politicususa--2020-03-19--New Poll: Most White Evangelicals Approve of the Way Trump is Handling Coronavirus

A new HuffPost/YouGov poll conducted over the weekend found that President Donald Trump enjoys strong support from white evangelicals despite continued criticism over his administration ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Roughly 7 in 10 white evangelical Christians approve of the way the president is handling matters related to the pandemic , according to the poll .
52 percent of those surveyed say they “ strongly ” approve of his performance , compared to 45 percent of American adults who said they strongly or “ somewhat ” approved .
Additionally , 70 percent of white evangelicals said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s response to the crisis compared to only 47 percent who could say the same .
• 70 percent of white evangelicals agree with the decision to cancel large events nationwide in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus .
That number is roughly the same across all Americans surveyed .
• 61 percent of white evangelicals believe the government bears responsibility for providing free coronavirus for anyone who might have the virus , compared to 72 percent of all respondents .
• 48 percent of white evangelicals believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those confirmed to have the virus , compared to 62 percent of all respondents .
• Although white evangelicals tend to lean Republican , Republicans are more likely to approve of Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic and are more likely to say they at least somewhat approve of the entire government ’ s response ( 82 percent to 67 percent ) .
A recent Pew Research Center survey also found that white evangelicals are more likely than other Americans to say the terms “ morally upstanding ” and “ honest ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ On the whole , Americans care more about having a president who stands up for their religious beliefs than having one who personally shares those beliefs .
Roughly seven-in-ten say it is either very ( 38 % ) or somewhat ( 31 % ) important to have a president who stands up for people with their religious beliefs , ” the Pew Research Center notes before adding : White evangelical Protestants are particularly likely to hold this view .
Two-thirds of white evangelicals say it is very important to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beliefs , about double the share who say it is very important for a president to have strong religious beliefs .
And white evangelicals say Trump fits the bill : Fully eight-in-ten white evangelical Protestants say that the phrase “ fights for what I believe in ” describes Trump “ very well ” or “ fairly well , ” including roughly half who say this describes him “ very well.
” Those findings do come with some caveats : Only 15 percent of evangelicals say “ morally upstanding ” describes Trump “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who say the term applies to Trump “ fairly well.
” 23 percent would describe him as “ honest , ” and 31 percent say they approve of his conduct compared to 44 percent who say they have “ mixed feelings ” about his conduct and 22 percent who say they don ’ t like it at all .

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A new HuffPost/YouGov poll conducted over the weekend found that President Donald Trump enjoys strong support from white evangelicals despite continued criticism over his administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Roughly 7 in 10 white evangelical Christians approve of the way the president is handling matters related to the pandemic, according to the poll. 52 percent of those surveyed say they “strongly” approve of his performance, compared to 45 percent of American adults who said they strongly or “somewhat” approved. Additionally, 70 percent of white evangelicals said they approve of the United States government’s response to the crisis compared to only 47 percent who could say the same.
Other key findings:
70 percent of white evangelicals agree with the decision to cancel large events nationwide in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus. That number is roughly the same across all Americans surveyed.
61 percent of white evangelicals believe the government bears responsibility for providing free coronavirus for anyone who might have the virus, compared to 72 percent of all respondents.
48 percent of white evangelicals believe the government should provide free medical care for those confirmed to have the virus, compared to 62 percent of all respondents.
Although white evangelicals tend to lean Republican, Republicans are more likely to approve of Trump’s handling of the pandemic and are more likely to say they at least somewhat approve of the entire government’s response (82 percent to 67 percent).
A recent Pew Research Center survey also found that white evangelicals are more likely than other Americans to say the terms “morally upstanding” and “honest” describe Trump at least “fairly well.”
“On the whole, Americans care more about having a president who stands up for their religious beliefs than having one who personally shares those beliefs. Roughly seven-in-ten say it is either very (38%) or somewhat (31%) important to have a president who stands up for people with their religious beliefs,” the Pew Research Center notes before adding:
White evangelical Protestants are particularly likely to hold this view. Two-thirds of white evangelicals say it is very important to have a president who stands up for their religious beliefs, about double the share who say it is very important for a president to have strong religious beliefs. And white evangelicals say Trump fits the bill: Fully eight-in-ten white evangelical Protestants say that the phrase “fights for what I believe in” describes Trump “very well” or “fairly well,” including roughly half who say this describes him “very well.”
Those findings do come with some caveats: Only 15 percent of evangelicals say “morally upstanding” describes Trump “very well,” compared to 45 percent who say the term applies to Trump “fairly well.” 23 percent would describe him as “honest,” and 31 percent say they approve of his conduct compared to 44 percent who say they have “mixed feelings” about his conduct and 22 percent who say they don’t like it at all.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Trump Nearly Tweeted Tom Hanks Had Died After Misunderstanding Reports That The Actor Had Been “Disc

Trump Nearly Tweeted Tom Hanks Had Died After Misunderstanding Reports That The Actor Had Been “Discharged” From Care

According to a report in The Courier-Mail , President Donald Trump nearly tweeted that actor Tom Hanks had died from coronavirus after misunderstanding reports that the actor had been “ discharged ” from care at an Australian hospital .
Trump had been prepared to tweet about Hanks ’ s death until Australia-based United States embassy officials informed Australian health authorities that Hanks was in fact still alive .
An Australian health official confirmed to U.S. officials that Hanks was not only alive but recovering after contracting the coronavirus .
On March 12 , Hanks confirmed that he and his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus amid the global pandemic white shooting filmmaker Baz Luhrmann ’ s Elvis in Queensland , Australia .
They were quarantined at an area hospital , released on March 16 , and are still recovering in self-isolation .
Hanks and Wilson have maintained their good humor throughout the ordeal ; a recent social media update from Hanks mentioned that while “ the symptoms are much the same , ” he and Wilson have passed the time with writing and games of gin rummy .
President Trump has been repeatedly derided for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , which has resulted in over 9,000 deaths worldwide , including 155 Americans according to the most recent count .
The number of deaths has grown significantly over the last week amid heightened criticism of the federal government ’ s response .

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According to a report in The Courier-Mail, President Donald Trump nearly tweeted that actor Tom Hanks had died from coronavirus after misunderstanding reports that the actor had been “discharged” from care at an Australian hospital.
Trump had been prepared to tweet about Hanks’s death until Australia-based United States embassy officials informed Australian health authorities that Hanks was in fact still alive. An Australian health official confirmed to U.S. officials that Hanks was not only alive but recovering after contracting the coronavirus.
On March 12, Hanks confirmed that he and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, had tested positive for coronavirus amid the global pandemic white shooting filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis in Queensland, Australia. They were quarantined at an area hospital, released on March 16, and are still recovering in self-isolation.
Hanks and Wilson have maintained their good humor throughout the ordeal; a recent social media update from Hanks mentioned that while “the symptoms are much the same,” he and Wilson have passed the time with writing and games of gin rummy.
President Trump has been repeatedly derided for false or misleading statements surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in over 9,000 deaths worldwide, including 155 Americans according to the most recent count. The number of deaths has grown significantly over the last week amid heightened criticism of the federal government’s response.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Mitch McConnell Criticized For Not Allowing Senate To Vote Remotely During Pandemic

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) faces a volley of criticism after telling reporters that he won ’ t allow senators to vote remotely to contain the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We ’ ll not be doing that .
There are a number of different ways to avoid getting too many people together , ” McConnell told members of the press .
“ We can deal with the social distancing issue without fundamentally changing Senate rules.
” Health experts have advised the nation ’ s citizens to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
McConnell ’ s comments were soon rebuked online , particularly as the nation waits for members of Congress to approve a coronavirus relief package for everyone affected by nationwide shutdowns .
The coronavirus is particularly deadly for seniors , and the median age of senators 61.8 years , “ among the oldest in U.S. history , ” according to the Senate ’ s official website .
Senator Dick Durbin ( D-Ill. ) , the Democratic whip , sparked the call for remote work yesterday morning , saying , “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake up to the 21st century and make sure we ’ re using technology that allows us to communicate with each other without any danger or risk to public health.
” Coronavirus cases around the United States continue to mount ; over 9,200 infections and 152 deaths have been attributed to the disease .

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) faces a volley of criticism after telling reporters that he won’t allow senators to vote remotely to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“We’ll not be doing that. There are a number of different ways to avoid getting too many people together,” McConnell told members of the press. “We can deal with the social distancing issue without fundamentally changing Senate rules.”
Health experts have advised the nation’s citizens to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the virus. McConnell’s comments were soon rebuked online, particularly as the nation waits for members of Congress to approve a coronavirus relief package for everyone affected by nationwide shutdowns. The coronavirus is particularly deadly for seniors, and the median age of senators 61.8 years, “among the oldest in U.S. history,” according to the Senate’s official website.
https://twitter.com/Fight_4_USA_Now/status/1240294966938591232
.@SenMajLdr #MassacreMitch is at it again. He sure enjoys watching Americans die.
McConnell won’t let Senate vote remotely amid coronavirus fears. https://t.co/dUh3hHWVrI — AaronsNina60 (@AaronsNina60) March 18, 2020
Well, the "Grim Reaper of the Senate", Mitch McConnell just cemented his place (low as it already is) in history as an ignorant & clueless fool; refusing to join the world in telecommuting/teleconferencing, working remotely. https://t.co/zP76tH9yuF — William Sidwell (@billsidwell) March 17, 2020
Just because this deer-in-headlights doesn't know how to use an iPad, the entire country has to wait just a little longer for assistance. With timing being so critical, we can't have this nonsense. https://t.co/aio3oeOmtS — Nik K (@NikKolidas) March 18, 2020
Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Democratic whip, sparked the call for remote work yesterday morning, saying, “It’s time for the Senate to wake up to the 21st century and make sure we’re using technology that allows us to communicate with each other without any danger or risk to public health.”
Coronavirus cases around the United States continue to mount; over 9,200 infections and 152 deaths have been attributed to the disease.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Senator John Cornyn Defends The Use Of The Term “Chinese Virus” As Pandemic Continues

Although President Donald Trump has come under fire for using what critics say amounts to a racist dog whistle in referring to the coronavirus as “ the Chinese virus , ” he has a defender in Senator John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) , who when asked by a reporter whether the use of the term is acceptable , responded , “ That ’ s where it came from.
” “ Well , I think China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats , and snakes , and dogs , and things like that , ” Cornyn continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the animal to the people and that ’ s why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS , like MERS , the Swine Flu .
And now the coronavirus .
So I think they have a fundamental problem .
And I don ’ t object to geographically identifying where it ’ s coming from.
” You can watch footage of Cornyn ’ s remarks below .
While the coronavirus and SARS pandemics did originate in China , Cornyn is wrong to attribute MERS and swine flu to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Respiratory Syndrome , was first discovered in Jordan in 2012 .
Swine flu , or H1N1 influenza , was first discovered in the United States in 2009 .
“ Disparaging an entire ethnic group and culture like this is bigotry , plain and simple , ” Chu said .
“ Blaming Chinese people en masse for the spread of this disease is the exact same bigoted line that was used to justify the Chinese Exclusion Act over a century ago.
” She went on to criticize the Republicans , who “ have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration officials , by Asian American organizations and constituents .
At this point , Republicans have made a calculation that it is in their best interest to use people of Chinese ethnicity as a scapegoat , and people ’ s lives will be in danger until they stop.
” President Trump again used the term “ Chinese virus ” to refer to the coronavirus during a White House briefing earlier today , pushing back against criticisms that the term is racially charged .
These criticisms only intensified after he used the term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s not racist at all , ” he said .
“ It comes from China , that ’ s why .
”

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Although President Donald Trump has come under fire for using what critics say amounts to a racist dog whistle in referring to the coronavirus as “the Chinese virus,” he has a defender in Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), who when asked by a reporter whether the use of the term is acceptable, responded, “That’s where it came from.”
“Well, I think China is to blame because the culture where people eat bats, and snakes, and dogs, and things like that,” Cornyn continued. “These viruses are transmitted from the animal to the people and that’s why China has been the source of a lot of these viruses like SARS, like MERS, the Swine Flu. And now the coronavirus. So I think they have a fundamental problem. And I don’t object to geographically identifying where it’s coming from.”
You can watch footage of Cornyn’s remarks below.
Reporter: "Are you on board with the President calling this the China virus, Chinese virus. Does it seem like it's helpful right now to call it that?" Sen. John Cornyn: "That's where it came from." pic.twitter.com/TkvQ5Z9p8y — The Hill (@thehill) March 19, 2020
While the coronavirus and SARS pandemics did originate in China, Cornyn is wrong to attribute MERS and swine flu to the Chinese.
MERS, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, was first discovered in Jordan in 2012. Swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, was first discovered in the United States in 2009.
Cornyn’s statements earned him a stern rebuke from Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.).
“Disparaging an entire ethnic group and culture like this is bigotry, plain and simple,” Chu said. “Blaming Chinese people en masse for the spread of this disease is the exact same bigoted line that was used to justify the Chinese Exclusion Act over a century ago.”
She went on to criticize the Republicans, who “have been warned by health experts, by Trump administration officials, by Asian American organizations and constituents. At this point, Republicans have made a calculation that it is in their best interest to use people of Chinese ethnicity as a scapegoat, and people’s lives will be in danger until they stop.”
President Trump again used the term “Chinese virus” to refer to the coronavirus during a White House briefing earlier today, pushing back against criticisms that the term is racially charged. These criticisms only intensified after he used the term in two separate tweets earlier this morning.
“It’s not racist at all,” he said. “It comes from China, that’s why.”


politicususa--2020-03-20--Rachel Maddow Blasts Trump And Pence For Straight Up Lying About Availability Of Medical Masks

Rachel Maddow called out Donald Trump and Mike Pence on Thursday for straight up lying to the American people by claiming that medical masks are widely available for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The vice president today at the White House and the president both gave a very cheery presentation about how millions of masks are available , ” the MSNBC host said .
“ Everything ’ s fine with the masks .
Yeah , millions of masks coming online.
” “ Yeah , ask at the hospitals , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical professionals all across the country are being forced to use tainted or expired masks while treating patients , all as the Trump administration says there ’ s no problem at all , nothing to see here .
The vice president today at the White House and the president both gave a very cheery presentation about how millions of masks are available .
Everything ’ s fine with the masks .
Yeah , millions of masks coming online .
Yeah , ask at the hospitals .
Here ’ s the headline in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it feels like a war zone .
Doctors and nurses plead for masks on social media .
Quote , as supplies have dwindled , doctors and nurses have improvised ways to make their stock last .
An intensive care nurse in Illinois was told to make a single-use mask last for five days .
An emergency room doctor in California said her colleagues had started storing dirty masks in plastic containers to use again later with different patients .
A pediatrician in Washington state trying to make her small stock last has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the masks break down .
Here ’ s a second story on the same fricking problem .
Doctors and nurses plead for masks and other equipment .
Quote , the open cities community health center in St. Paul , Minnesota , is considering shutting its doors because of a dwindling supply of face masks .
Doctors at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis have been forced to perform invasive procedures with loose-fitting surgical masks rather than the tight respirator masks recommended by health agencies .
At one Los Angeles emergency room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a box of expired masks .
When they tried to secure them to their faces , the elastic bands snapped .
With cases soaring , doctors , nurses and other front-line medical workers across the U.S. are confronting a dire shortage of masks , surgical gowns and eye gear to protect them from the virus .
At a White House briefing today , President Trump said millions of masks were in production and that the federal government had made efforts to address the shortages but he said that it was largely up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump can not be trusted to manage this crisis In times of crisis , the American people deserve a president who will be honest with them about the challenges facing the country .
After all , if you can ’ t truthfully diagnose a problem , you ’ ll never be able to fix it .
At every turn throughout this global health emergency , Donald Trump has sought to cover up the truth for his own personal benefit , whether it was downplaying the outbreak last month or gaslighting the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dishonest and incompetent president of the United States at the helm , the American people are flying completely blind through this crisis .

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Rachel Maddow called out Donald Trump and Mike Pence on Thursday for straight up lying to the American people by claiming that medical masks are widely available for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The vice president today at the White House and the president both gave a very cheery presentation about how millions of masks are available,” the MSNBC host said. “Everything’s fine with the masks. Yeah, millions of masks coming online.”
“Yeah, ask at the hospitals,” she said.
Maddow gave a rundown of how medical professionals all across the country are being forced to use tainted or expired masks while treating patients, all as the Trump administration says there’s no problem at all, nothing to see here.
Video:
Rachel Maddow calls out Trump and Pence for lying about the availability of life-saving medical equipment. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/EMsBDQs1TX — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 20, 2020
Maddow said:
The vice president today at the White House and the president both gave a very cheery presentation about how millions of masks are available. Everything’s fine with the masks. Yeah, millions of masks coming online. Yeah, ask at the hospitals. Here’s the headline in the New York Times tonight. Quote, it feels like a war zone. Doctors and nurses plead for masks on social media. Quote, as supplies have dwindled, doctors and nurses have improvised ways to make their stock last. An intensive care nurse in Illinois was told to make a single-use mask last for five days. An emergency room doctor in California said her colleagues had started storing dirty masks in plastic containers to use again later with different patients. A pediatrician in Washington state trying to make her small stock last has been spraying each mask with alcohol after use until the masks break down. Here’s a second story on the same fricking problem. Doctors and nurses plead for masks and other equipment. Quote, the open cities community health center in St. Paul, Minnesota, is considering shutting its doors because of a dwindling supply of face masks. Doctors at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis have been forced to perform invasive procedures with loose-fitting surgical masks rather than the tight respirator masks recommended by health agencies. At one Los Angeles emergency room, doctors examining a suspected coronavirus patient were given a box of expired masks. When they tried to secure them to their faces, the elastic bands snapped. With cases soaring, doctors, nurses and other front-line medical workers across the U.S. are confronting a dire shortage of masks, surgical gowns and eye gear to protect them from the virus. At a White House briefing today, President Trump said millions of masks were in production and that the federal government had made efforts to address the shortages but he said that it was largely up to governors to deal with the problem.
Trump cannot be trusted to manage this crisis
In times of crisis, the American people deserve a president who will be honest with them about the challenges facing the country. After all, if you can’t truthfully diagnose a problem, you’ll never be able to fix it.
At every turn throughout this global health emergency, Donald Trump has sought to cover up the truth for his own personal benefit, whether it was downplaying the outbreak last month or gaslighting the country about medical masks earlier today.
With a dishonest and incompetent president of the United States at the helm, the American people are flying completely blind through this crisis.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-20--Trump Is Trying To Cover Up How Many Americans Are Filing Unemployment Claims

A global pandemic combined with incompetent leadership from Donald Trump has plunged America into a likely recession , and the White House is now trying to cover up how many people are filing unemployment claims .
According to The New York Times , “ [ T ] he Trump administration is asking state labor officials to delay releasing the precise number of unemployment claims they are fielding.
” MSNBC ’ s Chris Hayes said on Thursday night that the revelation is the latest indication that the Trump administration ’ s priorities are completely backwards .
We have some breaking news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priorities of the Trump administration truly lie .
In the midst of the economic crash happening during the coronavirus crisis , the Trump administration , according to a notice just posted on the blog of the New York Times – their live updates – is asking state labor officials to hold off on releasing figures on unemployment claims .
And this may be why .
A labor department release today showed new unemployment claims jump to 281,000 last week – 33 % over the week before and according to the department , quote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The Trump administration would apparently rather you not hear those numbers .
Remember when the president , at CDC , when he was talking about maybe he would take those people off the ship and give them medical care , said he liked the numbers where they were .
He didn ’ t want the numbers to double .
It ’ s the numbers .
Trump is constantly trying to cover up the consequences of his screw-ups Throughout his presidency , Donald Trump has careened from one self-inflicted screw-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his failures , or at the very least trying to hide the disastrous consequences from the American people .
He may be terrible at his job and completely unfit to be president of the United States , but he certainly does his darnedest to make sure nobody knows the scope of the damage he ’ s done to this country .
That ’ s been particularly true in the midst of this global health emergency as he spent precious time at the outset downplaying the coronavirus and blocking aggressive testing , which put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the health and economic situation more dire than it should have been .
Instead of plunging the United States into one crisis after another and having to cover up the consequences of his incompetence , perhaps Donald Trump should try doing his job for a change – or step aside and let somebody else do it .

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A global pandemic combined with incompetent leadership from Donald Trump has plunged America into a likely recession, and the White House is now trying to cover up how many people are filing unemployment claims.
According to The New York Times, “[T]he Trump administration is asking state labor officials to delay releasing the precise number of unemployment claims they are fielding.”
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes said on Thursday night that the revelation is the latest indication that the Trump administration’s priorities are completely backwards.
Video:
The Trump administration is asking states not to release how many people are filing for unemployment. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/yrvgGnYtui — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 20, 2020
Hayes said:
We have some breaking news tonight which may further develop where the priorities of the Trump administration truly lie. In the midst of the economic crash happening during the coronavirus crisis, the Trump administration, according to a notice just posted on the blog of the New York Times – their live updates – is asking state labor officials to hold off on releasing figures on unemployment claims. And this may be why. A labor department release today showed new unemployment claims jump to 281,000 last week – 33% over the week before and according to the department, quote, clearly attributable to the impacts from the coronavirus. The Trump administration would apparently rather you not hear those numbers. Remember when the president, at CDC, when he was talking about maybe he would take those people off the ship and give them medical care, said he liked the numbers where they were. He didn’t want the numbers to double. It’s the numbers.
Trump is constantly trying to cover up the consequences of his screw-ups
Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has careened from one self-inflicted screw-up to another, always blaming somebody else for his failures, or at the very least trying to hide the disastrous consequences from the American people.
He may be terrible at his job and completely unfit to be president of the United States, but he certainly does his darnedest to make sure nobody knows the scope of the damage he’s done to this country.
That’s been particularly true in the midst of this global health emergency as he spent precious time at the outset downplaying the coronavirus and blocking aggressive testing, which put America weeks behind in its response and made the health and economic situation more dire than it should have been.
Instead of plunging the United States into one crisis after another and having to cover up the consequences of his incompetence, perhaps Donald Trump should try doing his job for a change – or step aside and let somebody else do it.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-20--Dems Fight For A Real Coronavirus Relief Package After GOP Offers Scraps To Working Families

As more details are released to the public , it ’ s clear that the Republican coronavirus relief bill will – surprise , surprise – largely benefit well-off Americans and corporations , while leaving the lower and middle-class with very little assistance .
As PoliticusUSA ’ s Jason Easley noted on Thursday , citing policy experts , ” [ T ] he Senate Republican coronavirus stimulus plan would benefit the better off while giving poor and working people little help.
” “ Instead of funneling money to hospitals and the states to fight the virus , ” Easley continued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while bailing out corporations , and ignoring the national emergency that is right under their noses.
” That ’ s why House Democrats are working to craft their own relief package that will go “ bigger and broader ” than what ’ s being proposed by Senate Republicans .
“ We want to make sure that we get adequate relief to people who need it most , and that there be some economic sideboards on the things we do , so that we ’ re not just sending checks to wealthy people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re not just rewarding corporations , ” said Rep. Jared Huffman ( D-CA ) , according to The Hill .
The report noted that Democrats will press for “ a broader expansion of unemployment benefits , a boost in Social Security payments and new funding for job training.
” Additionally , House Democrats want to include provisions to boost infrastructure spending and set up funding for an all-mail voting system so the American people can still vote if the pandemic continues into the fall .
On Thursday , Sen. Doug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan that would go well beyond what Republicans are offering .
The Alabama Democrat ’ s proposal would actually give Americans ’ their full salary , not a flimsy , one-time payment .
America is only in the beginning stages of this crisis , both on a public health and economic level .
It ’ s likely to get much worse and touch just about every life in this country .
In addition to the growing number of people catching this virus , millions of others are out of work , missing paychecks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the floor as the stock market continues its tumble .
These Americans are looking for their leaders to have their backs , not use this crisis to shower big corporations and special interests with bailouts and tax cuts while hardworking people get nothing but scraps .
Lawmakers in both parties have an opportunity to join together and go big for the American people .
So far , the Republicans are going small .

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As more details are released to the public, it’s clear that the Republican coronavirus relief bill will – surprise, surprise – largely benefit well-off Americans and corporations, while leaving the lower and middle-class with very little assistance.
As PoliticusUSA’s Jason Easley noted on Thursday, citing policy experts,”[T]he Senate Republican coronavirus stimulus plan would benefit the better off while giving poor and working people little help.”
“Instead of funneling money to hospitals and the states to fight the virus,” Easley continued, “Republicans are making token political gestures while bailing out corporations, and ignoring the national emergency that is right under their noses.”
That’s why House Democrats are working to craft their own relief package that will go “bigger and broader” than what’s being proposed by Senate Republicans.
“We want to make sure that we get adequate relief to people who need it most, and that there be some economic sideboards on the things we do, so that we’re not just sending checks to wealthy people who don’t need money, so that we’re not just rewarding corporations,” said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), according to The Hill.
The report noted that Democrats will press for “a broader expansion of unemployment benefits, a boost in Social Security payments and new funding for job training.”
Additionally, House Democrats want to include provisions to boost infrastructure spending and set up funding for an all-mail voting system so the American people can still vote if the pandemic continues into the fall.
On Thursday, Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) also proposed a plan that would go well beyond what Republicans are offering. The Alabama Democrat’s proposal would actually give Americans’ their full salary, not a flimsy, one-time payment.
Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) has a plan for out-of-work Americans that goes well beyond what the GOP is proposing in its flimsy relief package. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/dKyuizuD8Z — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 20, 2020
This crisis demands bold action
America is only in the beginning stages of this crisis, both on a public health and economic level. It’s likely to get much worse and touch just about every life in this country.
In addition to the growing number of people catching this virus, millions of others are out of work, missing paychecks, and watching their retirement accounts fall through the floor as the stock market continues its tumble.
These Americans are looking for their leaders to have their backs, not use this crisis to shower big corporations and special interests with bailouts and tax cuts while hardworking people get nothing but scraps.
Lawmakers in both parties have an opportunity to join together and go big for the American people. So far, the Republicans are going small.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-03-20--‘We’re On Our Own’: Colorado Gov Blasts Trump For Having No National Strategy To Fight Coronavirus

Gov .
Jared Polis ( D-CO ) tore into Donald Trump on Thursday for failing to develop a national strategy to help individual states deal with the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country .
During an interview with MSNBC ’ s Chuck Todd , Polis fired back at Trump ’ s suggestion that governors , not the federal government , should be managing this global health emergency .
“ To say the federal government isn ’ t a shipping clerk , I mean we ’ re a mighty and proud nation .
We ’ re the wealthiest nation in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s what we have the CDC for , and yet , really , we ’ re on our own as governors.
” Polis ’ pushback came after Trump said earlier in the day that it ’ s up to the governors , not him , to send medical supplies to places that need it .
“ Governors are supposed to be doing a lot of this work , ” Trump said .
“ The federal government is not supposed to be out there buying vast amounts of items and then shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a shipping clerk.
” Video of Polis ’ response to Trump ’ s latest attempt to pass the buck : I think that quote you just quoted from the president there really shows a bit of this gap .
To say the federal government isn ’ t a shipping clerk , I mean we ’ re a mighty and proud nation .
We ’ re the wealthiest nation in the world .
We should have , of course , across our 50 states , that ’ s what we have the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re on our own as governors .
Now , we ’ re scrappy .
I ’ m doing my best in Colorado .
We set up the first in the nation drive-through testing facility .
We ’ re getting additional masks in from Home Depot and others .
We ’ ve worked with most of our grocery stores to provide shopping for seniors and vulnerable populations in the morning .
And we ’ re doing everything we can .
But you know what , Chuck , we have freedom of movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national strategy , people are going to come and go from Washington and California and Colorado and Texas , and until you do this in a cohesive way , you ’ re going to have a lot more trouble containing the spread of the virus .
When Trump said last week that he takes no responsibility for this crisis or his administration ’ s god-awful response to it , the American people should have believed him .
After all , this is a man who has never taken responsibility for any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place during his business career or his time in the White House .
The truth is that Trump ’ s actions – regardless of his ever-changing tone – continue to fall well short of what is needed to meet this crisis .
Not to mention the fact that he is largely the reason why the United States was so ill-prepared to handle this outbreak .
The president can and will likely continue to put this on state officials , but the American people understand that this is an emergency that goes beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to combat the spread of the coronavirus , a national strategy is necessary .
So far , Donald Trump has been unable or unwilling to develop one .

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Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) tore into Donald Trump on Thursday for failing to develop a national strategy to help individual states deal with the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the country.
During an interview with MSNBC’s Chuck Todd, Polis fired back at Trump’s suggestion that governors, not the federal government, should be managing this global health emergency.
“To say the federal government isn’t a shipping clerk, I mean we’re a mighty and proud nation. We’re the wealthiest nation in the world,” the governor said. “That’s what we have the CDC for, and yet, really, we’re on our own as governors.”
Polis’ pushback came after Trump said earlier in the day that it’s up to the governors, not him, to send medical supplies to places that need it.
“Governors are supposed to be doing a lot of this work,” Trump said. “The federal government is not supposed to be out there buying vast amounts of items and then shipping. You know, we’re not a shipping clerk.”
Video of Polis’ response to Trump’s latest attempt to pass the buck:
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says Donald Trump is basically telling governors that they’re on their own to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/FsWGrbrQZY — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 19, 2020
Gov. Polis said:
I think that quote you just quoted from the president there really shows a bit of this gap. To say the federal government isn’t a shipping clerk, I mean we’re a mighty and proud nation. We’re the wealthiest nation in the world. We should have, of course, across our 50 states, that’s what we have the CDC for, and yet, really, we’re on our own as governors. Now, we’re scrappy. I’m doing my best in Colorado. We set up the first in the nation drive-through testing facility. We’re getting additional masks in from Home Depot and others. We’ve worked with most of our grocery stores to provide shopping for seniors and vulnerable populations in the morning. And we’re doing everything we can. But you know what, Chuck, we have freedom of movement in this country and until we have a national strategy, people are going to come and go from Washington and California and Colorado and Texas, and until you do this in a cohesive way, you’re going to have a lot more trouble containing the spread of the virus.
Trump is simply incapable of taking responsibility
When Trump said last week that he takes no responsibility for this crisis or his administration’s god-awful response to it, the American people should have believed him.
After all, this is a man who has never taken responsibility for any of his mountain of failures, whether they took place during his business career or his time in the White House.
The truth is that Trump’s actions – regardless of his ever-changing tone – continue to fall well short of what is needed to meet this crisis. Not to mention the fact that he is largely the reason why the United States was so ill-prepared to handle this outbreak.
The president can and will likely continue to put this on state officials, but the American people understand that this is an emergency that goes beyond on any single state. In order to combat the spread of the coronavirus, a national strategy is necessary.
So far, Donald Trump has been unable or unwilling to develop one.


politicususa--2020-03-19--Mitch McConnell’s Coronavirus Stimulus Is A Sick Joke On America

According to experts , the Senate Republican coronavirus stimulus plan would benefit the better off while giving poor and working @ @ @ @ @ Greenstein of the Center For Budget And Policy Priorities tweeted : Under the McConnell plan @ @ @ @ @ get $ 600 , and Republicans are offering even less of a one-time payment than @ @ @ @ @ plans are a joke .
They aren ’ t going to do enough to help @ @ @ @ @ most .
\ Instead of funneling money to hospitals and the states to fight the @ @ @ @ @ token political gestures while bailing out corporations , and ignoring the national emergency that is @ @ @ @ @ For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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According to experts, the Senate Republican coronavirus stimulus plan would benefit the better off while giving poor and working people little help.
Bob Greenstein of the Center For Budget And Policy Priorities tweeted:
Senate Republicans are starting to release details about their proposal for a 3rd bill to address the #COVID19 pandemic & the sharp economic downturn that threatens. We are looking carefully at the information. But so far, we’re seeing some very troubling indications. 1/ — Bob Greenstein (@GreensteinCBPP) March 19, 2020
Direct stimulus payments ($ to households) can help families make ends meet & bolster demand. Unfortunately, the Sen. GOP package would give the poorest households no help at all & millions of low- & moderate-income households significantly less than those who are better off. — Bob Greenstein (@GreensteinCBPP) March 19, 2020
2) Fiscal relief for states: State revenues will plummet in this environment & w/o robust fiscal relief, states will have to lay off workers & cut public services, hurting residents & making the downturn worse. States could even shortchange public health response. — Bob Greenstein (@GreensteinCBPP) March 19, 2020
Under the McConnell plan, the poorest Americans would get $600, and Republicans are offering even less of a one-time payment than Trump. These economic stimulus plans are a joke. They aren’t going to do enough to help the people who need it most.
\
Instead of funneling money to hospitals and the states to fight the virus, Republicans are making token political gestures while bailing out corporations, and ignoring the national emergency that is right under their noses.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-03-20--Staff Member in Mike Pence’s Office Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence has confirmed that a staff member in his office has tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ we were notified that a member of the Office of the Vice President tested positive @ @ @ @ @ President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual , ” said @ @ @ @ @ Katie Miller .
“ Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines.
@ @ @ @ @ to come as this story develops .
The vice president has been leading the nationwide @ @ @ @ @ , which has claimed the lives of at least 250 Americans , according to the @ @ @ @ @ at a press conference earlier today alongside President Donald Trump , he said there would @ @ @ @ @ from the federal government of N95 masks ” announced over the weekend .

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UPDATE:
News sources have not identified the staffer for Vice President Mike Pence who has tested positive for coronavirus. Pence has not been tested for the virus; his office says there are no plans to test him at this time.
This isn’t Pence’s first brush with the virus: He was present at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s Policy Conference in Washington, where two people tested positive for the virus.
Two members of Congress tested positive for coronavirus this week and are currently self-isolating.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence has confirmed that a staff member in his office has tested positive for coronavirus.
“This evening we were notified that a member of the Office of the Vice President tested positive for the Coronavirus. Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual,” said Pence’s spokesperson, Katie Miller. “Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines.”
There will be more to come as this story develops.
The vice president has been leading the nationwide response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of at least 250 Americans, according to the most recent count.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today alongside President Donald Trump, he said there would be a “major procurement from the federal government of N95 masks” announced over the weekend.


politicususa--2020-03-20--CNN’s John King Calls Trump’s Attack On Peter Alexander Bullsh*t On TV

CNN ’ s John King ’ s defended NBC News ’ s Peter Alexander after Trump attacked him during the coronavirus press briefing by calling Trump ’ s attack “ bullsh*t. ” After Trump attacked NBC ’ s Pete Alexander for asking him what he would tell scared Americans , King said , “ I sat in that briefing room for ten years .
It was a perfectly valid question , and what the President did to Peter Alexander was reprehensible .
The American people are looking for answers .
They do want hope .
They do want support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair question.
” The CNN anchor continued , “ This is a Trump trademark .
It was striking that this came , forgive me , this bullshit attack , on fake news came just moments after the Secretary of State said that the American people needed to be careful about where they get their information and go to a source they can trust .
I get that there at times disagreements ; there are , at times , tension between politicians and reporters .
That was a one hundred percent legitimate questions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bias .
He just wanted to attack.
” King was right .
In political terms , it was a softball , and any normally mentally functioning human being would have responded by easing the fears of the American people with a message of reassurance .
Trump was mad about a previous question about him giving false hope to people , so he couldn ’ t control himself and lost it .
It is good to see the corporate media establishment finally challenge Trump , and not back down to his bullying .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack was BS .
Trump is failing the coronavirus crisis has spiraled out of control , and he is taking it out on anyone around him .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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CNN’s John King’s defended NBC News’s Peter Alexander after Trump attacked him during the coronavirus press briefing by calling Trump’s attack “bullsh*t.”
After Trump attacked NBC’s Pete Alexander for asking him what he would tell scared Americans, King said, “I sat in that briefing room for ten years. It was a perfectly valid question, and what the President did to Peter Alexander was reprehensible. The American people are looking for answers. They do want hope. They do want support, Mr. President. That was a very fair question.”
The CNN anchor continued, “This is a Trump trademark. It was striking that this came, forgive me, this bullshit attack, on fake news came just moments after the Secretary of State said that the American people needed to be careful about where they get their information and go to a source they can trust. I get that there at times disagreements; there are, at times, tension between politicians and reporters. That was a one hundred percent legitimate questions with no hype, no shape, no bias. He just wanted to attack.”
Video of King:
Wow. Here’s John King describing Trump’s attack on Peter Alexander as “bullshit” pic.twitter.com/7HvcMgwENb — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 20, 2020
King was right. In political terms, it was a softball, and any normally mentally functioning human being would have responded by easing the fears of the American people with a message of reassurance.
Trump was mad about a previous question about him giving false hope to people, so he couldn’t control himself and lost it.
It is good to see the corporate media establishment finally challenge Trump, and not back down to his bullying.
John King was right. Trump’s attack was BS.
Trump is failing the coronavirus crisis has spiraled out of control, and he is taking it out on anyone around him.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-20--3 Corrupt Senators Who Voted To Acquit Trump Insider Traded Away Stocks Before Coronavirus Crash

Three Senate Republicans who voted to acquit Donald Trump in the impeachment trial used insider information to sell stocks and save money before the coronavirus crash .
Sens .
Richard Burr , Kelly Loefflers and James Inhofe all voted to acquit Trump and dumped their stock to avoid the crash .
Via The New York Times : The record of Mr. Burr ’ s stock transaction shows he and his wife sold 33 different stocks on Feb. 13 that were collectively worth $ 628,000 to $ 1.7 million , according to the disclosures filed with the secretary of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stock — all on Jan. 27 — including holdings in PayPal , Apple and Brookfield Asset Management , a real estate company , with the overall value of the sales totaling as much as $ 400,000 , a disclosure report shows .
Ms. Loeffler and her husband , Jeffrey C. Sprecher , who is the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange , reported 27 stock sales worth millions of dollars starting on Jan. 24 .
On that day , Ms. Loeffler tweeted about attending the Senate briefing on the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies including Exxon Mobil , Ross Stores and AutoZone .
Sen. Dianne Feinstein ’ s husband also sold stock , but her assets are in a blind trust that she has nothing to do with , and the stock that was sold was losing money before the coronavirus market crash .
It appears that the three Republicans who dumped their stock did so based on insider information that they learned in Senate briefings .
Using such information for personal gain is a violation of the STOCK Act .
The problem is that any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Department of Justice and Trump ’ s Attorney General William Barr .
Trump ’ s corruption is a symptom of larger systemic corrupt behavior within the Republican Party .
It isn ’ t a surprise that the same Republicans who turned a blind eye to Trump ’ s crimes are committing crimes of their own .

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Three Senate Republicans who voted to acquit Donald Trump in the impeachment trial used insider information to sell stocks and save money before the coronavirus crash.
Sens. Richard Burr, Kelly Loefflers and James Inhofe all voted to acquit Trump and dumped their stock to avoid the crash.
Via The New York Times:
The record of Mr. Burr’s stock transaction shows he and his wife sold 33 different stocks on Feb. 13 that were collectively worth $628,000 to $1.7 million, according to the disclosures filed with the secretary of the Senate.
….
Mr. Inhofe sold a large amount of stock — all on Jan. 27 — including holdings in PayPal, Apple and Brookfield Asset Management, a real estate company, with the overall value of the sales totaling as much as $400,000, a disclosure report shows.
Ms. Loeffler and her husband, Jeffrey C. Sprecher, who is the chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, reported 27 stock sales worth millions of dollars starting on Jan. 24. On that day, Ms. Loeffler tweeted about attending the Senate briefing on the coronavirus. The stocks the couple sold were in companies including Exxon Mobil, Ross Stores and AutoZone.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s husband also sold stock, but her assets are in a blind trust that she has nothing to do with, and the stock that was sold was losing money before the coronavirus market crash.
It appears that the three Republicans who dumped their stock did so based on insider information that they learned in Senate briefings. Using such information for personal gain is a violation of the STOCK Act.
The problem is that any prosecution of the Senators would be handled by the Department of Justice and Trump’s Attorney General William Barr.
Trump’s corruption is a symptom of larger systemic corrupt behavior within the Republican Party.
It isn’t a surprise that the same Republicans who turned a blind eye to Trump’s crimes are committing crimes of their own.


politicususa--2020-03-20--Dow Plunges As Trump Uncorks Coronavirus Briefing Disaster

The Dow was up by several hundred points when Trump ’ s coronavirus briefing started .
As Trump spoke the market plummeted .
Here is the Dow chart as Trump was speaking : The briefing itself has been a debacle .
Trump said that he doesn ’ t want to hear about people who have symptoms , but can ’ t get tested : Trump yelled at a reporter who asked him what he would say to scared Americans right now .
Trump said that he didn ’ t want to hear about people who have symptoms , but can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become an almost daily event that when Donald Trump comes out to speak at the coronavirus briefing , the stock market goes down .
Trump mixture of lies , BS , and happy talk isn ’ t fooling investors anymore .
The bubble has popped .
The economy is tanking , and the epidemic is spreading .
Donald Trump can ’ t handle this crisis .
The market has joined the majority of the country in having no confidence in Trump .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and @ @ @

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The Dow was up by several hundred points when Trump’s coronavirus briefing started. As Trump spoke the market plummeted.
Here is the Dow chart as Trump was speaking:
The briefing itself has been a debacle.
Trump said that he doesn’t want to hear about people who have symptoms, but can’t get tested:
When asked how many ventilators and masks are being made, he answered, "A lot." This briefing is a debacle. pic.twitter.com/tGd7P5NTHZ — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 20, 2020
Trump yelled at a reporter who asked him what he would say to scared Americans right now.
Trump said that he didn’t want to hear about people who have symptoms, but can’t get tested:
Trump says he doesn't want to hear about people who have coronavirus symptoms who can't get a test. pic.twitter.com/PTC1SulQBj — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 20, 2020
It has become an almost daily event that when Donald Trump comes out to speak at the coronavirus briefing, the stock market goes down.
Trump mixture of lies, BS, and happy talk isn’t fooling investors anymore. The bubble has popped. The economy is tanking, and the epidemic is spreading.
Donald Trump can’t handle this crisis. The market has joined the majority of the country in having no confidence in Trump.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-20--Trump Has An Epic Meltdown And Starts Screaming About NBC During Coronavirus Briefing

Trump was asked what he would tell Americans that are scared right now , and he responded blowing up and ranting about NBC .
NBC News ’ s Pete Alexander asked , “ When you say Americans were scared , though , I guess nearly 200 dead , 14,000 who are sick , millions , as you witnessed , who are scared right now .
What do you say to Americans who are watching you right now who are scared ?
” Trump lost it : I say that you ’ re a terrible reporter .
That ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a very nasty question .
And I think it ’ s a very bad signal you ’ re putting out to the American people .
The American people are looking for answers , and they ’ re looking for hope .
And you ’ re doing sensationalism and the same with NBC and Comcast .
I don ’ t call it Comcast , I call it con-cast .
Let me just say something , that ’ s really bad reporting .
And you ought to get back to reporting instead of let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It might and might not .
I happen to feel good about it .
Who knows ?
I have been right a lot .
Let ’ s see what happens .
Alexander looked stunned because his question was a simple one that involved the President reassuring the nation .
Instead of reassurance , Trump went off on a rant , because he didn ’ t like the previous question about his unproven claim that coronavirus can be treated with a malaria drug .
Trump can ’ t handle this crisis .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed , the epidemic is worsening , and the economy is heading for an unprecedented recession .
Trump ’ s failures have finally caught up to him , and he can ’ t escape by blaming the media .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump was asked what he would tell Americans that are scared right now, and he responded blowing up and ranting about NBC.
NBC News’s Pete Alexander asked, “When you say Americans were scared, though, I guess nearly 200 dead, 14,000 who are sick, millions, as you witnessed, who are scared right now. What do you say to Americans who are watching you right now who are scared?”
Video of Trump:
Trump has an epic meltdown and goes on a screed about the media when he is asked what he would tell people who are scared. Trump called NBC's Peter Alexander a terrible reporter and started yelling and ranting. pic.twitter.com/dko6pIHrUt — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 20, 2020
Trump lost it:
I say that you’re a terrible reporter. That’s what I say. I think that’s a very nasty question. And I think it’s a very bad signal you’re putting out to the American people. The American people are looking for answers, and they’re looking for hope. And you’re doing sensationalism and the same with NBC and Comcast.
I don’t call it Comcast, I call it con-cast. Let me just say something, that’s really bad reporting. And you ought to get back to reporting instead of let’s see if it works. It might and might not. I happen to feel good about it. Who knows? I have been right a lot. Let’s see what happens.
Alexander looked stunned because his question was a simple one that involved the President reassuring the nation. Instead of reassurance, Trump went off on a rant, because he didn’t like the previous question about his unproven claim that coronavirus can be treated with a malaria drug.
Trump can’t handle this crisis. He is melting down in public because his response has failed, the epidemic is worsening, and the economy is heading for an unprecedented recession.
Trump’s failures have finally caught up to him, and he can’t escape by blaming the media.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-03-20--The Trump Administration Failed A ‘Contagion’ Simulation Last Year

President Donald Trump commented on Thursday over the spread of coronavirus in the United States over the past few weeks , lamenting to himself and to reporters that no one could have been ready for it .
A new report , however , shows that the U.S. federal government actually tried to ready itself for just such an event .
“ I would view [ the coronavirus crisis ] as something that just surprised the whole world…Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion , ” Trump said earlier this week .
Those comments fly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world was well aware of the crisis when China was dealing with most of the fallout from it .
Additionally , in the weeks from the first identified case in the U.S. ( which occurred in mid-January ) up until this past week , Trump spent much of the time flouting how prepared the country was due to his leadership , and called it a “ hoax ” when others criticized how marginally he was taking the matter .
Now , details about a government exercise demonstrate that the administration had tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , failing miserably in a simulation called “ Crimson Contagion ” last year .
The simulated exercise involved 12 federal agencies , a number of states , and some hospitals across the country taking part in it .
The scenario ?
A pandemic flu that began in China and spread across the world by international tourists .
If that doesn ’ t sound familiar enough for you , consider what conclusions were drawn from the simulation .
From the New York Times : According to the simulation , at least 110 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fictional disease .
Little-to-no response came about from the simulation .
In fact , the president himself sought to cut the CDC ’ s budget by hundreds of millions of dollars , just weeks before coronavirus became a big deal in the U.S .

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President Donald Trump commented on Thursday over the spread of coronavirus in the United States over the past few weeks, lamenting to himself and to reporters that no one could have been ready for it.
A new report, however, shows that the U.S. federal government actually tried to ready itself for just such an event.
“I would view [the coronavirus crisis] as something that just surprised the whole world…Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion,” Trump said earlier this week.
"I’ve reviewed all of his public statements and actions on coronavirus over the last two months, and they show a president who put almost no priority on public health," @DLeonhardt writes https://t.co/bDjNgjRfkx — Philip Rucker (@PhilipRucker) March 16, 2020
Those comments fly in the face of common sense: the world was well aware of the crisis when China was dealing with most of the fallout from it. Additionally, in the weeks from the first identified case in the U.S. (which occurred in mid-January) up until this past week, Trump spent much of the time flouting how prepared the country was due to his leadership, and called it a “hoax” when others criticized how marginally he was taking the matter.
Now, details about a government exercise demonstrate that the administration had tried to prepare for the eventuality of such an outbreak, failing miserably in a simulation called “Crimson Contagion” last year.
The simulated exercise involved 12 federal agencies, a number of states, and some hospitals across the country taking part in it. The scenario? A pandemic flu that began in China and spread across the world by international tourists.
If that doesn’t sound familiar enough for you, consider what conclusions were drawn from the simulation. From the New York Times:
Federal agencies jockeyed over who was in charge. State officials and hospitals struggled to figure out what kind of equipment was stockpiled or available. Cities and states went their own ways on school closings.
“Crimson Contagion” was a pandemic response simulation ran Jan.-Aug. ‘19. Results proved Trump administration was “underfunded, underprepared & uncoordinated” to deal with a life-or-death pandemic. So, what did they do to ensure our safety? NOTHING. https://t.co/gydWgc0eLp — Liz aka Bama #GoodTrouble #UniteBlue #AntiRacist (@bamableu) March 20, 2020
According to the simulation, at least 110 million Americans ended up getting infected with the fictional disease.
Little-to-no response came about from the simulation. In fact, the president himself sought to cut the CDC’s budget by hundreds of millions of dollars, just weeks before coronavirus became a big deal in the U.S.


politicususa--2020-03-20--Poll Shows Shift On Approval Of Trump’s Coronavirus Response

How do Americans rate President Donald Trump ’ s job so far in addressing the spread of coronavirus ?
One poll seems to imply that a shift is happening , toward more approving his response than disapproving .
The poll , conducted jointly by ABC News and Ipsos , found that 54 percent approve of Trump ’ s job handling the disease , while 43 percent disapprove .
The numbers shocked a few political insiders on social media on Friday , as Trump ’ s response to COVID-19 ’ s spread has been lackluster .
For several weeks , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation — and when others called him out for his refusal to do so , he called their criticisms a “ hoax.
” Trump even claimed in late February that the virus would disappear within the United States ’ borders within a matter of days .
Vox journalist Aaron Rupar was among those who were mystified by the poll ’ s findings .
“ Nothing matters , ” he wrote in a tweet detailing the numbers .
He followed that tweet up by observing that the ABC News poll was , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt .
“ The ABC poll is a bit of an outlier , ” Rupar noted , pointing out an Economist/YouGov poll from this week that showed a more even split among the American public .
That poll found approval of Trump ’ s handling of coronavirus at 45 percent , with disapproval at 46 percent .
Other polls are more pessimistic about Trump ’ s job performance related to the virus .
A Politico/Morning Consult poll found that 44 percent of Americans rated Trump ’ s work on the disease to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; about 12 percent said his handling of the issue was “ just fair ” ; and 39 percent described it as “ poor.
” In other words , a majority of respondents in that poll ( 51 percent ) felt Trump ’ s job performance in handling coronavirus was less than “ good.
” Trump , for his own part , has rated himself as flawless .
Asked by reporters to give himself a rating on a 1-to-10 scale , Trump responded , “ I ’ d rate it a 10 .
@

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How do Americans rate President Donald Trump’s job so far in addressing the spread of coronavirus? One poll seems to imply that a shift is happening, toward more approving his response than disapproving.
The poll, conducted jointly by ABC News and Ipsos, found that 54 percent approve of Trump’s job handling the disease, while 43 percent disapprove.
The numbers shocked a few political insiders on social media on Friday, as Trump’s response to COVID-19’s spread has been lackluster. For several weeks, the president refused to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation — and when others called him out for his refusal to do so, he called their criticisms a “hoax.”
JUST IN: 55% of Americans approve of Pres. Trump's management of the coronavirus crisis, compared to 43% who disapprove, according to new @ABC News/Ipsos poll. https://t.co/oNg6ZipDN2 pic.twitter.com/yVcGO0CpbD — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) March 20, 2020
Trump even claimed in late February that the virus would disappear within the United States’ borders within a matter of days.
Vox journalist Aaron Rupar was among those who were mystified by the poll’s findings. “Nothing matters,” he wrote in a tweet detailing the numbers.
He followed that tweet up by observing that the ABC News poll was, perhaps, a misnomer of how Americans truly felt.
“The ABC poll is a bit of an outlier,” Rupar noted, pointing out an Economist/YouGov poll from this week that showed a more even split among the American public.
The ABC poll is a bit of an outlier, but YouGov yesterday found public opinion of Trump’s handling of coronavirus to be basically split, which also is an argument for nothing mattering. The guy fired the pandemic team & can’t figure out how to test people! https://t.co/JX1XnMenYf — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 20, 2020
That poll found approval of Trump’s handling of coronavirus at 45 percent, with disapproval at 46 percent.
Other polls are more pessimistic about Trump’s job performance related to the virus. A Politico/Morning Consult poll found that 44 percent of Americans rated Trump’s work on the disease to be “excellent” or “good”; about 12 percent said his handling of the issue was “just fair”; and 39 percent described it as “poor.”
In other words, a majority of respondents in that poll (51 percent) felt Trump’s job performance in handling coronavirus was less than “good.”
Trump, for his own part, has rated himself as flawless. Asked by reporters to give himself a rating on a 1-to-10 scale, Trump responded, “I’d rate it a 10.”


politicususa--2020-03-20--Treasury Sec Steven Mnuchin Announces April 15 ‘Tax Day’ Has Been Delayed

A number of reasonable changes to accommodate America ’ s new reality in dealing with the coronavirus crisis have been proposed and adopted by the federal government .
Now , the deadline to file for taxes is one of them .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on Friday that American taxpayers would not have to adhere to the normal April 15 deadline to file their tax returns .
Instead , there would be a three-month delay , allowing filers to submit their records to the Internal Revenue Service up to July 15 .
“ At @ realDonaldTrump ’ s direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 15 to July 15 , ” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter .
“ All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.
” The delay is likely a welcome respite for hundreds of thousands , if not millions , of workers , many of whom have recently lost their jobs due to the financial outcomes of the spread of coronavirus , as well as others who are still working but may not have a job in the near future .
According to recent polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans say they are presently without a job .
Seventeen percent of Americans have transitioned their ordinary work situations to a work-from-home ( WFH ) setup , and 5 percent said they were already working from home .
In announcing the delay , Mnuchin stressed that Americans should still try to get their tax returns into the IRS as soon as possible .
“ We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15 , ” he said in a statement .
“ Because for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refunds.
” The average tax refund among people who have already filed their taxes to the federal government has been around $ 3,000 , the IRS said .
The delay only applies , at this time , to federal income tax returns .
States will need to determine for themselves when to delay ( and for how long ) tax returns for citizens within their own jurisdictions .

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A number of reasonable changes to accommodate America’s new reality in dealing with the coronavirus crisis have been proposed and adopted by the federal government. Now, the deadline to file for taxes is one of them.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on Friday that American taxpayers would not have to adhere to the normal April 15 deadline to file their tax returns. Instead, there would be a three-month delay, allowing filers to submit their records to the Internal Revenue Service up to July 15.
“At @realDonaldTrump’s direction, we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15,” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter. “All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.”
At @realDonaldTrump’s direction, we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) March 20, 2020
The delay is likely a welcome respite for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of workers, many of whom have recently lost their jobs due to the financial outcomes of the spread of coronavirus, as well as others who are still working but may not have a job in the near future.
According to recent polling from ABC News/Ipsos, more than 2-in-5 Americans say they are presently without a job. Seventeen percent of Americans have transitioned their ordinary work situations to a work-from-home (WFH) setup, and 5 percent said they were already working from home.
In announcing the delay, Mnuchin stressed that Americans should still try to get their tax returns into the IRS as soon as possible.
“We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15,” he said in a statement. “Because for many Americans, you will get tax refunds.”
BREAKING: You now have 90 extra days to pay your taxes https://t.co/BlQJqAvYDs — Los Angeles Times (@latimes) March 17, 2020
The average tax refund among people who have already filed their taxes to the federal government has been around $3,000, the IRS said.
The delay only applies, at this time, to federal income tax returns. States will need to determine for themselves when to delay (and for how long) tax returns for citizens within their own jurisdictions.


politicususa--2020-03-20--Entire Georgia Senate Told To Self-Quarantine After Republican Goes In Despite Coronavirus Test

Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach ( R ) was tested for the coronavirus on Saturday after experiencing a cough and a mild fever .
But that didn ’ t stop him from going into work despite directives around the nation to self-quarantine in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has stalled the economy and uprooted the lives of Americans across the country .
Beach ’ s test came back positive for coronavirus on Wednesday , and the news has forced the entire Georgia senate to self-quarantine until the end of the month .
The Georgia Senate soon released a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Today , Senate members and staff were notified that a senator had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , after first experiencing symptoms on March 10 .
As a result , and based upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Senate members and Senate employees have been asked to self-quarantine for fourteen days , ” they said in a press release .
The Georgia Senate added that “ While not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , members of the public who frequent the Capitol should use their best judgment when making a decision to self-quarantine and should contact their primary care provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms.
” “ We want to protect our members , their families and the individuals they come in contact with daily , ” Lieutenant Gov .
Geoff Duncan ( R ) said in a statement of his own .
“ The special session on Monday was absolutely necessary to ratify the governor ’ s public health state of emergency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep members safe while at the Capitol.
” Beach , for his part , says he believed he was “ in the clear ” on the day he went in for a one-day special legislative session at the Capitol to grant Governor Brian Kemp ( R ) broad powers to respond to the pandemic .
“ I know many Georgians are praying hard as we weather this crisis together , and frankly , I ’ d ask that they pray for me , ” Beach said , “ as well as all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through this right now – and those who soon will.
” Beach ’ s wife , Shuntel Paille Beach , later took to Facebook to update her husband ’ s constituents about his condition , saying that his “ fever is gone but the deep cough lingers along with the soreness from coughing.
” “ He extended a Press Release yesterday , once we were notified to alert any and all that may have been in contact , ” she added .
“ The last thing he would want would be for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s decision to keep reporting to work has earned him harsh criticism from at least one colleague .
“ I ’ m shaking with rage .
We were told if we had symptoms to refrain from going to the Capitol on Monday .
Senator Brandon Beach knew he was exhibiting symptoms since MARCH THE 10TH !
” Representative Scot Turner ( R ) wrote on Facebook .
“ I have an elderly hospice patient at home .
He irresponsibly stayed all day at the Capitol on Monday and exposed all of us.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a “ good example of why people need to do what we ’ re asking them to do.
” “ The biggest thing is social distance yourself , ” he said .
“ If you are sick , do not — do not — go out .
Stay home until you can figure out what ’ s going on .
Don ’ t go to the doctor .
Don ’ t show up at the emergency room .
Don ’ t show up at work.
” The coronavirus has infected more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for 10,447 deaths , according to the most recent count , including 218 in the United States alone .

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Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach (R) was tested for the coronavirus on Saturday after experiencing a cough and a mild fever. But that didn’t stop him from going into work despite directives around the nation to self-quarantine in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has stalled the economy and uprooted the lives of Americans across the country.
Beach’s test came back positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, and the news has forced the entire Georgia senate to self-quarantine until the end of the month.
The Georgia Senate soon released a statement advising its members to self-quarantine.
“Today, Senate members and staff were notified that a senator had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), after first experiencing symptoms on March 10. As a result, and based upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Senate members and Senate employees have been asked to self-quarantine for fourteen days,” they said in a press release.
The Georgia Senate added that “While not a part of the official recommendation to self-quarantine, members of the public who frequent the Capitol should use their best judgment when making a decision to self-quarantine and should contact their primary care provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms.”
“We want to protect our members, their families and the individuals they come in contact with daily,” Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) said in a statement of his own. “The special session on Monday was absolutely necessary to ratify the governor’s public health state of emergency, and we tried to take serious precautions to keep members safe while at the Capitol.”
Beach, for his part, says he believed he was “in the clear” on the day he went in for a one-day special legislative session at the Capitol to grant Governor Brian Kemp (R) broad powers to respond to the pandemic.
“I know many Georgians are praying hard as we weather this crisis together, and frankly, I’d ask that they pray for me,” Beach said, “as well as all the others in our state who are going through this right now – and those who soon will.”
Beach’s wife, Shuntel Paille Beach, later took to Facebook to update her husband’s constituents about his condition, saying that his “fever is gone but the deep cough lingers along with the soreness from coughing.”
“He extended a Press Release yesterday, once we were notified to alert any and all that may have been in contact,” she added. “The last thing he would want would be for anyone to be infected.”
https://www.facebook.com/shuntel.beach/posts/2900701126643144
Beach’s decision to keep reporting to work has earned him harsh criticism from at least one colleague.
“I’m shaking with rage. We were told if we had symptoms to refrain from going to the Capitol on Monday. Senator Brandon Beach knew he was exhibiting symptoms since MARCH THE 10TH!” Representative Scot Turner (R) wrote on Facebook. “I have an elderly hospice patient at home. He irresponsibly stayed all day at the Capitol on Monday and exposed all of us.”
https://www.facebook.com/scot.turner/posts/10159932093522715
Governor Kemp said Beach’s actions were a “good example of why people need to do what we’re asking them to do.”
“The biggest thing is social distance yourself,” he said. “If you are sick, do not — do not — go out. Stay home until you can figure out what’s going on. Don’t go to the doctor. Don’t show up at the emergency room. Don’t show up at work.”
The coronavirus has infected more than 254,000 people worldwide. The virus is responsible for 10,447 deaths, according to the most recent count, including 218 in the United States alone.


politicususa--2020-03-20--Trump Administration Asks States to Delay Release of Unemployment Numbers

The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump ’ s administration is asking state officials to delay the release of unemployment numbers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , which sent a shockwave through the economy and forced many out of work after businesses shuttered .
The Department of Labor asked state officials in an email to only “ provide information using generalities to describe claims levels ( very high , large increase ) ” and place the exact unemployment numbers under embargo .
Gay Gilbert , the administrator of the department ’ s Office of Employment Insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values to the public.
” The Times noted there was no indication Gilbert was pressured to make her request .
281,000 Americans filed unemployment claims last week .
Economists for Goldman Sachs predicted that 2.25 million Americans filed for unemployment this week .
The federal government has allowed states to expand their eligibility rules for unemployment as a result of the crisis .
“ President Trump has made the safety , security , and health of the American people his top priority .
The Administration is using all available tools to decrease the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to assist workers who may be affected , ” stated Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia on March 12 .
“ Under the guidance issued today , states have greater assurance about the circumstances in which they are authorized to extend unemployment insurance benefits to Americans whose employment has been disrupted by coronavirus.
” The White House has proposed an economic relief plan : a $ 1 trillion economic stimulus that would directly hand checks to Americans .
Details of the plan are still being fleshed out .
“ It is a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in this economy , ” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday .
“ The government has requested that parts of this economy shut down .
”

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The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump’s administration is asking state officials to delay the release of unemployment numbers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which sent a shockwave through the economy and forced many out of work after businesses shuttered.
The Department of Labor asked state officials in an email to only “provide information using generalities to describe claims levels (very high, large increase)” and place the exact unemployment numbers under embargo.
Gay Gilbert, the administrator of the department’s Office of Employment Insurance advised states to “not provide numerical values to the public.”
The Times noted there was no indication Gilbert was pressured to make her request.
281,000 Americans filed unemployment claims last week. Economists for Goldman Sachs predicted that 2.25 million Americans filed for unemployment this week.
The federal government has allowed states to expand their eligibility rules for unemployment as a result of the crisis.
“President Trump has made the safety, security, and health of the American people his top priority. The Administration is using all available tools to decrease the risk of coronavirus in the United States and to assist workers who may be affected,” stated Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia on March 12. “Under the guidance issued today, states have greater assurance about the circumstances in which they are authorized to extend unemployment insurance benefits to Americans whose employment has been disrupted by coronavirus.”
The White House has proposed an economic relief plan: a $1 trillion economic stimulus that would directly hand checks to Americans. Details of the plan are still being fleshed out.
“It is a big number. This is a very unique situation in this economy,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday. “The government has requested that parts of this economy shut down.”


politicususa--2020-03-21--Trump Ignored Multiple Classified Coronavirus Warnings

US intelligence agencies gave Trump multiple ominous classified warnings about the coronavirus , but the president ignored them all .
U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing ominous , classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed by the coronavirus while President Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have slowed the spread of the pathogen , according to U.S. officials familiar with spy agency reporting .
Taken together , the reports and warnings painted an early picture of a virus that showed the characteristics of a globe-encircling pandemic that could require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
But despite that constant flow of reporting , Trump continued publicly and privately to play down the threat the virus posed to Americans .
Lawmakers , too , did not grapple with the virus in earnest until this month , as officials scrambled to keep citizens in their homes and hospitals braced for a surge in patients suffering from covid-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The reports didn ’ t tell Trump when the coronavirus would arrive in the United States , but they did paint a dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president into action .
One of Trump ’ s favorite excuses is to claim that he was caught by surprise by the virus and that no one could have seen this coming .
It turns out that US intelligence agencies saw it coming , and tried to warn Trump .
The President ignored their warnings because he gets his intelligence briefings from watching Fox News .
The government should have been acting to prepare months before this virus arrived in the United States .
The United States is in a public health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy because Donald Trump doesn ’ t listen to US intelligence agencies .

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US intelligence agencies gave Trump multiple ominous classified warnings about the coronavirus, but the president ignored them all.
Via The Washington Post:
U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing ominous, classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed by the coronavirus while President Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have slowed the spread of the pathogen, according to U.S. officials familiar with spy agency reporting.
…..
Taken together, the reports and warnings painted an early picture of a virus that showed the characteristics of a globe-encircling pandemic that could require governments to take swift actions to contain it. But despite that constant flow of reporting, Trump continued publicly and privately to play down the threat the virus posed to Americans. Lawmakers, too, did not grapple with the virus in earnest until this month, as officials scrambled to keep citizens in their homes and hospitals braced for a surge in patients suffering from covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The reports didn’t tell Trump when the coronavirus would arrive in the United States, but they did paint a dire picture that would have kicked any previous president into action.
One of Trump’s favorite excuses is to claim that he was caught by surprise by the virus and that no one could have seen this coming. It turns out that US intelligence agencies saw it coming, and tried to warn Trump. The President ignored their warnings because he gets his intelligence briefings from watching Fox News.
The government should have been acting to prepare months before this virus arrived in the United States. The United States is in a public health crisis that could kill millions and cripple the economy because Donald Trump doesn’t listen to US intelligence agencies.


politicususa--2020-03-21--Elizabeth Warren Skewers Republican Coronavirus Bailout Plan in New Op-Ed

Writing in USA Today , Senator Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
took a stand for American workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic , saying that any bailout must put their needs first .
“ That means making sure that any federal bailout of giant corporations directly helps their employees , fuels a grassroots recovery and ensures that those big companies make serious , long-term reforms that reduce the odds they ’ re back before taxpayers again looking for another bailout , ” she wrote .
But the Trump administration ’ s proposed $ 1 trillion stimulus plan , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” because they lack protections for workers and taxpayers , she noted , pointing out that big business––such as airline CEOs––stand to benefit from the bailout .
“ These proposals appear to be yet another no-strings-attached bailout for failed CEOs and simply aren ’ t enough to meet the moment , ” she said .
“ I understand that major portions of the American economy have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , and make no mistake : the federal government must mount a robust response .
Now is the time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaches workers directly .
” Noting that companies that “ poured billions of dollars into stock buybacks and executive pay during good times ” have made threats to layoff their workers , Warren again made an example of airlines , saying they spent the majority of their profits over the last decade on stock buybacks , in turn hurting American workers .
Warren proposed that Congress set certain conditions on any relief funds companies receive .
Companies should maintain payrolls and use federal funds to keep people working ; provide a $ 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from making stock buybacks ; not pay out dividends or executive bonuses while receive federal funds and for three years thereafter ; provide at least one seat to workers on their board of directors with the stipulation that they must offer more if they take additional bailouts ; not touch collective bargaining agreements with workers ; receive shareholder and board approval for all political spending , and require all CEOs to certify that their companies are following these rules lest they face criminal penalties for “ filing false certifications.
” These criminal penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body created by Congress , Warren suggested .
“ The millions of families who will be affected by the coronavirus crisis can not afford for Congress to only provide relief for big banks and their executives .
We must insist that any bailout legislation contain basic guarantees to ensure that workers and working families get the help they need , ” she concluded .
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of at least 256 Americans according to the most recent tally , and the virus has sent shockwaves through the economy as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life grinds to a halt .
281,000 Americans filed unemployment claims last week .
Economists for Goldman Sachs predicted that 2.25 million Americans filed for unemployment this week .
The effects are likely to be felt for quite some time and are bound to change the world permanently , say analysts , citing the scale of a crisis that threatens to keep Americans homebound for a possible 18-month period while following social distancing protocols .

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Writing in USA Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) took a stand for American workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, saying that any bailout must put their needs first.
“That means making sure that any federal bailout of giant corporations directly helps their employees, fuels a grassroots recovery and ensures that those big companies make serious, long-term reforms that reduce the odds they’re back before taxpayers again looking for another bailout,” she wrote.
But the Trump administration’s proposed $1 trillion stimulus plan, among other proposals, is largely “inadequate” because they lack protections for workers and taxpayers, she noted, pointing out that big business––such as airline CEOs––stand to benefit from the bailout.
“These proposals appear to be yet another no-strings-attached bailout for failed CEOs and simply aren’t enough to meet the moment,” she said. “I understand that major portions of the American economy have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and make no mistake: the federal government must mount a robust response. Now is the time to come together and make sure that response reaches workers directly. ”
Noting that companies that “poured billions of dollars into stock buybacks and executive pay during good times” have made threats to layoff their workers, Warren again made an example of airlines, saying they spent the majority of their profits over the last decade on stock buybacks, in turn hurting American workers.
Warren proposed that Congress set certain conditions on any relief funds companies receive. Companies should maintain payrolls and use federal funds to keep people working; provide a $15 an hour minimum wage; be banned from making stock buybacks; not pay out dividends or executive bonuses while receive federal funds and for three years thereafter; provide at least one seat to workers on their board of directors with the stipulation that they must offer more if they take additional bailouts; not touch collective bargaining agreements with workers; receive shareholder and board approval for all political spending, and require all CEOs to certify that their companies are following these rules lest they face criminal penalties for “filing false certifications.”
These criminal penalties could be upheld by a strong oversight body created by Congress, Warren suggested.
“The millions of families who will be affected by the coronavirus crisis cannot afford for Congress to only provide relief for big banks and their executives. We must insist that any bailout legislation contain basic guarantees to ensure that workers and working families get the help they need,” she concluded.
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of at least 256 Americans according to the most recent tally, and the virus has sent shockwaves through the economy as businesses have been forced to shutter and life grinds to a halt. 281,000 Americans filed unemployment claims last week. Economists for Goldman Sachs predicted that 2.25 million Americans filed for unemployment this week.
The effects are likely to be felt for quite some time and are bound to change the world permanently, say analysts, citing the scale of a crisis that threatens to keep Americans homebound for a possible 18-month period while following social distancing protocols.