inquisitr--2020-03-16--Joe Biden Vs. Bernie Sanders Debate Changed Almost Nothing In Democratic Race, Poll Shows Before Tue

Joe Biden Vs. Bernie Sanders Debate Changed Almost Nothing In Democratic Race, Poll Shows Before Tuesday Vote

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders faced off in a one-on-one debate Sunday , but the results showed that it had little impact on the race .
The last two major Democratic presidential candidates , former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , squared off in their first one-on-one debate of the campaign season on Sunday night .
But even with some spirited exchanges , as Sanders challenged Biden ’ s previous voting record on issues such as social security and the Iraq war , the debate appears to have done little to help or harm either candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll released on Monday that was commissioned by FiveThirtyEight and conducted by the research agency Ipsos .
According to the poll ’ s results , Biden was the “ winner ” of the debate in terms of gaining support from voters — but not by much .
Biden entered the debate with a wide lead over Sanders after winning the Michigan primary as well as primaries in Mississippi , Missouri , and Washington on the previous Tuesday .
The victories gave Biden a 141-delegate lead over Sanders .
If the results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears positioned to increase that lead on March 17 , when three more states are set to hold primaries : Florida , Illinois , and Arizona .
A fourth state , Ohio , postponed its primary election due to the coronavirus outbreak .
In all , 441 more delegates will be up for grabs on Tuesday , according to The Washington Post , with Biden now appearing likely to take the overwhelming majority of those delegates , leaving Sanders in an even deeper hole .
According to the FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll , Biden enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic voters prior to the debate .
After the debate wrapped up at 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday night , Biden ’ s support had ticked up to 66.6 percent — making the former Vice President the choice of two out of every three Democrats .
Sanders , on the other hand , received 38.7 perfect support prior to the debate .
After the showdown with Biden , Sanders saw his support drop , albeit by only two points , to 36.7 percent .
The poll also measured overall favorability for both candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the two candidates each helped himself with his debate performance — albeit only by small amounts .
Biden was viewed favorably by 73.4 percent of Democrats prior to the poll , and an even 74 percent afterward .
Sanders entered the poll with a favorability rating of 65.4 percent and left the debate viewed favorably by 67.4 percent of Democrats .
The results suggest that there will be little change in the election results on Tuesday from what polls strongly indicate — a heavy Biden victory across the board .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Univision poll in Florida showed Biden well ahead there , 63-25 , while an NBC News/Marist College poll in Arizona also put Biden well ahead of Sanders , 53-36 .
The latest Illinois poll , released by Emerson College on Friday , showed Biden with a big win in that state as well , with 57 percent support for Biden to just 36 for Sanders .

The last two major Democratic presidential candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, squared off in their first one-on-one debate of the campaign season on Sunday night. But even with some spirited exchanges, as Sanders challenged Biden’s previous voting record on issues such as social security and the Iraq war, the debate appears to have done little to help or harm either candidate.
That conclusion comes from a new poll released on Monday that was commissioned by FiveThirtyEight and conducted by the research agency Ipsos. According to the poll’s results, Biden was the “winner” of the debate in terms of gaining support from voters — but not by much.
Biden entered the debate with a wide lead over Sanders after winning the Michigan primary as well as primaries in Mississippi, Missouri, and Washington on the previous Tuesday. The victories gave Biden a 141-delegate lead over Sanders.
If the results of the FiveThirtyEight poll are an indicator, Biden appears positioned to increase that lead on March 17, when three more states are set to hold primaries: Florida, Illinois, and Arizona. A fourth state, Ohio, postponed its primary election due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In all, 441 more delegates will be up for grabs on Tuesday, according to The Washington Post, with Biden now appearing likely to take the overwhelming majority of those delegates, leaving Sanders in an even deeper hole.
According to the FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll, Biden enjoyed support from an overwhelming 63.2 percent of Democratic voters prior to the debate. After the debate wrapped up at 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday night, Biden’s support had ticked up to 66.6 percent — making the former Vice President the choice of two out of every three Democrats.
Sanders, on the other hand, received 38.7 perfect support prior to the debate. After the showdown with Biden, Sanders saw his support drop, albeit by only two points, to 36.7 percent.
The poll also measured overall favorability for both candidates. This time, the results showed that the two candidates each helped himself with his debate performance — albeit only by small amounts. Biden was viewed favorably by 73.4 percent of Democrats prior to the poll, and an even 74 percent afterward.
Sanders entered the poll with a favorability rating of 65.4 percent and left the debate viewed favorably by 67.4 percent of Democrats.
The results suggest that there will be little change in the election results on Tuesday from what polls strongly indicate — a heavy Biden victory across the board. According to the political data site Real Clear Politics, a Univision poll in Florida showed Biden well ahead there, 63-25, while an NBC News/Marist College poll in Arizona also put Biden well ahead of Sanders, 53-36.
The latest Illinois poll, released by Emerson College on Friday, showed Biden with a big win in that state as well, with 57 percent support for Biden to just 36 for Sanders.


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Ohio Governor Moves To Postpone Tuesday’s Primary Until June Over Coronavirus Concerns

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is proposing that his state postpone in-person voting for the presidential primary scheduled for Tuesday , putting it off until June in a precaution over the spread of the coronavirus .
As USA Today reported , DeWine said at a press conference on Monday that he does not want voters to risk their health by going to voting locations .
Health officials have called on people to self-isolate , remaining in their homes as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We should not force them to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional rights , and their duties of American citizens , ” DeWine said .
DeWine said he plans to file a lawsuit in Franklin County , asking a court to put a hold on the voting .
As governor , he does not have unilateral power to postpone the voting , but said he wanted the rights of voters to be preserved .
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said he would direct the state attorney not to contest the lawsuit , and will be submitting their own recommendation to the court to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that DeWine consulted leaders of the state Republican and Democratic parties before announcing the decision .
Ohio was set to vote on Tuesday , along with Illinois , Florida , and Arizona .
DeWine has earned praise for the actions he has taken in Ohio to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The state has undertaken a number of measures , including ordering all bars and restaurants to close on Sunday at 9 p.m. A number of other states have since followed suit , including neighboring Illinois and New York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants as well as theaters would be closed indefinitely .
The state of Louisiana had already postponed its own presidential primary , set for April 4 .
The idea of postponing all primaries was raised during Sunday ’ s Democratic debate , with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders responding to a question from moderator Anderson Cooper by appearing to support the idea .
“ I would hope that governors listen to the public health experts and what they are saying is … we don ’ t want gatherings of more than 50 people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Tuesday , via Fox News .
“ I ’ m thinking about some of the elderly people sitting behind the desks , registering people and doing all that stuff .
Does that make sense ?
I ’ m not sure it does.
” Sanders is facing a growing deficit in pledged delegates in the race , with former Vice President Joe Biden taking control of the Democratic primary after a string of major victories on Super Tuesday .

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inquisitr--2020-03-16--Donald Trump Says If Americans Make Vital Sacrifices Now, U.S. Will ‘Rally Together’ To ‘Defeat’ Cor

Donald Trump Says If Americans Make Vital Sacrifices Now, U.S. Will ‘Rally Together’ To ‘Defeat’ Coronavirus

President Donald Trump and members of the United States coronavirus task force led by Vice President Mike Pence held a press conference on Monday that provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the country .
At the beginning of the speech , Trump said that he spoke with the G7 leaders , as well as the nation ’ s governors , on Monday morning .
Afterward , the president spoke of new guidelines to be followed by Americans to deal with the virus and emphasized that young people with mild symptoms could put older adults in danger by failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all Americans — healthy and immunocompromised — do the following : homeschool when possible ; avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people ; avoid discretionary travel ; and avoid eating and drinking at bars , restaurants , and public food courts .
Trump claimed that “ several weeks of focused action ” can help the country quickly “ turn the corner.
” The president also claimed that a vaccine candidate has entered phase one of a clinical trial and said it was one of the quickest vaccine launches in history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said that the country is investing in the development of antiviral therapies and other additional treatments .
“ Whatever it takes , we ’ re doing , we ’ re doing it in every way , ” Trump said of the treatments the country is allegedly pursuing .
As noted by The Hill , Trump ’ s speech was the “ most direct appeal yet ” to take the coronavirus seriously after initially downplaying its severity .
During the question period , Trump acknowledged that the situation is “ bad ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ best case ” as opposed to a “ worst case.
” The press conference brings clarity amid many conflicting reports and rumors .
While recent text messages allegedly claimed the U.S. would engage in a national lockdown , the White House dismissed as rumors , as reported by The Inquisitr .
The conference also comes just one day after Republican Rep. Devin Nunes suggested that Americans continue going to bars and restaurants to keep the economy afloat , as CNN reported .
Canada ’ s Prime Minister , Justin Trudeau , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As reported by Reuters , Trudeau urged Canadians to stay home as much as possible and announced that the country would be closing its borders to everyone but U.S. citizens .
“ We will be denying entry into Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents , ” he said .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Mitt Romney Wants Every American Adult To Get A $1,000 Check To Relieve Financial Pain Of Coronaviru

Mitt Romney Wants Every American Adult To Get A $1,000 Check To Relieve Financial Pain Of Coronavirus

'Every American adult should immediately receive $ 1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy , ' he said .
U.S .
Senator Mitt Romney has proposed giving every American adult a check for $ 1,000 in order to help lessen some of the pain of the spreading coronavirus and the economic hardships it ’ s induced and continues to induce , CNN reports .
Across the country , Americans are feeling the pain as the world largely comes to a halt , with millions of people self-isolating and practicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes the cancellation or suspension of entire sports seasons , as well as huge swaths of the travel and hospitality industry , and in a general sense , people spending less money .
Tipped workers , hospitality workers , people whose incomes are derived from sports ( such as concessions workers , groundskeepers , network tech people , and so on ) are all out of work and feeling the pinch of the worldwide shutdown in their wallets .
The House of Representatives has already passed an emergency coronavirus bill that , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some relief to Americans suffering financial hardship from the virus .
The bill , which President Trump has promised to sign , includes paid emergency leave and free testing .
In a statement , Romney praised the passage of the bill , but said that it doesn ’ t go far enough .
“ While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options , ” he said , before calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go even further .
“ Every American adult should immediately receive $ 1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy , ” he said .
He also called for government grants to be given to struggling small business , and for the expansion of telehealth options , so that Americans can get health care evaluations over the internet rather than having to go to busy medical facilities , possibly risking transmission of the virus .
Meanwhile , Romney is encouraging his Senate colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the House recently passed .
The government has handed out checks to Americans , no questions asked , at least twice in the last few decades , in order to stimulate the economy .
Specifically , during 2001 and 2008 recessions , some Americans received stimulus checks .
It ’ s an idea that is gaining traction .
Greg Mankiw , a former top economic adviser to President George W. Bush , is on board .
Similarly on board is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , who called for emergency Universal Basic Income in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t specify amounts or how that money would be distributed .
According to Former President Barack Obama adviser Jason Furman , such a stimulus ( $ 1,000 to every adult American ) would cost $ 350 billion .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Anthony Scaramucci Calls For Trump To Be Placed On ‘Verbal Communication Quarantine’

Former White House director of communications , Anthony Scaramucci , appeared on MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe on Monday and took aim at President Donald Trump ‘ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic , Breitbart reported .
Scaramucci began by suggesting that the Federal Reserve ’ s decision to slash interest rates will help the American economy and the people struggling to make ends meet amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
He then turned his attention to what he believes is the most significant problem amid the crisis : the president .
“ The next thing that the market knows and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is that Donald Trump is the virus , ” Scaramucci said .
Scaramucci called the “ real tragedy ” of the situation the fact that the Federal Reserve can only do so much .
He suggested that a fiscal stimulus is necessary to help people survive as restaurants and other businesses close .
” And again , it ’ s a national tragedy born from one person , ” he continued .
The 56-year-old political consultant claimed that Trump ’ s staff is “ afraid ” of him and attempting to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
According to Scaramucci , the White House must have a “ group intervention ” with Trump and and put him on a “ verbal communication quarantine ” to cut him off from the rest of the nation .
The former White House staffer said the president must be pulled away from Twitter and television and replaced with people like Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
“ You have to overcompensate for the mistakes that have been made , but we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made a similar call to action during Sunday night ’ s Democratic presidential debate , Mediaite reported .
The Vermont Senator called for the silencing of Trump and said that the president is “ undermining ” the scientists and doctors who are trying to help Americans amid the coronavirus crisis .
As reported by The Guardian , Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus has been criticized by many as ineffective and dangerous .
Just one week after he urged the public to remain calm and claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the number of cases has exceeded 1,300 , and at least 38 people have died .
In addition , the stock market has plunged harder than any other time since the 1987 Wall Street crash .
Even Trump ’ s supporters — some of whom don ’ t believe the hype surrounding the coronavirus danger — are reportedly worried that his handling of the crisis will cost him re-election .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--White House Easter Egg Roll Canceled Due To Coronavirus, Melania Trump Says Safety Is ‘First Priorit

White House Easter Egg Roll Canceled Due To Coronavirus, Melania Trump Says Safety Is ‘First Priority’

'The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority , especially right now , ' Mrs. Trump said .
First Lady Melania Trump has canceled the annual White House Easter Egg Roll over concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus , The Hill reports .
In a statement released Monday , Mrs. Trump said that the annual event , planned for Monday , April 13 ( the Monday after the Easter holiday ) , will be scrapped this year thanks to the global pandemic .
“ The health and safety of all Americans must be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Mrs. Trump , acknowledging that canceling the popular event was a difficult decision that she regretted having to make .
“ During this time , I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials , and follow CDC guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone , ” she said .
Ceremonially , the First Lady is the hostess of the tradition , which brings thousands of families to the South Lawn of the White House every year .
As CNN reported at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which calls for would-be participants to submit their names to a lottery months in advance in order to get a spot , required 74,000 real eggs , dyed in primary colors , that thousands of children rolled across the grass .
The event brought 30,000 attendees , including the children , their families , and various politicians , dignitaries , as well as the US Marine , Army , Air Force and Navy Bands .
Mr. and Mrs. Trump dove head-first into their ceremonial duties , with the First Lady reading to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” anti-bullying initiative , and the president blowing the whistle to start races , as well as hobnobbing and even discussing politics with some of the children .
“ They just said , ‘ keep building that wall , ’ can you believe that ?
He ’ s gon na be a conservative , ” Trump said of one child he spoke with .
The Easter Egg Roll is just one of a growing list of events , large and small , that have been canceled or postponed as America tries valiantly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following recommendations that Americans avoid being in close proximity to other people or in large groups , just about everything — including sports , church , school , movies , bars & restaurants , among other things — has been canceled or postponed across the country .
The White House Easter Egg Roll dates back to 1814 , when then-First Lady Dolley Madison personally decorated the eggs herself , and invited hundreds of Washington children .
Subsequent events were marred by bad weather , rowdy children , and a sourpuss 1876 Congress that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellations because of war , weather , and , believe it or not , another pandemic ( the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 ) , among other reasons , the event has been an annual tradition since 1878 .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Former Donald Trump Staffer Shocks CNN Host By Predicting U.S. Could Lose 1 Million Jobs In April

Speaking to CNN ’ s Poppy Harlow on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic fuels fears of a recession , economist Kevin Hassett , former chairman of President Donald Trump ’ s Council of Economic Advisers , dropped a bombshell that appeared to leave the 37-year-old host stunned .
According to Hassett , there is a 95 percent chance that the U.S. economy will contract this quarter and lose as many as 1 million jobs next month , Raw Story reported .
“ I think in the U.S. , we ’ ll have a very terrible second quarter , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers carefully over the weekend , and we think the second quarter will be about minus-five percent , and we think the jobs number in early April might be as much as minus a million or so , because nobody is going to get hired next week.
” “ Potentially one of the worst jobs numbers we ’ ve ever seen , ” Harlow said , appearing stunned by the number .
When Hassett was pressed on how American lawmakers should respond , he claimed that the country needs a “ big fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday .
Hassett ’ s proposal is contrary to others , including former President Barack Obama ’ s chief economist , Jason Furman , who suggests providing cash to Americans to combat the lack of spending .
As noted by Politico , the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates to “ essentially zero ” on Sunday and launched a program intended to shield the U.S. economy as Americans quarantine themselves and engage in social distancing .
Regardless , U.S. stocks dipped on Monday and sparked the third 15-minute pause in just two weeks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street .
According to Hassett , the market is plunging because it understands that the Fed ’ s decision stemmed from a realization that the upcoming numbers are going to be “ terrible.
” He urged Congress to realize that the country is facing “ one of the worst jobs numbers we ’ ve ever seen ” and provide the country with a stimulus .
“ But they understand that and they need to give a big stimulus right now , ” he said .
In the absence of a stimulus , Hassett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread into the third quarter and create a recession .
According to Furman , the answer is not a payroll tax cut but to put money into the hands of Americans , as he outlined in a recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal .
While Furman said economic recovery is still possible if the country can return to normal in two months , any longer and the current damage will allegedly compound .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--White House Says Rumors Of A National Quarantine Lockdown Are ‘Fake’

As rumors about a national quarantine that would lock down the country to stop the spread of the coronavirus swirl around the United States , the White House stepped in to calm the country , stating that they are “ fake.
” “ Text message rumors of a national # quarantine are FAKE .
There is no national lockdown , ” the National Security Council tweeted .
“ @ CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on # COVID19.
” The message was met with disbelief by some , who said that the information coming out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so this latest message should be met with skepticism as well .
Others reacted with relief at having the rumors debunked .
The idea of a nationwide shutdown began to spread in earnest after the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) advised people to limit gatherings over the next eight weeks that involve more than 50 people in one area .
“ Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ include conferences , festivals , parades , concerts , sporting events , weddings , and other types of assemblies .
These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals , ” the CDC stated in a press release .
As a result , they advised people to postpone or cancel events regardless of where they are taking place and urged events of any size to be carried out only if people can be sure vulnerable individuals will be protected and good hygiene , including handwashing , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recommendation didn ’ t apply to schools or businesses and was encouraged as a way to disrupt the spread of the virus .
This tweet came the same day news emerged that the Trump administration may be considering a nationwide curfew , as The Inquisitr previously reported .
According to sources with inside knowledge , the federal government may recommend states enact a curfew that would limit any non-essential business after a certain time of day .
This would mean that bars , restaurants , and other places where the public gathers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like grocery stores and pharmacies , would be allowed to remain open — as they are considered essential services .
Some states have already begun to implement limitations on businesses , with New York discussing a lockdown , and Kentucky and Michigan ordering restaurants and bars to temporarily close .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Andrew Yang Pressures Congress To Pass UBI: ‘Get Your Sh*t Together’

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang is again suggesting a universal basic income ( UBI ) stimulus amid the coronavirus crisis , which he previously predicted could create worse economic damage than the 2008 financial crisis .
“ What exactly is the political downside of putting money into people ’ s hands ?
” he tweeted on Monday .
“ Get your sh*t together Congress and do the right thing.
” Less than an hour earlier , Yang noted that markets are down 10 percent and expressed his belief that U.S. lawmakers aren ’ t doing enough to combat the recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ No one thinks that what Congress is doing is sufficient to prevent a deep recession or worse , ” he wrote .
“ Congress needs to think much bigger about what is happening here .
This is an economic blackout for an extended period of time on a society-wide scale .
Wider than 2008.
” In response , UBI advocate Scott Santens , who was a vocal supporter of Yang ’ s now-suspended campaign , expressed disbelief in the fact that people aren ’ t accepting the possibility that the current crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also noted that UBI was not mentioned once during Sunday ’ s presidential debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders .
“ Politicians are failing us and we have to get them on board NOW , ” Santens tweeted .
According to Yang , the problem is not what is happening today , but what will happen in the weeks to come .
For families on the “ financial precipice , ” Yang asked people to consider where they will be in four , eight , and 12 weeks time in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , the Humanity Forward founder again pushed his support for UBI , calling it the “ obvious thing to do ” in the current crisis and expressed hope that Congress “ wakes up ” before the damage is done .
“ Every day is enormous at this point , ” he wrote .
Along with Yang , former President Barack Obama ’ s chief economist , Jason Furman , has also expressed support for putting cash into people ’ s hands to combat the purportedly coming recession .
Like Yang , Furman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eclipse the economic damage of the 2008 recession .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently called for an emergency UBI to ensure support for freelancers , tipped workers , shift workers , and other workers affected by coronavirus .
She noted that unemployment insurance and tax credits don ’ t help such workers , who represent a significant portion of the U.S. economy .
Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard also introduced H.Res .
897 , which would give every American adult $ 1,000 per month until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health emergency .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Donald Trump Activates Reptilian And Emotional Brains In Both His Supporters And Enemies, Psychiatri

Donald Trump Activates Reptilian And Emotional Brains In Both His Supporters And Enemies, Psychiatrist Says

In an analysis for The San Francisco Chronicle , Dr. James S. Gordon , a psychiatrist and clinical professor at Georgetown Medical School , put a magnifying glass on the psychology of Donald Trump and the way he allegedly appeals to people ’ s most primal instincts .
According to Gordon , Trump uses “ provocation and contraries ” to appeal to his supporters , and both his conduct and facial expressions “ reflect and amplify ” the most primitive parts of human biology and behavior .
While Trump reportedly taps into the “ remorseless struggle for survival ” that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he also taps into “ fears , rages and insecurities ” of the emotional — or limbic — brain .
Gordon noted that Trump reacts to even the smallest challenges as if they are life-threatening .
Additionally , Gordon highlighted Trump ’ s infant-like need for constant attention and tendency to throw tantrums when he ’ s ignored or frustrated .
Later in the analysis , Gordon notes that Trump has a similar effect on the reptilian and emotional brain in those who oppose him .
“ We too feel endangered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ His gross self-regard and utter disregard for the truth , his contempt for the vulnerable and minorities , his flouting of democratic norms and his indifference to our collective health and safety and our childrens ’ future : all these are deeply destabilizing .
They provoke our fear and rage , but may also galvanize us to oppose him.
” Gordon the only psychiatrists to share his opinion on Trump ’ s mental state amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking to Salon earlier this month , Yale psychiatrist Dr. Bandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives at risk with his response to the health crisis .
She also accused Vice President Mike Pence of enabling Trump ’ s purportedly dangerous behavior , which has also been criticized by many amid the COVID-19 panic .
According to Lee , the coronavirus is just one such threat that Trump ’ s mental health could affect .
Lee suggested that the new nuclear arms race and the danger of climate change could also be worsened in the face of a leader with Trump ’ s psychology .
As reported by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooks recently appeared on NBC ’ s Meet the Press and claimed that Trump ’ s inability to empathize with other people is holding back his administration ’ s response to the coronavirus .
Brooks noted that caring for loved ones during a crisis is human nature .
Trump , he claims , can not feel the emotions of others and therefore , can ’ t read the country .

In an analysis for The San Francisco Chronicle, Dr. James S. Gordon, a psychiatrist and clinical professor at Georgetown Medical School, put a magnifying glass on the psychology of Donald Trump and the way he allegedly appeals to people’s most primal instincts.
According to Gordon, Trump uses “provocation and contraries” to appeal to his supporters, and both his conduct and facial expressions “reflect and amplify” the most primitive parts of human biology and behavior. While Trump reportedly taps into the “remorseless struggle for survival” that stems from the reptilian brain, Gordon says he also taps into “fears, rages and insecurities” of the emotional — or limbic — brain.
Gordon noted that Trump reacts to even the smallest challenges as if they are life-threatening.
“Preoccupied with self-protection and the annihilation of real or imagined enemies, he’s cruel to the vulnerable, submissive to the powerful, fearful of the different.”
Additionally, Gordon highlighted Trump’s infant-like need for constant attention and tendency to throw tantrums when he’s ignored or frustrated. Later in the analysis, Gordon notes that Trump has a similar effect on the reptilian and emotional brain in those who oppose him.
“We too feel endangered, but by Trump himself,” he wrote.
“His gross self-regard and utter disregard for the truth, his contempt for the vulnerable and minorities, his flouting of democratic norms and his indifference to our collective health and safety and our childrens’ future: all these are deeply destabilizing. They provoke our fear and rage, but may also galvanize us to oppose him.”
WATCH: Two psychoanalysts on how the psychology of a bully applies to #Trumphttps://t.co/cyEpfGA8wX — Bridge Project (@BridgeProject21) August 29, 2016
Gordon the only psychiatrists to share his opinion on Trump’s mental state amid the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to Salon earlier this month, Yale psychiatrist Dr. Bandy X. Lee claimed that Trump is putting lives at risk with his response to the health crisis. She also accused Vice President Mike Pence of enabling Trump’s purportedly dangerous behavior, which has also been criticized by many amid the COVID-19 panic.
According to Lee, the coronavirus is just one such threat that Trump’s mental health could affect. Lee suggested that the new nuclear arms race and the danger of climate change could also be worsened in the face of a leader with Trump’s psychology.
As reported by The Inquisitr, New York Times columnist David Brooks recently appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press and claimed that Trump’s inability to empathize with other people is holding back his administration’s response to the coronavirus. Brooks noted that caring for loved ones during a crisis is human nature. Trump, he claims, cannot feel the emotions of others and therefore, can’t read the country.


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Donald Trump Supporters Are Worried Coronavirus Response Will Cost Him Re-Election, Report Says

A new report from Politico claims that supporters of Donald Trump are worried that his handling of the coronavirus pandemic will harm the president ’ s chances of being reelected in 2020 .
War Room host and former Breitbart editor Raheem Kassam , who believes he may have contracted the virus at the Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC ) , believes that a moment of weakness could be all it takes to harm Trump ’ s chances of another term .
“ If , for a second , people think that he doesn ’ t have that strength , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortitude , then it will become a problem , ” he said .
Will Chamberlain , editor-in-chief of Human Events , pointed to Trump ’ s comparison of flu statistics to COVID-19 statistics as a dangerous decision .
Not all of Trump ’ s supporters believe that the coronavirus outbreak is as severe as it ’ s being treated , but Politico claims that even these individuals see the potential the crisis has to harm Trump ’ s re-election .
“ Every president has the sort of out-of-the blue instances that happen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it tests your leadership ability , ” said Students for Trump founder Ryan Fournier , who believes the coronavirus danger is overblown .
As Politico notes , Trump ’ s base is “ splintering ” in terms of how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic .
While some continue to suggest that the virus is no worse than the flu — conflicting with comments from public health officials — others , such as Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller , are supporting calls for social distancing and strict lockdowns .
Per CNN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the coronavirus could have a significant impact on his re-election chances .
According to the publication , this impact can be tracked by watching his approval rating in the weeks and months ahead .
As of now , CNN claims that Trump ’ s 45 percent approval rating indicates he does not have the support to win in November .
FiveThirtyEight ’ s Nate Silver reportedly contended that Trump has a 3 in 10 shot of winning in 2020 with his current approval rating , appearing to support CNN ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen on the Trump-friendly network Fox News .
While many of the network ’ s most prominent hosts continue to downplay the coronavirus , others , like Tucker Carlson , warn of its severity .
The 50-year-old conservative commentator allegedly met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago a little over one week ago and urged the president to take the disease more seriously .
Not long after , Trump announced a national emergency to fight COVID-19 .


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Donald Trump Reportedly Says Coronavirus Can Help His Political Agenda To Close U.S. Border

President Donald Trump reportedly believes that the upside to the coronavirus is that it will help him promote his political agenda , which includes closing off U.S. borders to immigrants .
In a recent report from The Washington Post , an insider says that Trump appeared at an event last weekend at his private Florida resort known as Mar-a-Lago , where he claimed that the pandemic could help him push his anti-immigration agenda .
“ At his resort that evening , Trump told the donors that ‘ nobody is blaming us ’ for the virus , according to an account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quote the president ’ s private remarks , ” the Post writes .
“ Despite big drops in the stock markets , the president seemed eager to spin the potential upside — that the closing of borders around the world would promote his ‘ America First ’ agenda.
” The president was at the so-called “ Southern White House , ” along with wealthy donors attending a Republican National Committee retreat as well as friends present for his son ’ s girlfriend , Kimberly Guilfoyle , who was celebrating her birthday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed the belief that he wouldn ’ t experience any fallout for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , but that it might enable him to further his message .
One insider claims that Trump said that the travel industry might be hurt , but he has said that people shouldn ’ t travel outside of the U.S. anyway .
“ Certain industries are going to be hit very hard — cruise ships and airlines and certain industries , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve been saying for a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel in our country.
” That might happen now , he allegedly said .
An individual present at the event says that Trump seemed to be in a positive mood and wasn ’ t worried about the virus on a personal level , though reports have claimed that he is privately concerned about contracting the virus .
Trump has received criticism for his handling of the coronavirus crisis , with some critics arguing that he seems overly focused on limiting travel and closing U.S. borders to foreigners over addressing the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has repeatedly called the virus “ foreign ” in origin , and has pointed to China as the cause of the pandemic .
One of his first moves was to restrict travel from China in order to limit the virus ’ spread .
More recently , Trump banned travel from Europe , while initially exempting the United Kingdom and Ireland .
The Trump administration has also recently said that immigration across the U.S. borders can overwhelm the medical system within the country , and Trump has claimed that immigrants can carry disease into @ @ @


inquisitr--2020-03-16--Donald Trump Promises Relief For Airlines, Other Industries Affected By ‘The Chinese Virus’

Donald Trump vowed to aid industries hit by the coronavirus pandemic on Monday with a tweet that some are criticizing as xenophobic and racist .
“ The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries , like Airlines and others , that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus .
We will be stronger than ever before !
” he tweeted .
As the COVID-19 virus has spread across the U.S. , leaders have urged citizens to avoid crowds and to exercise caution when heading into public areas .
At the same time , the Trump administration has implemented a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response , restaurants , bars , museums , and other public spaces have closed , while others have seen a dramatic drop in business .
Many people have also canceled travel , in addition to those banned from traveling .
The result is that many U.S. businesses are struggling , airlines in particular .
As the Washington Post reports , the U.S. airline industry has asked the federal government for more than $ 50 billion in government aid .
Nearly $ 30 billion of that aid will go to passenger airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 billion in temporary tax relief and loans to help the industry through the crisis .
During his daily coronavirus briefing , Trump responded to the request saying that the government planned to step in to assist the industry .
“ As far as the airlines are concerned , the airlines , we ’ re going to back the airlines 100 percent , ” he said .
Trump also urged Americans to rally together during the crisis , assuring Americans that he was working with industry leaders and the nation ’ s governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the response , which includes a stimulus package passed by the House last week , stocks tumbled on Monday in the worst plunge since the coronavirus outbreak began .
With his latest tweet , Trump confirms that not only will the airlines receive assistance , but other industries as well , though he didn ’ t specify what businesses would be impacted or to what amount .
He also didn ’ t clarify how much aid the airlines would receive and under what terms .
While the message was met with gratitude from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with the language that Trump used when he described the virus as “ Chinese.
” Doctor Eugene Gu , founder of Cool Quit , said that the president ’ s language was troubling .
“ I ’ ve been deathly afraid of this exact moment where Trump turns to racism and xenophobia , ” he wrote , saying that the president ’ s language was hateful .
Activist and actress Mia Farrow also responded to Trump ’ s tweet with criticism .
“ Its called the Coronavirus and its now as American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she replied .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Pro-Trump First Responders Call Coronavirus A Hoax In Private Facebook Group, Report Says

A Tuesday report from ProPublica shines a light on a 27,000-member private Facebook group where firefighters and paramedics who support Donald Trump shed doubt on the severity of the coronavirus , which some call a hoax .
The group , called IAFF Union Firefighters for Trump , has reportedly been endorsed by the president .
In the conversations , users compare COVID-19 to the seasonal flu , despite experts claiming it has 10 times the fatality rate .
One Texas firefighter , whose identity was allegedly confirmed by ProPublica , suggested that the virus and surrounding panic are “ by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared in the group , the coronavirus was suggested to be nothing more than “ viral-pneumonia.
” “ Every election year has a disease , ” it read .
“ This is a viral-pneumonia being hyped as The Black Plague before an election.
” Other commenters proposed that the virus is a biological weapon that was created by China in partnership with the Democrats to both stop the Hong Kong riots and harm Trump , which ProPublica called a “ baseless conspiracy theory.
” “ I said that in the beginning , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Democrats saw an opportunity to use it against Trump and get rid of older people which they have been trying to do for a while.
” The Facebook group ’ s founder , Kelly Hallman , spoke to ProPublica and said that he understands why there is skepticism about the coronavirus among first responders .
He pointed to the previous responses to H1N1 , SARS , and Ebola , and suggested politics drive the heightened response to COVID-19 .
“ There ’ s never been this much hoopla given to the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the response is an attempt to sink the economy and prevent Trump from being re-elected .
The conspiracies haven ’ t all come from Trump ’ s camp .
Per Quartz , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijia recently claimed that the United States military brought the coronavirus to China .
Lijia ’ s comments conflict with reports suggesting that the virus originated in a lab in Wuhan .
Despite the skepticism from some of Trump ’ s base , the president ’ s coronavirus messaging has been shifting in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed at the Tuesday morning White House press briefing that he has taken the virus seriously from the start and claimed to have always known it was a pandemic .
As noted by journalist Paul Waldman , the president ’ s comments conflict with many of his past remarks on the virus , which attempted to downplay its severity .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Trump Officials Reportedly Questioned Need For Pandemic Training From Obama Staff, One Fell Asleep I

Trump Officials Reportedly Questioned Need For Pandemic Training From Obama Staff, One Fell Asleep In Meeting

In the final days of Barack Obama ’ s time in office in early 2017 , his administration held held a mandated training for incoming members of Donald Trump ’ s administration on how to deal with a global pandemic .
As a new report claims , it was not well-received .
As Business Insider reported , some members of Trump ’ s administration openly questioned whey they needed to attend , and one person even fell asleep during the meeting .
The report noted that Obama officials were trying to explain what Trump ’ s staff would need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scenario used in the model was remarkably close to the coronavirus , imagining a deadly outbreak that started in Asia and spread to the United States , leading to a shortage of ventilators and anti-viral drugs .
As the report claimed , two of the top members of the Trump administration essentially blew off the meeting , including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross , who fell asleep at times during the three-hour training .
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was “ especially dismissive ” in conversations during the session , the report noted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back against the report , with a spokesperson for Ross saying he did not fall asleep and instead found the meeting “ interesting and informative.
” DeVos also denied that she was dismissive , calling the story “ a hit piece with no basis in reality.
” Trump has been criticized in the past few weeks for his response to the coronavirus , including early statements downplaying the severity of the outbreak .
Critics have also blamed Trump for a lack of preparedness on a federal level , including insufficient resources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been criticized for his decision to dissolve the White House ’ s National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense back in 2018 during a larger reorganization of the NSC .
When Trump was pushed about his decision to disband the office , he said he did not take responsibility and had no knowledge about it .
As Cleveland.com noted , Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown responded this week by sharing a letter that he had sent to the White House back in 2018 warning of the danger of closing the office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ In our globalized world , where diseases are never more than a plane ride away , we must do all we can to prepare for the next , inevitable outbreak and keep Americans safe from disease , ” Brown wrote in the letter .
“ I urge you to act swiftly in reaffirming your commitment to global health security by taking immediate action to designate senior-level NSC personnel to focus on global health security , supporting adequate and appropriate funding for global health security initiatives , and leading the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Donald Trump Defends Calling Coronavirus The ‘Chinese Virus’ Amid China Accusations

During a Tuesday press conference on the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump was asked about his usage of the phrase “ Chinese virus ” to describe the disease .
As reported by Breitbart , Trump defended his use of the expression , which has sparked accusations of racism .
“ Well China was putting out information which was false , that our military gave this to them , that was false , ” he said of his tweet that used the term .
Trump is referring to suggestions from the East Asia country that COVID-19 came from the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he began using the term to remind the world that the coronavirus originated in China amid the country ’ s recent accusations .
“ I have to call it where it came from , it did come from China , so I think it ’ s a very accurate term , ” he said .
The president also denied that he was creating a “ stigma ” by using the term .
“ No I don ’ t think so , ” he said when asked about the possibility .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them creates a stigma.
” As reported by Business Insider , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijia said on Twitter last week that the U.S. army brought the coronavirus to Wuhan and demanded an explanation from America .
In response , the Department of Defense issued a statement that shot down Lijia ’ s claims and slammed the Chinese government for allegedly spreading “ absurd conspiracy theories ” about the origin of the virus .
In response to Trump ’ s label , The Guardian reported that China ’ s foreign ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on dealing with the problems in his country amid the pandemic as opposed to China .
“ Some US politicians have tried to stigmatise China … which China strongly condemns , ” he said during a Tuesday press briefing .
Critics of Trump ’ s use of the term believe he is fueling xenophobia and creating an unneeded stigma around the virus .
Conversely , Trump claimed that saying the U.S. military spread the virus creates a stigma of its own .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim at the media last week for purportedly taking China ’ s word amid the coronavirus pandemic .
He noted that China refused help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and suggested that the country would never be “ honest dealers .
”


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Fox News Host Admits He Should Have Taken Coronavirus More Seriously After Downplaying Calls To Isol

Fox News Host Admits He Should Have Taken Coronavirus More Seriously After Downplaying Calls To Isolate

Jesse Watters says he went out on the town this weekend , going out to dinner despite rising calls for people to start practicing social distancing amid the outbreak of the coronavirus .
On the network , he was seen as one of the most skeptical voices about the severity of the virus .
Now , the Fox News host is admitted that he got it wrong .
Speaking on The Five on Monday afternoon , Watters said he has since decided to limit his contact with others and encouraging the network ’ s viewers to start doing the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mom this weekend and she made me wear gloves to come inside of her house .
She is suspicious that I might have coronavirus , ” Watters said , via Media Matters .
“ I wore the gloves all afternoon in the house .
That ’ s what it is.
” As The Daily Beast noted , Watters was seen as one of the “ worst offenders when it came to downplaying the severity of the outbreak ” during recent weeks .
Watters told viewers that if he were to contract the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through positive thinking .
He encouraged Americans to continue going out , saying he was still riding the subway close to others and ordering Chinese take-out .
“ I ’ m not afraid of the coronavirus and no one else should be that afraid either , ” Watters had said .
Health experts have recommended that people self-isolate as much as possible , limiting contact with others to slow the spread of the virus and keep the medical system from being overwhelmed .
Across the country , a number of states have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars .
Some members of the conservative media world have been criticized for downplaying the severity of the coronavirus , following early statements from President Donald Trump saying that the United States would quickly be through the ordeal .
There has also been a disparity between how Republicans have viewed the coronavirus crisis compared to Americans as a whole .
As The Inquisitr reported , a recent poll found that 60 percent of Republicans believed that the worst of the pandemic was already past .
Among Democrats , less than 20 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was past .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Andrew Yang Says He Has Been In Touch With Donald Trump’s White House To Discuss UBI

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang said Tuesday that he has been in touch with Donald Trump ‘ s White House as it considers sending Americans a cash stimulus amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I ’ m pleased to see the White House adopt our vision of putting money directly into the hands of hard-working Americans , ” Yang wrote in a statement .
The Humanity Forward founder is referring to his campaign ’ s signature proposal of a universal basic income ( UBI ) of $ 1,000 per month for all American adults , which he touted throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , Yang claimed that his team is “ eager ” to help the White House as they attempt to implement a UBI stimulus in as smooth a manner as possible .
He also expressed hope that the stimulus cheques would continue beyond the current pandemic and help Americans prepare for future crises .
Speaking on CNN Tuesday , Yang said he was “ thrilled ” about the White House ’ s consideration of a cash stimulus and noted its importance for families that are not currently equipped to deal with the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least a minimum of $ 1,000 per month for each adult and $ 500 per child .
According to Yang , Trump ’ s White House told his team that they were interested in any resources and data they had about the benefits of UBI .
The news comes not long after Yang took to Twitter to pressure Congress to pass a UBI stimulus .
Others who have called for a similar stimulus include former President Barack Obama ‘ s chief economist , Jason Furman , UBI advocate Scott Santens , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsi Gabbard , and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney .
As reported by Breitbart , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at a press briefing on Tuesday that the White House wants to send cash relief to Americans “ immediately.
” The publication noted that the cash would help households that are low on money due to loss of business or work , which threatens to halt the economy .
Throughout his campaign , Yang has touted UBI as a way to provide Americans with money and boost the economy , as he claims such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
“ Our economy functions much better when we have money to spend , where we can participate in the market , where businesses are responsive to us , ” Yang said during his campaign , per CBS News .

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang said Tuesday that he has been in touch with Donald Trump‘s White House as it considers sending Americans a cash stimulus amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m pleased to see the White House adopt our vision of putting money directly into the hands of hard-working Americans,” Yang wrote in a statement.
The Humanity Forward founder was referring to his campaign’s signature proposal of a universal basic income (UBI) of $1,000 per month for all American adults, which he touted throughout his suspended 2020 campaign. He added that this measure was indeed designed to help people “make ends meet” in times of emergencies.
In the statement, Yang claimed that his team is “eager” to help the White House as they attempt to implement a UBI stimulus in as smooth a manner as possible. He also expressed hope that the stimulus checks would continue beyond the current pandemic and help Americans prepare for future crises.
My statement on the discussed stimulus package. My team has been in touch with the White House and we are offering resources. pic.twitter.com/Bi58oq7Q9V — Andrew Yang🧢⬆🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) March 17, 2020
Speaking on CNN on Tuesday, Yang said he was “thrilled” about the Trump administration’s consideration of a cash stimulus and noted its importance for families that are not currently equipped to deal with the threat of COVID-19. He recommended the checks be valued at least a minimum of $1,000 per month for each adult and $500 per child. As he added, the president told his team that they were interested in any resources and data they had about the benefits of UBI.
The news comes not long after Yang took to Twitter to pressure Congress to pass a UBI stimulus. Others who have called for a similar form of assistance include former President Barack Obama‘s chief economist, Jason Furman, UBI advocate Scott Santens, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.
As reported by Breitbart, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at a press briefing on Tuesday that the White House wants to send cash relief to Americans “immediately.” The publication noted that the cash would help households that are low on money due to loss of business or work, which threatens to halt the economy.
Throughout his campaign, Yang has touted UBI as a way to provide Americans with money and boost the economy, as he claims such funds would recirculate into local businesses and services.
“Our economy functions much better when we have money to spend, where we can participate in the market, where businesses are responsive to us,” Yang said during his campaign, per CBS News.


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Donald Trump Says He Has ‘Always Known’ Coronavirus Is A Pandemic

During a Tuesday press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic , MSNBC ’ s Kristen Welker noted that Donald Trump ‘ s tone on the crisis has shifted over the past 24 hours and become more somber , Raw Story reports .
In response , the president suggested that his COVID-19 messages has been consistent throughout recent months .
“ I have seen that where people actually liked it , ” Trump said , speaking of his Monday briefing on the virus .
“ I thought it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post , Paul Waldman pointed to the Tuesday press conference as the beginning of Trump ’ s pivot on coronavirus messaging and suggested his statements were a sign to supporters to shift gears along with him .
“ It ’ s time for Trump supporters to stop denying that the coronavirus is a big deal and focus on praising Trump ’ s extraordinary leadership in this time of crisis , ” Waldman said of Trump ’ s alleged underlying message .
According to Waldman , it ’ s only a matter of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president has always treated coronavirus as a serious crisis .
Such comments will conflict with Trump ’ s previous comments , which suggested that the virus was a transient phenomenon and not something that was cause for concern .
Waldman also pointed to Trump ’ s Monday press conference and his claim that the problem is one that only recently arose .
“ We have a problem that a month ago nobody ever thought about , ” Trump said on Monday .
Waldman called the comment “ completely false , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one month ago and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) had declared the virus a global health emergency as it spread to Europe and the United States A recent piece by The New York Times outlined all the times Trump downplayed the coronavirus , including in late January when he told Americans everything would “ work out well.
” Notably , the president ’ s comment came as Tom Frieden , who ran the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) for eight years , warned that the coronavirus would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn — and fast — about how it spreads , ” Friedman wrote in an opinion piece .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , Trump was allegedly advised by his senior adviser and son-in-law , Jared Kushner , to suggest that the coronavirus is a media exaggeration .
Kushner also reportedly pushed Trump to declare a national emergency to combat the virus .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--White House Official Allegedly Referred To Coronavirus As ‘Kung Flu’ To Asian CBS Reporter

According to a CBS White House correspondent , one official within President Donald Trump ’ s administration referred to the novel coronavirus as “ Kung Flu ” this week .
And it looks as if the derogatory moniker is now gaining some traction across social media .
On Tuesday morning , reporter Weijia Jiang detailed in a Twitter post that an unnamed White House official used the phrase “ Kung Flu ” in reference to the coronavirus in front of her .
Jiang , who is of Chinese descent , noted that she wonders what White House officials are calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBS reporter ’ s tweet got a lot of attention .
Within a couple of hours , it had been liked nearly 75,000 times , a move many seemingly made as a show of support for Jiang .
The post was shared more than 23,000 times and received more than 9,000 comments .
A number of people encouraged Jiang to name the White House official who used this phrasing .
However , so far , she has left the person unnamed .
A few critics pushed back against Jiang and her post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why she considered the phrase racist , xenophobic , or offensive .
“ Why do you care ?
There are bigger things going on right now… maybe save the outrage for another day ?
” criticized one person on Twitter .
Some responded to Jiang ’ s original post with similarly offensive names that have also been used to reference the coronavirus .
There were also accusations that the CBS reporter of made the exchange up entirely .
Despite those responses , Jiang did receive a lot of support .
“ Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied one Twitter user .
“ The media needs to continue to call this administration out on its xenophobia .
Note : the fact Stephen Miller still has a position in this White House is proof of this administration ’ s xenophobia and racism , ” tweeted someone else .
“ would be nice if they worked more on how to respond to it and less time coming up with racist names for it , ” said response .
While the White House official in question remains unknown , others tied to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they ’ re dealing with the pandemic .
For example , the president ’ s daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump ’ s post about having a “ camp out ” with her kids in the midst of the pandemic received a lot of push back for sounding tone-deaf .
A search for “ Kung Flu ” on Twitter shows that quite a few are tweeting that they find it funny , while some have even incorporated the phrase into their Twitter names .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Donald Trump Reportedly Advised By Jared Kushner That The Media ‘Exaggerated’ Coronavirus Threat

Jared Kushner was reportedly instrumental in advising President Donald Trump that the coronavirus outbreak was an exaggeration by the media .
According to a new report from The New York Times , Trump ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser also sought a larger role in dealing with the outbreak despite a “ lack of knowledge ” on the topic .
Early on in the growing COVID-19 crisis , Trump faced backlash from critics who said that his response to the spread of the novel coronavirus was too muted .
Trump repeatedly advised people that the virus would fade away on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
He repeatedly slammed the media , calling coverage of the pandemic “ fake news.
” Now , the Times reveals part of that response may have been driven by Kushner .
“ Mr .
Kushner ’ s early involvement with dealing with the virus was in advising the president that the media ’ s coverage exaggerated the threat , ” the Times reports .
Later , when Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the response to the coronavirus , Kushner stepped in to attempt to install his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former White House communications director Hope Hicks , who is now working as Kushner ’ s aide .
Originally , Trump allegedly considered Chris Christie to head the White House response team , but Kusher pushed for Pence instead .
In the past , Kushner has worked to keep Christie out of the Trump administration after the former New Jersey governor put his father , Charles Kushner , behind bars .
“ But when Mr. Pence ’ s chief of staff asked him to help merge the Pence and Trump communications operations because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office found itself overwhelmed and trying to keep up , Mr. Kushner , long critical of the White House communications shop , tried to supplement the vice president ’ s team with other aides , ” the Times ads .
As the crisis began to unfold , Kushner purportedly “ sought to take on a more expansive role for himself despite his lack of knowledge on the topic and without talking to most of the task force members or public health experts , ” according to the Times .
Kushner was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president to move forward with a ban on travel from Europe .
He also advised Trump to declare a national emergency , which critics say should have taken place much earlier than it did .
The Times also says that Kushner was a part of the effort to reveal plans for a national website to inform citizens about the coronavirus – plans which didn ’ t exist at the time – catching Google off guard with the announcement .
He was also part of the president ’ s recent Oval Office address , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other precautionary measures , but confused many due to several incorrect details .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Mike Pence Has Been Secretly Meeting With Right-Wing Media To Discuss Trump’s Virus Messaging, Repor

Mike Pence Has Been Secretly Meeting With Right-Wing Media To Discuss Trump’s Virus Messaging, Report Says

A new report from The Daily Beast claims that Vice President Mike Pence , who was appointed head of the coronavirus task force , has been engaging in direct outreach to conservative social media influencers .
Reportedly , the plan is to help Donald Trump ‘ s White House team develop its COVID-19 messaging .
The influencers named in the report include MAGA tweeter Dan Bongino , Trump ’ s former press secretary Sean Spicer , and former White House official Boris Epshteyn .
According to the report , the strategy began at the Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , Pence allegedly met with conservative “ influencers ” in a closed-door meeting at the White House .
A source with direct knowledge of the meeting claimed that it included Dongino , Spicer , Epshteyn , and other personalities with a vast social media reach .
Sources cited in the report allegedly said that the team discussed how to use their vast reach on social media to benefit the administration .
“ Pence discussed the difficulties the administration was confronting related to producing coronavirus test kits , as well as airline cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of masks the administration hopes are produced by the company 3M , ” the report reads .
Per The Daily Beast , the influencers have generally offered positive support for Trump and attacked his critics in the media .
For example , Epshteyn accused CNN of attempting to “ cause panic ” and damage Trump .
Elsewhere , Bongino attacked Geraldo Rivera on Fox News , accusing him of pushing “ Chinese propaganda ” for being critical of White House senior adviser Stephen Miller and describing the purported panic that stemmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has received a great deal of criticism in his approach of how to address the coronavirus .
As reported by a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll , 60 percent of Americans say they have little to no trust in the president ’ s messaging on the pandemic .
“ The president rates worst of all groups tested , be it public health officials , state and local leaders or the news media , ” the report reads , noting that Trump ’ s overall job approval rating sits at 43 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisan divide ” over the information Trump pushes , with just 8 percent of Democrats and 34 percent of independents saying they trust his messaging .
Conversely , approximately 75 percent of Republicans say they believe the information presented by the president .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , many of Trump ’ s prominent supporters are worried that his handling of the coronavirus will harm his chances of re-election .
Although such supporters are divided on the severity of the crisis , many appear to be on the same page when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump staying in office .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Ivanka Trump Slammed For Photo Of ‘Camp Out’ With Kids Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Ivanka Trump posted an image on Twitter of her and her two children having a “ camp out ” in their living room on Tuesday .
The family photo was met with immediate backlash from critics who say that the image is tone-deaf given the scale of the coronavirus crisis facing Americans .
As the White House has urged people to avoid meeting in groups larger than 10 and schools and businesses across the country have closed their doors , many Americans are hunkering down at home together .
The first daughter shared her experience with social distancing , showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a pillow with her youngest son in her lap .
In front of her , her daughter stands next to the tent pole on a pillow .
“ Staying home today w/ kids ?
Plan living room camp out !
” she captioned the post .
“ Throw a bedsheet over some taped together brooms .
Plan a menu & ‘ pack ’ sandwiches , salads ( S ’ mores optional ) A fun activity that also brings family together for a meal !
” She urged followers to share their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
“ So while everyone scrambles to figure out daycare , bills and toilet paper , you get to play mommy .
Can you possibly be any more obtuse ?
” responded one person .
“ Neat Ivanka !
You should definitely come to Puerto Rico .
We ’ ve been playing a lot of camping out since the earthquakes .
Your father threatened to veto the House aid bill .
But no worries , it ’ s all fun and games !
” said another with an accompanying image of make-shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message reinforced the idea that the wealthiest Americans will suffer less during the COVID-19 crisis than those who make less money , particularly since many people who have been forced to remain home after business closures aren ’ t receiving pay in the meantime .
Still others found the message was particularly problematic given that the Trump administration has taken heat for separating children from their parents at the border .
As part of the government ’ s response to the growing pandemic , Ivanka ’ s father Donald Trump announced that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
His message , as The Inquisitr previously reported , included the promise that the federal government will issue aid to airlines , which have been hit particularly hard by the travel restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the COVID-19 .
The president also promised to assist other industries , though he didn ’ t expand on the statement .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--A Majority Of Americans Don’t Trust Donald Trump On The Coronavirus, Poll Reveals

Donald Trump has spent weeks making comments about the novel coronavirus that some critics say downplay the severity of the pandemic , and it appears that most Americans agree .
According to a new poll , a majority of citizens don ’ t trust the President when it comes to messaging on the COVID-19 pandemic .
As Politico reports , NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist questioned people about how much they trusted Trump ’ s communication on the virus .
Only 37 percent of the individuals polled have a “ good amount ” or “ great deal ” of trust in the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they do not believe Trump ’ s messaging “ very much ” or “ at all.
” Those numbers somewhat reflect recent polls that show a majority of people disapprove of the job Trump is doing when it comes to handling the growing pandemic .
In the NPR poll , Trump ’ s overall approval rate is 43 percent , and 49 percent of people disapprove of the way he is dealing with the virus , compared to 44 percent who approve .
Trump ’ s messaging in recent weeks has often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have painted a more somber picture and urged Americans to take drastic actions to avoid the spread of the disease , such as avoiding public spaces .
As The New York Times reports , on January 22 , Trump responded to concerns about a potential pandemic by downplaying the risk .
“ No .
Not at all .
And we have it totally under control .
It ’ s one person coming in from China , and we have it under control .
It ’ s going to be just fine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he falsely claimed that coronavirus testing was available to anyone who wanted it .
“ There is no testing kit shortage , nor has there ever been , ” he claimed , “ Anybody that wants a test can get a test.
” When speaking about the possible death toll , he compared it to being milder than the flu , contradicting the science on the matter .
“ We ’ re talking about a much smaller range ” of deaths , he said on March 2 .
“ It will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go away , ” Trump urged on March 10 .
In more recent days , the president has taken a tone similar to that of experts within his coronavirus task force , urging Americans to avoid gatherings of larger than 10 people and promising financial assistance for the industries slammed the hardest by the outbreak .
While the president ’ s and experts ’ messaging is more closely aligned , it doesn ’ t appear to have boosted the public ’ s confidence in the government ’ s ability to handle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people polled , only 46 percent think the government is doing enough to address the crisis .
That ’ s down from a high of 61 percent just a month ago .
The poll was conducted on March 13 and 14 with 835 people .
It has an error margin of plus or minus 4.8 percent .


inquisitr--2020-03-17--Donald Trump’s Presidency Won’t Survive Coronavirus Or The Ensuing Recession, Predicts ‘Yahoo Financ

Donald Trump’s Presidency Won’t Survive Coronavirus Or The Ensuing Recession, Predicts ‘Yahoo Finance’

'Trump ’ s performance may not matter , since recessions create reelection losers , period , ' says Rick Newman .
The recession that will inevitably result from the coronavirus pandemic will spell doom for Donald Trump ’ s presidency , predicts Yahoo !
Finance writer Rick Newman .
Incumbent presidents do not survive recessions , he writes .
Officially , the United States has not entered a recession .
And indeed , economists don ’ t even declare them until months after they ’ ve happened .
Specifically , a recession occurs when there are two straight quarters — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Domestic Product ( GDP ) .
The previous quarter had 2.3 percent growth in the GDP , and this one is on track for 1.6 percent growth .
But that will come to a screeching halt once the dust has settled from the coronavirus pandemic , and indeed , the recession already appears to be starting , according to CNN .
Already tens of thousands of Americans are out of work or facing reduced hours , as would-be customers hunker down at home instead of spending money at bars , restaurants , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , theme park , and hotel industries all will suffer devastating economic consequences from this pandemic , and the longer it goes on , the worse it will be .
Already stung from criticism that he mishandled the coronavirus outbreak , at least initially , Trump may yet find that the recession that results from the pandemic will force voters to say enough is enough .
“ President Trump has earned poor marks for his early handling of the outbreak , when he downplayed the epidemic and said , ‘ we have it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s performance may not matter , since recessions create reelection losers , period , ” he says .
By way of example , Newman points to George W. Bush , who had an 85 percent approval rating following the Persian Gulf War but then lost re-election following a relatively brief and mild recession .
Washington , DC research firm Sandhill Strategies is also bullish on Trump ’ s Democratic challenger , likely Joe Biden at this point , defeating him in November .
“ With Trump facing an unlikely reelection , this means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden will win the general election in November .
No U.S. President has won reelection in recent history after a period of economic downturn , ” the group notes .
Even worse for the Republican Party , voters in November may express their distrust with the Trump administration in their votes for Senate seats .
Sandhill predicts that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could lose his own reelection .
Sandhill also predicts , however , that if voters flood the polls with anti-incumbent votes , Democrats could lose control of the House @ @ @


inquisitr--2020-03-18--Republican Tied To Anti-Gay ‘Hate Group’ Voted Down Coronavirus Bill Because It Gave Domestic Partne

Republican Tied To Anti-Gay ‘Hate Group’ Voted Down Coronavirus Bill Because It Gave Domestic Partner Benefits

A Republican congressman who has consistently opposed efforts to expand gay marriage and has been linked to an anti-gay hate group voted against the coronavirus stimulus bill in part because it would have given paid sick leave benefits for people in domestic partnerships .
Arizona representative Andy Biggs was one of the 40 lawmakers who voted against the bill that otherwise had overwhelming bipartisan support and said on a conservative talk show on Monday that he did not want the bill to “ redefine ” what he saw as a traditional family .
As The Intercept reported , Biggs laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Family Research Council , a Christian group that has opposed gay marriage .
“ They ’ ve redefined family for the first time in a federal — in a piece of federal legislation , to include committed relationships , ” Biggs said .
The coronavirus bill included a number of measures meant to help American workers who are financially impacted by the spread of the virus and the widespread effect it has had on businesses .
Many state and local governments have ordered non-essential businesses to close , including bars and restaurants which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving take-out .
The bill widened unemployment and food stamp benefits , provided tax credits to cover two weeks of paid sick leave , and three months of family and medical leave payments to those affected , the report noted .
Biggs said he took issue with a provision that made reference to “ committed relationships , ” defining children eligible for care as a “ biological , foster , or adopted child , a stepchild , a child of a domestic partner.
” As The Intercept noted , Biggs took issue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new precedent , but such language has been included in past bills for paid sick leave , including one proposed in 2015 .
Biggs has garnered controversy in the past for his work with an organization labeled as an anti-gay “ hate group.
” As the Phoenix New Times reported , Biggs was the former policy adviser to the Arizona chapter of United Families International , which the Southern Poverty Law Center called a hate group .
The report noted that United Families International was clear in its intention to oppose equal rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Christian Right leaders , the gay rights movement and its so-called ‘ homosexual agenda ’ are the prime culprits in the destruction of American society and culture , ” the organization ’ s description says .
“ In the words of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson , the battle against gay rights is essentially a ‘ second civil war ’ to put control of the U.S. government in the right hands , meaning those who reject gay rights .
”


inquisitr--2020-03-18--Donald Trump Asked Why Rich People Appear To Get Coronavirus Testing First: ‘That’s Been The Story O

Donald Trump Asked Why Rich People Appear To Get Coronavirus Testing First: ‘That’s Been The Story Of Life’

Donald Trump responded to reports that rich Americans appear to be getting priority access to coronavirus tests , offering a controversial response after several high-profile cases of well-connected being tested before those more in need .
As Mother Jones noted , NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander asked Trump about whether the well-connected are able to “ go to the front of the line ” to get access to the limited tests for COVID-19 .
Trump said he did not agree with the idea , but noted that the rich getting better access to health care is just a fact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t say so , ” Trump replied when asked if he thought it was right for the well-connected to jump to the top of the line .
“ But perhaps that ’ s been the story of life .
That does happen on occasion and I ’ ve noticed where some people have been tested fairly quickly.
” Trump ’ s answer came after reports that several members of the Brooklyn Nets tested positive for coronavirus , including Kevin Durant .
Three of the four players who tested positive were reportedly not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over why they were given tests over people who are more in need .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was among those critical of the decision to test the players .
After news that several players had tested positive , de Blasio offered both well wishes and some criticism on Twitter .
“ We wish them a speedy recovery .
But , with all due respect , an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested , ” the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not be for the wealthy , but for the sick.
” Others criticized the Nets for obtaining and testing players who were otherwise healthy , though some experts have said that people not experiencing symptoms may be the ones spreading the virus the most .
The Brooklyn Nets noted that the players were tested after returning from San Francisco and that the team paid a private company to conduct the tests .
After initial statements downplaying the severity of the outbreak in the early days of its spread to the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solemn tone in recent addresses .
As Politico noted , Trump insisted this week that he never underestimated the severity of the outbreak , saying that he knew all along that it was a pandemic , even before the World Health Organization had declared it .


inquisitr--2020-03-18--Rand Paul Reportedly Referred To Undocumented Immigrants As ‘Non-People’ During Senate Debate

Rand Paul doesn ’ t want undocumented immigrants to have access to federal child tax credits .
According to The Daily Beast , the Kentucky senator made his case by referring to those immigrants in several ways , including “ non-people.
” He also reportedly referred to them at another point in the debate on the Senate floor as “ not legitimate.
” Paul reportedly said these things while he was pushing for his side in a debate dealing with defraying the cost of the government ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The senator had brought an amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking those who did not have a social security number from getting the child tax credit .
During the debate , Paul claimed that the measure would save the federal government around $ 26 billion .
“ If you want to apply for money from the government through the child tax credit program , then you have to be a legitimate person .
It has nothing to do with not liking immigrants .
It has to do with saying , taxpayer money shouldn ’ t go to non-people.
” This is not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undocumented immigrants as a drag on the budget and as people who don ’ t contribute taxes .
One specific study cited by The Daily Beast , however , seemingly provides evidence contrary to his opinion .
A report from a think tank known as the Partnership for a New American Economy recently made the claim the undocumented immigrants contributed as much as $ 13 billion to the social security fund in the United States in 2016 .
Those contributions were said to have been made either through a fake social security number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IRS .
Because they are undocumented immigrants , they will likely never see that money come back to them .
The Daily Beast also pointed out that it ’ s believed there are currently tens of millions of undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States .
Almost all of them contribute taxes in one way or another .
After making the statements on the Senate floor , Paul ’ s office attempted to explain his comments about “ non-people.
” The office claimed the senator was referring to “ literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t exist or children they don ’ t have , ” adding that the comments had nothing to do with undocumented immigrants .
As NBC News reports , whatever the intention of the comments , his amendment delayed passage of the larger legislation .
The Senate will attempt to return to debating the full package on Thursday .


inquisitr--2020-03-19--Senate Republicans Introduce $1 Trillion-Plus Economic Stimulus Plan For Congressional Debate

Sen .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed to keep the Senate in session until a stimulus bill is passed .
On Thursday , March 19 , Sen .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced a “ sweeping , $ 1 trillion emergency economic aid proposal in response to coronavirus pandemic , ” reports CNN .
The proposal is considered to be a “ Phase 3 ” package , which is intended to provide further economic stimulus for American citizens and businesses .
This bill follows the House of Representatives-led emergency aid package that provides paid sick leave provisions — among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed into law on Wednesday .
The Senate Republicans ’ new proposal will assist small businesses by providing them federally guaranteed loans to make payroll , give relief to the industries hurt hardest by the quarantine , and make direct cash payments to individual Americans .
It is this last provision , however , that has become a sticking point for some Republican senators .
Led by Senator Lindsey Graham , a few senators have voiced their opposition for direct payments to American citizens .
According to Politico , he wants to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just giving Americans a one-time cash payment .
He ’ s not alone in his hesitation for that particular provision of the stimulus package .
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby stated he believed the cash payments should be a supplement to unemployment and shouldn ’ t be given to all Americans who make under a certain threshold — which is what would happen now , should the bill pass unaltered .
Politico reports that — although some senators have reservations — White House officials are confident they will “ fall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direct payments .
Even if all Republican senators do vote for the bill , however , it would still need the support of seven Democrats , who have put out their own version of a stimulus bill .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said their bill would be a “ workers first ” proposal .
He also called for support for the healthcare industry , creating a sort of “ Marshall Plan ” to assist the system that will most certainly become overwhelmed as the virus continues to spread .
Sen. Schumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — who is acting as the White House liaison for these discussions — as well as House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi .
The House , for their part , is also working on a “ Phase 3 ” stimulus bill .
The Senate Democrats ’ bill focuses on expanded paid sick leave and unemployment insurance and only totals $ 750 billion .
The House Democrats ’ proposal focuses on “ extensive financial protections — including direct monthly payments of as much as $ 2,0o0 for adults ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and measures to halt evictions and foreclosures , ” as reported by Politico .
The House Democrats would also enforce strict rules for businesses that receive any aid from Congress , including payroll guarantees and the prevention of stock buybacks .
Additionally — apart from the “ Phase 3 ” package — they are arguing to give between $ 120 billion and $ 150 billion in support for federal agencies .
For his part , McConnell was quick to assure that any package passed wouldn ’ t be a “ bailout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ We ’ re all going to have to vote for something that in another environment we wouldn ’ t support , ” Sen. John Kennedy , a republican , told Politico .
The negotiations for “ Phase 3 ” began as a sense of urgency started to be felt in both chambers , as members of Congress started testing positive for the disease .


inquisitr--2020-03-19--Lindsey Graham Urged Donald Trump Against Direct Payments In Coronavirus Relief, Report Says

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham urged Donald Trump against sending checks to Americans in the new coronavirus relief package during a closed-door lunch on Thursday and was backed by White House Chief-of-Staff Mark Meadows , National Review reports .
Graham reportedly made the push before Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin officially announced the details of the stimulus package , which includes direct payments to Americans .
According to the report , Senator Mitt Romney , who has expressed support for a one-time payment of $ 1,000 to every American , said Wednesday that he is trying to work on a compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly turn the second of two planned $ 1,000 checks into unemployment benefits .
As reported by Fox News , Graham appeared on Fox & Friends on Wednesday and expressed support for paying a portion of Americans ’ income via unemployment insurance benefits to get them through the pandemic .
“ I want to restore your income , ” Graham added .
“ I don ’ t want to give you a thousand dollars and say good luck .
I want an income stream.
” Despite Graham ’ s opposition to direct payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for direct payments to Americans .
Senator ’ s Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri are two such people , as is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who reportedly expressed his support for such a plan in a speech he gave during the closed-door lunch .
“ Senate Republicans want to put cash in the hands of the American people , ” McConnell allegedly said .
Sen. Kevin Cramer claimed the Republican Party is planning payments for individuals making less than $ 95,000 and couples making less than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan for the third COVID-19 stimulus package Thursday .
Within the proposal is $ 500 billion — divided into two blocks — that will provide cash to Americans .
In the first block , each American adult will get $ 1,000 , with an additional $ 500 per child .
The second block will be another $ 3,000 six weeks later , but only under the condition that Trump still has a national emergency in effect .
The plan also includes $ 300 billion for small businesses and loan forgiveness for employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as $ 200 billion for additional facilities within the Federal Reserve .
The new plan comes after many prominent political figures called for direct cash payments to Americans , including former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang , current candidate Bernie Sanders , and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .


inquisitr--2020-03-19--Donald Trump Accuses Media Of ‘Siding With China’ Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

During a press briefing on Thursday , Donald Trump accused the media of taking the side of China in its coverage of the coronavirus pandemic .
As reported for The Hill , the president made the comment while responding to a question from Chanel Rion of the pro-Trump One America News Network , who claimed the media is siding with China ’ s state propaganda .
“ I think they do , ” he said .
“ They are siding with China .
They are doing things that they shouldn ’ t be doing .
They ’ re siding with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least of it.
” As for why the media is purportedly taking China ’ s side , Trump said he didn ’ t have an answer to such a question .
Trump has taken heavy criticism for his use of the phrase “ Chinese virus , ” which he recently began using to refer to the coronavirus .
In a piece for Business Insider , John Haltiwanger claimed that Trump and his allies are using the term to stir controversy and shift attention from the president ’ s “ early failures ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taking responsibility for and addressing early failures , they ’ re blaming the crisis on China , ” Haltiwanger wrote .
In defense of his response , Trump pointed to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijia ’ s claim that the coronavirus originated from the United States military .
According to the president , his usage of the term is intended to remind the world that COVID-19 originated in China .
As noted by Business Insider , Trump ’ s approach to China is a significant pivot from his previous comments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In late January , Trump expressed appreciation for China ’ s efforts and its transparency in dealing with the virus .
“ In particular , on behalf of the American People , I want to thank President Xi !
” he tweeted .
Per CNBC , Trump is now taking aim at China ’ s purported failures in dealing with the pandemic .
“ The world is paying a very big price for that they did , ” he said during a Thursday press briefing , referring to the Chinese officials who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus outbreak as soon as possible .
According to Trump , proper early containment of COVID-19 in China could have stopped the virus from spreading to other parts of the world .
When pressed on whether China would face repercussions for its handling of the outbreak , the president declined to comment .


inquisitr--2020-03-19--Reporter Linked To Coronavirus Anthony Fauci Conspiracy Theory Asks Donald Trump If ‘Chinese Food’ I

Reporter Linked To Coronavirus Anthony Fauci Conspiracy Theory Asks Donald Trump If ‘Chinese Food’ Is Racist

A reporter for the pro-Trump 'One America News Network ' asked an unsual question at Thursday morning 's coronavirus press briefing .
At his coronavirus press briefing on Thursday morning , Donald Trump took an unusual question from a reporter who once appeared to support a conspiracy theory claiming that the government ’ s top scientist on the pandemic response team actually funded the creation of the virus .
Toward the end of the briefing on Thursday , Trump took a question from Chanel Rion of the pro-Trump One America News Network .
The network late last year aired a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani , which purported to show that the impeachment case against Trump was fabricated .
Rion also hosted the network ’ s presentation of that documentary .
When called upon in the Thursday briefing , she asked a question about Chinese food .
“ Do you consider the term ‘ Chinese food ’ to be racist because it is food that originated from China ?
” the OAN White House reporter asked Trump .
He replied that he did not believe the term “ Chinese food ” was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by The Daily Beast .
The question appeared to be prompted by Trump ’ s repeated use of the term “ Chinese virus ” to refer to the coronavirus .
Critics have said that the term is designed to stigmatize Chinese people and has led to a rise in hate-related attacks against Chinese Americans , according to a CNN report .
But the president has denied that his use of the term is “ racist ” and claims that he described the virus as “ Chinese ” only because “ it comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to be accurate , ” as quoted by CNN .
Though Trump himself says that the virus originated in China — and scientists agree with that statement — Rion on her OAN broadcasts has advocated a conspiracy theory that the virus was actually created in a North Carolina laboratory , according to a report by Media Matters For America .
She suggested that the virus was created as a “ bio-weapon ” during a two-part OAN special entitled Exposing China ’ s Coronavirus : The Fears , The Lies and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely debunked by experts , but has frequently recurred on social media and on OAN .
In the special , Rion favorably cited “ expert ” Greg Rubini , whose credentials are uncertain , though he has over 100,000 followers on Twitter .
Rubini has claimed that the supposed development of the coronavirus in North Carolina was funded by Anthony Fauci — the top infectious disease expert at the National Institute of Health , who has become one of the Trump administration ’ s most prominent spokespersons in their coronavirus response .
Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of this page .
Calling him “ Little Tony Fauci , ” Rubini — whose theories were endorsed by Rion in the OAN special — has baselessly accused the 79-year-old scientist of funding the creation of the virus to “ destroy the Trump economy ” and prevent his reelection , according to Media Matters .


inquisitr--2020-03-19--Donald Trump Snaps At Reporter For Saying Economy Is Coming To A Halt Amid Coronavirus

During a Thursday press briefing , President Donald Trump snapped at a reporter who brought up the halt of the United States economy amid the coronavirus pandemic , Raw Story reported .
“ The economy has essentially ground to a halt , ” the reporter began his question .
“ Thanks for telling us , we appreciate it , ” Trump snapped back .
The reporter continued to note the store closures and slowed travel before Trump impatiently prodded him along .
The reporter eventually asked Trump how long unemployed workers and business owners in financially difficult positions would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of affairs.
” “ We ’ ll be able to tell you that , I think , in the very near future , ” Trump responded .
As reported by The Hill , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced Thursday that the White House ’ s next coronavirus stimulus is a $ 1 trillion package that would provide every American adult with $ 1,000 and another $ 500 with each child .
Per USA Today , the recent relief package also aims to help major industries that have been harmed by the economic shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are forced to provide mandated paid leave under a second relief package — the Families First Coronavirus Response Act — that was passed Wednesday .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed uncertainty about the timeline for executing the new bill but suggested he was eager to help small businesses stay afloat .
According to The Hill , the latest bill is set to be the third and most substantial part of the Trump administration ’ s response to the current pandemic .
The first was an $ 8.3 billion boost that focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the second was the previously mentioned Families First bill , which funneled $ 104 billion toward expanding unemployment insurances , enacting emergency paid leave , and ensuring free coronavirus testing .
While Trump ’ s White House continues to support emergency measures to save the economy amid the spread of COVID-19 , it ’ s unclear how this response affect his re-election chances .
The Washington Post , citing a forecast from political scientist Alan Abramowitz , claims that a “ severe recession ” will not just prevent Trump from winning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pundits expect .
According to Abramowitz , the U.S. GDP could decrease by as much as 5 percent in the second quarter , and this loss could run into the third quarter .
“ Only time will settle whether this prediction is correct , ” Sargent wrote .