politicususa--2020-03-24--Defying All Logic, Trump Says Americans Can Practice Social Distancing While At Work

In the past few days , President Donald Trump has made clear his desire to put a quick end to the practice of social distancing in order to combat the threat of coronavirus — a move that health experts agree is premature .
On Tuesday , however , Trump assuaged his message a bit , claiming that Americans could go back to work while still practicing the tenets of social distancing .
“ Our people want to return to work .
They will practice Social Distancing and all else , and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do two things together.
” The “ two things , ” however , can not feasibly work together .
The idea of social distancing is that airborne pathogens become less likely to be passed person-to-person , including among a population of people who are not showing symptoms of the disease .
Trump added in his tweet a point he aimed to make over the weekend : that social distancing , in his view , was causing more harm than good , particularly for the economy .
Trump on Monday made similar complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s economic health — the sole topic that Trump has consistently polled well on .
“ Our country wasn ’ t built to be shut down , ” Trump said in a press briefing on that day .
“ This is not a country that was built for this.
” While Trump continues to press for a shortened period of social distancing , health experts are saying the opposite needs to happen in order to give healthcare professionals the ability to treat patients infected with coronavirus without completely overwhelming the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too early to even consider rolling back any guidelines , ” Harvard public health professor Howard Koh said to Politico .
“ With cases and deaths rising by the day , the country must double down , not lighten up , on social distancing and related measures .

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In the past few days, President Donald Trump has made clear his desire to put a quick end to the practice of social distancing in order to combat the threat of coronavirus — a move that health experts agree is premature.
On Tuesday, however, Trump assuaged his message a bit, claiming that Americans could go back to work while still practicing the tenets of social distancing.
“Our people want to return to work. They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly,” Trump tweeted out. “We can do two things together.”
Our people want to return to work. They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM! Congress MUST ACT NOW. We will come back strong! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2020
The “two things,” however, cannot feasibly work together. The idea of social distancing is that airborne pathogens become less likely to be passed person-to-person, including among a population of people who are not showing symptoms of the disease.
Trump added in his tweet a point he aimed to make over the weekend: that social distancing, in his view, was causing more harm than good, particularly for the economy.
“THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM!” Trump said.
Trump on Monday made similar complaints about social distancing and its effects on America’s economic health — the sole topic that Trump has consistently polled well on. “Our country wasn’t built to be shut down,” Trump said in a press briefing on that day. “This is not a country that was built for this.”
#WeAreID I want to recognize my colleagues at #EmoryID who are working hard 7 days a week fighting #COVID19US Do your part and #StayHome We need you to do that so we can #FlattenTheCurve pic.twitter.com/hKO3qiJ6eW — Carlos del Rio (@CarlosdelRio7) March 21, 2020
While Trump continues to press for a shortened period of social distancing, health experts are saying the opposite needs to happen in order to give healthcare professionals the ability to treat patients infected with coronavirus without completely overwhelming the system to ruin.
“It is way too early to even consider rolling back any guidelines,” Harvard public health professor Howard Koh said to Politico. “With cases and deaths rising by the day, the country must double down, not lighten up, on social distancing and related measures.


politicususa--2020-03-24--Is Anthony Fauci, The Voice Of Reason On Trump’s Coronavirus Task Force, Going To Get Fired?

The absence of a respected medical professional who has become a media star during the coronavirus crisis ( due to his straightforwardness and ability to correct the record ) was noticeably absent on Monday during a White House press briefing — and Americans , perhaps rightly so , freaked out .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , a member of President Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus task force and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has become a fixture at such press briefings .
But because he has corrected Trump ’ s false statements on many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with print journals such as Science where he openly acknowledged the president ’ s shortcomings — the doctor has reportedly irked Trump for being so forthcoming .
It was revealed over the weekend , for instance , that Fauci understood the president ’ s words weren ’ t always accurate .
“ I can ’ t jump in front of the microphone and push him down , ” Fauci explained when it comes to correcting Trump every time he makes a misleading statement .
When reports of that statement made the rounds — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the Monday presser after a social media meme of him giving a “ facepalm ” to Trump ’ s commentary became viral — some worried he was on the path that so many in the Trump administration have taken so far , toward being removed from his position .
“ Do you know what ’ s more dangerous than COVID ?
Telling the truth about Trump as a member of the executive branch , ” CNN host Chris Cuomo said on his program Monday evening .
Fears of his departure ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those press briefings ) were somewhat alleviated on Tuesday morning , when Trump tweeted out praise for Fauci on social media .
But the fact that the president has been grumbling about him still has many worried , as well as questioning : is it only a matter of time before the good doctor is given the boot ?
Fauci ’ s reputation as a medical expert ( he ’ s served in his current role since Reagan was president ) may help keep him in place for now .
Trump likely views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thus good to keep around — a net benefit , even if he is an occasional annoyance to him .
Yet , as we ’ ve seen in the past , those who are critical of the president within his own administration don ’ t seem to last long .
Fauci may be the exception , given the crisis we ’ re currently facing — but he may also be shown the door , if he goes too far .

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The absence of a respected medical professional who has become a media star during the coronavirus crisis (due to his straightforwardness and ability to correct the record) was noticeably absent on Monday during a White House press briefing — and Americans, perhaps rightly so, freaked out.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has become a fixture at such press briefings.
But because he has corrected Trump’s false statements on many occasions — and because, in interviews with print journals such as Science where he openly acknowledged the president’s shortcomings — the doctor has reportedly irked Trump for being so forthcoming.
"Where's Fauci?" is quickly becoming one of the most-asked questions of 2020. — Jill Colvin (@colvinj) March 23, 2020
It was revealed over the weekend, for instance, that Fauci understood the president’s words weren’t always accurate. “I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down,” Fauci explained when it comes to correcting Trump every time he makes a misleading statement.
When reports of that statement made the rounds — and when Fauci didn’t show up to the Monday presser after a social media meme of him giving a “facepalm” to Trump’s commentary became viral — some worried he was on the path that so many in the Trump administration have taken so far, toward being removed from his position.
Somewhere in Washington, Dr. Fauci just put his head in hands as the President repeated for the fortieth time that he’s excited about malaria medication. pic.twitter.com/8Hw9n2WhIV — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) March 22, 2020
“Do you know what’s more dangerous than COVID? Telling the truth about Trump as a member of the executive branch,” CNN host Chris Cuomo said on his program Monday evening.
Fears of his departure (including the loss of exceptional truth-telling during those press briefings) were somewhat alleviated on Tuesday morning, when Trump tweeted out praise for Fauci on social media.
But the fact that the president has been grumbling about him still has many worried, as well as questioning: is it only a matter of time before the good doctor is given the boot?
Where's Dr. Fauci? Oh. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Sorry, Dr. Fauci! If you don't agree with Dear Leader 110% of the time and genuflect in every press conference, you will find yourself *gone*. https://t.co/c3ukXPJTEH — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) March 23, 2020
Fauci’s reputation as a medical expert (he’s served in his current role since Reagan was president) may help keep him in place for now. Trump likely views him as an expert Americans trust, and thus good to keep around — a net benefit, even if he is an occasional annoyance to him.
Yet, as we’ve seen in the past, those who are critical of the president within his own administration don’t seem to last long. Fauci may be the exception, given the crisis we’re currently facing — but he may also be shown the door, if he goes too far.


politicususa--2020-03-24--Trump Slammed for Claiming Coronavirus Pandemic “Is Why We Need Borders”

President Donald Trump suggested that the coronavirus pandemic , which has claimed nearly 600 lives in the United States , justifies his immigration policies , and “ IS WHY WE NEED BORDERS.
” But as many critics pointed out , viruses know no borders .
The president has had to contend with a mounting crisis as news emerged that his administration had been warned about a likely pandemic as early as January and February , but failed to take serious action .
The warnings from U.S. intelligence agencies underscore a dire reality : That the virus would have spread with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president suggested .
( The president has made tightened border security and immigration control a cornerstone of his policy since his time as a candidate on the campaign trail . )
One in three Americans has been ordered to stay home as United States health officials warn that the worst is still ahead of us .
With the exponential spread , the number of cases and deaths is expected to explode in the coming week , likely determining the direction the White House will take .
“ I want America to understand : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get bad , ” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during an appearance on NBC .
“ We really , really need everyone to stay at home .
… There are not enough people out there who are taking this seriously.
” There are more than 46,000 coronavirus cases nationwide , though that number is likely to be significantly higher due to a testing shortage .

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President Donald Trump suggested that the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed nearly 600 lives in the United States, justifies his immigration policies, and “IS WHY WE NEED BORDERS.”
THIS IS WHY WE NEED BORDERS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2020
But as many critics pointed out, viruses know no borders.
Human compassion is the only proven strategy against this global problem. If we have learned something from this crisis, it's that borders are useless: walls don't stop viruses. — Alejandro Gaviria (@agaviriau) March 24, 2020
Yes, let's make the viruses show some sort of identification before they cross over. Great idea, Mr. President. You're such a genius. — Stacie (@h8Wankmaggot45) March 23, 2020
There is already community spread of the coronavirus within the United States and the virus is affecting countries around the world. This is why we need to approach this as a global effort rather than racist nationalism and xenophobia. We’re all in this together. — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 23, 2020
O’Hare airport with international travelers going through customs. Six hour lines, no masks, no gloves, no tests, no quarantines. Viruses don’t know borders. pic.twitter.com/bDcnJsJldH — jen pal (@jennyrachelpal) March 23, 2020
Viruses don’t use Passports. — robert jon anderson (@R_JonAnderson) March 23, 2020
The president has had to contend with a mounting crisis as news emerged that his administration had been warned about a likely pandemic as early as January and February, but failed to take serious action. The warnings from U.S. intelligence agencies underscore a dire reality: That the virus would have spread with or without the tightened border controls the president suggested. (The president has made tightened border security and immigration control a cornerstone of his policy since his time as a candidate on the campaign trail.)
One in three Americans has been ordered to stay home as United States health officials warn that the worst is still ahead of us. With the exponential spread, the number of cases and deaths is expected to explode in the coming week, likely determining the direction the White House will take.
“I want America to understand: This week, it’s going to get bad,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during an appearance on NBC. “We really, really need everyone to stay at home. … There are not enough people out there who are taking this seriously.”
There are more than 46,000 coronavirus cases nationwide, though that number is likely to be significantly higher due to a testing shortage.


politicususa--2020-03-24--Even Wall Street Is Asking Trump Not to Restart the Economy Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

President Donald Trump has courted significant controversy since announcing he will look into loosening federal guidelines for social distancing and urge businesses to reopen even as the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Our country wasn ’ t built to be shut down , ” Trump said during a briefing at the White House .
“ America will , again , and soon , be open for business .
Very soon .
A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting .
Lot sooner .
We can not let the cure be worse than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it , saying that relaxing social distancing could increase the death toll from the virus , which has claimed at least 582 lives in the United States .
But even big business appears to side with the experts , and several prominent investors and financiers warn that the economy could take even harsher blows should Trump go ahead with his plan .
“ You may get a [ market ] bounce on the headline , ” Quincy Krosby , chief market strategist at Prudential Financial Inc. , told The Washington Post ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market could down even more if the community of investors and traders believe this is the opposite of what is needed .
Above all else it will be the empirical data that suggests the virus is receding.
” “ What the world , and the market , needs to see is that number stop going up , ” he said .
“ Think of it as a trade : What ’ s the risk of reopening early ?
” Sarhan said .
“ The risk is the number of cases continues to skyrocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re just digging a much deeper hole.
” Last week , Bill Ackman , the CEO of Pershing Square Capital , made headlines after he demanded the president order a 30-day nationwide shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Ackman warned that postponing a shutdown would cost possibly “ millions of lives ” while decimating the economy .
“ With your leadership , we can end this now .
The rest of the world will follow your lead , ” he concluded .
Ackman reiterated his call as recently as yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely obliterated ” with “ a coordinated national shutdown for all but essential services .
”

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President Donald Trump has courted significant controversy since announcing he will look into loosening federal guidelines for social distancing and urge businesses to reopen even as the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our country wasn’t built to be shut down,” Trump said during a briefing at the White House. “America will, again, and soon, be open for business. Very soon. A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting. Lot sooner. We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”
Health experts have advised against it, saying that relaxing social distancing could increase the death toll from the virus, which has claimed at least 582 lives in the United States.
But even big business appears to side with the experts, and several prominent investors and financiers warn that the economy could take even harsher blows should Trump go ahead with his plan.
“You may get a [market] bounce on the headline,” Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist at Prudential Financial Inc., told The Washington Post‘s Tory Newmyer. “Or the market could down even more if the community of investors and traders believe this is the opposite of what is needed. Above all else it will be the empirical data that suggests the virus is receding.”
Adam Sarhan, CEO of investment firm 50 Park Investments, concurred.
“What the world, and the market, needs to see is that number stop going up,” he said. “Think of it as a trade: What’s the risk of reopening early?” Sarhan said. “The risk is the number of cases continues to skyrocket, and longer term, you’re just digging a much deeper hole.”
Last week, Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital, made headlines after he demanded the president order a 30-day nationwide shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Ackman warned that postponing a shutdown would cost possibly “millions of lives” while decimating the economy.
“With your leadership, we can end this now. The rest of the world will follow your lead,” he concluded.
Ackman reiterated his call as recently as yesterday, arguing that the virus is “largely obliterated” with “a coordinated national shutdown for all but essential services.”


politicususa--2020-03-25--Rachel Maddow Says GOP Governors In The South Are Setting Their States Up For Coronavirus Disaster

On her program on Tuesday night , Rachel Maddow warned Republican governors in the deep south that if they don ’ t start taking the coronavirus outbreak seriously , it ’ s going to overwhelm their states in a hurry .
As the MSNBC host pointed out , governors in Mississippi and Alabama haven ’ t yet issued stay-at-home orders , despite the fact that major cities in their states , and neighboring ones , are seeing a massive surge in coronavirus cases .
“ [ Louisiana is ] begging the White House for federal assistance , ” Maddow pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans .
“ That ’ s Louisiana ( led by a Democratic governor ) .
Next door in Mississippi , though , you know , no worries .
They ’ re not China .
Whatever ’ s happening in Birmingham , Alabama , whatever ’ s happening in New Orleans , I ’ m sure Mississippi will be fine .
They ’ re not China , ” she added , taking a swipe at the Mississippi governor who said his state doesn ’ t have to worry because it is “ never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so because of that city council , they have a stay-at-home order tonight effective immediately .
But statewide , still no order .
I ’ m sure it ’ ll just stay in Birmingham .
Next door in Mississippi , still no statewide order .
The governor says we ’ re not China .
Why would we need some sort of statewide stay-at-home order ?
Everything ’ s fine .
Next door , further west in Louisiana , they think they ’ ve got the most rapidly growing outbreak in the nation there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll stay confined within state borders .
I ’ m sure there ’ s nobody in Mississippi commuting to work in New Orleans , right ?
That doesn ’ t happen , does it ?
… This is the local paper in New Orleans basically screaming at the top of their lungs about what is already starting to happen in New Orleans … pointing out that of the ten worst hit counties in the United States so far , nine of those ten counties are in the New York metropolitan area .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t , the place with the sixth highest rate of cases in the entire country is the great city of New Orleans .
… The governor of Louisiana , John Bel Edwards now saying that he expects Louisiana hospitals to be overrun and to potentially be unable to provide care as soon as the end of next week .
There are already 94 people on ventilators in the state of Louisiana .
They ’ ve only got 381 ICU beds in the whole state .
They ’ ve already got 94 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now asking for a federal disaster declaration .
They believe they have the fastest growing outbreak in the country .
There is a statewide stay-at-home order in effect in Louisiana .
They are starting to build isolation facilities inside state parks .
They are begging the White House for federal assistance .
That ’ s Louisiana .
Next door in Mississippi , though , you know , no worries .
They ’ re not China .
Whatever ’ s happening in Birmingham , Alabama , whatever ’ s happening in New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fine .
They ’ re not China .
This is why a national approach is so important The fact that some states are taking this outbreak seriously while others are not is one major reason why a federal approach is necessary .
After all , social distancing measures will only be successful if everyone in the country is participating .
Other countries , like the United Kingdom and India , seem to have understood this concept as both countries have issued lockdowns over the past two days .
Meanwhile , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piecemeal approach .
Heck , the president of the United States is even floating the idea of removing restrictions altogether over the next couple of weeks .
This lackluster response from some Republican governors and the federal government will only ensure that this outbreak is much worse and deadlier than it needs to be .

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On her program on Tuesday night, Rachel Maddow warned Republican governors in the deep south that if they don’t start taking the coronavirus outbreak seriously, it’s going to overwhelm their states in a hurry.
As the MSNBC host pointed out, governors in Mississippi and Alabama haven’t yet issued stay-at-home orders, despite the fact that major cities in their states, and neighboring ones, are seeing a massive surge in coronavirus cases.
“[Louisiana is] begging the White House for federal assistance,” Maddow pointed out, highlighting the growing crisis in New Orleans.
“That’s Louisiana (led by a Democratic governor). Next door in Mississippi, though, you know, no worries. They’re not China. Whatever’s happening in Birmingham, Alabama, whatever’s happening in New Orleans, I’m sure Mississippi will be fine. They’re not China,” she added, taking a swipe at the Mississippi governor who said his state doesn’t have to worry because it is “never going to be like China.”
Video:
Rachel Maddow says Republican governors in the deep south are setting their states up for a coronavirus disaster. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/AK96ByyZ0X — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 25, 2020
Maddow said:
And so because of that city council, they have a stay-at-home order tonight effective immediately. But statewide, still no order. I’m sure it’ll just stay in Birmingham. Next door in Mississippi, still no statewide order. The governor says we’re not China. Why would we need some sort of statewide stay-at-home order? Everything’s fine. Next door, further west in Louisiana, they think they’ve got the most rapidly growing outbreak in the nation there. I’m sure it’ll stay confined within state borders. I’m sure there’s nobody in Mississippi commuting to work in New Orleans, right? That doesn’t happen, does it? … This is the local paper in New Orleans basically screaming at the top of their lungs about what is already starting to happen in New Orleans … pointing out that of the ten worst hit counties in the United States so far, nine of those ten counties are in the New York metropolitan area. The only one in the top ten that isn’t, the place with the sixth highest rate of cases in the entire country is the great city of New Orleans. … The governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards now saying that he expects Louisiana hospitals to be overrun and to potentially be unable to provide care as soon as the end of next week. There are already 94 people on ventilators in the state of Louisiana. They’ve only got 381 ICU beds in the whole state. They’ve already got 94 ventilators in use. State of Louisiana is now asking for a federal disaster declaration. They believe they have the fastest growing outbreak in the country. There is a statewide stay-at-home order in effect in Louisiana. They are starting to build isolation facilities inside state parks. They are begging the White House for federal assistance. That’s Louisiana. Next door in Mississippi, though, you know, no worries. They’re not China. Whatever’s happening in Birmingham, Alabama, whatever’s happening in New Orleans, I’m sure Mississippi will be fine. They’re not China.
This is why a national approach is so important
The fact that some states are taking this outbreak seriously while others are not is one major reason why a federal approach is necessary. After all, social distancing measures will only be successful if everyone in the country is participating.
Other countries, like the United Kingdom and India, seem to have understood this concept as both countries have issued lockdowns over the past two days.
Meanwhile, the United States is relying on a state-by-state, piecemeal approach. Heck, the president of the United States is even floating the idea of removing restrictions altogether over the next couple of weeks.
This lackluster response from some Republican governors and the federal government will only ensure that this outbreak is much worse and deadlier than it needs to be.


politicususa--2020-03-25--Dr. Fauci Calls It A Terrible Idea To Lift Coronavirus Restrictions In The Middle Of Outbreak

Over the past 24 hours , Donald Trump and Fox News have been pushing the dangerous new lie that the “ cure ” for coronavirus – locking down the country to stop its spread – is worse than the disease itself , which has already caused around 700 deaths in the United States .
During a town hall hosted by the president ’ s favorite cable news network on Tuesday , Trump said he was pushing to have the country up and running by Easter .
He even openly dreamed about seeing churches all across America packed to the brim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , when Dr. Anthony Fauci stepped to the podium next to Trump at the daily coronavirus briefing , he all but shattered the president ’ s hopes of lifting restrictions anytime soon .
“ When you look at the country , I mean obviously no one is going to want to tone down things when you see what ’ s going on in a place like New York City , ” Dr. Fauci said .
“ I mean , that ’ s just good public health practice and common sense.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We just had a conversation with the president in the Oval Office talking about – you can look at a date , but you have to be very flexible .
On a literally day by day , week by week basis , you need to evaluate the feasibility of what you ’ re trying to do .
And John , you asked for what kind of metrics , what kind of data .
When you look at the country , I mean obviously no one is going to want to tone down things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in a place like New York City .
I mean , that ’ s just good public health practice and common sense , but the country is a big country and there are areas of the country – and I refer to this in my opening remarks – that we really need to know more about what the penetrants is there .
So if we do the kind of testing that we ’ re doing – and testing will always be associated by identification , isolation and contact tracing – and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there are areas that are very different from other areas of the country , you may not want to essentially treat it as just one force for the entire country , but look at flexibility in different areas .
So I think people might get the misinterpretation you ’ re just going lift everything up .
And even somebody is going like that , that ’ s not going to happen .
It ’ s going to be looking at the data and what we don ’ t have right now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know what ’ s going on in those areas of the country where there isn ’ t an obvious outbreak .
Is there something underneath the surface that says wait a minute , you better be careful and really clamp down , or what looks there that you don ’ t really have to be as harsh as you are in other areas .
So it ’ s looking at information that up to this point , John , we never had .
So it ’ s a flexible situation .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his reelection than public health As Dr. Fauci noted on Tuesday , it ’ s not good public policy to lift restrictions in the midst of a rapid outbreak .
That will only make the problem worse and put more lives at risk .
But it ’ s also important to remember that there has never been a moment in Donald Trump ’ s life – from his personal relationships to his business career – when he thought about the wellbeing of anybody but himself While one might think a global pandemic would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that hasn ’ t happened .
That was clear from the outset of this outbreak when he tried to downplay the virus and stall testing .
That ’ s been particularly evident over the past 24 hours as he moves to lift coronavirus protections because they ’ re undercutting the only reelection talking point he had – the economy .
To Donald Trump , a falling stock market and stalling economy are worse than innocent Americans succumbing to a virus .

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Over the past 24 hours, Donald Trump and Fox News have been pushing the dangerous new lie that the “cure” for coronavirus – locking down the country to stop its spread – is worse than the disease itself, which has already caused around 700 deaths in the United States.
During a town hall hosted by the president’s favorite cable news network on Tuesday, Trump said he was pushing to have the country up and running by Easter. He even openly dreamed about seeing churches all across America packed to the brim – a terrifying thought.
Later in the day, when Dr. Anthony Fauci stepped to the podium next to Trump at the daily coronavirus briefing, he all but shattered the president’s hopes of lifting restrictions anytime soon.
“When you look at the country, I mean obviously no one is going to want to tone down things when you see what’s going on in a place like New York City,” Dr. Fauci said. “I mean, that’s just good public health practice and common sense.”
“It’s a flexible situation,” he added.
Video:
Dr. Anthony Fauci won’t commit to Trump’s dream of easing coronavirus restrictions by April 12. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/W85gVkrImq — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 24, 2020
Dr. Fauci said:
That’s really very flexible. We just had a conversation with the president in the Oval Office talking about – you can look at a date, but you have to be very flexible. On a literally day by day, week by week basis, you need to evaluate the feasibility of what you’re trying to do. And John, you asked for what kind of metrics, what kind of data. When you look at the country, I mean obviously no one is going to want to tone down things when you see what’s going on in a place like New York City. I mean, that’s just good public health practice and common sense, but the country is a big country and there are areas of the country – and I refer to this in my opening remarks – that we really need to know more about what the penetrants is there. So if we do the kind of testing that we’re doing – and testing will always be associated by identification, isolation and contact tracing – and you find there after a period of time that there are areas that are very different from other areas of the country, you may not want to essentially treat it as just one force for the entire country, but look at flexibility in different areas. So I think people might get the misinterpretation you’re just going lift everything up. And even somebody is going like that, that’s not going to happen. It’s going to be looking at the data and what we don’t have right now that we really do need is we need to know what’s going on in those areas of the country where there isn’t an obvious outbreak. Is there something underneath the surface that says wait a minute, you better be careful and really clamp down, or what looks there that you don’t really have to be as harsh as you are in other areas. So it’s looking at information that up to this point, John, we never had. So it’s a flexible situation.
Trump cares more about the stock market and his reelection than public health
As Dr. Fauci noted on Tuesday, it’s not good public policy to lift restrictions in the midst of a rapid outbreak. That will only make the problem worse and put more lives at risk.
But it’s also important to remember that there has never been a moment in Donald Trump’s life – from his personal relationships to his business career – when he thought about the wellbeing of anybody but himself
While one might think a global pandemic would awaken some sense of humanity within him, that hasn’t happened. That was clear from the outset of this outbreak when he tried to downplay the virus and stall testing.
That’s been particularly evident over the past 24 hours as he moves to lift coronavirus protections because they’re undercutting the only reelection talking point he had – the economy.
To Donald Trump, a falling stock market and stalling economy are worse than innocent Americans succumbing to a virus.


politicususa--2020-03-24--Trump Is Lost In Fantasyland And Waiting For A Miracle Coronavirus Cure

Trump is listening to the business community , not scientists , as he is sitting around and hoping for a miracle cure for the coronavirus .
According to The Washington Post : The high-stakes theater playing out between Trump and one of his top public health officials underscored a tense dynamic in the White House : A squadron of scientists and health experts — including Birx and infectious disease expert Anthony S. Fauci — caught in an uneasy tug-of-war with Trump as they push a worldview grounded in data and evidence in a West Wing where the president has mused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One person familiar with task force discussions said Trump has continued to push unproven or experimental drugs as cure-alls — despite little data so far to support their efficacy and against the advice of his own scientific advisers — because he “ wants this magical moment when this is all over.
” Trump is living in a fantasy where he is going to oversee a miracle cure for the coronavirus , get all of the credit , and be hailed as a hero .
In the meantime , the President is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge that lots of people are going to die because he needs a good economy for his reelection campaign .
Trump isn ’ t listening to scientists and health experts .
A man who has failed in business for his entire adult life is about to make his worse decision yet .
One that will potentially kill Americans and wreck the US economy for years to come .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump is listening to the business community, not scientists, as he is sitting around and hoping for a miracle cure for the coronavirus.
According to The Washington Post:
The high-stakes theater playing out between Trump and one of his top public health officials underscored a tense dynamic in the White House: A squadron of scientists and health experts — including Birx and infectious disease expert Anthony S. Fauci — caught in an uneasy tug-of-war with Trump as they push a worldview grounded in data and evidence in a West Wing where the president has mused of a “miracle” cure.
….
One person familiar with task force discussions said Trump has continued to push unproven or experimental drugs as cure-alls — despite little data so far to support their efficacy and against the advice of his own scientific advisers — because he “wants this magical moment when this is all over.”
Trump is living in a fantasy where he is going to oversee a miracle cure for the coronavirus, get all of the credit, and be hailed as a hero.
In the meantime, the President is going to try to restart the economy with the knowledge that lots of people are going to die because he needs a good economy for his reelection campaign.
Trump isn’t listening to scientists and health experts. A man who has failed in business for his entire adult life is about to make his worse decision yet. One that will potentially kill Americans and wreck the US economy for years to come.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-25--The United States Slashed The CDC’s Staff in China Before Coronavirus Outbreak

An exclusive report from Reuters reveals that the Trump administration cut staff members from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) who were inside China before its coronavirus outbreak .
The majority of the reductions were made at CDC ’ s Beijing office and occurred over the last two years , according to public documents viewed by Reuters and four individuals with knowledge of the events .
When President Donald Trump took office in January 2017 , the Beijing office had 47 staffers .
That number has shrunk to 14 .
Epidemiologists were among those who lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reuters reports that the National Science Foundation ( NSF ) and the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) also shut their Beijing operations after Trump took office .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) was also impacted , losing the manager of an animal disease monitoring program .
“ We had a large operation of experts in China who were brought back during this administration , some of them months before the outbreak , ” said one of the people who witnessed the withdrawal of U.S. personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility that our drawdown made this catastrophe more likely or more difficult to respond to.
” The news comes after The Washington Post revealed that the U.S. intelligence community warned the Trump administration about a likely pandemic as early as January and February , but that these warnings were ignored .
The president , according to White House insiders , only began to take the pandemic seriously after watching Fox News personality Tucker Carlson deliver a monologue on his program .

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An exclusive report from Reuters reveals that the Trump administration cut staff members from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who were inside China before its coronavirus outbreak.
The majority of the reductions were made at CDC’s Beijing office and occurred over the last two years, according to public documents viewed by Reuters and four individuals with knowledge of the events.
When President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, the Beijing office had 47 staffers. That number has shrunk to 14. Epidemiologists were among those who lost jobs as a result of the cuts.
Reuters reports that the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also shut their Beijing operations after Trump took office. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was also impacted, losing the manager of an animal disease monitoring program.
“We had a large operation of experts in China who were brought back during this administration, some of them months before the outbreak,” said one of the people who witnessed the withdrawal of U.S. personnel. “You have to consider the possibility that our drawdown made this catastrophe more likely or more difficult to respond to.”
The news comes after The Washington Post revealed that the U.S. intelligence community warned the Trump administration about a likely pandemic as early as January and February, but that these warnings were ignored. The president, according to White House insiders, only began to take the pandemic seriously after watching Fox News personality Tucker Carlson deliver a monologue on his program.


politicususa--2020-03-25--Trump Throws A Delusional Tantrum And Blames The Media For Coronavirus Shutdown

Trump is throwing a tantrum because of the immediate pushback that he has gotten for his idea to “ reopen @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump ’ s tweet confirms reports that his son-in-law Jared Kushner is telling him @ @ @ @ @ as bad as it is being reported by the media .
It is not the @ @ @ @ @ against Trump .
It ’ s doctors , scientists , and governors who are resisting @ @ @ @ @ bring the economy back to business as usual .
The country is in the early @ @ @ @ @ and by no metric is it ready to return to normal activity .
Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ power to force the states to lift the coronavirus restrictions .
The governors are putting @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reelection campaign , and there is nothing that Trump can do to prevent @ @ @ @ @ first .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group @

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Trump is throwing a tantrum because of the immediate pushback that he has gotten for his idea to “reopen the economy” by Easter.
Trump tweeted:
The LameStream Media is the dominant force in trying to get me to keep our Country closed as long as possible in the hope that it will be detrimental to my election success. The real people want to get back to work ASAP. We will be stronger than ever before! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2020
Trump’s tweet confirms reports that his son-in-law Jared Kushner is telling him that the coronavirus is not as bad as it is being reported by the media.
It is not the media that is pushing back against Trump. It’s doctors, scientists, and governors who are resisting Trump’s call to bring the economy back to business as usual. The country is in the early stages of a coronavirus pandemic and by no metric is it ready to return to normal activity.
Donald Trump doesn’t have the power to force the states to lift the coronavirus restrictions. The governors are putting the nation ahead of Trump’s reelection campaign, and there is nothing that Trump can do to prevent them from placing public health first.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-25--Biden Says Trump’s Goal to Reopen the Economy by Easter Could Be “Catastrophic”

Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has come out against President Donald Trump ’ s proposal to have the economy up and running by Easter .
“ Now he ’ s suggesting he wants to get the country back opened by Easter , ” Biden said during a video conference with reporters .
“ It would be a catastrophic thing to do for our people and for our economy if we sent people back to work just as we were beginning to see the impact of social distancing take hold only to unleash a second spike in infections , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more devastating in the long run.
” Biden is the latest public official to criticize Trump ’ s plan , which many argue could endanger more human lives as hospitals become overloaded with COVID-19 patients .
Many state governors nationwide have vowed not to ease restrictions as the virus continues to spread .
You can watch video of Biden ’ s remarks below : “ Our country wasn ’ t built to be shut down , ” Trump said during a briefing at the White House this week .
“ America will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open for business .
Very soon .
A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting .
Lot sooner .
We can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself.
” “ It ’ s such an important day for other reasons , but I ’ ll make it an important day for this , too , ” he added from the White House Rose Garden .
“ I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter.
” But some big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move .
“ What the world , and the market , needs to see is that number stop going up , ” said Adam Sarhan , CEO of investment firm 50 Park Investments , in conversation with The Washington Post .
“ Think of it as a trade : What ’ s the risk of reopening early ?
” Sarhan said .
“ The risk is the number of cases continues to skyrocket , and longer term , you ’ re just digging a much deeper hole.
” Microsoft founder Bill Gates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus treatment and prevention , has also called the idea “ irresponsible.
” “ There really is no middle ground , and it ’ s very tough to say to people , ‘ Hey , keep going to restaurants , go buy new houses , ignore that pile of bodies over in the corner .
We want you to keep spending because there ’ s maybe a politician who thinks GDP growth is all that counts , ' ” Gates said , adding that “ it ’ s very irresponsible for somebody to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both worlds .
”

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Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has come out against President Donald Trump’s proposal to have the economy up and running by Easter.
“Now he’s suggesting he wants to get the country back opened by Easter,” Biden said during a video conference with reporters.
“It would be a catastrophic thing to do for our people and for our economy if we sent people back to work just as we were beginning to see the impact of social distancing take hold only to unleash a second spike in infections,” he continued. “That’d be far more devastating in the long run.”
Biden is the latest public official to criticize Trump’s plan, which many argue could endanger more human lives as hospitals become overloaded with COVID-19 patients. Many state governors nationwide have vowed not to ease restrictions as the virus continues to spread.
You can watch video of Biden’s remarks below:
Biden criticizes Trump’s suggestion of opening economy by Easter, saying it would be "catastrophic" if we "sent people back to work just as we are beginning to see the impact of social distancing take hold, only to unleash the second spike in infections.” https://t.co/N1WPhbZg0J pic.twitter.com/E6h9wX92uW — ABC News (@ABC) March 25, 2020
“Our country wasn’t built to be shut down,” Trump said during a briefing at the White House this week. “America will, again, and soon, be open for business. Very soon. A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting. Lot sooner. We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”
“It’s such an important day for other reasons, but I’ll make it an important day for this, too,” he added from the White House Rose Garden. “I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter.”
But some big business magnates have advised against such a move.
“What the world, and the market, needs to see is that number stop going up,” said Adam Sarhan, CEO of investment firm 50 Park Investments, in conversation with The Washington Post. “Think of it as a trade: What’s the risk of reopening early?” Sarhan said. “The risk is the number of cases continues to skyrocket, and longer term, you’re just digging a much deeper hole.”
Microsoft founder Bill Gates, whose foundation donated $100 million to coronavirus treatment and prevention, has also called the idea “irresponsible.”
“There really is no middle ground, and it’s very tough to say to people, ‘Hey, keep going to restaurants, go buy new houses, ignore that pile of bodies over in the corner. We want you to keep spending because there’s maybe a politician who thinks GDP growth is all that counts,'” Gates said, adding that “it’s very irresponsible for somebody to suggest that we can have the best of both worlds.”


politicususa--2020-03-25--In Open Letter, 32 Prominent Economists Say Saving Lives Would Save The Economy Trump Is Trying to R

In Open Letter, 32 Prominent Economists Say Saving Lives Would Save The Economy Trump Is Trying to Reopen

President Donald Trump ’ s controversial assurance that the national economy would be up and running again by Easter has received significant criticism from both sides of the political aisle as well as from health experts who argue that loosening social distancing would result in even more deaths and greater economic turmoil .
Now , 32 prominent economists , including Henry Paulson , Treasury secretary under George W. Bush ; Timothy Geithner , Treasury secretary under Barack Obama ; and Janet Yellen , former chair of the Federal Reserve , say in an open letter that saving lives would save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore .
“ Our paramount concern at this moment should be to slow the spread of this virus and equip our health care system to effectively respond , ” they write .
“ Saving lives and saving the economy are not in conflict right now ; we will hasten the return to robust economic activity by taking steps to stem the spread of the virus and save lives.
” The economists recommend that sectors both public and private “ must work together to provide more tests , more ventilators , more personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health care facilities.
” “ Only when we have made progress on these fronts will US businesses and consumers be able to resume normal economic activity without inducing a resurgent spread that leads to even more severe health and economic effects , ” they added .
Noting that they “ are deeply troubled by the prospect of a sustained recession that would erode the economic livelihood of millions of Americans , ” the economists argue that it ’ s up to policymakers to “ put measures in place to support households and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These collective efforts will allow more businesses to get up and running again as soon as possible and minimize the severity of the economic hardship on the American people , ” they concluded .
Democratic and Republican governors have rejected Trump ’ s proposal to reopen the economy by Easter , arguing that it would cost many more lives .
“ I understand what the president ’ s saying , this is unsustainable , that we close down the economy and we continue to spend money .
There is no doubt about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about that .
But if you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy , then it ’ s no contest , ” said Andrew Cuomo , the Democratic governor of New York .
“ No American is going to say , accelerate the economy , at the cost of human life .
Because no American is going to say how much a life is worth .
Job one has to be save lives.
” Mike DeWine , the Republican governor , has also come out against Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying and people don ’ t feel safe , the economy is not going to come back .
We have to # FlattenTheCurve so that when the wave comes , it ’ s not as big as it would have been and we are prepared for it , ” he said .
“ We are going to get our economy back , but we have to get through it , protect as many lives as we can , and then move forward .
I ’ m looking forward to that day , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the nation ’ s governors say they would keep their restrictions in place even if Trump decides to go ahead with his plans .
The novel coronavirus has claimed at least 909 lives in the United States , according to current statistics .

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President Donald Trump’s controversial assurance that the national economy would be up and running again by Easter has received significant criticism from both sides of the political aisle as well as from health experts who argue that loosening social distancing would result in even more deaths and greater economic turmoil.
Now, 32 prominent economists, including Henry Paulson, Treasury secretary under George W. Bush; Timothy Geithner, Treasury secretary under Barack Obama; and Janet Yellen, former chair of the Federal Reserve, say in an open letter that saving lives would save the economy the president is trying to restore.
“Our paramount concern at this moment should be to slow the spread of this virus and equip our health care system to effectively respond,” they write. “Saving lives and saving the economy are not in conflict right now; we will hasten the return to robust economic activity by taking steps to stem the spread of the virus and save lives.”
The economists recommend that sectors both public and private “must work together to provide more tests, more ventilators, more personal protective equipment, and more support for hospitals and health care facilities.”
“Only when we have made progress on these fronts will US businesses and consumers be able to resume normal economic activity without inducing a resurgent spread that leads to even more severe health and economic effects,” they added.
Noting that they “are deeply troubled by the prospect of a sustained recession that would erode the economic livelihood of millions of Americans,” the economists argue that it’s up to policymakers to “put measures in place to support households and businesses through this difficult period.”
“These collective efforts will allow more businesses to get up and running again as soon as possible and minimize the severity of the economic hardship on the American people,” they concluded.
Democratic and Republican governors have rejected Trump’s proposal to reopen the economy by Easter, arguing that it would cost many more lives.
“I understand what the president’s saying, this is unsustainable, that we close down the economy and we continue to spend money. There is no doubt about that, no one is going to argue about that. But if you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy, then it’s no contest,” said Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York. “No American is going to say, accelerate the economy, at the cost of human life. Because no American is going to say how much a life is worth. Job one has to be save lives.”
Mike DeWine, the Republican governor, has also come out against Trump’s proposal.
“When people are dying and people don’t feel safe, the economy is not going to come back. We have to #FlattenTheCurve so that when the wave comes, it’s not as big as it would have been and we are prepared for it,” he said. “We are going to get our economy back, but we have to get through it, protect as many lives as we can, and then move forward. I’m looking forward to that day, but it’s not here yet.”
Many of the nation’s governors say they would keep their restrictions in place even if Trump decides to go ahead with his plans.
The novel coronavirus has claimed at least 909 lives in the United States, according to current statistics.


politicususa--2020-03-25--Senate Republicans Are Blocking Coronavirus Stimulus Because They Think It’s Too Good For Laid Off P

Senate Republicans Are Blocking Coronavirus Stimulus Because They Think It’s Too Good For Laid Off People

Republican Senators like Lindsey Graham and Ben Sasse are blocking the coronavirus stimulus bill because they think it is too good to laid-off people .
Sen. Graham told reporters , “ If you ’ re a nurse aide , making fifteen or sixteen dollars an hour , you ’ re on the front lines here .
A lot of doctors ’ offices are going to have to roll back because elective surgery is no longer a source of income for a bunch of doctors .
So , you ’ re going to have all of these well-trained nurses they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour on unemployment .
You ’ re literally incentivizing taking people out of the workforce at a time when we need critical infrastructure supply for the workers.
” Sen. Chris Murphy ( D-CT ) laid it out in plain English : Lindsey Graham ’ s example was bogus .
Nurses and nurses ’ aides aren ’ t the people who are being laid off in this crisis .
People in the medical field are being overwhelmed due to the epidemic .
Graham ’ s real complaint about this bill is that it gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to pay their bills and live on .
The Republican Senators have no problem with big corporations getting a bailout , but they don ’ t want working people to be helped .
Sen. Graham is suggesting that non-rich people should be forced to starve during the epidemic .
Republicans are blocking vital aid because they think it is too good for people who are being laid off .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Republican Senators like Lindsey Graham and Ben Sasse are blocking the coronavirus stimulus bill because they think it is too good to laid-off people.
Sen. Graham told reporters, “If you’re a nurse aide, making fifteen or sixteen dollars an hour, you’re on the front lines here. A lot of doctors’ offices are going to have to roll back because elective surgery is no longer a source of income for a bunch of doctors. So, you’re going to have all of these well-trained nurses they’re going to make twenty-four dollars an hour on unemployment. You’re literally incentivizing taking people out of the workforce at a time when we need critical infrastructure supply for the workers.”
Video of Lindsey Graham:
Objecting to a provision in the Senate coronavirus bill providing unemployment benefits for people in financial trouble, Sen. Lindsey Graham says nurses are "going to make $24 an hour on unemployment" which he claims would incentivize "taking people out of the workforce." pic.twitter.com/xyuzcsiq8B — Oliver Willis (@owillis) March 25, 2020
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) laid it out in plain English:
Let's not over-complicate this. Several Republican Senators are holding up the bipartisan Coronavirus emergency bill because they think the bill is too good for laid off Americans. — Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 25, 2020
Lindsey Graham’s example was bogus. Nurses and nurses’ aides aren’t the people who are being laid off in this crisis. People in the medical field are being overwhelmed due to the epidemic.
Graham’s real complaint about this bill is that it gives people who were laid off too much money to pay their bills and live on. The Republican Senators have no problem with big corporations getting a bailout, but they don’t want working people to be helped.
Sen. Graham is suggesting that non-rich people should be forced to starve during the epidemic.
Republicans are blocking vital aid because they think it is too good for people who are being laid off.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-25--Lindsey Graham Is Threatening To Block The Coronavirus Stimulus Bill

Republican Sens .
Tim Scott , Ben Sasse , Lindsey Graham are threatening to block the coronavirus stimulus bill because @ @ @ @ @ drafting error in it .
The Senators aren ’ t trying to protect workers , @ @ @ @ @ myth that people would rather get unemployment than work : Three Republican Senators are threatening @ @ @ @ @ not because it doesn ’ t do enough to help workers , but because they @ @ @ @ @ who are on the verge of economic collapse might prevent them from going back to @ @ @ @ @ Republicans aren ’ t dealing with the real-world reality of the coronavirus .
People would @ @ @ @ @ in their houses and collecting unemployment .
Republicans are trying to protect themselves and Trump @ @ @ @ @ if they kill this bipartisan bill over ideological concerns , the wrath of the American @ @ @ @ @ them .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group @

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Republican Sens. Tim Scott, Ben Sasse, Lindsey Graham are threatening to block the coronavirus stimulus bill because they claim there is a drafting error in it.
CNN’s Manu Raju tweeted:
The Senators aren’t trying to protect workers, but pushing an old Republican myth that people would rather get unemployment than work:
The senators' fear, the source says, is that some workers would see the enhanced unemployment benefits as an incentive to leave their jobs. But proponents say that the enhanced benefits are only temporary — and do not outweigh the significant benefits people get by holding a job — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 25, 2020
Three Republican Senators are threatening to block the bill, not because it doesn’t do enough to help workers, but because they are worried that helping people who are on the verge of economic collapse might prevent them from going back to work during an epidemic.
Republicans aren’t dealing with the real-world reality of the coronavirus. People would rather be working than sitting in their houses and collecting unemployment. Republicans are trying to protect themselves and Trump’s reelection, and if they kill this bipartisan bill over ideological concerns, the wrath of the American people should be directed at them.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-25--Schumer Says Coronavirus Relief Bill May Not Be Enough

A $ 2 trillion stimulus package deal was agreed to on Wednesday morning , ending an impasse between political parties and the White House on a much-needed relief bill to deal with the coronavirus pandemic .
Among other provisions , the deal includes substantial aid to frontline workers in the medical industry .
It also gives $ 1,200 to every American adult , plus $ 500 per child to every American family .
It expands unemployment insurance to workers , including to “ gig economy ” employees who may have been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for loans from the federal government to stay afloat .
Still , not much is known on how long social distancing measures will be needed , or how much damage to Americans ’ pocketbooks this crisis will bring .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-New York ) explained in an interview on CNN ’ s “ New Day ” that more may be needed in the months ahead .
“ We don ’ t know how long it ’ s going to last , who ’ s affected .
We still don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He added that if more aid was needed , Congress had to be prepared to act .
The minority leader also conceded that the bill wasn ’ t perfect in his eyes — but that it did do a great deal of good .
“ Does it have everything we need ?
No .
Are some things in there that I would have rather not had ?
No , of course , ” Schumer said .
“ But this is the art of coming together .
America needed huge help quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risen to that occasion.
” According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center , more than 55,000 Americans have contracted coronavirus , with 802 having died from the disease so far .
The U.S. ranks third in the world in terms of the number who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 .

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A $2 trillion stimulus package deal was agreed to on Wednesday morning, ending an impasse between political parties and the White House on a much-needed relief bill to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Among other provisions, the deal includes substantial aid to frontline workers in the medical industry. It also gives $1,200 to every American adult, plus $500 per child to every American family.
Schumer and McConnell huddled after deal reached. I think I detect smiles? pic.twitter.com/ylywSjVNb2 — Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) March 25, 2020
It expands unemployment insurance to workers, including to “gig economy” employees who may have been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. And the bill will allow businesses to apply for loans from the federal government to stay afloat.
Still, not much is known on how long social distancing measures will be needed, or how much damage to Americans’ pocketbooks this crisis will bring. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) explained in an interview on CNN’s “New Day” that more may be needed in the months ahead.
“We don’t know how long it’s going to last, who’s affected. We still don’t exactly know,” Schumer said.
“To the American people, we say big help, quick help, is on the way,” @SenSchumer says about the historic $2 trillion stimulus deal between the White House and Senate. “The five pillars that we fought for to make the bill better… are all in the bill.”https://t.co/5SESKDsft7 pic.twitter.com/bWfETvWFRT — CNN This Morning (@CNNThisMorning) March 25, 2020
He added that if more aid was needed, Congress had to be prepared to act.
“We should be willing, able to come back in a bipartisan way and do more if we need. I believe we’ll probably have to do that one way or another.”
The minority leader also conceded that the bill wasn’t perfect in his eyes — but that it did do a great deal of good.
“Does it have everything we need? No. Are some things in there that I would have rather not had? No, of course,” Schumer said. “But this is the art of coming together. America needed huge help quickly. And I think we’ve risen to that occasion.”
According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, more than 55,000 Americans have contracted coronavirus, with 802 having died from the disease so far. The U.S. ranks third in the world in terms of the number who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.


politicususa--2020-03-25--Experts Say Trump is Wrong About Increased Suicides Due To Closed Economy

If you feel like you are in a crisis situation , and need help or someone to talk to , call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline , at 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) .
One of the reasons why President Donald Trump wants to end social distancing practices set up in place to deal with the coronavirus pandemic is to stave off an increase in the rate of suicide , brought about , he claims , because of an economic recession due to businesses being shuttered down .
On Monday , Trump told reporters at the White House that he didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout from taking precautionary measures result in a worse outcome .
“ We can ’ t have the cure be worse than the problem , ” he said .
And on Tuesday , he expanded that rationale to include his worries that a recession could result in an increase in death by suicide .
Trump provided no evidence to back up his claim that a recession , the result of a nationwide social distancing campaign , would result in an increase in suicide rates — and indeed , experts say there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is not a foregone conclusion that we will see increased suicide rates , ” Dr. Christine Moutier , Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention , said about the issue .
Indeed , an argument could be made that just the opposite could happen .
During times of national crisis , “ we actually tend , in most instances , to see suicide rates diminish , ” Moutier said .
Some believe that ’ s because society often comes together during such periods , such as when rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s entry into World War II .
It ’ s true that people may become more depressed during this time , and that suicide rates could go up .
Rates did increase during the Great Recession , but at the same time , those rates didn ’ t go up nearly as much as some had predicted they would .
In fact , in the first five years of the Great Recession ( from 2008 to 2013 ) , there was an 8.62 percent increase in the rates of death by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after that ( 2013 to 2017 ) , when the economy was on the mend , suicide rates increased by more than 11 percent .
In 2017 , around 47,000 individuals died by suicide in the U.S. Conversely , if little to no action is taken on tackling coronavirus , including ending social distancing practices , some estimates say millions of Americans could die from the disease .
With those practices in place , the numbers dwindle back down to the thousands .

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If you feel like you are in a crisis situation, and need help or someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
One of the reasons why President Donald Trump wants to end social distancing practices set up in place to deal with the coronavirus pandemic is to stave off an increase in the rate of suicide, brought about, he claims, because of an economic recession due to businesses being shuttered down.
On Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House that he didn’t want to see the economic fallout from taking precautionary measures result in a worse outcome. “We can’t have the cure be worse than the problem,” he said.
https://twitter.com/HotNewHipHop/status/1242790585896972290
And on Tuesday, he expanded that rationale to include his worries that a recession could result in an increase in death by suicide.
“You are going to lose people. You are going to have suicides by the thousands,” Trump claimed. “You can’t just come in and say, ‘Let’s close up the United States of America.'”
Trump provided no evidence to back up his claim that a recession, the result of a nationwide social distancing campaign, would result in an increase in suicide rates — and indeed, experts say there is no evidence that would be the case.
“It is not a foregone conclusion that we will see increased suicide rates,” Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said about the issue.
Indeed, an argument could be made that just the opposite could happen. During times of national crisis, “we actually tend, in most instances, to see suicide rates diminish,” Moutier said. Some believe that’s because society often comes together during such periods, such as when rates of suicide decreased at the onset of America’s entry into World War II.
These are hard days, friends. Reach out if you need help. National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
800-273-8255 Sexual Assault Hotline:
800-656-4673 Domestic Violence Hotline:
800−799−7233 Substance Abuse & Mental Health Hotline:
800-662-4357 Please share! Love you all. ❤ — Nick Laparra (@NickLaparra) March 25, 2020
It’s true that people may become more depressed during this time, and that suicide rates could go up. Rates did increase during the Great Recession, but at the same time, those rates didn’t go up nearly as much as some had predicted they would.
In fact, in the first five years of the Great Recession (from 2008 to 2013), there was an 8.62 percent increase in the rates of death by suicide. But, in the four years after that (2013 to 2017), when the economy was on the mend, suicide rates increased by more than 11 percent.
In 2017, around 47,000 individuals died by suicide in the U.S. Conversely, if little to no action is taken on tackling coronavirus, including ending social distancing practices, some estimates say millions of Americans could die from the disease. With those practices in place, the numbers dwindle back down to the thousands.


politicususa--2020-03-25--Deal On Coronavirus Relief Bill Helps Workers With No Handouts To Trump’s Companies

Democrats , Republicans , and the White House announced a deal in the early hours of Wednesday morning meant to give much-needed relief to American workers and businesses across the country affected by the economic downturns created by the coronavirus global pandemic .
One provision could possibly annoy President Donald Trump somewhat , as it directly affects his corporate bottom line .
Trump and his family members are prohibited from attaining any dollar amount from a loan program the bill puts in place , amounting to $ 450 billion in total , which is intended to help struggling businesses during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost every lawmaker in Washington D.C. — not one cent of the loan can go to companies owned by members of Congress , Trump , Vice President Mike Pence , or members of Trump ’ s cabinet .
The rule extends to direct family members as well .
But it ’ s particularly noteworthy for Trump ’ s interests in particular , as the president hadn ’ t made clear to reporters earlier this week whether his businesses would benefit from the loan program or not .
In addition to the provision on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress oversight on what loans the White House does dish out — a rule that hadn ’ t been in the bill previously , and what led to Senate Democrats blocking passage over the weekend .
“ Every loan document will be public and made available to Congress very quickly , so we can see where the money is going , what the terms are and if it ’ s fair to the American people , ” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said .
Workers get some help from the bill ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will extend unemployment insurance benefits .
Those in the “ gig economy ” will be included in the bill ’ s language .
Every American adult will also receive $ 1,200 if the bill gets signed into law by Trump , with families receiving an extra $ 500 for every child .
The bill will likely be fast-tracked through Congress , with the Senate likely voting later on Wednesday for its passage .
The House will likely pass the bill on a voice vote , sending it to the president for his signature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to plan .

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Democrats, Republicans, and the White House announced a deal in the early hours of Wednesday morning meant to give much-needed relief to American workers and businesses across the country affected by the economic downturns created by the coronavirus global pandemic.
One provision could possibly annoy President Donald Trump somewhat, as it directly affects his corporate bottom line.
Deal reached on $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill — largest by far in U.S. historyhttps://t.co/qXxvnRiQ4b — Jason Leopold (@JasonLeopold) March 25, 2020
Trump and his family members are prohibited from attaining any dollar amount from a loan program the bill puts in place, amounting to $450 billion in total, which is intended to help struggling businesses during this time.
The provision actually affects almost every lawmaker in Washington D.C. — not one cent of the loan can go to companies owned by members of Congress, Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, or members of Trump’s cabinet. The rule extends to direct family members as well.
But it’s particularly noteworthy for Trump’s interests in particular, as the president hadn’t made clear to reporters earlier this week whether his businesses would benefit from the loan program or not.
In addition to the provision on family members, the bill also allows Congress oversight on what loans the White House does dish out — a rule that hadn’t been in the bill previously, and what led to Senate Democrats blocking passage over the weekend.
“Every loan document will be public and made available to Congress very quickly, so we can see where the money is going, what the terms are and if it’s fair to the American people,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Coronavirus stimulus bill specifically states that Trump and his kids’ businesses cannot receive a dime from $2T package https://t.co/cJNMy7YO5l — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) March 25, 2020
Workers get some help from the bill’s eventual passage, too, as it will extend unemployment insurance benefits. Those in the “gig economy” will be included in the bill’s language.
Every American adult will also receive $1,200 if the bill gets signed into law by Trump, with families receiving an extra $500 for every child.
The bill will likely be fast-tracked through Congress, with the Senate likely voting later on Wednesday for its passage. The House will likely pass the bill on a voice vote, sending it to the president for his signature sometime this week, if all goes according to plan.


politicususa--2020-04-17--Steve Schmidt Says No U.S. President Has Ever Bungled A Crisis As Badly As Trump Is Right Now

Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt said on Thursday that no president has ever mismanaged a national crisis as badly as Donald Trump has bungled the federal coronavirus response .
During an interview with MSNBC ’ s Ari Melber , Schmidt said Trump ’ s response to the outbreak has been “ the most inept ” in American history .
“ We look at a president , who is so clearly in over his head and out of his depth , who has been dishonest , who has been imprecise , who ’ s been inaccurate , and whose deadly indecision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tens of thousands of Americans , ” the ex-GOP strategist said .
He added , “ We see every night all of the qualities you never , ever want to see in a leader in a crisis when lives are at stake.
” I think the White House has done , historically , very poorly in this .
This is one of the most significant crises in American history .
It ’ s certainly the largest American crisis of our lifetimes , and it ’ s been the most inept response by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think , with regard to any crisis in American history but , certainly , any crisis in our lifetimes .
And we look at a president , who is so clearly in over his head and out of his depth , who has been dishonest , who has been imprecise , who ’ s been inaccurate , and whose deadly indecision will be paid for with the lives of tens of thousands of Americans , as this virus escalated to a place it never need have gotten .
And that is all because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the president was hate tweeting , firing people that he was angry with over impeachment , going on campaign rallies and golfing .
And , now , the country is paying the price for that .
We should be careful to understand that when the same guy says , ‘ Well , it ’ ll be back in September but we ’ ll make it go away really quick , ’ is the same guy when there were 15 cases in the country , said , ‘ Soon , it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like magic.
’ The lack of credibility in these evening news events is epic and unlike everything we ’ ve ever seen .
It ’ s a Baghdad Bob show every night of the week , day after day , the airing of the grievances , the airing of his anger issues .
The attacks on the governors .
We see every night all of the qualities you never , ever want to see in a leader in a crisis when lives are at stake .
We ’ ve had bad presidents before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. history , the American people have had to live through some pretty disastrous presidencies when the commander-in-chief failed to meet the moment .
Some presidents were simply too incompetent and unprepared to manage an unexpected crisis , while others were unable to rise above politics to do the right thing when it mattered most .
In Donald Trump , the American people have seen the worst of both worlds – a grossly incompetent president who is obsessed with doing whatever he thinks will help his reelection effort .
This disastrous combination has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans have died .
As PoliticusUSA ’ s Jason Easley wrote earlier this week , “ Trump was a bottom ten president before the coronavirus pandemic .
After his failed performance handling the virus , he is a lock to be last .
”

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Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt said on Thursday that no president has ever mismanaged a national crisis as badly as Donald Trump has bungled the federal coronavirus response.
During an interview with MSNBC’s Ari Melber, Schmidt said Trump’s response to the outbreak has been “the most inept” in American history.
“We look at a president, who is so clearly in over his head and out of his depth, who has been dishonest, who has been imprecise, who’s been inaccurate, and whose deadly indecision will be paid for with the lives of tens of thousands of Americans,” the ex-GOP strategist said.
He added, “We see every night all of the qualities you never, ever want to see in a leader in a crisis when lives are at stake.”
Video:
Steve Schmidt goes off on Trump, calling his coronavirus mismanagement the “most inept” response to a crisis by any president in history. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/JZrIC6Athv — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) April 17, 2020
Schmidt said
I think the White House has done, historically, very poorly in this. This is one of the most significant crises in American history. It’s certainly the largest American crisis of our lifetimes, and it’s been the most inept response by the executive, by the president, think, with regard to any crisis in American history but, certainly, any crisis in our lifetimes. And we look at a president, who is so clearly in over his head and out of his depth, who has been dishonest, who has been imprecise, who’s been inaccurate, and whose deadly indecision will be paid for with the lives of tens of thousands of Americans, as this virus escalated to a place it never need have gotten. And that is all because of the wasted month of February, where the president was hate tweeting, firing people that he was angry with over impeachment, going on campaign rallies and golfing. And, now, the country is paying the price for that. We should be careful to understand that when the same guy says, ‘Well, it’ll be back in September but we’ll make it go away really quick,’ is the same guy when there were 15 cases in the country, said, ‘Soon, it would be gone to zero and it would disappear like magic.’ The lack of credibility in these evening news events is epic and unlike everything we’ve ever seen. It’s a Baghdad Bob show every night of the week, day after day, the airing of the grievances, the airing of his anger issues. The attacks on the governors. We see every night all of the qualities you never, ever want to see in a leader in a crisis when lives are at stake.
We’ve had bad presidents before – but Trump is the worst
Throughout U.S. history, the American people have had to live through some pretty disastrous presidencies when the commander-in-chief failed to meet the moment.
Some presidents were simply too incompetent and unprepared to manage an unexpected crisis, while others were unable to rise above politics to do the right thing when it mattered most.
In Donald Trump, the American people have seen the worst of both worlds – a grossly incompetent president who is obsessed with doing whatever he thinks will help his reelection effort.
This disastrous combination has had devastating consequences as more than 30,000 Americans have died.
As PoliticusUSA’s Jason Easley wrote earlier this week, “Trump was a bottom ten president before the coronavirus pandemic. After his failed performance handling the virus, he is a lock to be last.”
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-17--Trump’s New Plan To Reopen America Crashes And Burns Instantly

After weeks of watching Donald Trump stand behind a podium and spew nothing but political propaganda and incoherent word salad , the American people likely didn ’ t expect to gain much on Thursday when the White House coronavirus task force held its latest briefing .
But what made this particular briefing different was that it was supposed to be a roll-out of the president ’ s plan to reopen the economy .
What the country got instead was a glorified PowerPoint presentation , the latest empty PR stunt from a president who is utterly incapable of managing this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted , “ The Trump ‘ plan ’ to re-open the economy is similar to the Trump ‘ plan ’ to have drive-thru testing in every Wal Mart parking lot .
It ’ s…not a plan .
It ’ s just an announcement.
” The dead giveaway that Trump ’ s plan is an immediate flop is the fact that it doesn ’ t address the most important obstacle standing in the way of opening the economy : lack of coronavirus testing .
As former Ebola czar Ron Klain pointed out , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a provision to ramp up testing .
Experts have repeatedly said that Trump should not push to reopen the economy without drastically upping coronavirus testing capacity .
According to The New York Times , “ As President Trump pushes to reopen the economy , most of the country is not conducting nearly enough testing to track the path and penetration of the coronavirus in a way that would allow Americans to safely return to work , public health officials and political leaders say.
” Despite all that , Trump tried to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a good thing .
Without widespread testing in place , telling the American people to resume their pre-COVID lives would be a public health disaster , no matter how many slides are in the president ’ s PowerPoint presentation .
What Donald Trump offered today wasn ’ t a plan .
It was another empty political PR stunt from a man who doesn ’ t have a clue what he ’ s doing .

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After weeks of watching Donald Trump stand behind a podium and spew nothing but political propaganda and incoherent word salad, the American people likely didn’t expect to gain much on Thursday when the White House coronavirus task force held its latest briefing.
But what made this particular briefing different was that it was supposed to be a roll-out of the president’s plan to reopen the economy.
What the country got instead was a glorified PowerPoint presentation, the latest empty PR stunt from a president who is utterly incapable of managing this crisis.
As MSNBC’s Chris Hayes noted, “The Trump ‘plan’ to re-open the economy is similar to the Trump ‘plan’ to have drive-thru testing in every Wal Mart parking lot. It’s…not a plan. It’s just an announcement.”
The Trump “plan” to re-open the economy is similar to the Trump “plan” to have drive-thru testing in every Wal Mart parking lot. It’s…not a plan. It’s just an announcement. — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) April 16, 2020
The plan doesn’t address the testing shortage
The dead giveaway that Trump’s plan is an immediate flop is the fact that it doesn’t address the most important obstacle standing in the way of opening the economy: lack of coronavirus testing.
As former Ebola czar Ron Klain pointed out, the White House plan doesn’t even include a provision to ramp up testing.
“This isn’t a plan,” Klain said. “It’s barely a powerpoint.”
This isn’t a plan. It’s barely a powerpoint.
— No provision to ramp up testing
— No standard on levels of disease before opening (“down” is a direction, not a level)
— No protections for workers OR customers pic.twitter.com/bE3GCYeECw — Ronald Klain (@RonaldKlain) April 16, 2020
Experts have repeatedly said that Trump should not push to reopen the economy without drastically upping coronavirus testing capacity.
According to The New York Times, “As President Trump pushes to reopen the economy, most of the country is not conducting nearly enough testing to track the path and penetration of the coronavirus in a way that would allow Americans to safely return to work, public health officials and political leaders say.”
Despite all that, Trump tried to make the case on Thursday that less testing is a good thing.
Trump makes a convoluted case that less coronavirus testing in laboratories is actually a good thing pic.twitter.com/fAF8CPOBko — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 16, 2020
Without widespread testing in place, telling the American people to resume their pre-COVID lives would be a public health disaster, no matter how many slides are in the president’s PowerPoint presentation.
What Donald Trump offered today wasn’t a plan. It was another empty political PR stunt from a man who doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-04-16--Trump Encourages His Supporters To Defy Stay At Home Orders

Trump was asked multiple times to tell his supporters to follow the stay at home restrictions in their states , but he refused to do so .
Trump was questioned about his supporters protesting stay at home orders , and he answered : Well , they ’ ve been going through it a long time , Jon , and it ’ s been a tough process for people .
You know , I told you , there ’ s death and there ’ s problems in staying at home , too .
It ’ s not just isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re having — they ’ re this country wasn ’ t built that on principle .
It was built on an exact opposite principle actually .
And I watched , in one particular state , where they were — they want to get back .
They want to get back .
There were very strict sanctions that were put on people , that was probably the most strict of all .
But I just think the American people have been incredible .
When you look at — Jon — when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when you look at what they ’ ve been through , when you look at all of the death and all of the problems and all of the sickness .
When you look at what ’ s happened , I just think the American people have been incredible .
Trump was asked if protesters should listen to local authorities and he said , “ I think they ’ re listening .
I think they listen to me .
They seem to be protestors that like me and respect opinion , and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the governors .
They all want to open .
Nobody wants to stay shut .
But they want to open safely .
So do I .
But we have large sections of the country , right now , that can start to think about opening.
” The only way to beat the virus is everyone follows orders .
Trump is trying to use his supporters to pressure governors to ease restrictions in their states , but all the president will accomplish through his effort to divide is spreading the coronavirus so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his supporters get sick and die .
Trump encouraged his supporters to defy governors .
He is sabotaging public health in a bid to save his flatlining reelection campaign .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump was asked multiple times to tell his supporters to follow the stay at home restrictions in their states, but he refused to do so.
Trump was questioned about his supporters protesting stay at home orders, and he answered:
Well, they’ve been going through it a long time, Jon, and it’s been a tough process for people. You know, I told you, there’s death and there’s problems in staying at home, too. It’s not just isn’t it wonderful to stay at home. They’re having — they’re this country wasn’t built that on principle. It was built on an exact opposite principle actually. And I watched, in one particular state, where they were — they want to get back. They want to get back. There were very strict sanctions that were put on people, that was probably the most strict of all.
But I just think the American people have been incredible. When you look at — Jon — when you look at what they’ve done, when you look at what they’ve been through, when you look at all of the death and all of the problems and all of the sickness. When you look at what’s happened, I just think the American people have been incredible.
Video:
Trump encourages his supporters to defy stay at home orders from governors. pic.twitter.com/WZ1Hs3cvBe — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 16, 2020
Trump was asked if protesters should listen to local authorities and he said, “I think they’re listening. I think they listen to me. They seem to be protestors that like me and respect opinion, and my opinion is the same as just about all of the governors. They all want to open. Nobody wants to stay shut. But they want to open safely. So do I. But we have large sections of the country, right now, that can start to think about opening.”
The only way to beat the virus is everyone follows orders. Trump is trying to use his supporters to pressure governors to ease restrictions in their states, but all the president will accomplish through his effort to divide is spreading the coronavirus so that the crisis continues to linger and his supporters get sick and die.
Trump encouraged his supporters to defy governors. He is sabotaging public health in a bid to save his flatlining reelection campaign.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-04-16--Trump’s Approval Rating Collapses To 39% With Independents

Trump ’ s job approval rating has fallen six more points overall and an additional four points with Independents , when he is at 39 % approval .
The six-point decline in the president ’ s approval rating is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded for the Trump presidency so far , largely because Trump ’ s ratings have been highly stable and have yet to reach the historical average for presidents ( back to 1945 ) of 53 % .
Since the mid-March poll , Trump ’ s job approval rating has fallen six points among Democrats ( to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independents ( to 39 % ) .
Higher approval ratings among those groups helped fuel the short-lived rally in approval for Trump .
Republicans ’ evaluations of Trump have been highly stable throughout 2020 and currently sit at 93 % approval .
Trump ’ s decline comes at the same time that approval of Congress has reached a ten year high of 30 % .
The Congress is getting credit for the coronavirus stimulus bill , not Trump , so it doesn ’ t appear to matter if Trump ’ s name appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people correctly see the source of the aid as Congress , not the president .
Trump ’ s numbers are only beginning to turn ugly .
If Trump falls into the thirties in terms of support with Independents , he will have a difficult time winning a second term in November .
There aren ’ t enough Republicans in the country to overcome a coalition of Democrats and Independents who vote against Trump .
Trump beat Clinton 46 % -42 % with Independents in 2016 .
If he loses 7 points of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have nowhere else to make up the missing vote .
If Biden beats Trump with Independents , his odds of winning the election will increase substantially .

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Trump’s job approval rating has fallen six more points overall and an additional four points with Independents, when he is at 39% approval.
Via Gallup:
The six-point decline in the president’s approval rating is the sharpest drop Gallup has recorded for the Trump presidency so far, largely because Trump’s ratings have been highly stable and have yet to reach the historical average for presidents (back to 1945) of 53%.
….
Since the mid-March poll, Trump’s job approval rating has fallen six points among Democrats (to 7%) and four points among independents (to 39%). Higher approval ratings among those groups helped fuel the short-lived rally in approval for Trump. Republicans’ evaluations of Trump have been highly stable throughout 2020 and currently sit at 93% approval.
Trump’s decline comes at the same time that approval of Congress has reached a ten year high of 30%.
The Congress is getting credit for the coronavirus stimulus bill, not Trump, so it doesn’t appear to matter if Trump’s name appears on the checks or not, the American people correctly see the source of the aid as Congress, not the president.
Trump’s numbers are only beginning to turn ugly. If Trump falls into the thirties in terms of support with Independents, he will have a difficult time winning a second term in November. There aren’t enough Republicans in the country to overcome a coalition of Democrats and Independents who vote against Trump.
Trump beat Clinton 46%-42% with Independents in 2016. If he loses 7 points of Independent support to Joe Biden, Trump will have nowhere else to make up the missing vote.
If Biden beats Trump with Independents, his odds of winning the election will increase substantially.


politicususa--2020-04-16--Dr. Oz: Reopening Schools “May Only Cost Us Two to Three Percent in Terms of Total Mortality.

Dr. Mehmet Oz , who President Donald Trump has turned to for advice on the novel coronavirus , said in an interview with Fox News that he supports reopening schools nationwide , saying the tradeoff of sending children back to school “ may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality.
” “ We need our mojo back .
Let ’ s start with things that are really critical to the nation where we think we might be able to open without getting into a lot of trouble , ” he said .
“ I tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity .
I just saw a nice piece in The Lancer arguing that the opening of schools may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality .
Any life is a life lost , but to get every child back in to a school where they ’ re safely being educated , being fed and making the most out of their lives with the theoretical risk on the backside , might be a trade-off some folks may consider.
” You can watch the clip from the newscast below : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox and Friends , ” the television personality lamented Boston University ’ s decision to close amid concerns about the pandemic .
“ I learned that Boston University canceled its fall semester .
That really bothered me .
How do you know right now in April — before you even tried to reopen– if you need to close down your school through the rest of this calendar year ?
” he said .
“ You ’ re hurting people that you ’ re responsible for .
I am a doctor .
I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to err on the side of being overly cautious , but not at the expense of making decisions that don ’ t really serve us , ” he continued , saying that while the school aims to make the “ right ” choice , shutting down “ is not the right thing ” for everyone .

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Dr. Mehmet Oz, who President Donald Trump has turned to for advice on the novel coronavirus, said in an interview with Fox News that he supports reopening schools nationwide, saying the tradeoff of sending children back to school “may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality.”
“We need our mojo back. Let’s start with things that are really critical to the nation where we think we might be able to open without getting into a lot of trouble,” he said. “I tell you, schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancer arguing that the opening of schools may only cost us two to three percent in terms of total mortality. Any life is a life lost, but to get every child back in to a school where they’re safely being educated, being fed and making the most out of their lives with the theoretical risk on the backside, might be a trade-off some folks may consider.”
You can watch the clip from the newscast below:
DR OZ: "Schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancet arguing the opening of schools may only cost us 2 to 3%, in terms of total mortality. Any, you know, any life is a life lost, but … that might be a tradeoff some folks would consider." 😳 pic.twitter.com/aifMeKTsIv — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 16, 2020
In remarks to the hosts of “Fox and Friends,” the television personality lamented Boston University’s decision to close amid concerns about the pandemic.
“I learned that Boston University canceled its fall semester. That really bothered me. How do you know right now in April — before you even tried to reopen– if you need to close down your school through the rest of this calendar year?” he said.
“You’re hurting people that you’re responsible for. I am a doctor. I want you to be safer — I want you to err on the side of being overly cautious, but not at the expense of making decisions that don’t really serve us,” he continued, saying that while the school aims to make the “right” choice, shutting down “is not the right thing” for everyone.