politicususa--2020-03-18--Democrats Fight Back As Trump Attempts To Add Oil Industry Bailout To Coronavirus Relief Package

House Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump ’ s attempt to use the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to divert public funds to the oil and gas industry .
As PoliticusUSA ’ s Jason Easley noted last week , citing a Washington Post report , the Trump administration was – and is – pursuing handouts for the oil and gas sector as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the global economy .
But a growing number of Democrats are pushing back against the move , instead urging the president to focus on stopping the spread of the virus and provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans in desperate need of it .
More via The Hill : Twenty House Democrats sent a letter to President Trump on Tuesday cautioning against dolling out further funds to the fossil fuel industry after the White House announced late last week that the government would purchase oil to shore up the industry .
“ Diverting public funds to bail out this industry will do nothing to stop the spread of this deadly virus or provide relief to those in need , ” lawmakers wrote in a letter spearheaded by Rep. Nanette Diaz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout tells the American public that fossil fuel investors can rely on U.S. taxpayers to cover their bills when the industry ’ s corporate executives ’ risky investments don ’ t pan out.
” The American people , not Trump ’ s oil buddies , need help right now Over the course of the past two days – with the stock market collapsing and fears about a looming recession mounting – some in the media have praised Donald Trump for changing his tone about the outbreak .
But no change in tone will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even months – that were lost because this president was too busy calling the outbreak a hoax and pushing to stop aggressive testing , all while making sure the oil industry knew the White House had its back .
Instead of rushing to help his buddies in the energy sector , Trump should be fast-tracking government assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering as a result of his bungled response to this global pandemic .
As Joe Biden once said , “ Don ’ t tell me what you value .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll tell you what you value.
” Judging by Donald Trump ’ s actions , it ’ s clear who he values – and it isn ’ t the American people .

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House Democrats are fighting back against Donald Trump’s attempt to use the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to divert public funds to the oil and gas industry.
As PoliticusUSA’s Jason Easley noted last week, citing a Washington Post report, the Trump administration was – and is – pursuing handouts for the oil and gas sector as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the global economy.
But a growing number of Democrats are pushing back against the move, instead urging the president to focus on stopping the spread of the virus and provide much-needed aid to the growing number of Americans in desperate need of it.
More via The Hill:
Twenty House Democrats sent a letter to President Trump on Tuesday cautioning against dolling out further funds to the fossil fuel industry after the White House announced late last week that the government would purchase oil to shore up the industry. “Diverting public funds to bail out this industry will do nothing to stop the spread of this deadly virus or provide relief to those in need,” lawmakers wrote in a letter spearheaded by Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.). “A bailout tells the American public that fossil fuel investors can rely on U.S. taxpayers to cover their bills when the industry’s corporate executives’ risky investments don’t pan out.”
The American people, not Trump’s oil buddies, need help right now
Over the course of the past two days – with the stock market collapsing and fears about a looming recession mounting – some in the media have praised Donald Trump for changing his tone about the outbreak.
But no change in tone will give America back the weeks – perhaps even months – that were lost because this president was too busy calling the outbreak a hoax and pushing to stop aggressive testing, all while making sure the oil industry knew the White House had its back.
Instead of rushing to help his buddies in the energy sector, Trump should be fast-tracking government assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering as a result of his bungled response to this global pandemic.
As Joe Biden once said, “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.”
Judging by Donald Trump’s actions, it’s clear who he values – and it isn’t the American people.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-18--Bernie Sanders Blows A Gasket And Says He’s Too Busy To Drop Out

Bernie Sanders said that he was too busy dealing with the coronavirus pandemic to officially drop out of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ not the friendly grandpa type , and he has none of the charm of FDR @ @ @ @ @ why his supporters should stop comparing him to a legendary president who he has nothing @ @ @ @ @ is not difficult to drop out of the presidential race .
Bernie Sanders could do @ @ @ @ @ seconds .
He could announce that he is suspending his campaign and he will have @ @ @ @ @ country is not in the middle of a pandemic .
Sen. Sanders has been overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ He might not be ready to quit yet , but the Democratic primary is increasingly @ @ @ @ @ more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Bernie Sanders said that he was too busy dealing with the coronavirus pandemic to officially drop out of the Democratic primary.
CNN’s Manu Raju tweeted:
Sen. Bernie Sanders grew angry when asked about his campaign plans. During a gaggle with reporters in the Capitol, I asked Sanders about his timeframe for making a decision, and he lashed out: "I'm dealing with a fucking global crisis. You know, we're dealing with." — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 18, 2020
The blowup occurred about half way through a five-minute gaggle where Sanders talked about the "unprecedented crisis of our lifetime," calling for a range of measures that the U.S. government should take in the midst of the economic crisis. — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 18, 2020
Then @LisaMascaro asked what he's saying to his supporters, and he sidestepped the question, noting he's sent out a statement. Then, I asked about his timeframe — and he was furious Afterwards, he mellowed out and answered questions about the crisis for about two more minutes. — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 18, 2020
Bernie Sanders is not the friendly grandpa type, and he has none of the charm of FDR, which is another reason why his supporters should stop comparing him to a legendary president who he has nothing in common with.
It is not difficult to drop out of the presidential race. Bernie Sanders could do it in less than 30 seconds. He could announce that he is suspending his campaign and he will have more to say when the country is not in the middle of a pandemic.
Sen. Sanders has been overwhelmingly rejected by Democratic voters. He might not be ready to quit yet, but the Democratic primary is increasingly just a formality.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-18--The White House Throws A Tantrum After Trump Gets Busted For Coronavirus Racism

Instead of educating or informing the American people , the White House is defending Trump ’ s racist spin on @ @ @ @ @ what the White House ’ s official Twitter account is posting : Trump himself defended @ @ @ @ @ describe the virus : China is a place .
Chinese is a nationality .
Calling @ @ @ @ @ is putting a target on the backs of Asian-Americans .
Trump is using one of @ @ @ @ @ is using racism to blame someone else for his failed response .
It is an @ @ @ @ @ House Twitter account should be a source of information and guidance to the American people @ @ @ @ @ for Trump ’ s racially divisive efforts to dodge accountability .
The American people need @ @ @ @ @ racism from the White House Twitter account .
For more discussion about this story join @ @ @ @ @ group .

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Instead of educating or informing the American people, the White House is defending Trump’s racist spin on the coronavirus.
This is what the White House’s official Twitter account is posting:
Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places. Before the media’s fake outrage, even CNN called it “Chinese Coronavirus.” Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis. — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2020
Trump himself defended the use of racism to describe the virus:
Trump keeps doubling down on racist responses to the coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/LtjXzq63I1 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 18, 2020
China is a place. Chinese is a nationality. Calling the coronavirus a Chinese virus is putting a target on the backs of Asian-Americans. Trump is using one of his favorite tactics. He is using racism to blame someone else for his failed response.
It is an intentional strategy.
The White House Twitter account should be a source of information and guidance to the American people, not a cheering section for Trump’s racially divisive efforts to dodge accountability.
The American people need leadership, not defenses of racism from the White House Twitter account.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-18--Billionaire Bill Ackman Demands Trump Demonstrate “Leadership,” Order 30-Day Nationwide Shutdown

Billionaire Bill Ackman , the CEO of Pershing Square Capital , took to Twitter to demand President Donald Trump to order a 30-day nationwide shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Shutting down the country and closing our borders “ is the only answer , ” Ackman said in response to a growing public health crisis that has claimed the lives of at least 117 Americans nationwide , with no sign that the rate of infections will drop anytime soon .
“ Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government pays wages until we reopen , ” he said .
Ackman pointed out that a shutdown is inevitable , though it is currently not happening “ in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus.
” A “ 30-day rent , interest and tax holiday for all ” would alleviate economic concerns , he said .
Exponential math is not on our side , Ackman continued , noting that postponing a shutdown would cost possibly “ millions of lives ” while decimating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we can end this now .
The rest of the world will follow your lead , ” he concluded .
Ackman ’ s call comes as health experts advise people around the country to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt to “ flatten the curve ” of the virus .
There are nearly 8,000 recorded cases across the United States , though that number is bound to be significantly higher in light of a nationwide testing shortage many have attributed to the federal government ’ s botched response .

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Billionaire Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital, took to Twitter to demand President Donald Trump order a 30-day nationwide shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Shutting down the country and closing our borders “is the only answer,” Ackman said in response to a growing public health crisis that has claimed the lives of at least 117 Americans nationwide, with no sign that the rate of infections will drop anytime soon.
“Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with family. Keep only essential services open. The government pays wages until we reopen,” he said.
Mr. President, the only answer is to shut down the country for the next 30 days and close the borders. Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with family. Keep only essential services open. The government pays wages until we reopen. — Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020
Ackman pointed out that a shutdown is inevitable, though it is currently not happening “in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus.”
A “30-day rent, interest and tax holiday for all” would alleviate economic concerns, he said.
No one defaults, no one forecloses. A 30-day rent, interest and tax holiday for all. The shutdown is inevitable as it is already happening, but not in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus. — Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020
Exponential math is not on our side, Ackman continued, noting that postponing a shutdown would cost possibly “millions of lives” while decimating the economy.
With exponential compounding, every day we postpone the shutdown costs thousands, and soon hundreds of thousands, and then millions of lives, and destroys the economy. — Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020
“With your leadership, we can end this now. The rest of the world will follow your lead,” he concluded.
Please send everyone home now. With your leadership, we can end this now. The rest of the world will follow your lead. A global Spring Break will save us all. — Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) March 18, 2020
Ackman’s call comes as health experts advise people around the country to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the virus. There are nearly 8,000 recorded cases across the United States, though that number is bound to be significantly higher in light of a nationwide testing shortage many have attributed to the federal government’s botched response.


politicususa--2020-03-18--Trump Loses It During Coronavirus Briefing And Rants About Biden

Trump cut off a reporter who asked about his lack of credibility then went on a rant about beating Joe Biden in an imaginary poll .
Trump said during the coronavirus briefing , “ Who are you asking that question — I see that they ’ re very high .
95 % of the Republican party .
We just had a poll that was done by a very reputable group where I ’ m beating sleepy Joe Biden by a lot in Florida , in the state of Florida and in other states .
I don ’ t really know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was at a briefing about the coronavirus response and refused to answer a question about his lack of credibility .
The question is critical because if the American people don ’ t believe what a president is saying , they aren ’ t going to listen to him/her .
Donald Trump ruined his credibility with lies that were both petty and significant .
He had a chance to address his lack of credibility , but he chose to go off on a rant about imaginary polls that show him beating Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
Trump is reported to be angry at Jared Kushner and looking for someone to blame for his inept response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The President won ’ t hold himself accountable , and when he was asked a question about his credibility he went on a rant and cut off the reporter .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump cut off a reporter who asked about his lack of credibility then went on a rant about beating Joe Biden in an imaginary poll.
Trump said during the coronavirus briefing, “Who are you asking that question — I see that they’re very high. 95% of the Republican party. We just had a poll that was done by a very reputable group where I’m beating sleepy Joe Biden by a lot in Florida, in the state of Florida and in other states. I don’t really know who you’re talking about.”
Video:
Trump was asked about his lack of credibility and responded by going on a rant about beating Joe Biden in an imaginary poll. #TrumpPandemic pic.twitter.com/yRWw0zf4vw — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 18, 2020
Trump was at a briefing about the coronavirus response and refused to answer a question about his lack of credibility. The question is critical because if the American people don’t believe what a president is saying, they aren’t going to listen to him/her.
Donald Trump ruined his credibility with lies that were both petty and significant. He had a chance to address his lack of credibility, but he chose to go off on a rant about imaginary polls that show him beating Joe Biden, and his popularity within the Republican Party.
Trump is reported to be angry at Jared Kushner and looking for someone to blame for his inept response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The President won’t hold himself accountable, and when he was asked a question about his credibility he went on a rant and cut off the reporter.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-18--Trump Changed His Tune on Coronavirus Only After Watching Tucker Carlson Monologue

According to White House sources who spoke to The Washington Post , President Donald Trump only began taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously after watching Fox News personality Tucker Carlson declare the crisis is “ very real ” on his program .
As recently as March 9 , the president had downplayed the effects of the virus , writing on Twitter that “ Nothing is shut down ” and that “ life and the economy will go on.
” Since that tweet , the Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost all of its gains since before he took office , millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as businesses shutter and other services shut down , and the death toll in the United States has spiked to 117 , up from 22 the week before .
Carlson ’ s comments on the national response to the growing threat soon caught Trump ’ s attention .
“ People you trust — people you probably voted for — have spent weeks minimizing what is clearly a very serious problem , ” Carlson said on March 9 .
“ It ’ s just partisan politics , they say .
Calm down .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flu , and people die from that every year .
Coronavirus will pass , and when it does we will feel foolish for worrying about it.
” “ Maybe they ’ re just not paying attention , or maybe they believe they ’ re serving some higher cause by shading reality … And there ’ s an election coming up .
Best not to say anything that might help the other side .
We get it .
But they ’ re wrong , ” he added , later concluding that the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which experts say is exponentially much higher .
“ The real number is without question far higher than that — soon we will have a better sense of just how much higher , ” he said .
“ By then , this epidemic will have caused economic damage whose effects may dog us for years .
People you know will get sick — some may die .
This is real.
” You can watch footage of Carlson ’ s remarks below .
Carlson ’ s commentary was a direct contradiction of prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downplayed the impact of the virus on public health by insinuating that the response was an attempt orchestrated by Democrats to shame and impeach the president .
In contrast to Carlson , Fox Business host Trish Regan declared without evidence that “ Many in the liberal media are using coronavirus in an attempt to demonize and destroy the president , despite the virus originating halfway around the world.
” “ This is yet another attempt to impeach , and sadly , it seems the left cares little for any of the destruction they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the market .
This , unfortunately , is all just part of political casualties for them , ” she continued , adding that Democrats “ don ’ t care who they hurt , whether it be their need to create mass hysteria to encourage a massive sell-off in an overly anxious stock market or , to create mass hysteria in order to stop our economy dead in its tracks .
”

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According to White House sources who spoke to The Washington Post, President Donald Trump only began taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously after watching Fox News personality Tucker Carlson declare the crisis is “very real” on his program.
As recently as March 9, the president had downplayed the effects of the virus, writing on Twitter that “Nothing is shut down” and that “life and the economy will go on.”
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
Since that tweet, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost all of its gains since before he took office, millions of Americans have been forced to quarantine as businesses shutter and other services shut down, and the death toll in the United States has spiked to 117, up from 22 the week before.
Carlson’s comments on the national response to the growing threat soon caught Trump’s attention.
“People you trust — people you probably voted for — have spent weeks minimizing what is clearly a very serious problem,” Carlson said on March 9. “It’s just partisan politics, they say. Calm down. In the end, this is just like the flu, and people die from that every year. Coronavirus will pass, and when it does we will feel foolish for worrying about it.”
“Maybe they’re just not paying attention, or maybe they believe they’re serving some higher cause by shading reality … And there’s an election coming up. Best not to say anything that might help the other side. We get it. But they’re wrong,” he added, later concluding that the national testing shortage obscured the number of cases, which experts say is exponentially much higher.
“The real number is without question far higher than that — soon we will have a better sense of just how much higher,” he said. “By then, this epidemic will have caused economic damage whose effects may dog us for years. People you know will get sick — some may die. This is real.”
You can watch footage of Carlson’s remarks below.
Tucker Carlson pushing back against coronavirus coverage from those who "have spent weeks minimizing what is clearly a very serious problem." "'It's just partisan politics,' they say. 'Calm down. In the end this is just like the flu.' Carlson: "It's definitely not just the flu" pic.twitter.com/h7N20Pi2Bd — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) March 10, 2020
Carlson’s commentary was a direct contradiction of prior coverage on Fox News that had effectively downplayed the impact of the virus on public health by insinuating that the response was an attempt orchestrated by Democrats to shame and impeach the president.
In contrast to Carlson, Fox Business host Trish Regan declared without evidence that “Many in the liberal media are using coronavirus in an attempt to demonize and destroy the president, despite the virus originating halfway around the world.”
“This is yet another attempt to impeach, and sadly, it seems the left cares little for any of the destruction they leave in their wake, including losses in the market. This, unfortunately, is all just part of political casualties for them,” she continued, adding that Democrats “don’t care who they hurt, whether it be their need to create mass hysteria to encourage a massive sell-off in an overly anxious stock market or, to create mass hysteria in order to stop our economy dead in its tracks.”


politicususa--2020-03-18--Stocks Plunge Again, Dow Loses All Gains Since Trump Took Office

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost all gains it amassed since President Donald Trump took office , a further indication of the turbulent effect of the coronavirus pandemic on global markets .
The Dow plunged 1,428.48 points , or 6.7 percent , an intraday low of 19,808.90 .
That ’ s below its close of 19,827.25 on Jan. 20 , 2017 , the day of the president ’ s inauguration .
Economic activity will be significantly suppressed as long as social distancing measures are in place , ” said David Bahnsen , chief investment officer at The Bahnsen Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the stock market will discount the future in a positive way and I don ’ t know when the future itself will become positive.
” Although stocks surged yesterday as the White House announced a $ 1 trillion coronavirus relief package , fears of a global recession continue to mount , exacerbated by a federal deficit that already stood at $ 1 trillion before the pandemic .
“ You ’ re supposed to have dry powder for the next crisis , ” said Kristina Hooper , chief global market strategist at Invesco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written , the government will certainly be faulted for taking on too much debt .
The Fed will be faulted for maintaining ultra-accommodative rates.
” Hooper ’ s statement is not dissimilar to the thoughts of Maya MacGuineas , president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget , who expressed her misgivings in a statement last week .
“ Instead of taking advantage of our strong economic growth to get our fiscal house in order , we let it continue to fall apart by passing unpaid for tax cuts and spending increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That leaves us less prepared for what could be a sustained economic slowdown.
” President Trump has often touted the stock market as a sign of his administration ’ s economic successes .
“ Since my election , U.S. stock markets have soared 70 percent , adding more than $ 12 trillion to our nation ’ s wealth , transcending anything anyone believed was possible .
This is a record .
It is something that every country in the world is looking up to .
They admire , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Union address .
“ Consumer confidence has just reached amazing new highs .
”

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost all gains it amassed since President Donald Trump took office, a further indication of the turbulent effect of the coronavirus pandemic on global markets. The Dow plunged 1,428.48 points, or 6.7 percent, an intraday low of 19,808.90. That’s below its close of 19,827.25 on Jan. 20, 2017, the day of the president’s inauguration.
Economic activity will be significantly suppressed as long as social distancing measures are in place,” said David Bahnsen, chief investment officer at The Bahnsen Group. “I don’t know when the stock market will discount the future in a positive way and I don’t know when the future itself will become positive.”
Although stocks surged yesterday as the White House announced a $1 trillion coronavirus relief package, fears of a global recession continue to mount, exacerbated by a federal deficit that already stood at $1 trillion before the pandemic.
“You’re supposed to have dry powder for the next crisis,” said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco. “When the history books are written, the government will certainly be faulted for taking on too much debt. The Fed will be faulted for maintaining ultra-accommodative rates.”
Hooper’s statement is not dissimilar to the thoughts of Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, who expressed her misgivings in a statement last week.
“Instead of taking advantage of our strong economic growth to get our fiscal house in order, we let it continue to fall apart by passing unpaid for tax cuts and spending increases,” MacGuineas said at the time. “That leaves us less prepared for what could be a sustained economic slowdown.”
President Trump has often touted the stock market as a sign of his administration’s economic successes.
“Since my election, U.S. stock markets have soared 70 percent, adding more than $12 trillion to our nation’s wealth, transcending anything anyone believed was possible. This is a record. It is something that every country in the world is looking up to. They admire,” he said during last month’s State of the Union address. “Consumer confidence has just reached amazing new highs.”


politicususa--2020-03-18--Trump’s Spiritual Adviser Is Shamelessly Calling Her Ministry A ‘Hospital’

There are some who appear to be taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus across the country in order to gain from others ’ hardships in a financial way .
Some of these individuals are religious figures , including Paula White , the spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump .
White , who heads the president ’ s Faith and Opportunity Initiative , recently published a video online asking for donations to her ministry based in Florida , using questionable wording in order to compel her followers to give .
“ We are a hospital to the sick , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick to add a caveat — even though she just called her ministry a “ hospital ” and implied it was meant to help the “ sick , ” White explained in the same video message that she didn ’ t mean that literally .
“ We are a hospital for those who are soul-sick , those who are spiritually sick , ” she later said .
Still , using such terms may cross ethical lines , and it ’ s possible that those giving to her in the heat of the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be healed somehow , or protected from the threat of COVID-19 , if they give money to her .
White implored her listeners to give $ 91 in reference to Psalm 91 , a chapter in the Bible that is sometimes described as the Psalm of protection .
Those who couldn ’ t give that amount , White said , should send to her “ whatever God tells you to do.
” “ Stand with your pastor , ” she added .
White is not unfamiliar with controversy , especially as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give to her in terms of financial donations .
In February this year , she urged her followers to give tithings to her ministry , and made the argument that they should do so even before taking care of other financial obligations , including paying electric bills or home mortgages , Newsweek reported at the time .

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There are some who appear to be taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus across the country in order to gain from others’ hardships in a financial way.
Some of these individuals are religious figures, including Paula White, the spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump.
White, who heads the president’s Faith and Opportunity Initiative, recently published a video online asking for donations to her ministry based in Florida, using questionable wording in order to compel her followers to give.
“We are a hospital to the sick,” White said.
The spiritual leader was quick to add a caveat — even though she just called her ministry a “hospital” and implied it was meant to help the “sick,” White explained in the same video message that she didn’t mean that literally.
“We are a hospital for those who are soul-sick, those who are spiritually sick,” she later said.
Still, using such terms may cross ethical lines, and it’s possible that those giving to her in the heat of the moment after hearing her words may believe they will be healed somehow, or protected from the threat of COVID-19, if they give money to her.
White implored her listeners to give $91 in reference to Psalm 91, a chapter in the Bible that is sometimes described as the Psalm of protection. Those who couldn’t give that amount, White said, should send to her “whatever God tells you to do.”
“Stand with your pastor,” she added.
NEW: Paula White, a top official in the White House Office of Public Liaison, is scheduled to be the featured speaker at a fraudulent April conference promising "supernatural protection from the #coronavirus now" #Covid_19 https://t.co/1GXHGQ1ze9 pic.twitter.com/WouAYKXmJw — Matthew Sheffield (@mattsheffield) March 13, 2020
White is not unfamiliar with controversy, especially as it relates to telling her congregants what to give to her in terms of financial donations.
In February this year, she urged her followers to give tithings to her ministry, and made the argument that they should do so even before taking care of other financial obligations, including paying electric bills or home mortgages, Newsweek reported at the time.


politicususa--2020-03-18--Trump Keeps Using Racist Wording To Describe Coronavirus, And Here’s Why

President Donald Trump has used a racist term several times in as many days — three times on Wednesday alone — in place of the name of the current pandemic disease sweeping across the nation .
While the nation struggles to deal with the health and economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis , Trump has made a not-so-veiled attempted to rebrand the name of the disease , calling it the “ Chinese Virus ” on at least five occasions in the past three days on Twitter , according to the Trump Twitter Archive .
On Wednesday morning , he used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In one tweet , for example , Trump promised aid for those in the service industry , slipping the wording in toward the end of his statement .
“ For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies , for instance the shutting down of hotels , bars and restaurants , money will soon be coming to you , ” Trump wrote .
“ The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault !
” In another tweet a half-hour later , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference “ to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus.
” Finally , in his most recent tweet using the racist term ( as of press time ) , Trump used the term to defend himself against accusations that he had not taken seriously the gravity of the situation surrounding the coronavirus global pandemic .
“ I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously , and have done a very good job from the beginning , ” Trump said , in spite of overwhelming evidence of the opposite being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his nonchalant way of handling the disease last month as a “ hoax.
” Diseases and other ailments do not , of course , have nationalities — and describing coronavirus as “ Chinese ” is an inappropriate thing to do , according to standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : “ Stigma is discrimination , ” the CDC adds , warning that “ Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.
” So why might Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may be that he wants to put the blame for his poor response to the disease elsewhere .
Early polling data from last month actually found a majority of Americans happy with his response , but recent numbers demonstrate the country is split , with a plurality saying they are not happy with his job performance as of late with regards to the spread of COVID-19 .
That being the case , Trump may believe it behooves him to find another way to make the spread of coronavirus not seem like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but rather the fault of the country it supposedly originated from .
Whether there is an ulterior motive to Trump ’ s use of the term or not , calling coronavirus the “ Chinese Virus ” is wrong and dangerous — as evidenced by a rise in the number of hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country .

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President Donald Trump has used a racist term several times in as many days — three times on Wednesday alone — in place of the name of the current pandemic disease sweeping across the nation.
While the nation struggles to deal with the health and economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis, Trump has made a not-so-veiled attempted to rebrand the name of the disease, calling it the “Chinese Virus” on at least five occasions in the past three days on Twitter, according to the Trump Twitter Archive.
On Wednesday morning, he used the decidedly racist term on three occasions.
In one tweet, for example, Trump promised aid for those in the service industry, slipping the wording in toward the end of his statement.
For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
“For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you,” Trump wrote. “The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault!”
In another tweet a half-hour later, Trump announced he would be holding a news conference “to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus.”
Finally, in his most recent tweet using the racist term (as of press time), Trump used the term to defend himself against accusations that he had not taken seriously the gravity of the situation surrounding the coronavirus global pandemic.
I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the “borders” from China – against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
“I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning,” Trump said, in spite of overwhelming evidence of the opposite being true — including describing Democrats’ criticisms of his nonchalant way of handling the disease last month as a “hoax.”
Diseases and other ailments do not, of course, have nationalities — and describing coronavirus as “Chinese” is an inappropriate thing to do, according to standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
” Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards
Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine,’ the CDC wrote in a statement.
“Stigma is discrimination,” the CDC adds, warning that “Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.”
So why might Trump be using the term so frequently? It may be that he wants to put the blame for his poor response to the disease elsewhere.
Early polling data from last month actually found a majority of Americans happy with his response, but recent numbers demonstrate the country is split, with a plurality saying they are not happy with his job performance as of late with regards to the spread of COVID-19.
The Anti-Defamation League has been tracking racist memes and online activity directed toward Asian communities in reaction to the outbreak. https://t.co/HPQENS7ao4 — The New Yorker (@NewYorker) March 18, 2020
That being the case, Trump may believe it behooves him to find another way to make the spread of coronavirus not seem like it’s the fault of his mismanagement, but rather the fault of the country it supposedly originated from.
Whether there is an ulterior motive to Trump’s use of the term or not, calling coronavirus the “Chinese Virus” is wrong and dangerous — as evidenced by a rise in the number of hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country.


politicususa--2020-03-18--3 Weeks From Next Contest, Bernie Sanders Assesses Path Forward After Losses On Tuesday

After a rout of losses on Tuesday evening to former Vice President Joe Biden , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is reportedly questioning his next moves in the Democratic Party ’ s primary contests to determine a nominee for president .
Biden won in all three states up for grabs Tuesday , including Florida , Illinois , and Arizona .
His total delegate count right now sits at 1,153 , while 861 delegates are pledged to Sanders at this time .
To win the nomination outright on the first ballot , a candidate must get 1,991 delegates , a simple majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s possible that Biden won ’ t reach that number , but could wind up with the plurality win .
Previously , when Sanders had a temporary lead in the delegate count , he said that whoever wound up with the plurality win should also win the nomination .
To his credit , when he lost that lead , he stood by his previous comments .
Many have been calling for Sanders to drop out , especially in light of the current coronavirus outbreak .
Sanders ’ campaign manager , Faiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time to think things over .
“ The next primary contest is at least three weeks away .
Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign , ” Shakir said in a statement .
The next contests to take place will happen on Saturday , April 4 .
They will involve primaries in Alaska , Hawaii , and Wyoming .
Louisiana , which was also slated to have a primary election on that date , has canceled the event to address coronavirus fears .
The following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in Wisconsin .
Also on Tuesday , primary challengers to President Donald Trump were dealt a campaign-ending setback , as the commander-in-chief reached the delegate threshold necessary in order to clinch the nomination for president from the Republican Party .

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After a rout of losses on Tuesday evening to former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is reportedly questioning his next moves in the Democratic Party’s primary contests to determine a nominee for president.
Biden won in all three states up for grabs Tuesday, including Florida, Illinois, and Arizona. His total delegate count right now sits at 1,153, while 861 delegates are pledged to Sanders at this time.
To win the nomination outright on the first ballot, a candidate must get 1,991 delegates, a simple majority of the total that are allocated. It’s possible that Biden won’t reach that number, but could wind up with the plurality win.
BREAKING: Joe Biden wins the Arizona Democratic Primary, NBC News projects. https://t.co/TsrS2ICMQI pic.twitter.com/LTWJY1Agg5 — NBC News (@NBCNews) March 18, 2020
Previously, when Sanders had a temporary lead in the delegate count, he said that whoever wound up with the plurality win should also win the nomination. To his credit, when he lost that lead, he stood by his previous comments.
Many have been calling for Sanders to drop out, especially in light of the current coronavirus outbreak. Sanders’ campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, said the candidate had plenty of time to think things over.
With remaining Democratic primaries likely to be diminished by coronavirus, Bernie Sanders should drop out to grant Joe Biden a clean victory and clearer path to ousting President Trump, the Sun-Times Editorial Board writes. https://t.co/jKxjTbonRk — Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) March 12, 2020
“The next primary contest is at least three weeks away. Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign,” Shakir said in a statement.
The next contests to take place will happen on Saturday, April 4. They will involve primaries in Alaska, Hawaii, and Wyoming. Louisiana, which was also slated to have a primary election on that date, has canceled the event to address coronavirus fears.
The following Tuesday, a primary election will also take place in Wisconsin.
Also on Tuesday, primary challengers to President Donald Trump were dealt a campaign-ending setback, as the commander-in-chief reached the delegate threshold necessary in order to clinch the nomination for president from the Republican Party.


politicususa--2020-03-18--Enraged Trump Blames Jared Kushner For Coronavirus Ineptitude

Trump is taking out his anger over the coronavirus on his son in law , Jared Kushner , who he is blaming for the inept White House response .
Sources say a principal target of his anger is Jared Kushner .
“ I have never heard so many people inside the White House openly discuss how pissed Trump is at Jared , ” the former West Wing official said .
Sources told me Trump is regretting that Kushner swooped into the coronavirus response last week .
Kushner , according to sources , encouraged Trump to treat the emergency as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were calling for aggressive action .
Trump was also said to be angry that Kushner oversold Google ’ s coronavirus testing website when in fact the tech giant had a fledgling effort .
Trump got slammed in the press for promoting the phantom Google product .
“ Jared told Trump that Google was doing an entire website that would be up in 72 hours and had 1,100 people working on it 24/7 .
That ’ s just a lie , ” the source briefed on the internal conversations told me .
A president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own decision .
If Trump can ’ t keep his own son-in-law under control , he can ’ t manage this crisis .
It was Trump who refused to declare a national emergency until after Kushner finished his research on the subject .
It is up for debate whether Kushner lied to Trump about the website , people around Trump have learned to keep him calm by telling him what he wants to hear for years , or if Trump did his usual hearing what he wanted to hear routine when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is looking for someone to blame when this is all on him .
It was Trump who didn ’ t adequately staff the government and bragged about closing the White House Pandemic Office .
Trump ’ s years of ignorance and incompetence have finally caught up to him , and if the health and economic projections are half as bad as what is being forecast , Donald Trump ’ s presidency will be over in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump is taking out his anger over the coronavirus on his son in law, Jared Kushner, who he is blaming for the inept White House response.
Via Vanity Fair:
Sources say a principal target of his anger is Jared Kushner. “I have never heard so many people inside the White House openly discuss how pissed Trump is at Jared,” the former West Wing official said.
Sources told me Trump is regretting that Kushner swooped into the coronavirus response last week. Kushner, according to sources, encouraged Trump to treat the emergency as a P.R. problem when Fauci and others were calling for aggressive action.
….
Trump was also said to be angry that Kushner oversold Google’s coronavirus testing website when in fact the tech giant had a fledgling effort. Trump got slammed in the press for promoting the phantom Google product. “Jared told Trump that Google was doing an entire website that would be up in 72 hours and had 1,100 people working on it 24/7. That’s just a lie,” the source briefed on the internal conversations told me.
A president should be knowledgable and capable of making his own decision. If Trump can’t keep his own son-in-law under control, he can’t manage this crisis. It was Trump who refused to declare a national emergency until after Kushner finished his research on the subject.
It is up for debate whether Kushner lied to Trump about the website, people around Trump have learned to keep him calm by telling him what he wants to hear for years, or if Trump did his usual hearing what he wanted to hear routine when he was told about the website.
Trump is looking for someone to blame when this is all on him. It was Trump who didn’t adequately staff the government and bragged about closing the White House Pandemic Office.
Trump’s years of ignorance and incompetence have finally caught up to him, and if the health and economic projections are half as bad as what is being forecast, Donald Trump’s presidency will be over in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-18--The Looming Trump Recession Could Bring About 20% Unemployment

The rapidly spreading coronavirus has wreaked havoc all over the globe in recent months , but Donald Trump ’ s incompetent response to the pandemic has put the United States far behind where it should be in fighting it .
Not only has Trump ’ s bungled response put lives at risk , but it ’ s also put the economy on more shaky ground than it likely would have been if the federal government was run by a competent adult instead of an ex-game show host .
Now , the United States is likely already in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be even worse than the 2008 financial collapse and send the unemployment rate soaring through the roof .
According to Bloomberg , “ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin raised the possibility with Republican senators that without government intervention , the U.S. could see 20 % unemployment , according to people familiar with the matter.
” More from the report : Mnuchin discussed the scenario on Tuesday as he proposed an economic stimulus of $ 1 trillion or more .
Mnuchin didn ’ t predict unemployment would reach that level , the people said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak is potentially worse than the 2008 financial crisis .
Extraordinarily high unemployment , he said , is a possibility if lawmakers don ’ t swiftly provide financial assistance to wage workers and small- and medium-sized businesses .
“ During the meeting with Senate Republicans today , Secretary Mnuchin used several mathematical examples for illustrative purposes , but he never implied this would be the case , ” Treasury spokeswoman Monica Crowley said .
Donald Trump has made this crisis worse on multiple levels To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rattle the economy no matter who was sitting in the Oval Office .
But it is undeniable that a series of decisions made by this president – from closing down the White House pandemic office to stalling aggressive coronavirus testing to claiming the outbreak was a hoax – have made this global health emergency much worse .
And since the outbreak is much worse and the response much slower than it should have been , so too is the economic damage that is almost certain to unfold over the next few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy tanks and the unemployment rate potentially soars over the next few months , it ’ s important to remember that Donald Trump has singlehandedly made this crisis much worse than it should have been .

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The rapidly spreading coronavirus has wreaked havoc all over the globe in recent months, but Donald Trump’s incompetent response to the pandemic has put the United States far behind where it should be in fighting it.
Not only has Trump’s bungled response put lives at risk, but it’s also put the economy on more shaky ground than it likely would have been if the federal government was run by a competent adult instead of an ex-game show host.
Now, the United States is likely already in the midst of an economic recession, and the downturn could be even worse than the 2008 financial collapse and send the unemployment rate soaring through the roof.
According to Bloomberg, “Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin raised the possibility with Republican senators that without government intervention, the U.S. could see 20% unemployment, according to people familiar with the matter.”
More from the report:
Mnuchin discussed the scenario on Tuesday as he proposed an economic stimulus of $1 trillion or more. Mnuchin didn’t predict unemployment would reach that level, the people said, but told the senators that he believes the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak is potentially worse than the 2008 financial crisis. Extraordinarily high unemployment, he said, is a possibility if lawmakers don’t swiftly provide financial assistance to wage workers and small- and medium-sized businesses. “During the meeting with Senate Republicans today, Secretary Mnuchin used several mathematical examples for illustrative purposes, but he never implied this would be the case,” Treasury spokeswoman Monica Crowley said.
Donald Trump has made this crisis worse on multiple levels
To be fair, a global pandemic was likely to rattle the economy no matter who was sitting in the Oval Office.
But it is undeniable that a series of decisions made by this president – from closing down the White House pandemic office to stalling aggressive coronavirus testing to claiming the outbreak was a hoax – have made this global health emergency much worse.
And since the outbreak is much worse and the response much slower than it should have been, so too is the economic damage that is almost certain to unfold over the next few months.
As the outbreak spreads, the economy tanks and the unemployment rate potentially soars over the next few months, it’s important to remember that Donald Trump has singlehandedly made this crisis much worse than it should have been.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-19--Sen. Richard Burr Dumped $1.6 Million In Stock Before The Market Crashed Using Coronavirus Inside In

Sen. Richard Burr Dumped $1.6 Million In Stock Before The Market Crashed Using Coronavirus Inside Info

Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) dumped $ 1.6 million in stock before the market crashed based on early briefings he received on the coronavirus .
Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus , the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Richard Burr , sold off a significant percentage of his stocks , unloading between $ 582,029 and $ 1.56 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 29 separate transactions .
As the head of the intelligence committee , Burr , a North Carolina Republican , has access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about threats to America ’ s security .
His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time .
Burr is also in the news for warning a group of his political donors to prepare for the coronavirus three weeks before the first death in the United States .
As he was making public comments downplaying the impact of the virus , Sen. Burr was dumping his stock and privately warning his donors to prepare for the worst .
Believe it or not , Sen. Burr ’ s activities were not illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress using information that they gain through their position in the stock market .
Burr is not one of the richest members of the Senate , but he was still able to avoid a 30 % stock loss by using information that other investors didn ’ t have .
It ’ s not fair , and it is a practice the needs to be made illegal .

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Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) dumped $1.6 million in stock before the market crashed based on early briefings he received on the coronavirus.
Via ProPublica:
Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus, the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold off a significant percentage of his stocks, unloading between $582,029 and $1.56 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 29 separate transactions.
As the head of the intelligence committee, Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has access to the government’s most highly classified information about threats to America’s security. His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time.
Burr is also in the news for warning a group of his political donors to prepare for the coronavirus three weeks before the first death in the United States. As he was making public comments downplaying the impact of the virus, Sen. Burr was dumping his stock and privately warning his donors to prepare for the worst.
Believe it or not, Sen. Burr’s activities were not illegal. There is no law against members of Congress using information that they gain through their position in the stock market. Burr is not one of the richest members of the Senate, but he was still able to avoid a 30% stock loss by using information that other investors didn’t have.
It’s not fair, and it is a practice the needs to be made illegal.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Economists Rip Trump For Getting Coronavirus Stimulus Totally Wrong

Economists at the Center For Economic And Policy Research analyzed Trump ’ s coronavirus stimulus plan and concluded that he is still getting everything wrong .
According to the CEPR : It is encouraging that the Trump administration is now taking steps to respond to the economic damage , but from what has been disclosed , its plan is poorly designed .
First and foremost , we have heard no discussion of the federal government taking a direct role in providing the resources needed to deal with the crisis .
As people lose their jobs , tens of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay their rent or their mortgage or buy food .
For these people , $ 2,000 will not go very far .
It is equal to just two-and-a-half week ’ s pay for someone earning $ 20 an hour , roughly the median wage in the economy .
Without other assistance , these people will risk losing their house or apartment .
The Trump administration apparently also wants to bail out the airline industry , and perhaps others as well .
Congress should reject such proposals out of hand .
American airlines spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past decade buying back shares and 0 percent insuring themselves against a pandemic .
The taxpayers should not be asked to pick up the tab for this failure of corporate leadership .
Trump is doing nothing to provide resources to the states to fight the epidemic .
The $ 2,000 or so that he is offering the American people in corona bribes will not be enough to keep the lights on and food on the table , given the fact that Trump isn ’ t providing enough resources to help the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rainy day .
If a person mismanages their money , the government doesn ’ t cut them a check to solve their problems .
The people who work in the airline industry need assistance , but the companies that decided to buy back stock instead of planning for an economic crisis should be on their own .
Trump ’ s stimulus will fail .
A trillion dollars isn ’ t big enough to cover the economic damage that has already been done , but before the economy gets a boost , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to take that trillion-dollar stimulus and pump into fighting the spread of coronavirus .

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Economists at the Center For Economic And Policy Research analyzed Trump’s coronavirus stimulus plan and concluded that he is still getting everything wrong.
According to the CEPR:
It is encouraging that the Trump administration is now taking steps to respond to the economic damage, but from what has been disclosed, its plan is poorly designed. First and foremost, we have heard no discussion of the federal government taking a direct role in providing the resources needed to deal with the crisis.
….
As people lose their jobs, tens of millions of people will not have enough money to pay their rent or their mortgage or buy food. For these people, $2,000 will not go very far. It is equal to just two-and-a-half week’s pay for someone earning $20 an hour, roughly the median wage in the economy. Without other assistance, these people will risk losing their house or apartment.
….
The Trump administration apparently also wants to bail out the airline industry, and perhaps others as well. Congress should reject such proposals out of hand. American airlines spent 96 percent of free cash flow the past decade buying back shares and 0 percent insuring themselves against a pandemic. The taxpayers should not be asked to pick up the tab for this failure of corporate leadership.
Trump is doing nothing to provide resources to the states to fight the epidemic. The $2,000 or so that he is offering the American people in corona bribes will not be enough to keep the lights on and food on the table, given the fact that Trump isn’t providing enough resources to help the virus.
The airlines didn’t plan for a rainy day. If a person mismanages their money, the government doesn’t cut them a check to solve their problems. The people who work in the airline industry need assistance, but the companies that decided to buy back stock instead of planning for an economic crisis should be on their own.
Trump’s stimulus will fail. A trillion dollars isn’t big enough to cover the economic damage that has already been done, but before the economy gets a boost, it would be a much better idea for the government to take that trillion-dollar stimulus and pump into fighting the spread of coronavirus.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Lindsey Graham Is Trying To Get Trump To Veto Coronavirus Cash For Every American

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) is trying to convince Donald Trump to veto any coronavirus stimulus bill that would @ @ @ @ @ American people .
Lindsey Graham doesn ’ t want people to get cash payments as @ @ @ @ @ states have filed new unemployment claims : The cash payments that the Trump administration is @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,000 for each person and $ 500 for each child , are not going @ @ @ @ @ people by the time the checks are issued .
People need more than one $ @ @ @ @ @ for a second if the emergency continues .
Lindsey Graham ’ s suggestion would guarantee @ @ @ @ @ a recession .
The aid that the Trump administration is proposing is not enough , @ @ @ @ @ terms of providing the American people much-needed cash is a great way to turn an @ @ @ @ @ .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is trying to convince Donald Trump to veto any coronavirus stimulus bill that would provide cash payments to the American people.
Jake Sherman tweeted:
🚨🚨NEWS, from the closed Senate GOP lunch: @LindseyGrahamSC just told his Republican colleagues that he is trying to convince TRUMP to oppose direct payments in PHASE THREE bill— as is new WH COS, Mark Meadows. — Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 19, 2020
Lindsey Graham doesn’t want people to get cash payments as nearly 630,000 people in 15 states have filed new unemployment claims:
Almost 630,000 unemployment claims have been filed in 15 states this week. pic.twitter.com/pD1K2fEAJD — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 19, 2020
The cash payments that the Trump administration is talking about, which are $1,000 for each person and $500 for each child, are not going to be nearly to help people by the time the checks are issued. People need more than one $1,000 check with an option for a second if the emergency continues.
People need real help today.
Lindsey Graham’s suggestion would guarantee that the nation slips into a recession. The aid that the Trump administration is proposing is not enough, but doing absolutely nothing in terms of providing the American people much-needed cash is a great way to turn an epidemic into an economic catastrophe.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-19--Trump Disgraces The White House By Using Coronavirus Briefing For Propaganda

Trump teamed up with a One America News Network propagandist to use the coronavirus briefing to attack the media and spread lies .
Trump was asked by One America News , “ On that note , major left-wing news media , even in this room , teamed up with Chinese party narratives and claiming you ’ re racist for making these claims about Chinese virus .
Is it alarming that major media players just who oppose you are signing with foreign states with radical cartels that work right here at the White House and are direct assets to you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a conspiracy rant against the media : It amazes me when I read the things I read .
It amazes me when I read “ The Wall Street Journal , ” which is also so negative .
It amazes me when I read “ The New York Times ” — I barely read it .
We don ’ t distribute it in the white house anymore .
The same thing with “ The Washington Post.
” Because you see , I know the truth .
And people out there in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth .
They don ’ t know what it is .
They use different slogans and different concepts for me almost every week trying to catch something .
Last week it was all chaos .
You see me , there ’ s no chaos .
I am the one telling everybody to be calm .
There ’ s no chaos at the white we have unbelievable professionals .
It ’ s really , I think I came up with the term — I hope I came up with a term , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more than fake news , it ’ s corrupt news .
They write stories without calling anybody .
They write a story today , I had a couple of stories where they never call me , ever , that I know of .
At least nobody tells me .
They will write a story about me without even asking my opinion on something .
It ’ s totally fake .
I have never seen it .
… .
I think they ’ re siding with China .
They ’ re doing things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re siding with many others .
China is the least of it .
Why they ’ re doing this , you ’ ll have to ask them .
Donald Trump is using the national platform of the coronavirus pandemic briefing to spread lies and propaganda to discredit the free press .
While people are dying due to a lack of coronavirus testing , Donald Trump is attacking the media .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump teamed up with a One America News Network propagandist to use the coronavirus briefing to attack the media and spread lies.
Trump was asked by One America News, “On that note, major left-wing news media, even in this room, teamed up with Chinese party narratives and claiming you’re racist for making these claims about Chinese virus. Is it alarming that major media players just who oppose you are signing with foreign states with radical cartels that work right here at the White House and are direct assets to you and your team?”
Video of Trump:
Trump teams up with One America News Network personality to disgrace the White House briefing room with conspiracies and attacks on the media, during the coronavirus briefing. pic.twitter.com/iDU6h7Xgui — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 19, 2020
The President responded with a conspiracy rant against the media:
It amazes me when I read the things I read. It amazes me when I read “The Wall Street Journal,” which is also so negative. It amazes me when I read “The New York Times” — I barely read it. We don’t distribute it in the white house anymore. The same thing with “The Washington Post.” Because you see, I know the truth. And people out there in the world, they really don’t know the truth. They don’t know what it is. They use different slogans and different concepts for me almost every week trying to catch something.
Last week it was all chaos. You see me, there’s no chaos. I am the one telling everybody to be calm. There’s no chaos at the white we have unbelievable professionals. It’s really, I think I came up with the term — I hope I came up with a term, but it is fake news. It’s more than fake news, it’s corrupt news. They write stories without calling anybody. They write a story today, I had a couple of stories where they never call me, ever, that I know of. At least nobody tells me. They will write a story about me without even asking my opinion on something. It’s totally fake. I have never seen it.
….
I think they’re siding with China. They’re doing things they shouldn’t be doing. They’re siding with many others. China is the least of it. Why they’re doing this, you’ll have to ask them.
Donald Trump is using the national platform of the coronavirus pandemic briefing to spread lies and propaganda to discredit the free press.
While people are dying due to a lack of coronavirus testing, Donald Trump is attacking the media.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-19--Trump Throws A Fit And Claims The Media Made Him Get Tested For Coronavirus

After being asked when coronavirus tests will be widely available , Trump threw a fit and said that the media made him get tested .
Trump said , “ You should only — I didn ’ t have any symptoms and I got a test but I got a test because you people were driving everybody crazy .
I had no symptoms , but I had to test .
My doctor told me don ’ t get it , you don ’ t need it .
Everybody said you don ’ t need it but I had to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And then after I got it , they said you shouldn ’ t have gotten it , you had no symptoms .
The whole thing .
If you get it , it ’ s no good .
But I ’ m a unique case unfortunately .
People that don ’ t show symptoms and people that have doctors that say they shouldn ’ t get it , I would rely on that , yes .
I would rely on that.
” Trump ’ s advice was the opposite of what medical experts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to halt the spread of the virus is to mass test people whether they have symptoms or not .
Mass testing helps to catch people who are spreading the virus but have no symptoms .
Donald Trump always should have been tested .
He is an obese man over age 70 who was exposed to the virus .
Trump is angry at the media for forcing him to do the right thing .
Trump isn ’ t leading by example , and he is making the crisis worse by complaining about doing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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After being asked when coronavirus tests will be widely available, Trump threw a fit and said that the media made him get tested.
Trump said, “You should only — I didn’t have any symptoms and I got a test but I got a test because you people were driving everybody crazy. I had no symptoms, but I had to test. My doctor told me don’t get it, you don’t need it. Everybody said you don’t need it but I had to do it because the press was going crazy. And then after I got it, they said you shouldn’t have gotten it, you had no symptoms. The whole thing. If you get it, it’s no good. But I’m a unique case unfortunately. People that don’t show symptoms and people that have doctors that say they shouldn’t get it, I would rely on that, yes. I would rely on that.”
Video:
Trump throws a fit because the media made him get a coronavirus test, and tells people not to get tested unless they have symptoms. pic.twitter.com/bIN5oCLroE — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 19, 2020
Trump’s advice was the opposite of what medical experts and experiments are suggesting. The best way to halt the spread of the virus is to mass test people whether they have symptoms or not. Mass testing helps to catch people who are spreading the virus but have no symptoms.
Donald Trump always should have been tested. He is an obese man over age 70 who was exposed to the virus. Trump is angry at the media for forcing him to do the right thing.
Trump isn’t leading by example, and he is making the crisis worse by complaining about doing the right thing.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-19--U.S. Coronavirus Cases Surpass 10,000 — 22 Days After Trump Said Number Would Be ‘Down To Zero’ Soon

The number of cases of coronavirus in the United States continues to climb .
The reason ?
It ’ s partly because the disease is spreading more , but also partly because more tests are becoming available , allowing people who contracted the disease but didn ’ t know one way or the other days ago to finally find out .
As of Thursday morning , the total number of cases surpassed 10,000 individuals in the U.S. , CNBC reported .
That number is likely to be much higher , however , because , while testing is expanding , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions across the country in place in order to deal with the current shortage .
Much of the blame for the shortage has gone to the Trump administration , particularly because the first known case of coronavirus in the country was identified in late January .
Two months on , the number of test kits remains horrifyingly low .
President Donald Trump has also been criticized for his rosy outlook on the his initial response to the disease , with many believing he didn ’ t take the threat as seriously as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 days ago , for example , when Trump said only 15 people were infected with COVID-19 , he also said that number would diminish significantly .
“ The 15 , within a couple of days , is going to be down to close to zero , ” Trump said .
“ That ’ s a pretty good job we ’ ve done.
” He made similar statements on February 28 .
“ It ’ s going to disappear .
One day , it ’ s like a miracle , it will disappear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as time went by , with criticisms to his response coming about ( due to his comments contradicting his own health experts ’ warnings ) , Trump lashed out , claiming that such criticisms were political in nature .
As recently as March 9 , Trump claimed Democrats and “ the Fake News Media ” were “ doing everything within its semi-considerable power…to inflame the CoronaVirus situation.
” Trump ’ s tone has shifted over the past week , as it became apparent Americans would have to make changes to their lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying indoors as much as possible to contain the spread .
The federal government plans to increase efforts to promote social distancing in the days ahead .

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The number of cases of coronavirus in the United States continues to climb.
The reason? It’s partly because the disease is spreading more, but also partly because more tests are becoming available, allowing people who contracted the disease but didn’t know one way or the other days ago to finally find out.
As of Thursday morning, the total number of cases surpassed 10,000 individuals in the U.S., CNBC reported.
That number is likely to be much higher, however, because, while testing is expanding, it’s still highly limited, with restrictions across the country in place in order to deal with the current shortage.
Much of the blame for the shortage has gone to the Trump administration, particularly because the first known case of coronavirus in the country was identified in late January. Two months on, the number of test kits remains horrifyingly low.
President Donald Trump has also been criticized for his rosy outlook on the his initial response to the disease, with many believing he didn’t take the threat as seriously as he should have from the get-go.
Just 22 days ago, for example, when Trump said only 15 people were infected with COVID-19, he also said that number would diminish significantly.
“The 15, within a couple of days, is going to be down to close to zero,” Trump said. “That’s a pretty good job we’ve done.”
He made similar statements on February 28. “It’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear,” the president said.
And as time went by, with criticisms to his response coming about (due to his comments contradicting his own health experts’ warnings), Trump lashed out, claiming that such criticisms were political in nature.
As recently as March 9, Trump claimed Democrats and “the Fake News Media” were “doing everything within its semi-considerable power…to inflame the CoronaVirus situation.”
Trump’s tone has shifted over the past week, as it became apparent Americans would have to make changes to their lives, being laid off in many instances and staying indoors as much as possible to contain the spread. The federal government plans to increase efforts to promote social distancing in the days ahead.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Sen. Burr Gave Rich Donors Secret Coronavirus Early Warning As Trump Downplayed Fears

Sen. Richard Burr was heard on a leaked tape giving early warning on the coronavirus to rich donors as Trump downplayed the situation “ It ’ s going to disappear .
One day , It ’ s like a miracle .
It will disappear , ” the president said then , before adding , “ it could get worse before it gets better .
It could maybe go away .
We ’ ll see what happens.
” On that same day , Burr attended a luncheon held at a social club called the Capitol Hill Club .
And he delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s one thing that I can tell you about this : It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history , ” he said , according to a secret recording of the remarks obtained by NPR .
“ It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.
” In attendance , according to a copy of the RSVP list obtained by NPR , were dozens of invited guests representing companies and organizations from North Carolina .
And according to federal records , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 100,000 to Burr ’ s election campaign in 2015 and 2016 .
Burr is not running for reelection in 2022 , but even in the face of a pandemic that could kill a million or more Americans , Republicans are too afraid of Trump to speak publicly and tell the truth about the greatest public health crisis that this nation has faced in a century .
The idea that rich donors got a three-week head start on preparing for coronavirus over the rest of the country is appalling .
Sen. Burr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warning loudly and publicly to all Americans whether or not they had donated to their campaign .
As Trump was lying to viewers on Fox News , Sen. Burr ’ s donors knew the truth and had time to prepare .
The Republican refusal to stand up to Trump is going to get Americans killed .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Richard Burr was heard on a leaked tape giving early warning on the coronavirus to rich donors as Trump downplayed the situation
NPR reported:
“It’s going to disappear. One day, It’s like a miracle. It will disappear,” the president said then, before adding, “it could get worse before it gets better. It could maybe go away. We’ll see what happens.”
On that same day, Burr attended a luncheon held at a social club called the Capitol Hill Club. And he delivered a much more alarming message.
“There’s one thing that I can tell you about this: It is much more aggressive in its transmission than anything that we have seen in recent history,” he said, according to a secret recording of the remarks obtained by NPR. “It is probably more akin to the 1918 pandemic.”
….
In attendance, according to a copy of the RSVP list obtained by NPR, were dozens of invited guests representing companies and organizations from North Carolina. And according to federal records, those companies or their political committees donated more than $100,000 to Burr’s election campaign in 2015 and 2016.
Burr is not running for reelection in 2022, but even in the face of a pandemic that could kill a million or more Americans, Republicans are too afraid of Trump to speak publicly and tell the truth about the greatest public health crisis that this nation has faced in a century.
The idea that rich donors got a three-week head start on preparing for coronavirus over the rest of the country is appalling. Sen. Burr and other Republicans should have been issuing the warning loudly and publicly to all Americans whether or not they had donated to their campaign.
As Trump was lying to viewers on Fox News, Sen. Burr’s donors knew the truth and had time to prepare.
The Republican refusal to stand up to Trump is going to get Americans killed.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-19--GOP Congressman Dismissive Of ‘Beer Virus’ Skipped Paid Leave Vote To Go To NRA Event Instead

A congressman from the northernmost state in the Union told seniors last week they had nothing to worry about coronavirus infecting them , calling such concerns “ overblown ” during an event last week .
“ They call it the coronavirus .
I call it the beer virus .
How do you like that ?
” Rep. Don Young , a Republican from Alaska , said on Friday .
Young tried to reassure seniors there was nothing to worry over , appealing to them because , as he put it , “ I ’ m one of you.
” Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still say we have to as a nation and state go forth with everyday activities , ” Young said , thwarting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing during the disease ’ s spread .
Young also told those in attendance that coronavirus is “ not nearly as deadly as the other viruses we have.
” However , that ’ s a misleading statement : while more people get the flu , and thus more in terms of raw numbers die from it than do coronavirus , those who catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dying than do those who get infected with COVID-19 .
The rate of death for those who catch the flu is around 0.1 percent .
The rate of those dying from coronavirus is closer to 3 percent , if they contract the disease .
Perhaps to further demonstrate his indifference to the disease , Young opted out of voting on a paid medical leave bill passed by Congress this week .
According to Newsweek , Young decided it was more important for him to attend a National Rifle Association meeting in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package .
President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after it reached his desk .
Young has made other controversial statements and actions in the past .
He has a nasty habit , for example , of physically pushing female reporters , and he ’ s also made headlines in the past for snidely remarking that wolves could help with Alaska ’ s homeless population problems .

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A congressman from the northernmost state in the Union told seniors last week they had nothing to worry about coronavirus infecting them, calling such concerns “overblown” during an event last week.
“They call it the coronavirus. I call it the beer virus. How do you like that?” Rep. Don Young, a Republican from Alaska, said on Friday.
Young tried to reassure seniors there was nothing to worry over, appealing to them because, as he put it, “I’m one of you.” Young is 86 years old.
“I still say we have to as a nation and state go forth with everyday activities,” Young said, thwarting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing during the disease’s spread.
Don Young dismisses "beer virus," tells seniors to "go forth with everyday activities" https://t.co/OYbeQL4JHy pic.twitter.com/sdFafIuLkG — The Hill (@thehill) March 19, 2020
Young also told those in attendance that coronavirus is “not nearly as deadly as the other viruses we have.” However, that’s a misleading statement: while more people get the flu, and thus more in terms of raw numbers die from it than do coronavirus, those who catch the flu actually have a smaller chance of dying than do those who get infected with COVID-19.
The rate of death for those who catch the flu is around 0.1 percent. The rate of those dying from coronavirus is closer to 3 percent, if they contract the disease.
Perhaps to further demonstrate his indifference to the disease, Young opted out of voting on a paid medical leave bill passed by Congress this week. According to Newsweek, Young decided it was more important for him to attend a National Rifle Association meeting in his home state than to vote on the package.
Alaska Rep. Don Young, who called coronavirus the "beer virus," attended NRA fundraiser after skipping House COVID-19 relief fund votehttps://t.co/YKa0yoGPdR — rusticgorilla (@ImagineWorldas1) March 19, 2020
President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after it reached his desk.
Young has made other controversial statements and actions in the past. He has a nasty habit, for example, of physically pushing female reporters, and he’s also made headlines in the past for snidely remarking that wolves could help with Alaska’s homeless population problems.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Trump Claiming He Knew Pandemic Was Coming Is Actually Worse — It’s ‘Malpractice’ If True, MSNBC Hos

Trump Claiming He Knew Pandemic Was Coming Is Actually Worse — It’s ‘Malpractice’ If True, MSNBC Host Says

President Donald Trump recently shifted gears and said earlier this week that he always knew a coronavirus pandemic was on its way .
But while that may be a CYA move by the president in a blatant attempt to make it seem like he ’ s not failing when it comes to responding to the CODIV-19 outbreak , others noted that it ’ s , at best , a sign of negligence .
“ This is a pandemic .
I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic , ” Trump said on Tuesday .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past , however — including calling previous complaints about his slow response to the disease a “ hoax , ” and claiming the number of individuals infected with coronavirus would be “ close to zero ” within a “ couple of days ” in late February .
But according to MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe ” host Mika Brzezinski , even if we suspend all logic and go with what Trump is saying here , it ’ s indicative of poor planning and management by the president .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s almost worse when you look at it that way , ” Brzezinski said on Thursday morning .
“ That ’ s just malpractice .
You know something like this is coming , and you do nothing .
That ’ s what he ’ s telling the American people .
He did nothing from the get-go.
” Her husband and “ Morning Joe ” host Joe Scarborough also complained about Trump ’ s recent claims , adding that , if he really knew this was coming , why was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it — and why is his administration still failing to test people for coronavirus ?
“ Why do we still not have tests ?
We keep getting promised a million tests here , a million tests there , ” Scarborough said .
“ Yesterday , we heard reports from a health official that we don ’ t have a lot of the supplies that are needed to apply the tests.
” According to the New York Times coronavirus tracker , as of Thursday morning , more than 8,300 individuals have tested positive so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number is expected to rise significantly once more testing is done .
Nearly 150 patients have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 this year .

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President Donald Trump recently shifted gears and said earlier this week that he always knew a coronavirus pandemic was on its way. But while that may be a CYA move by the president in a blatant attempt to make it seem like he’s not failing when it comes to responding to the CODIV-19 outbreak, others noted that it’s, at best, a sign of negligence.
“This is a pandemic. I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,” Trump said on Tuesday.
That contradicted a number of statements he made in the past, however — including calling previous complaints about his slow response to the disease a “hoax,” and claiming the number of individuals infected with coronavirus would be “close to zero” within a “couple of days” in late February.
Trump says he knew coronavirus was a pandemic 'long before' it was declared https://t.co/1iTTfE45j5 — #TuckFrump (@realTuckFrumper) March 17, 2020
But according to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” host Mika Brzezinski, even if we suspend all logic and go with what Trump is saying here, it’s indicative of poor planning and management by the president.
“The president said he knew it was coming. It’s almost worse when you look at it that way,” Brzezinski said on Thursday morning. “That’s just malpractice. You know something like this is coming, and you do nothing. That’s what he’s telling the American people. He did nothing from the get-go.”
Her husband and “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough also complained about Trump’s recent claims, adding that, if he really knew this was coming, why was the president so ill-prepared to do something about it — and why is his administration still failing to test people for coronavirus?
2,000+ new cases today. Total U.S. coronavirus tally at the end of each Wednesday:
• Jan 15 — 0
• Jan 22 — 1
• Jan 29 — 5
• Feb 5 — 12
• Feb 12 — 14
• Feb 19 — 25
• Feb 26 — 60
• Mar 4 — 160
• Mar 11 — 1,262
• Mar 18 — 8,264https://t.co/74QzWYbn1p — Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) March 19, 2020
“Why do we still not have tests? We keep getting promised a million tests here, a million tests there,” Scarborough said. “Yesterday, we heard reports from a health official that we don’t have a lot of the supplies that are needed to apply the tests.”
According to the New York Times coronavirus tracker, as of Thursday morning, more than 8,300 individuals have tested positive so far for the illness, though that number is expected to rise significantly once more testing is done. Nearly 150 patients have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 this year.


politicususa--2020-03-19--A 2009 Vote Against Pandemic Funding Comes Back to Haunt Senator Susan Collins

In 2009 , Senator Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) voted against the Obama administration ’ s attempt to include funding for pandemic flu preparations in its economic stimulus plan .
In light of the coronavirus pandemic , which has claimed the lives of at least 155 Americans nationwide , that vote has come back to haunt her .
“ It is the regular appropriations process that is the appropriate vehicle for considering funding for many of these programs that , while worthwhile , do not boost our economy , ” Collins said on the Senate floor in April 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The move was at the time criticized by an unidentified Democratic aide interviewed by Roll Call who said , “ The fact is we had $ 870 million in the stimulus conference report for things like antiviral drugs , but it was dropped at the behest of people like Sen. Collins who said it was not stimulus .
“ [ Health and Human Services ] HHS does appear to be well-supplied , but the fact is this was a missed opportunity to be prepared for a crisis like this.
” Collins later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pandemic flu funding despite striking it from the stimulus plan , even as a pandemic of H1N1 influenza , otherwise known as swine flu , claimed more than 100 deaths nationwide .
And now that the coronavirus has taken the United States by storm , members of the public , news reporters , and even Betsy Sweet , who is challenging Collins for her Senate seat , are reminding Collins of her prior vote all while she updates her constituents over the last week about her efforts to keep the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible.
” Yesterday , Collins announced that she ’ d joined “ an overwhelming , bipartisan majority of Senators in voting to approve a multi-billion dollar emergency aid package ” in response to the growing crisis .
Collins is considered one of several Republicans holding vulnerable seats in time for this year ’ s elections .
Most recently , she received heavy criticism for voting against the impeachment of President Donald Trump , who has been heavily criticized for his response to the current pandemic .
Last week , Collins told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead the administration ’ s response .
“ I would like the president to step back and appoint one of our public health officials to be the spokesman as we go through dealing with this novel virus , ” she said , adding that “ it is very important that health professionals be out front and that there be a consistent message .
”

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In 2009, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted against the Obama administration’s attempt to include funding for pandemic flu preparations in its economic stimulus plan. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of at least 155 Americans nationwide, that vote has come back to haunt her.
“It is the regular appropriations process that is the appropriate vehicle for considering funding for many of these programs that, while worthwhile, do not boost our economy,” Collins said on the Senate floor in April 2009, citing her reasons for demanding the cuts.
The move was at the time criticized by an unidentified Democratic aide interviewed by Roll Call who said, “The fact is we had $870 million in the stimulus conference report for things like antiviral drugs, but it was dropped at the behest of people like Sen. Collins who said it was not stimulus. “[Health and Human Services] HHS does appear to be well-supplied, but the fact is this was a missed opportunity to be prepared for a crisis like this.”
Collins later put out a statement saying she agreed with pandemic flu funding despite striking it from the stimulus plan, even as a pandemic of H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu, claimed more than 100 deaths nationwide.
And now that the coronavirus has taken the United States by storm, members of the public, news reporters, and even Betsy Sweet, who is challenging Collins for her Senate seat, are reminding Collins of her prior vote all while she updates her constituents over the last week about her efforts to keep the people of Maine “as safe and as healthy as possible.”
Why it has taken so long to call out S. Collins is something few will ever know. She is no different than any other of Trump's lap dogs.https://t.co/gin39FRnO9 — Adam B. Bear (@democraticbear) March 19, 2020
I had forgotten my own reporting that @SenatorCollins stripped $870M for pandemic preparations out of the 2009 stimulus. pic.twitter.com/VTriR6ZsCS — Michael Grunwald (@MikeGrunwald) March 12, 2020
So why did you kill efforts to fund pandemic preparations in 2009? You literally did that all by yourself. Was it to stick it to the black man? Yes, @SenatorCollins – I am writing a stern tweet, just like you do to address issues. Doesnt seem to be working. pic.twitter.com/KWb2ryv8Uw — Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 13, 2020
In 2009, @SenatorCollins didn't think it was a good idea to invest in pandemic flu preparedness, saying it was not good for the economy. Now, #Covid19 could throw us into another recession. We deserve better from our leaders. https://t.co/qFP0w0eoSI — Betsy Sweet (@BetsySweetME) March 13, 2020
Yesterday, Collins announced that she’d joined “an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Senators in voting to approve a multi-billion dollar emergency aid package” in response to the growing crisis.
Today, I joined an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Senators in voting to approve a multi-billion dollar emergency aid package that was first passed by the House and sent to the Senate on Tuesday. We must continue our work to respond to this crisis.https://t.co/jbdtlTTJoP — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) March 18, 2020
Collins is considered one of several Republicans holding vulnerable seats in time for this year’s elections. Most recently, she received heavy criticism for voting against the impeachment of President Donald Trump, who has been heavily criticized for his response to the current pandemic.
Last week, Collins told reporters Trump should allow public health officials to lead the administration’s response.
“I would like the president to step back and appoint one of our public health officials to be the spokesman as we go through dealing with this novel virus,” she said, adding that “it is very important that health professionals be out front and that there be a consistent message.”