climate change denial. He once suggested nuclear warheads could be used to stop hurricanes and has expressed a disregard for history, once telling a Washington Post reporter that he had never read a biography of a president and had no intention of picking one up.
He doesn’t know facts He doesn’t respect science He doesn’t get math He doesn’t acknowledge history He doesn’t even understand weather — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
When not raising eyebrows for claiming he’d want to purchase Greenland, the president has continued to face criticism for refusing to release his tax returns, ensuring that his financial dealings cannot come under scrutiny. The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on March 31 for three cases involving access to the president’s financial documents.
He wanted to buy Greenland He wanted to nuke hurricanes He says he’s a genius But he won’t release his grades or tax returns — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Bharara further noted that Trump “attacks war heroes while he pardons war criminals.”
Trump had a regular feud with the late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), a former prisoner-of-war in Vietnam whose record he often derided, and claimed several times McCain was “not a war hero.” In November 2019, he garnered fierce criticism for pardoning three members of the armed forces who have been accused or convicted of war crimes, including former army lieutenant Clint Lorance, who received a 19-year sentence for murdering two civilians.
On the matter of the privileges Trump bestows on his children, Bharara was similarly peeved: In addition to promoting his two sons to significant roles within the Trump organization––an organization from which he has refused to divest himself––Trump named his daughter a senior adviser, granting her unparalleled influence over White House affairs.
He attacks war heroes while he pardons war criminals He accuses others of nepotism while he privileges his own children He whines about criticism as he spews nothing but bile — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Bharara pointed out that Trump referred to Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who testified in the House’s impeachment inquiry, as “human scum” while “surrounding himself with scumbags like Roger Stone, who was arrested and later sentenced as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation over his communications with WikiLeaks.
Bharara made additional note of Trump’s tendency to praise despots, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, whom he lauded after the latter amended the Chinese constitution and appointed himself “president for life.”
He calls patriots “human scum” while surrounding himself with scumbags like Roger Stone He claims to be alpha while he endlessly whines like stuck pig He says he’s for America though he cozies up to despots — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Finally, Bharara mentioned that Trump has claimed “no one has more respect for women than he does” (despite a litany of sexual assault allegations against him), and that he “knows more than his generals” (as he once claimed during a 2015 rally).
Bharara’s claim that Trump said he “has a special talent for infectious diseases” is incorrect: Trump said this in reference to Vice President Mike Pence, whom he appointed to oversee the government’s coronavirus response. The irony of this statement is that Pence received blistering criticism for his handling of an HIV outbreak while he was governor of Indiana.
He said no one has more respect for women than he does He said he knows more than the generals He suggested he has a special talent for infectious diseases — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 9, 2020
Bharara has his own personal history with the president; he was one of 46 U.S. attorneys from the Obama administration who was asked to resign by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions shortly after Trump took office. Bharara was the only one of the group who publicly refused to resign, a move that garnered significant media attention during the Trump administration’s often rocky transition.


politicususa--2020-03-09--Kellyanne Conway May Have Been Exposed To Coronavirus

Trump administration members Kellyanne Conway and Betsy DeVos may have been exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC .
Raheem Kassam tweeted the list of people who may have been exposed : He also tweeted that attendees are angry over the lack of information that they have been provided : Trump has tried to hide information about the public about the number of coronavirus cases , so it shouldn ’ t be a surprise that he would hide information from members of his administration and some of his most loyal supporters .
So far Donald Trump may have been exposed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC .
It is starting to look like conservatives would have been safer on a cruise ship on hanging out along the Southern Border than they were at CPAC .
If Kellyanne Conway gets the coronavirus , she will call it fake news and make the Iranian health minister who went on television with the coronavirus look like Honest Abe Lincoln .
Trump is trying to downplay the virus as it is exposing itself within his administration .
For more discussion about this story join our @ @ @ @ @ @

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Trump administration members Kellyanne Conway and Betsy DeVos may have been exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC.
Raheem Kassam tweeted the list of people who may have been exposed:
Here are some of the other people who may have been in the green room on Thursday afternoon at the same time as the CPAC #coronavirus infectee: – Rep Louie Gohmert;
– Ronna McDaniel
– Michael Knowles
– Kay James
– KellyAnne Conway
– Betsy Devos
– Rep Matt Gaetz
– Diamond/Silk — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) March 9, 2020
He also tweeted that attendees are angry over the lack of information that they have been provided:
I have now spoken to a number of people who were in/around the green room at CPAC when the attendee with coronavirus was there. People are apoplectic about how they have not been better informed of what happened. The attendee was there for much of Thursday at LEAST… — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) March 9, 2020
Trump has tried to hide information about the public about the number of coronavirus cases, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he would hide information from members of his administration and some of his most loyal supporters.
So far Donald Trump may have been exposed, and Sen. Ted Cruz has confirmed that he was exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC. It is starting to look like conservatives would have been safer on a cruise ship on hanging out along the Southern Border than they were at CPAC.
If Kellyanne Conway gets the coronavirus, she will call it fake news and make the Iranian health minister who went on television with the coronavirus look like Honest Abe Lincoln.
Trump is trying to downplay the virus as it is exposing itself within his administration.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-10--Chris Hayes Says Trump Should Be Kept Far Away From The Government’s Coronavirus Response

MSNBC host Chris Hayes said on Monday night that Donald Trump is completely incapable of confronting the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country .
Time and again , Hayes noted , Trump has shown that he can not view the crisis outside of himself , which means other leaders – particularly those at the state and local level – must take charge to adequately deal with the pandemic .
“ The president of the United States , the leadership at the top of our government , is sending the message that is literally the opposite of what we should be doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , a lot of these important decisions are going to have to be made by local leaders , not the president.
” The MSNBC host cited Trump ’ s recent remarks in which he said he was opposed to allowing quarantined passengers off a cruise ship because it would drive the number of U.S. cases up and make him look bad .
“ I ’ d rather have the people stay , ” the president said .
“ I like the numbers being where they are .
I don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ship that wasn ’ t our fault.
” Trump added , “ I like the numbers .
I would rather have the numbers stay where they are.
” Trump only cares about himself Donald Trump has long demonstrated that his sole purpose in life is to enrich himself at the expense of others , whether it ’ s stiffing workers in the business world or using his charity as a personal slush fund .
This behavior hasn ’ t changed throughout his presidency .
Heck , it ’ s the reason why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own political interests ahead of the country ’ s interests .
With the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country and the American people looking for leadership , it ’ s increasingly clear that Donald Trump is too obsessed with his own own political survival to be able to responsibly manage a global pandemic .

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MSNBC host Chris Hayes said on Monday night that Donald Trump is completely incapable of confronting the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country.
Time and again, Hayes noted, Trump has shown that he cannot view the crisis outside of himself, which means other leaders – particularly those at the state and local level – must take charge to adequately deal with the pandemic.
“The president of the United States, the leadership at the top of our government, is sending the message that is literally the opposite of what we should be doing,” Hayes said. “Right now, a lot of these important decisions are going to have to be made by local leaders, not the president.”
The MSNBC host cited Trump’s recent remarks in which he said he was opposed to allowing quarantined passengers off a cruise ship because it would drive the number of U.S. cases up and make him look bad.
“I’d rather have the people stay,” the president said. “I like the numbers being where they are. I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn’t our fault.”
Trump added, “I like the numbers. I would rather have the numbers stay where they are.”
Video:
Chris Hayes says Trump has repeatedly done exactly the opposite of what needs to be done to confront a global pandemic. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/zXU0E0pICT — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 10, 2020
Trump only cares about himself
Donald Trump has long demonstrated that his sole purpose in life is to enrich himself at the expense of others, whether it’s stiffing workers in the business world or using his charity as a personal slush fund.
This behavior hasn’t changed throughout his presidency. Heck, it’s the reason why he was impeached – because he put his own political interests ahead of the country’s interests.
With the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country and the American people looking for leadership, it’s increasingly clear that Donald Trump is too obsessed with his own own political survival to be able to responsibly manage a global pandemic.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-10--Trump Walks Away From Reporters After They Ask Him If He’s Been Tested For Coronavirus

Donald Trump has repeatedly come into contact with folks who have self-quarantined , but he refused to answer whether he has actually been tested for coronavirus .
During a press conference with the so-called coronavirus task force , Trump walked out after reporters asked whether he has been screened for the virus that is now sweeping the country .
Trump may have escaped the room , but Mike Pence was left behind to offer his non-answer .
“ I honestly don ’ t know the answer to the question , ” the vice president said .
“ We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you an answer from the White House physician very quickly.
” Trump ’ s refusal to answer comes as more reporting indicates that he has repeatedly come into contact with individuals who have self-quarantined , like Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz .
Trump has no answer for the coronavirus pandemic During his short appearance at the news briefing , Donald Trump showed that he has no idea how to confront this global pandemic from a science and health perspective .
Instead of showing concern about the 600-plus cases that have been reported in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come – he seemed to only care about how the virus is affecting the economy .
This is likely because he knows that the Obama-Biden economy he inherited is the only reason he stands a chance of winning the upcoming presidential election .
So instead of cleaning up his administration ’ s failed effort to make more coronavirus test kits available , for example , Trump is proposing a payroll tax cut .
Donald Trump made it clear on Monday that he isn ’ t worried about the rising number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the slumping global economy .

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Donald Trump has repeatedly come into contact with folks who have self-quarantined, but he refused to answer whether he has actually been tested for coronavirus.
During a press conference with the so-called coronavirus task force, Trump walked out after reporters asked whether he has been screened for the virus that is now sweeping the country.
Video via Vox’s Aaron Rupar:
Trump and Pence don’t answer a question about whether Trump has been tested for coronavirus, since he’s been in repeated contact with people who have self-quarantined pic.twitter.com/rJ9tTuMmhQ — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 9, 2020
Trump may have escaped the room, but Mike Pence was left behind to offer his non-answer.
“I honestly don’t know the answer to the question,” the vice president said. “We’ll refer that question and we will get you an answer from the White House physician very quickly.”
Trump’s refusal to answer comes as more reporting indicates that he has repeatedly come into contact with individuals who have self-quarantined, like Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Trump has no answer for the coronavirus pandemic
During his short appearance at the news briefing, Donald Trump showed that he has no idea how to confront this global pandemic from a science and health perspective.
Instead of showing concern about the 600-plus cases that have been reported in the U.S. – and the many more likely to come – he seemed to only care about how the virus is affecting the economy. This is likely because he knows that the Obama-Biden economy he inherited is the only reason he stands a chance of winning the upcoming presidential election.
So instead of cleaning up his administration’s failed effort to make more coronavirus test kits available, for example, Trump is proposing a payroll tax cut.
Donald Trump made it clear on Monday that he isn’t worried about the rising number of coronavirus cases as much as he is about the slumping global economy.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-09--Trump Embarrasses Himself In Clueless Coronavirus Briefing

Trump sounded like a man with no plan as he embarrassed himself at the coronavirus briefing by repeating that he is going to take care of the American people .
Trump said : We just attended a very important task force meeting on the virus that everybody is talking about all over the world no matter where you go .
That ’ s what ’ s on people ’ s minds , and we are going to take care of and have been taking care of the American public and the American economy .
We are going to be asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to be meeting with House Republicans , Mitch McConnell , everybody , and discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief , substantial relief , very substantial relief , that ’ s a big number .
We ’ re also going to be talking about hourly wage earners getting help so that they can be in a position where they ’ re not going to ever miss a paycheck , going to be working with companies and small companies , large companies , a lot of companies , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for something that ’ s not their fault .
It ’ s not their fault .
It ’ s not our country ’ s fault .
This was something that we were thrown into , and we ’ re going to handle it , and we have been handling it very well .
The big decision was early when we shut down our borders .
We ’ re the first ones ever to do that .
We ’ ve never done that in our country before , would have a situation that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re going to be seeing small business administration , and creating loans for small businesses .
We ’ re also working with the industries including the airline industries , the cruise ship industry , which obviously will be hit .
Trump clearly has no plan .
Closing the borders and restricting travel doesn ’ t matter , because experts think that the coronavirus had been in the United States for weeks before the first case was detected .
The president ’ s big plan is to push for tax cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , Sen. John Cornyn ( R-TX ) appeared to shoot down any additional tax cuts at this time : Trump embarrassed himself by not showing any leadership .
He kept repeating a promise to take care of the American people as if his words could make the crisis go away .
Donald Trump is clearly not up to the job of handling the coronavirus .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump sounded like a man with no plan as he embarrassed himself at the coronavirus briefing by repeating that he is going to take care of the American people.
Trump said:
We just attended a very important task force meeting on the virus that everybody is talking about all over the world no matter where you go. That’s what’s on people’s minds, and we are going to take care of and have been taking care of the American public and the American economy.
We are going to be asking tomorrow, we’re seeing the we’re going to be meeting with House Republicans, Mitch McConnell, everybody, and discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief, substantial relief, very substantial relief, that’s a big number. We’re also going to be talking about hourly wage earners getting help so that they can be in a position where they’re not going to ever miss a paycheck, going to be working with companies and small companies, large companies, a lot of companies, so that they don’t get penalized for something that’s not their fault.
It’s not their fault. It’s not our country’s fault. This was something that we were thrown into, and we’re going to handle it, and we have been handling it very well. The big decision was early when we shut down our borders. We’re the first ones ever to do that. We’ve never done that in our country before, would have a situation that would be a lot more dire.
Also, we’re going to be seeing small business administration, and creating loans for small businesses. We’re also working with the industries including the airline industries, the cruise ship industry, which obviously will be hit.
Video:
Trump rambles on and clearly has no plan as he sounds clueless and offers no details on his administration's response. He kept saying., "We will take care of the American people." pic.twitter.com/K15vDqBJz7 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 9, 2020
Trump clearly has no plan. Closing the borders and restricting travel doesn’t matter, because experts think that the coronavirus had been in the United States for weeks before the first case was detected.
The president’s big plan is to push for tax cuts, but before he spoke at the White House, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) appeared to shoot down any additional tax cuts at this time:
John Cornyn, a member of Senate GOP leadership, has little appetite at this point for tax cuts aimed at spurring economy. “I usually love tax cuts but I think it’s a little bit premature.” — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 9, 2020
Trump embarrassed himself by not showing any leadership. He kept repeating a promise to take care of the American people as if his words could make the crisis go away. Donald Trump is clearly not up to the job of handling the coronavirus.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-10--Trump Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow’s Coronavirus Briefing Appearance Backfires

Trump sent his top economic adviser , Larry Kudlow , out to talk about the economic response , but all @ @ @ @ @ that Kudlow looked ill. Kudlow could have been tired .
He could have a cold @ @ @ @ @ it certainly looked like he was trying not to cough , which is a big @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The last thing that any administration should want is a government official @ @ @ @ @ looking sick .
It ’ s laughable now , but it was only a few @ @ @ @ @ media was pushing the myth that Trump is a master of political messaging and optics @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus briefing is that half of the people on the platform looked ill , @ @ @ @ @ Kudlow tested for coronavirus before he falls over .
For more discussion about this story @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC group .

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Trump sent his top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, out to talk about the economic response, but all anyone could talk about was that Kudlow looked ill.
Video of Kudlow:
Larry Kudlow looks sick, so why would Trump send him out the coronavirus briefing? pic.twitter.com/k35C3D2sGE — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 10, 2020
Kudlow could have been tired. He could have a cold or the flu, but it certainly looked like he was trying not to cough, which is a big problem at a briefing on the coronavirus.
Kudlow’s ill appearance was noticed:
Larry Kudlow looks unwell and looks like he’s ready to fall over #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/KMvVSwJ3Jp — Mayday Mindy🌹🌊 (@maydaymindy9) March 10, 2020
Why on earth, from an optics perspective would you have @larry_kudlow in a briefing on #COVID19 looking like he has the #coronavirus. — Russell H. Smith (@aussieintel) March 10, 2020
The last thing that any administration should want is a government official addressing the coronavirus outbreak while looking sick.
It’s laughable now, but it was only a few years ago that the corporate media was pushing the myth that Trump is a master of political messaging and optics.
The message sent in the coronavirus briefing is that half of the people on the platform looked ill, and somebody should get Larry Kudlow tested for coronavirus before he falls over.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-10--Biden and Sanders Cancel Cleveland Rallies Due To Coronavirus

Both Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have canceled their Tuesday night rallies in Cleveland , OH out of concern over the coronavirus .
In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA , Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said , “ In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution , our rally in Cleveland , Ohio tonight is cancelled .
We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events in the coming days .
Vice President Biden thanks all of his supporters who wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
Additional details on where the Vice President will address the press tonight are forthcoming .
Mike Casca , Bernie 2020 Communications Director said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA , “ Out of concern for public health and safety , we are canceling tonight ’ s rally in Cleveland .
We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials , who have communicated concern about holding large , indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak .
Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All future Bernie 2020 events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
” The cancelations of the Tuesday events mark a turning point in the coronavirus outbreak .
These are the first , but likely not the last campaign events that will be canceled .
Trump is still planning on holding his coronavirus spreading campaign rallies , as he is apparently seeking the mantle of the 21st Century , Typhoid Mary .
Corona Don apparently wants to infect as many of his supporters with the coronavirus as possible .
The Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Trump is telling America to keep calm and that the coronavirus is going really great .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Both Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have canceled their Tuesday night rallies in Cleveland, OH out of concern over the coronavirus.
In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said, “In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution, our rally in Cleveland, Ohio tonight is cancelled. We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events in the coming days. Vice President Biden thanks all of his supporters who wanted to be with us in Cleveland this evening. Additional details on where the Vice President will address the press tonight are forthcoming.
Mike Casca, Bernie 2020 Communications Director said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, “Out of concern for public health and safety, we are canceling tonight’s rally in Cleveland. We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials, who have communicated concern about holding large, indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak. Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight. All future Bernie 2020 events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.”
The cancelations of the Tuesday events mark a turning point in the coronavirus outbreak. These are the first, but likely not the last campaign events that will be canceled.
Trump is still planning on holding his coronavirus spreading campaign rallies, as he is apparently seeking the mantle of the 21st Century, Typhoid Mary. Corona Don apparently wants to infect as many of his supporters with the coronavirus as possible.
The Democratic candidates are placing the public health first, while Trump is telling America to keep calm and that the coronavirus is going really great.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-10--Trump Wants A Useless Payroll Tax Cut To 0% To Fight Coronavirus

Republican Senators have already spoken out against the idea , but Trump is pushing cutting payroll taxes to 0 % to fight coronavirus .
President Donald Trump , in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday , pitched a 0 % payroll tax rate that would last through the rest of this year , a White House official told CNBC .
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 .
GOP Senators are more than skeptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The White House is putting out proposals that will go nowhere to create false hope in the stock market .
It is telling that Trump has said nothing about expanding paid sick leave , or incentivizing telecommuting arrangements for employers .
Trump wants to bail out the oil and gas industry , and cut payroll taxes , which would do nothing to prevent the spread of coronavirus or help people who get sick .
The payroll tax cut isn ’ t a real solution .
It is another ploy by Trump to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Republican Senators have already spoken out against the idea, but Trump is pushing cutting payroll taxes to 0% to fight coronavirus.
CNBC reported:
President Donald Trump, in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday, pitched a 0% payroll tax rate that would last through the rest of this year, a White House official told CNBC.
….
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.
GOP Senators are more than skeptical, they are already opposing the idea:
John Cornyn, a member of Senate GOP leadership, has little appetite at this point for tax cuts aimed at spurring economy. “I usually love tax cuts but I think it’s a little bit premature.” — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 9, 2020
The White House is putting out proposals that will go nowhere to create false hope in the stock market. It is telling that Trump has said nothing about expanding paid sick leave, or incentivizing telecommuting arrangements for employers.
Trump wants to bail out the oil and gas industry, and cut payroll taxes, which would do nothing to prevent the spread of coronavirus or help people who get sick.
The payroll tax cut isn’t a real solution. It is another ploy by Trump to boost his sagging reelection campaign.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook