radio--2020-04-27--Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell On Sexual Assault Allegations Against Biden vs Kavanaugh: Suc

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell On Sexual Assault Allegations Against Biden vs Kavanaugh: Such Accusations Should Be "Dealt With Symmetrically" By The Media

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell talks with Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson about the reconvening of the Senate amid the Coronavirus pandemic and the progress on negotiations for state and local funding .
McConnell also responded to reports of sexual assault allegations against democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
Comparing the media 's coverage to now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings .
Saying such accusations should be `` Dealt With Symmetrically '' by the media .
Listen To The Full Interview Below : Full Transcript : GUY BENSON , FOX RADIO HOST : Joining me now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate , Senator Mitch McConnell Republican of Kentucky .
Senator , great to have you back here .
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL ( R-KY ) : Glad to be with you , Guy .
BENSON : I want to play for you just a sound bite from a radio interview you did last week with my friend Hugh Hewitt .
It got some attention .
Cut 26 .
MCCONNELL : I would certainly be in favor of allowing states to use the bankruptcy route it ( ph ) -- to save some cities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be for the federal government to borrow money from future generations to send it down to them now , so they do n't have to do that .
That 's not something I 'm going to be in favor of .
BENSON : So , Speaker Pelosi said that you in that clip were saying that quote `` States should go bankrupt .
It 's clear , visible within 24 hours how the Republicans reject science and reject governance . ''
Meanwhile , the Governor of New York , Andrew Cuomo , went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a taker , New York is a giver , and it 's New York that 's bailing out states like Kentucky .
He 's been very upset with you .
I just want to get your response to what Speaker Pelosi , Governor Cuomo said on this issue of giving federal assistance to state and local governments about coronavirus response and relief .
MCCONNELL : So what ( ph ) ?
You know , I was n't saying they had to take bankruptcy .
I think it 's just an option to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have that option now , cities do .
I was n't necessarily recommending it , but I was pointing out that they have their own fiscal problems that predate the coronavirus , and I was not interested in borrowing money from future generations to fix age-old problems that states have that they created themselves wholly unrelated to this.There probably will be another state and local funding bill , but we need to make sure that we achieve something that will go beyond simply sending out money .
For example , here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be my redline for the next negotiation .
We have brave healthcare workers battling this virus , entrepreneurs who will reopen their economy , all of whom deserve , in my view , strong protections from the opportunistic lawsuits that are being planned all over America , all over America .
The lawyers - trial lawyers are sharpening their pencils to come after healthcare providers and businesses , arguing that somehow the decision they made with regard to reopening adversely affected the health of someone else .
So before we start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ localities , I want to make sure that we protect the people we 've already sent assistance to , who are going to be set up for an avalanche of lawsuits if we do n't act .
So that is an example of a way that we can bring about a reform that is important to protect those that we 've been providing assistance to .
BENSON : Yes , I think that 's interesting because virtually everyone , you would think , would want to protect healthcare workers from frivolous lawsuits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest and lobby on the other side of the aisle with trail lawyers , so there might be a bit of a butting of heads there on the Democratic side .
I just want to come back to this issue of state and local assistance , because when I saw these quotes and people coming after you very hard , I had not seen or heard your exact quote , and I just - my antenna went up .
I was suspicious .
I 'm like , I really would be surprised if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fend for themselves .
We 're not giving them a dime .
Good luck .
Go bankrupt .
That 's sort of the cartoon version of what you said .
Here 's where I 'm coming at this from just as a conservative , Senator .
I think that it 's totally reasonable for states and localities to say , because of a massive strain due to this pandemic , they might need to be made whole or helped on some level by the federal government .
I 'm not against that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't want a single taxpayer dime to go into the coffers of a state like Illinois or California that has been governed terribly , that have all these , as you said , fiscal woes that predate coronavirus .
I do n't want to give a single dime to help fix those self-created problems .
So the question is , how do you structure assistance to states and localities to help them with the current need related to the health crisis , but does n't bleed over into basically bailing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to do with coronavirus ?
MCCONNELL : It 's a challenge .
I mean , in the -- as you know , and I 'm sure you talked about this here .
Listen , we 've already I think allocated $ 150 billion to save local government , and we -- MCCONNELL : -- had it confined to the coronavirus expenses .
And many states are saying , well that 's too strict , change the definition , we ca n't use the money the way we would like to use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do want to help them with expenses that are directly related to the coronavirus outbreak .
But we 're not interested in helping them fix age-old problems that they have n't had the courage to fix in the past .
So -- MCCONNELL : -- it is -- it 's a drafting challenge .
And also not to just continue to go over the same thing , but in addition to that we need these litigation protections -- some of which was done previously , but not nearly broad enough , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses that have courage to go on open up knowing full well they may get sued by somebody who claims that because they violated CDC recommendations they 're responsible for somebody 's illness .
The whole country will be afraid to go back to work .
If businesses -- afraid to open up if businesses are afraid they 're going to be sued constantly , and I think that 's the plan ( ph ) of the ( inaudible ) if we do n't fix it .
BENSON : So it looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this next round of negotiations , you 're open to more assistance to states and cities , but you want to make sure that the money is n't going to preexisting fiscal problems , and you also want to make sure there 's some sort of indemnification for healthcare workers and certain businesses from frivolous lawsuits as the country starts to open back up.Those might be some of your top lines and redlines .
What 's your broader plan ?
And I know you made an announcement earlier about reconvening the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how to continue rolling out coronavirus relief in a way that 's thoughtful and actually has more buy in from more Senators who actually show up for work ?
MCCONNELL : Yes .
Well look , we 're going to return a week from today .
We 'll modify routines in ways that are smart and safe , but will honor our constitutional duty to the American people and conduct critical business in person here in Washington .
If doctors and nurses and healthcare workers and truck drivers and grocery store workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for work and doing their duty to try to keep the economy open and people protected , the least we can do is come back to work .
And we 're going to do that starting next week .
We 'll follow the advice we 're given about working together safely , and there 's no reason why we ca n't do that .
And the next time we pass one of these relief bills -- and we probably will - it will be more directly involved with everybody back here able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And as I indicated , and as you underscored , liability protection for those who have been brave enough to see it through this is the one thing that will be a part of any new bill .
BENSON : I want to ask you about a shift at the White House that has been reported .
President Trump , he 's also reflected this in his tweets , that he 's planning on sort of pairing back or changing the nature of these daily press briefings.There 's been quite a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the White House and beyond the White House that have been urging them to make this change .
They 're too long , they 're too unwieldy , they go on forever .
It 's very hostile with the press , maybe being counterproductive .
Do you think that perhaps shortening the briefings or the president not necessarily showing up everyday , is that a change that you see as wise ?
MCCONNELL : Well , certainly what the American people are most interested in is advice from health professionals about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to the extent that the White House decides to re-craft those briefings to reflect that goal -- probably a good idea .
BENSON : Another topic I want to breach with you here , and it has a real distinct call back to something you spent a lot of time and energy on in 2018 , something that you and I have spoken about in the past , and that is the current allegation that has been leveled against Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president , against a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was working for him in the Senate , he sexually assaulted her .
And there are now four people who have confirmed that she told them that at the time , some other potential confirming evidence involving a phone call that was placed in the `` Larry King Show '' back in 1993 by Tara Reade 's mother talking about her daughter having problems with a prominent Senator at the time .
I 'm wondering what you think , Senator , should be the basis for consideration as Americans think about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fair way of contemplating the allegation in a way that respects due process and the presumption of innocence ?
And relatedly , do you have any thoughts as you hearken back to the Kavanaugh affair and the feeding frenzy from the media and many of your Democratic colleagues , and sort of the standards that they erected for this sort of thing , how those standards are now being applied to Joe Biden ?
MCCONNELL : Well , at the very least it 's pretty obvious that the same people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Kavanaugh when he was in high school seemed to have little or no interest , or certainly not as much interest and suggestions of improper behavior by an adult who 's in the Senate .
I think if -- these things ought to be dealt with symmetrically no matter who the accuser is and no matter who the accused is .
I think what most Americans would like is sort of a symmetrical evaluation of these allegations rather than what we have seen at least so far .
BENSON : Biden has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has not said a word about it .
Is that a strategy that you think could have worked for Brett Kavanaugh ?
MCCONNELL : No , I do n't think that would have worked for Justice Kavanaugh -- MCCONNELL : And -- and look , I -- you know the -- I ca n't imagine that this kind of an issue is n't going to be discussed during the presidential campaign .
Surely those in the reporting world who were so animated about the investigation of Justice Kavanaugh would have an equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BENSON : Political question now about your Senator majority .
There has been some reports bubbling up out there that Democrats that are feeling increasingly bullish on maybe taking back the majority .
They cite polling , they cite -- they cite fundraising .
And it does look like , at least in some of these competitive races , Democrats are surging ahead .
There also looks to be a bit of a fundraising gap where Democrats are taking a significant advantage on that front .
What is your current assessment of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- because I keep reading that there are some Republicans and donors who are just convinced you guys are fine , you 're going to keep the majority ?
To me , that seems kind of insane , right ?
It 's going to be a real tough dog fight for control of the Senate .
I just want to get your analysis of where things stand and what you think of people who might be a bit complacent on that front ?
MCCONNELL : Yes .
Let me just say that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any point this cycle .
We always knew from the beginning , and I 've said consistently there 's going to be a dog fight .
The other thing that 's not new is that we 're being outspent these days .
We were outspent in 2016 and held the majority .
We were outspent in 2018 and held the majority .
We were outspent in every single race that we won in 2018 -- and we were outspent .
So I think it is also true that the Democrats are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years than we have .
But we took the Senate in 2014 , we kept it in 2016 , and we increased our number in 2018 .
So the fact that Democrats are raising more money should n't raise any eyebrows .
That 's been the - been the case .
Now , we do have a lot of exposure .
This is the big class that took the majority in 2014 , so we have a lot of people up .
Twenty-three seats to defend .
They only have 12 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity in Alabama and another really good pick up opportunity in Michigan .
Everywhere else we 're on defense .
So whether you 're on offense or defense sort of depends upon how you did six years before .
And since we had such a great year in 2014 , yes , we 're on defense in a lot of places .
But these are very sharp people who took us to the majority , people like Steve Daines and Cory Gardner and Martha McSally , Joni Ernst , Thom Tillis , Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot in '14 .
They 're all sharp .
She is as well .
And look , I think it 's a tough fight .
We do n't have a lock on it , nor do they .
It 's going to be a fight to the finish or like a knife fight in an ally .
BENSON : Yes , and since we invoked the Kavanaugh contretemps in this conversation earlier , I think that is a real focal point , at least in mind , a reminder of the stakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these races .
And the majority matters immensely , particularly on big , ugly , nasty , high-stakes battles like a Supreme Court confirmation .
So just something for our listeners to keep in mind.Senator McConnell , before you go , I just want to say last week we had on the show for the first time the secretary of Transportation , and just in case you happen to run into her , please let her know we had a great time .
She 's a great interview .
MCCONNELL : I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I 'll run into her at dinner .
BENSON : Fantastic .
Senator Mitch McConnell , Republican of Kentucky , the majority leader of the U.S. Senate .
Thank you , Senator .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell talks with Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson about the reconvening of the Senate amid the Coronavirus pandemic and the progress on negotiations for state and local funding. McConnell also responded to reports of sexual assault allegations against democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Comparing the media’s coverage to now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. Saying such accusations should be “Dealt With Symmetrically” by the media.
Listen To The Full Interview Below:
Full Transcript:
GUY BENSON, FOX RADIO HOST: Joining me now is the majority leader of the United States Senate, Senator Mitch McConnell Republican of Kentucky. Senator, great to have you back here.
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY): Glad to be with you, Guy.
BENSON: I want to play for you just a sound bite from a radio interview you did last week with my friend Hugh Hewitt. It got some attention. Cut 26.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
MCCONNELL: I would certainly be in favor of allowing states to use the bankruptcy route it (ph) — to save some cities. My guess is their first choice would be for the federal government to borrow money from future generations to send it down to them now, so they don’t have to do that. That’s not something I’m going to be in favor of.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BENSON: So, Speaker Pelosi said that you in that clip were saying that quote “States should go bankrupt. It’s clear, visible within 24 hours how the Republicans reject science and reject governance.” Meanwhile, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, went after your state saying that Kentucky is a taker, New York is a giver, and it’s New York that’s bailing out states like Kentucky. He’s been very upset with you. I just want to get your response to what Speaker Pelosi, Governor Cuomo said on this issue of giving federal assistance to state and local governments about coronavirus response and relief.
MCCONNELL: So what (ph)? You know, I wasn’t saying they had to take bankruptcy. I think it’s just an option to be looked at, that unfortunately states don’t have that option now, cities do. I wasn’t necessarily recommending it, but I was pointing out that they have their own fiscal problems that predate the coronavirus, and I was not interested in borrowing money from future generations to fix age-old problems that states have that they created themselves wholly unrelated to this.There probably will be another state and local funding bill, but we need to make sure that we achieve something that will go beyond simply sending out money. For example, here’s something I just announced today that’s going to be my redline for the next negotiation. We have brave healthcare workers battling this virus, entrepreneurs who will reopen their economy, all of whom deserve, in my view, strong protections from the opportunistic lawsuits that are being planned all over America, all over America. The lawyers – trial lawyers are sharpening their pencils to come after healthcare providers and businesses, arguing that somehow the decision they made with regard to reopening adversely affected the health of someone else. So before we start sending additional money down to states and localities, I want to make sure that we protect the people we’ve already sent assistance to, who are going to be set up for an avalanche of lawsuits if we don’t act. So that is an example of a way that we can bring about a reform that is important to protect those that we’ve been providing assistance to.
BENSON: Yes, I think that’s interesting because virtually everyone, you would think, would want to protect healthcare workers from frivolous lawsuits, but there is a very strong financial interest and lobby on the other side of the aisle with trail lawyers, so there might be a bit of a butting of heads there on the Democratic side. I just want to come back to this issue of state and local assistance, because when I saw these quotes and people coming after you very hard, I had not seen or heard your exact quote, and I just – my antenna went up. I was suspicious. I’m like, I really would be surprised if McConnell said these people are all going to fend for themselves. We’re not giving them a dime. Good luck. Go bankrupt. That’s sort of the cartoon version of what you said. Here’s where I’m coming at this from just as a conservative, Senator. I think that it’s totally reasonable for states and localities to say, because of a massive strain due to this pandemic, they might need to be made whole or helped on some level by the federal government. I’m not against that personally. My concern is this. I don’t want a single taxpayer dime to go into the coffers of a state like Illinois or California that has been governed terribly, that have all these, as you said, fiscal woes that predate coronavirus. I don’t want to give a single dime to help fix those self-created problems. So the question is, how do you structure assistance to states and localities to help them with the current need related to the health crisis, but doesn’t bleed over into basically bailing them out for previous bad decisions that have nothing to do with coronavirus?
MCCONNELL: It’s a challenge. I mean, in the — as you know, and I’m sure you talked about this here. Listen, we’ve already I think allocated $150 billion to save local government, and we–
BENSON: Right.
MCCONNELL: — had it confined to the coronavirus expenses. And many states are saying, well that’s too strict, change the definition, we can’t use the money the way we would like to use it. So, it is challenging. We do want to help them with expenses that are directly related to the coronavirus outbreak. But we’re not interested in helping them fix age-old problems that they haven’t had the courage to fix in the past. So–
BENSON: Yes.
MCCONNELL: — it is — it’s a drafting challenge. And also not to just continue to go over the same thing, but in addition to that we need these litigation protections — some of which was done previously, but not nearly broad enough, to protect both the first responders and the businesses that have courage to go on open up knowing full well they may get sued by somebody who claims that because they violated CDC recommendations they’re responsible for somebody’s illness. The whole country will be afraid to go back to work. If businesses — afraid to open up if businesses are afraid they’re going to be sued constantly, and I think that’s the plan (ph) of the (inaudible) if we don’t fix it.
BENSON: So it looks like you’re saying that your redline in this next round of negotiations, you’re open to more assistance to states and cities, but you want to make sure that the money isn’t going to preexisting fiscal problems, and you also want to make sure there’s some sort of indemnification for healthcare workers and certain businesses from frivolous lawsuits as the country starts to open back up.Those might be some of your top lines and redlines. What’s your broader plan? And I know you made an announcement earlier about reconvening the Senate. What’s the plan from Senate Republicans about how to continue rolling out coronavirus relief in a way that’s thoughtful and actually has more buy in from more Senators who actually show up for work?
MCCONNELL: Yes. Well look, we’re going to return a week from today. We’ll modify routines in ways that are smart and safe, but will honor our constitutional duty to the American people and conduct critical business in person here in Washington. If doctors and nurses and healthcare workers and truck drivers and grocery store workers and many other brave Americans are showing up for work and doing their duty to try to keep the economy open and people protected, the least we can do is come back to work. And we’re going to do that starting next week. We’ll follow the advice we’re given about working together safely, and there’s no reason why we can’t do that. And the next time we pass one of these relief bills — and we probably will – it will be more directly involved with everybody back here able to discuss things more easily than remotely. And as I indicated, and as you underscored, liability protection for those who have been brave enough to see it through this is the one thing that will be a part of any new bill.
BENSON: I want to ask you about a shift at the White House that has been reported. President Trump, he’s also reflected this in his tweets, that he’s planning on sort of pairing back or changing the nature of these daily press briefings.There’s been quite a lot of reporting that there are Republican allies inside the White House and beyond the White House that have been urging them to make this change. They’re too long, they’re too unwieldy, they go on forever. It’s very hostile with the press, maybe being counterproductive. Do you think that perhaps shortening the briefings or the president not necessarily showing up everyday, is that a change that you see as wise?
MCCONNELL: Well, certainly what the American people are most interested in is advice from health professionals about how to conduct their daily lives safely, and to the extent that the White House decides to re-craft those briefings to reflect that goal — probably a good idea.
BENSON: Another topic I want to breach with you here, and it has a real distinct call back to something you spent a lot of time and energy on in 2018, something that you and I have spoken about in the past, and that is the current allegation that has been leveled against Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, against a woman named Tara Reade.She says that in 1993 she was working for him in the Senate, he sexually assaulted her. And there are now four people who have confirmed that she told them that at the time, some other potential confirming evidence involving a phone call that was placed in the “Larry King Show” back in 1993 by Tara Reade’s mother talking about her daughter having problems with a prominent Senator at the time. I’m wondering what you think, Senator, should be the basis for consideration as Americans think about the allegation against Joe Biden. What is a fair way of contemplating the allegation in a way that respects due process and the presumption of innocence? And relatedly, do you have any thoughts as you hearken back to the Kavanaugh affair and the feeding frenzy from the media and many of your Democratic colleagues, and sort of the standards that they erected for this sort of thing, how those standards are now being applied to Joe Biden?
MCCONNELL: Well, at the very least it’s pretty obvious that the same people who were outraged about allegations — unproven allegations against Justice Kavanaugh when he was in high school seemed to have little or no interest, or certainly not as much interest and suggestions of improper behavior by an adult who’s in the Senate. I think if — these things ought to be dealt with symmetrically no matter who the accuser is and no matter who the accused is. I think what most Americans would like is sort of a symmetrical evaluation of these allegations rather than what we have seen at least so far.
BENSON: Biden has not been asked about this directly. He has not said a word about it. Is that a strategy that you think could have worked for Brett Kavanaugh?
MCCONNELL: No, I don’t think that would have worked for Justice Kavanaugh —
BENSON: Neither do I.
MCCONNELL: And — and look, I — you know the — I can’t imagine that this kind of an issue isn’t going to be discussed during the presidential campaign. Surely those in the reporting world who were so animated about the investigation of Justice Kavanaugh would have an equal interest in — in this subject.
BENSON: Political question now about your Senator majority. There has been some reports bubbling up out there that Democrats that are feeling increasingly bullish on maybe taking back the majority. They cite polling, they cite — they cite fundraising. And it does look like, at least in some of these competitive races, Democrats are surging ahead. There also looks to be a bit of a fundraising gap where Democrats are taking a significant advantage on that front. What is your current assessment of the state of play, and for conservatives — because I keep reading that there are some Republicans and donors who are just convinced you guys are fine, you’re going to keep the majority? To me, that seems kind of insane, right? It’s going to be a real tough dog fight for control of the Senate. I just want to get your analysis of where things stand and what you think of people who might be a bit complacent on that front?
MCCONNELL: Yes. Let me just say that the Senate majority has not been a certainty at any point this cycle. We always knew from the beginning, and I’ve said consistently there’s going to be a dog fight. The other thing that’s not new is that we’re being outspent these days. We were outspent in 2016 and held the majority. We were outspent in 2018 and held the majority. We were outspent in every single race that we won in 2018 — and we were outspent. So I think it is also true that the Democrats are doing a better job of raising funds in recent years than we have. But we took the Senate in 2014, we kept it in 2016, and we increased our number in 2018. So the fact that Democrats are raising more money shouldn’t raise any eyebrows. That’s been the – been the case. Now, we do have a lot of exposure. This is the big class that took the majority in 2014, so we have a lot of people up. Twenty-three seats to defend. They only have 12. We have one really good pick up opportunity in Alabama and another really good pick up opportunity in Michigan. Everywhere else we’re on defense. So whether you’re on offense or defense sort of depends upon how you did six years before. And since we had such a great year in 2014, yes, we’re on defense in a lot of places. But these are very sharp people who took us to the majority, people like Steve Daines and Cory Gardner and Martha McSally, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins. All but Martha were on the ballot in ’14. They’re all sharp. She is as well. And look, I think it’s a tough fight. We don’t have a lock on it, nor do they. It’s going to be a fight to the finish or like a knife fight in an ally.
BENSON: Yes, and since we invoked the Kavanaugh contretemps in this conversation earlier, I think that is a real focal point, at least in mind, a reminder of the stakes when it comes to every one of these races. And the majority matters immensely, particularly on big, ugly, nasty, high-stakes battles like a Supreme Court confirmation. So just something for our listeners to keep in mind.Senator McConnell, before you go, I just want to say last week we had on the show for the first time the secretary of Transportation, and just in case you happen to run into her, please let her know we had a great time. She’s a great interview.
MCCONNELL: I will. We’re both at home, so I’ll run into her at dinner.
(LAUGHTER)
BENSON: Fantastic. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, the majority leader of the U.S. Senate. Thank you, Senator.
MCCONNELL: Thank you.


radio--2020-04-27--Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: The Democratic Party "Can't Spend Enough" And We Need To Show Some Restraint

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla , Rep. Chuck Fleischmann ( R-TN ) explains why he voted for the last COVID-19 stimulus packages , but warns that Congress will have to show some fiscal responsibility the next time around .
`` Where the Democratic Party is right now , and this is where they are as a party , is they ca n't spend enough .
That 's their mantra .
And in case after case , it 's amazing how they go through this .
And we 're going to have to show some fiscal constraint for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility as we go forward , because we are in debt as a nation .
We have stepped up four times .
There may be another bill later this year , but we 've got to be very careful and we need input .
These bills have largely been put together by leadership without much input from the members .
I understand crisis and that 's why I did vote for these bills .
But the next bill , and I give Senator McConnell high marks for this , says he wants us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies as we should through the House , through the Senate , through relatively normal procedures so that we get a bill that better addresses the needs of the American people . ''

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) explains why he voted for the last COVID-19 stimulus packages, but warns that Congress will have to show some fiscal responsibility the next time around.
“Where the Democratic Party is right now, and this is where they are as a party, is they can’t spend enough. That’s their mantra. And in case after case, it’s amazing how they go through this. And we’re going to have to show some fiscal constraint for the American people, some type of fiscal responsibility as we go forward, because we are in debt as a nation. We have stepped up four times. There may be another bill later this year, but we’ve got to be very careful and we need input. These bills have largely been put together by leadership without much input from the members. I understand crisis and that’s why I did vote for these bills. But the next bill, and I give Senator McConnell high marks for this, says he wants us all to work on this as legislative bodies as we should through the House, through the Senate, through relatively normal procedures so that we get a bill that better addresses the needs of the American people.”


radio--2020-04-15--Lisa Boothe: Now Is The Time To Look At China And Then "Put The Screws To Them"

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla , Lisa Boothe explained why President Trump was right to want to defund @ @ @ @ @ could mean for China when the COVID-19 crisis ends .
`` I think the real @ @ @ @ @ to be put on China .
Some of the things that President Trump had talked @ @ @ @ @ administration were sort of saying why some of that focus was there for the President @ @ @ @ @ the global supply chain and you look at the fact that 80-90 percent of our @ @ @ @ @ .
They 've kind of threatened us on some of that as well as we @ @ @ @ @ the rhetoric against China .
So I think we need to take a really , @ @ @ @ @ after this is all over .
And hopefully we can get some some support from @ @ @ @ @ countries and kind of aiming that focus on China and putting the screws to them @ @

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, Lisa Boothe explained why President Trump was right to want to defund the WHO and what that could mean for China when the COVID-19 crisis ends.
“I think the real accountability and the onus needs to be put on China. Some of the things that President Trump had talked about earlier on in his administration were sort of saying why some of that focus was there for the President. Even just look at the global supply chain and you look at the fact that 80-90 percent of our antibiotics are purchased from China. They’ve kind of threatened us on some of that as well as we’ve ramped up some of the rhetoric against China. So I think we need to take a really, really hard look at China after this is all over. And hopefully we can get some some support from the U.K. and some other countries and kind of aiming that focus on China and putting the screws to them.”


radio--2020-03-24--Dr. Marty Makary: "In U.S. Hospitals, It Is Hell Right Now"

On FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla , Fox News contributor Dr. Marty Makary described what hospitals have been going @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases being reported continue to rise .
`` This is all about protecting seniors @ @ @ @ @ managing the expected mass influx of patients that will come in in the course of @ @ @ @ @ three to five weeks from now , that will totally overwhelm our hospitals .
I @ @ @ @ @ lot of hospitals , it is hell right now .
You can walk around the @ @ @ @ @ and calm , and you might even say it 's a nice day .
But @ @ @ @ @ is hell right now . ''

On FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, Fox News contributor Dr. Marty Makary described what hospitals have been going through as the number of coronavirus cases being reported continue to rise.
“This is all about protecting seniors and it’s all about managing the expected mass influx of patients that will come in in the course of three to four weeks or three to five weeks from now, that will totally overwhelm our hospitals. I can tell you in a lot of hospitals, it is hell right now. You can walk around the street and it looks peaceful and calm, and you might even say it’s a nice day. But in U.S. hospitals, it is hell right now.”


radio--2020-05-13--Spellings Bees Gone, Killer Bees On

Spellings Bees Gone, Killer Bees On

As seen on `` The Greg Gutfeld Show '' FOX Business anchor , Dagen McDowell , retired U.S. Marine Corps @ @ @ @ @ contributor Joey Jones and Tyrus and Kat Timpf , co-hosts of the podcast `` Tyrus @ @ @ @ @ to discuss the disconnect between regular people and celebrities during coronavirus , the problem with @ @ @ @ @ new problem with murder hornets .

As seen on “The Greg Gutfeld Show” FOX Business anchor, Dagen McDowell, retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician and FOX News contributor Joey Jones and Tyrus and Kat Timpf, co-hosts of the podcast “Tyrus and Timpf“ join Greg to discuss the disconnect between regular people and celebrities during coronavirus, the problem with virtue signaling and the inconvenient new problem with murder hornets.
Follow Greg on Twitter: @GregGutfeld


radio--2020-04-29--Mitch McConnell Says He Will "Insist" On Including Liability Protection in New Coronavirus Legislati

Mitch McConnell Says He Will "Insist" On Including Liability Protection in New Coronavirus Legislation

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) told Brian on his radio show that he would `` insist '' on liability protection for companies , hospitals and businesses as a condition for going forward with any new coronavirus relief legislation .
`` What I 've said is , we 're going to insist upon this reform , which is not related to money , as a condition for going forward .
We need to protect the American people and the brave folks who have been on the front line taking care of our patients during this awful pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the country back to normal is not just about spending more money , although I understand that every state and local government in America would like to have more .
I 'm willing to talk about that , but we need to protect these brave people who have been on the front lines . ''
McConnell also defended his decision to bring the Senate back to Washington , D.C. next week , saying , `` We feel like if people on the front lines are willing to work during the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate will come back , we 'll be in session next week . ''

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told Brian on his radio show that he would “insist” on liability protection for companies, hospitals and businesses as a condition for going forward with any new coronavirus relief legislation.
“What I’ve said is, we’re going to insist upon this reform, which is not related to money, as a condition for going forward. We need to protect the American people and the brave folks who have been on the front line taking care of our patients during this awful pandemic,” he said. “So, getting the country back to normal is not just about spending more money, although I understand that every state and local government in America would like to have more. I’m willing to talk about that, but we need to protect these brave people who have been on the front lines.”
McConnell also defended his decision to bring the Senate back to Washington, D.C. next week, saying, “We feel like if people on the front lines are willing to work during the pandemic, we should be as well. So the Senate will come back, we’ll be in session next week.”
Listen here:


radio--2020-04-20--Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) Calls For Congress To Reconvene To Provide Debate In Coming Relief

Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) Calls For Congress To Reconvene To Provide Debate In Coming Relief Legislation

Congressman Mike Gallagher ( R-WI/8 ) calls on speaker Pelosi to reconvene Congress so there can be debate and amendment in the process of crafting funding for the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) as well as future Coronavirus relief Legislation .
Saying there are `` Risks '' to reconvening but that it can be done in a safe `` Socially-Distant Way '' .
Rep Gallagher released a statement calling on Speaker Pelosi to reconvene the House of Representatives to fund the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) and begin debating future legislative action Every day , millions of healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to battle this virus .
Yet while we ask these brave men and women to risk their lives to keep our country healthy , both chambers of Congress lay empty as an unprecedented crisis unfolds around us .
This is inexcusable .
Small businesses across the country are making decisions to permanently close their doors .
Americans are losing their jobs at unprecedented rates .
Hospitals are struggling to procure the supplies they need to keep their employees safe .
This is n't a time for members of Congress to leave critical decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a time for members to be legislating .
`` In the Marines , we 're taught to 'ride to the sound of the guns . '
It 's time we do so as members of Congress .
Speaker Pelosi should immediately reconvene the House -- in a way that minimizes the risk of spreading the virus -- so we can do the work we were elected to do .
In these difficult times , it 's now more important than ever . ''
- Via Congressman Gallagher 's office

Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI/8) calls on speaker Pelosi to reconvene Congress so there can be debate and amendment in the process of crafting funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as well as future Coronavirus relief Legislation. Saying there are “Risks” to reconvening but that it can be done in a safe “Socially-Distant Way”.
Rep Gallagher released a statement calling on Speaker Pelosi to reconvene the House of Representatives to fund the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and begin debating future legislative action
Every day, millions of healthcare workers and first responders heed the call to battle this virus. Yet while we ask these brave men and women to risk their lives to keep our country healthy, both chambers of Congress lay empty as an unprecedented crisis unfolds around us. This is inexcusable. Small businesses across the country are making decisions to permanently close their doors. Americans are losing their jobs at unprecedented rates. Hospitals are struggling to procure the supplies they need to keep their employees safe. This isn’t a time for members of Congress to leave critical decisions in the hands of a few. This is a time for members to be legislating. “In the Marines, we’re taught to ‘ride to the sound of the guns.’ It’s time we do so as members of Congress. Speaker Pelosi should immediately reconvene the House — in a way that minimizes the risk of spreading the virus — so we can do the work we were elected to do. In these difficult times, it’s now more important than ever.” – Via Congressman Gallagher’s office
Listen To Full Conversation Below:


radio--2020-04-21--Biden's Potential Running Mates

Biden's Potential Running Mates

This week , Bret sits down with Leslie Marshall , syndicated Talk radio host and Democratic strategist , Josh Kraushaar @ @ @ @ @ National Journal and Chris Stirewalt , FOX News Politics Editor to discuss former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 election .
The panel discusses the effect the COVID-19 pandemic will have @ @ @ @ @ for Vice President , the role of Coronavirus in the 2020 election and the panel @ @ @ @ @ the strongest choices to join Biden on the ticket .

This week, Bret sits down with Leslie Marshall, syndicated Talk radio host and Democratic strategist, Josh Kraushaar, political editor for The National Journal and Chris Stirewalt, FOX News Politics Editor to discuss former Vice President Biden’s potential running mates in the 2020 election.
The panel discusses the effect the COVID-19 pandemic will have on Joe Biden’s choice for Vice President, the role of Coronavirus in the 2020 election and the panel shares who they think are the strongest choices to join Biden on the ticket.
Follow Bret on Twitter: @BretBaier


radio--2020-03-26--Johnny "Joey" Jones: Staying Home Should Not Be Dire Straits For People

On FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla , Fox News contributor Johnny `` Joey '' explains why asking people to @ @ @ @ @ to fight the coronavirus is not as big a sacrifice as Americans have been asked @ @ @ @ @ for their country .
`` In World War II , people were asked to sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ that we could survive the war and win it and what came from it was @ @ @ @ @ prosperous times this country 's ever seen in the '50 's and 60 's .
@ @ @ @ @ with 9/11 , a very small fraction of the country was asked and answered the @ @ @ @ @ , the entire country united and felt like they were a part of it .
@ @ @ @ @ 's happening today and literally we 're asking the next generation to stay home , @ @ @ @ @ wash their hands .
We are not in dire straits .
Across the board , @ @ @ @ @ straits , but staying home for two weeks is not dire straits . ''

On FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, Fox News contributor Johnny “Joey” explains why asking people to stay home for two weeks to fight the coronavirus is not as big a sacrifice as Americans have been asked to make in the past for their country.
“In World War II, people were asked to sacrifice everything about their livelihood so that we could survive the war and win it and what came from it was was one of the most prosperous times this country’s ever seen in the ’50’s and 60’s. When you see what happened with 9/11, a very small fraction of the country was asked and answered the call. But through it, the entire country united and felt like they were a part of it. And then you look what’s happening today and literally we’re asking the next generation to stay home, to be responsible, to wash their hands. We are not in dire straits. Across the board, there are people in dire straits, but staying home for two weeks is not dire straits.”


radio--2020-03-25--House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) On Pelosi Coronavirus Bill Stunt: "Not Only Was I Surpri

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) On Pelosi Coronavirus Bill Stunt: "Not Only Was I Surprised, I Was Appalled"

The White House and Senate leaders reached an agreement early Wednesday on a massive $ 2 trillion coronavirus spending bill @ @ @ @ @ impact of the outbreak .
Overnight , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters that President @ @ @ @ @ '' sign it if Congress passes it .
Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson sat @ @ @ @ @ Congressman Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) to get reaction on the agreement .

The White House and Senate leaders reached an agreement early Wednesday on a massive $2 trillion coronavirus spending bill aimed at alleviating the economic impact of the outbreak. Overnight, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters that President Donald Trump would “absolutely” sign it if Congress passes it.
Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson sat down with House Minority Leader Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to get reaction on the agreement.
Listen Below:


radio--2020-03-26--Pastor Allen Jackson: Intentional Faith

Pastor Allen Jackson: Intentional Faith

You might call the Coronavirus an expected and uninvited guest .
That 's the mild version .
You could also @ @ @ @ @ disaster striking the very heart of humanity 's trusted safeguards like the economy , for @ @ @ @ @ Jackson , Senior Pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro , Tennessee says , while @ @ @ @ @ we 're more fragile than we thought , we should also have confidence in the @ @ @ @ @ and more powerful than we ever gave Him credit for .
On this episode of @ @ @ @ @ Jackson talks about his new book `` Intentional Faith , '' and how being proactive @ @ @ @ @ praying , and reaching out to other friends and family will give us new encouragement @ @ @ @ @ all will discover that `` we are more blessed than we ever knew . ''

You might call the Coronavirus an expected and uninvited guest. That’s the mild version. You could also describe it as a devastating disaster striking the very heart of humanity’s trusted safeguards like the economy, for one. But Pastor Allen Jackson, Senior Pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee says, while we may be realizing that we’re more fragile than we thought, we should also have confidence in the fact that God is stronger and more powerful than we ever gave Him credit for. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Jackson talks about his new book “Intentional Faith,” and how being proactive about reading Scripture, regularly praying, and reaching out to other friends and family will give us new encouragement and hope. And we all will discover that “we are more blessed than we ever knew.”


radio--2020-03-26--Economic Guru Art Laffer: We're Going to be in Fine Shape

Former Reagan Economic Policy Advisory Board member Art Laffer came on the Brian Kilmeade Show to talk about the current @ @ @ @ @ well as the $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package just passed by the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ this is only a temporary dip in what has otherwise been a strong economy .
@ @ @ @ @ that we had this coronavirus thing come in there and take us from about the @ @ @ @ @ did knock us off the block , it did that , but once the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ us to come back to our prior high levels because the same policies , the @ @ @ @ @ team 's in place and I think we 're going to be in fine shape @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Dr. Laffer went on to explain we should not focus too much @ @ @ @ @ unemployment numbers because once businesses start to benefit from the relief package , most workers @ @ @ @ @ .

Former Reagan Economic Policy Advisory Board member Art Laffer came on the Brian Kilmeade Show to talk about the current state of the economy as well as the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package just passed by the Senate. Dr. Laffer expressed optimism that this is only a temporary dip in what has otherwise been a strong economy.
“It’s so sad that we had this coronavirus thing come in there and take us from about the best economy ever and it did knock us off the block, it did that, but once the coronavirus is gone I fully expect us to come back to our prior high levels because the same policies, the same president, the same team’s in place and I think we’re going to be in fine shape in a while,” he said.
Dr. Laffer went on to explain we should not focus too much on the just released record unemployment numbers because once businesses start to benefit from the relief package, most workers will get their jobs back.
Listen here:


radio--2020-03-19--Pastor Max Lucado: Feeding Your Faith to Starve Your Fears

The Coronavirus has altered life as we know it .
This pandemic has brought us a staunch reality that we are not in total control and that there are other forces , evil forces , if you will , that can change the path we thought we were on .
Does God have an answer for us ?
Pastor Max Lucado , always a voice of faith and spiritual strength , is offering these words of wisdom , `` I 've been telling people , feed your faith and your fears will starve .
But if you feed your fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast , Pastor Max Lucado , who 's authored several books on God 's promises , offers people hope as they deal with the global spread of the virus .
He says getting news and information is good but saturating yourself with it is not .
It feeds your fears .
He recommends we counterbalance with Scripture reading , prayer , and finding an online community to connect with .
We are venturing into uncharted waters .
But the questions about God are similar to other times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is God angry with us ?
Are we living in the End-times ?
Will God prevail ? ''
Listen to Pastor Max and the spiritual fortitude we can all benefit from .
And especially listen to Pastor Max 's prayer at the conclusion of the podcast .
It will bring you much hope and comfort .

The Coronavirus has altered life as we know it. This pandemic has brought us a staunch reality that we are not in total control and that there are other forces, evil forces, if you will, that can change the path we thought we were on. Does God have an answer for us? Pastor Max Lucado, always a voice of faith and spiritual strength, is offering these words of wisdom, “I’ve been telling people, feed your faith and your fears will starve. But if you feed your fears, your faith will starve.” On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Max Lucado, who’s authored several books on God’s promises, offers people hope as they deal with the global spread of the virus. He says getting news and information is good but saturating yourself with it is not. It feeds your fears. He recommends we counterbalance with Scripture reading, prayer, and finding an online community to connect with. We are venturing into uncharted waters. But the questions about God are similar to other times of great upheaval and uncertainty: “Is God angry with us? Are we living in the End-times? Will God prevail?” Listen to Pastor Max and the spiritual fortitude we can all benefit from. And especially listen to Pastor Max’s prayer at the conclusion of the podcast. It will bring you much hope and comfort.


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radio--2020-05-13--Rep. Doug Collins: "This Is Not Christmas And Nancy Pelosi Is Not Santa Claus"

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla , Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) discussed why Nancy Pelosi and other @ @ @ @ @ out trillions of dollars in relief funds at this point of the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ of Nancy Pelosi needing to go talk with some people to realize that we 've @ @ @ @ @ a little while now , but we 're not still in December .
This is @ @ @ @ @ not Santa Claus , but she has now put a three trillion dollar bill out @ @ @ @ @ her Democratic colleagues in the House , come hang an ornament on this tree .
@ @ @ @ @ 's double what we have already passed .
She 's doubling what we passed that @ @ @ @ @ , let 's see how it 's working first .
It 's just amazing at @ @ @ @

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) discussed why Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats shouldn’t be handing out trillions of dollars in relief funds at this point of the coronavirus crisis.
“I am a supporter of Nancy Pelosi needing to go talk with some people to realize that we’ve been in the pandemic for a little while now, but we’re not still in December. This is not Christmas. She is not Santa Claus, but she has now put a three trillion dollar bill out there and told all of her Democratic colleagues in the House, come hang an ornament on this tree. Three trillion dollars. That’s double what we have already passed. She’s doubling what we passed that most of us are saying, let’s see how it’s working first. It’s just amazing at this point.”


radio--2020-05-14--Dr. Mark Hitchcock: The Coronavirus Pandemic, A Sign of End Times?

Combining End Times biblical prophecy and current events is a precarious endeavor .
But Dr. Mark Hitchcock has been reading the biblical tea leaves for decades now and written thirty books on the subject .
He will tell you that coming up with precise dates and times of the Last Days and Jesus 's return , is not only irresponsible , it is not even accurate .
Jesus Himself said no one `` but the Father knows . ''
Still , one of the looming questions for many people around the world is whether or not the Coronavirus pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast , Hitchcock , a pastor and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary , explains how the Covid-19 pandemic fits into the Bible 's prophecies , or whether it does at all .
He 'll explain the difference between The Rapture , The Tribulation , and what are the key verses in the Bible that prophecy what God has in store for His creation .
All of it is explored as well in his latest book , `` Corona Crisis : Plagues , Pandemics , and the Coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billing over his other timely book about the Iranian nuclear threat , `` Showdown with Iran : Nuclear Iran and the Future of Israel , the Middle East , and the United States in Bible Prophecy . ''
Both Covid-19 and Iran 's nuclear ambitions present perilous warnings for us and our mindsets and beliefs about God .

Combining End Times biblical prophecy and current events is a precarious endeavor. But Dr. Mark Hitchcock has been reading the biblical tea leaves for decades now and written thirty books on the subject. He will tell you that coming up with precise dates and times of the Last Days and Jesus’s return, is not only irresponsible, it is not even accurate. Jesus Himself said no one “but the Father knows.” Still, one of the looming questions for many people around the world is whether or not the Coronavirus pandemic is a sign the end is near. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Hitchcock, a pastor and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, explains how the Covid-19 pandemic fits into the Bible’s prophecies, or whether it does at all. He’ll explain the difference between The Rapture, The Tribulation, and what are the key verses in the Bible that prophecy what God has in store for His creation. All of it is explored as well in his latest book, “Corona Crisis: Plagues, Pandemics, and the Coming Apocalypse.” It is getting top billing over his other timely book about the Iranian nuclear threat, “Showdown with Iran: Nuclear Iran and the Future of Israel, the Middle East, and the United States in Bible Prophecy.” Both Covid-19 and Iran’s nuclear ambitions present perilous warnings for us and our mindsets and beliefs about God.


radio--2020-05-14--Legal Immunity For Reopening Businesses?

It did n't take long for the coronavirus to inflict damage on the economy .
One study estimates 100,000 small @ @ @ @ @ good and the Fed expects the unemployment rate to only get worse .
Senator Cory @ @ @ @ @ reopening the economy , the controversy over giving legal protections to employers who decide to @ @ @ @ @ more Covid relief from Congress .
President Trump 's ongoing feud with the media since @ @ @ @ @ seemed to intensify during the coronavirus pandemic .
Howard Kurtz , host of MediaBuzz on @ @ @ @ @ The MediaBUZZmeter podcast joins today 's 'Rundown ' to discuss the President 's relationship with @ @ @ @ @ , how former presidents have dealt with media coverage during crises in the past and @ @ @ @ @ taken a back seat due to the virus .
Plus , commentary by Guy Benson @ @ @ @ @ Guy Benson Show ''

It didn’t take long for the coronavirus to inflict damage on the economy. One study estimates 100,000 small businesses will be closed for good and the Fed expects the unemployment rate to only get worse. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) discusses reopening the economy, the controversy over giving legal protections to employers who decide to reopen and the possibility of more Covid relief from Congress.
President Trump’s ongoing feud with the media since he took office has only seemed to intensify during the coronavirus pandemic. Howard Kurtz, host of MediaBuzz on the Fox News Channel and The MediaBUZZmeter podcast joins today’s ‘Rundown’ to discuss the President’s relationship with the press during the outbreak, how former presidents have dealt with media coverage during crises in the past and how the 2020 election has taken a back seat due to the virus.
Plus, commentary by Guy Benson, host of “The Guy Benson Show”


radio--2020-05-13--Chris Christie On The Federal Response To COVID-19: It Was "Slow To Get Going" But "I Think They've

Chris Christie On The Federal Response To COVID-19: It Was "Slow To Get Going" But "I Think They've Done A Good Job Once Engaged"

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie talked with Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson in a wide ranging interview .
Where the former New Jersey Governor commented on the federal government 's response to the Coronavirus pandemic .
Saying , `` Well , listen , I think that at the federal level , we were slow to get going and slow to really engage in the way that we should have .
But then once the President did engage , I think they 've done a good job once engaged . ''
Christie Also weighed in on the latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For somebody like me who spent seven years in the Justice Department in the Bush administration , it 's a disgrace .
And Jim Comey should be ashamed of himself for the kind of operation he was running at the FBI .
Listen To The Full Interview Below : Guy Benson : It 's the final hour , the happy hour , in fact , here on the guy that 's in show on this hump day Wednesday .
Thank you for being here .
Guy Benson Show dicom is our Web @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can listen live coast-to-coast on our many terrific affiliates or online or on the app .
Lots of ways to listen .
All at Guy Benson Show.com podcast is always free .
That 's available on i-Tunes or Spotify as well .
Joining me now is the former governor of New Jersey , Republican Chris Christie , who served as the fifty fifth governor of my home state .
Governor , it 's great to have you here .
Chris Christie : Great to be here , guy .
Thanks for having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So I want to start with a story that got very little attention , although I 'm sure it got significantly more attention in your household .
The Supreme Court , just when the last few days , nine to nothing , threw out the convictions of some of your former members of your administration involved in so-called Bridgegate , which was this scandal .
That was a huge element in your second term .
And I know you got sort of beaten up over that scandal .
Two of your underlings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those convictions have been tossed by the Supreme Court unanimously .
I 'm curious what your reaction is to that development .
Chris Christie : Guy I think it 's just another in a string of recent developments that we 've seen that prove how vindictive and political the Obama Justice Department was .
In that instance , going all the way back to 2014 when this incident occurred .
There were all kinds of members of the bar who told the Obama appointed U.S. attorney , Paul Fishman , that these were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime and they should not be prosecuted by the federal government .
He ignored it because he wanted to make sure that he did all he could to take me out of a presidential race where at the time I was the frontrunner for the nomination and beating Hillary Clinton in all the national polls .
And he ran a two and a half year investigation , which ultimately wound up indicting just two people in my administration .
And the United States Supreme Court said nine to nothing in a 13 page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he knew what law was supposed to be .
He did n't follow the law .
Therefore , these convictions are vacated .
And it 's vindication for the people in my administration that they did n't commit federal crimes .
What they did was stupid and they deserved to be fired .
And I did fire them , but they did n't belong going to jail .
And , you know , this is just another display of the partisanship and the vindictiveness and my view of some of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benson : And so it 's interesting because , Governor , as you know , people on the other side of the ideological spectrum in the political aisle are saying , well , actually , what we 're seeing is a corrupt Justice Department now under President Trump and Bill Barr .
And these decisions that they 're making about Michael Flynn and other things is that there is a witch hunt with John Durham underway .
There 's a lot of sort of mud in the water right now .
How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming in ?
How do you see how the Flynn matter was handled or the FISA warrants against Carter Page ?
Do you feel like Bill Barr is doing the right thing here and that John German investigation might actually blow back on some of the same Obama era folks who are really pounding the table on this issue ?
Chris Christie : Well , we 're gon na have to wait and see on the Durham investigation .
That 's what prudent prosecutors do .
Guy , either we wait and see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have great trust in John Durham .
He 's a he 's a pro .
He 's been around for a long time .
And I think John will do a good job .
I saw the Flynn case .
It looks to me like a classic perjury trap where they knew already what the answer was .
You saw the notes you were trying to decide whether to get him to tell the truth or whether given the lie .
That 's not what FBI agents are there to do , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go and interview those people who they need to interview to uncover all the facts so that prosecutors decide whether people should be prosecuted or not .
Now , General Flynn still divides the vise president , and I think that 's the problem .
Yeah , from my perspective , I do n't think he should be seen as a hero in any of this .
But on the other hand , you know , this is not the way folks are supposed to be operating , guy .
And for somebody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department in the Bush administration , it 's a disgrace .
And Jim Comey should be ashamed himself for the kind of operation he was running at the FBI .
He lost his way .
And I think he really permitted a whole bunch of cases , the Hillary Clinton e-mail case , which he handled incorrectly .
And now this Flynt matter .
He 's shown himself to be someone who had become bigger than the job he had .
And once that happens , our justice system just whites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : So , Governor , I want to pick up on something that you just mentioned in passing , which is you are a DOJ alum , right ?
You 're a federal prosecutor for years .
And I 'm struck by it seems like every so often I 'm thinking back to the Mueller report controversy and and that whole contretemps involving how Bill Barr , the attorney general , handled that .
And now the Flynn decision to drop the charges , up to 2000 former DOJ officials come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they sign some open letter calling for Barr to resign .
This has happened two or three times now against Bill Barr .
And I wonder what you make of that .
I mean , you are also a a former Justice Department official .
I do n't happen to see your name on the list of folks who are calling for Bill Barr to resign yet again .
I just it I 'm curious for your reaction and then just be it is it is worrisome to me that thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new information that we 're getting and say the problem here is Bill Barr .
Chris Christie : You know , the problem you the way I see it , guy , is it is because of how divided our country has become .
Everything everything now is based upon whether you like Donald Trump or you do n't like Donald Trump .
We agree with Donald Trump or you do n't agree with him .
I support the president as one of the first people to endorse him after I got out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't agree with everything he does and everything he says .
But that does n't mean that I get a pink .
How I view law enforcement issues .
And yeah .
Listen , I told the president a long time ago , you know , for instance , that he should never fire Bob Mueller , that it would cause too much upset .
I said , listen , Mr. President , if you did nothing wrong , which I believe in the end , that 'll come out .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , we have to have more faith in our in our in our system as a whole .
And it was hard for me to have faith in a guy with for six years .
You know , me and my people were dragged through the mud on this Bridgegate stuff , but ultimately .
The system did vindicate us , and I think over and over again we 're seeing that if we let the system work , it will vindicate us .
So these people were signing these letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are people who are από Donald Trump , and they ca n't ever get by that .
And it 's a shame .
But it 's where our country is right now , unfortunately .
Guy Benson : Yeah .
And I think it actually undermines public faith .
Exactly .
To your previous point where it seems like , OK , there are politics at play and it 's not just a country divided , but a DOJ divided along partisan lines , which is not what it 's supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is supposed to go .
Governor , I want to shift and talk about leadership in a crisis so my listeners know I 'm originally from New Jersey .
You won reelection in 2013 by a shocking margin for a Republican in New Jersey .
Right .
I mean , when the Republicans win statewide in New Jersey in my lifetime , basically , it 's by the razor thin margin .
You can imagine usually a plurality .
You won a majority .
You want to 60 percent of the vote as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New Jersey , which is not a very conservative place .
And I think part of your success and you can agree or disagree is people from across the spectrum , some Democrats , a lot of independents and of course , Republicans saw your leadership during Superstorm Sandy and how you responded to that .
And there were some critics on the right saying that you were too chummy with Barack Obama .
And there was , you know , the reelection campaign on .
And you were kind of helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ops and you said , look , I 'm here to help my state .
I do n't care what party the president is .
So that was your approach back in 2012 , 2013 .
It worked out politically for you as you look at the response to a very different type of crisis now , this pandemic .
What is your assessment of the leadership at the federal level ?
And I know there 's a lot of different governors involved here , but at the state levels broadly as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christie : Well , listen , I think that at the federal level , we were slow to get going and slow to really engage in the way that we should have .
But then once the president did engage , I think they 've done a good job once engaged.. And , you know , we 're seeing it now on testing .
I see significant improvements on the ground in testing .
We saw it with regulators , you know , with PPE .
Again , I think , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the beginning .
We did n't have it .
But then as the president got wall , we got aggressive .
I think he 's managed that part of it very , very well .
Now , on the state side , I think there 's some obvious really good players in this .
Mike DeWine in Ohio , I think it 's done a very good job and I think , you know , has acted aggressively the right way .
And I think he 's getting it right .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frankly , guy who I probably do n't agree with almost everything God , but I think he 's got a pretty good job out there .
When you read the numbers in California .
Given a population of 40 million , I think he 's done a very good job in California .
The challenge is going to be can he continue it ?
I think Larry Hogan in Maryland , he 's got a very good job and worked hard on the testing issue of particular being really innovative , going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million tests .
And to quote a quote in New York , I think has been a a a voice of reason during much of this .
You know , some of the decisions I agree with some of them I do n't .
But I think he 's being a good voice for all this .
So I think , you know , the governor level , those are kind of that to me , the people who have stood out and in others have done nice jobs , too .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand out on a federal level .
We we .
I was urging that I worked some op ed on this front to get more aggressive more quickly .
But now that we have I think we 're moving in the right direction .
And I think we 're doing the right things started to reopen the country .
Guy Benson : You know , I just want to come back to Cuomo because I tend to agree .
He 's been good at communicating .
I think the press has really enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public relations .
There have been some very serious questions about decisions that they 've made in New York , including not .
Cleaning the subway system every night until just recently and their nursing home policy was frankly crazy , and that 's had some really devastating consequences .
The numbers in New York and New Jersey have been just brutal .
I mean , you know that and I know that very well .
But it seems like a lot of the criticism has been about the president , about governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the numbers are much , much better than they are in New York .
And I kind of feel like .
CUOMO I 'm not saying everyone should pile on the guy , but it seems like legitimate questions about policies that he was implementing and forcing are almost not even being asked of him .
And there 's there seems to be an imbalance and a disconnect there .
And my cynical take are my cynical suspicion is that the press has a narrative that they are almost religiously devoted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes a lot of the time .
You can probably sympathize with that having been a Republican governor .
Chris Christie : Sure .
Oh , listen , there 's no doubt that Republican governors , Republican officeholders are held to a much different level of scrutiny than Democrats in this country .
They just are .
And anybody who tries to tell you differently .
Two-thousand watching or has n't experienced it themselves .
And so Fritz 's New Jersey .
Our state .
Has more nursing home deaths than any place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Phil Murphy instituted the policy where on , you know , the thirty thirty first of March , he had his health commissioner ordered all nursing homes that they had to take covered 19 patients could not discriminate against them .
So we were putting covered 19 patients into the most vulnerable population , the elderly .
There was the New York Times story , which I 'm sure you saw yesterday on the front page about our state run veterans homes where we 've lost , you know , dozens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But here 's what I know , having been a governor .
Ultimately , you are going to be scrutinized for what 's happened and that every one of these governors will be scrutinized ultimately .
You know , it 's it 's it 's an admirable thing about the American people .
Guy , they rally around their leaders in a crisis and they they support their leaders and they try to give the benefit of the doubt .
But then once the crisis begins to stabilize .
They definitely then look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I think some of these decisions , especially the Governor Murphy has made , will be .
And I do n't know that they 'll stand up very well given that we have , you know , more deaths in New Jersey in nursing homes than any place else in the world .
Governor , pretty extraordinary .
Guy Benson : Just to jump back and we have about a minute left and that was a tough one to throw at you with just a minute left .
But overall , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making process ought to look like when it comes to reopening safely ?
Chris Christie : Well , this if I were a pretty extensive column in The Washington Post , right , we kept saying that sitting this we need to start reopening and we need to do it smartly .
The way we need to do it is 30 percent capacity for businesses in the beginning .
Taking everybody 's temperature before they go in , making sure that we 're not allowing big crowds again .
No , no big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let people get back to work and start working .
The vulnerable population , elderly and people with underlying conditions should still stay at home until we have an effective therapeutic to deal with it or a vaccine .
And and those people need to be very , very careful .
But 33 billion unemployed guy , this this economy is in the worst shape it 's been in since the Great Depression .
And we need to let people get back to work .
Last thing I 'll say is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Increase in mental health problems .
Domestic violence .
Yep .
Addiction and suicide .
It is already happening in a number of states and it 's going to get worse .
We have to get people off food , bank lines and back to work .
And no American expects that Gates is going to be without risk .
We 're going to wear masks .
We 're going to social distance in the right way , and we 're going to be smart about it .
And are we going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to lose more guys , tragically .
But that 's not the fault of anyone .
That 's the fault of the virus .
And we just have to get back to work and start getting this economy going again .
Well , we do n't know what kind of country we 're going to have in six or nine months yet .
Guy Benson : The economic concerns and the pain there and then the externalities about other actual human suffering and death , suicide , depression , that sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those are not sidebar issues .
Governor Chris Christie , former governor of New Jersey , on the guy .
Benson , shall we would love to have you back , Governor .
Thanks for doing this , .
Chris Christie : Guy .
I will .
Come on .
For a Jersey guy , anytime you ask .
Guy Benson : Sounds like a plan .
Looking forward to that , governor .
We 'll take a break and continue .
It 's the happy hour on the Guy Benson Show .

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie talked with Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson in a wide ranging interview. Where the former New Jersey Governor commented on the federal government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Saying, “Well, listen, I think that at the federal level, we were slow to get going and slow to really engage in the way that we should have. But then once the President did engage, I think they’ve done a good job once engaged.” Christie Also weighed in on the latest news out of the DOJ. Saying, “For somebody like me who spent seven years in the Justice Department in the Bush administration, it’s a disgrace. And Jim Comey should be ashamed of himself for the kind of operation he was running at the FBI.
Listen To The Full Interview Below:
Full Transcript:
Guy Benson: It’s the final hour, the happy hour, in fact, here on the guy that’s in show on this hump day Wednesday. Thank you for being here. Guy Benson Show dicom is our Web site. Guy Benson Show dicom. You can listen live coast-to-coast on our many terrific affiliates or online or on the app. Lots of ways to listen. All at Guy Benson Show.com podcast is always free. That’s available on i-Tunes or Spotify as well. Joining me now is the former governor of New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie, who served as the fifty fifth governor of my home state. Governor, it’s great to have you here.
Chris Christie: Great to be here, guy. Thanks for having me.
Guy Benson: You bet. So I want to start with a story that got very little attention, although I’m sure it got significantly more attention in your household. The Supreme Court, just when the last few days, nine to nothing, threw out the convictions of some of your former members of your administration involved in so-called Bridgegate, which was this scandal. That was a huge element in your second term. And I know you got sort of beaten up over that scandal. Two of your underlings or associates were convicted, and now those convictions have been tossed by the Supreme Court unanimously. I’m curious what your reaction is to that development.
Chris Christie: Guy I think it’s just another in a string of recent developments that we’ve seen that prove how vindictive and political the Obama Justice Department was. In that instance, going all the way back to 2014 when this incident occurred. There were all kinds of members of the bar who told the Obama appointed U.S. attorney, Paul Fishman, that these were not these acts were not a federal crime and they should not be prosecuted by the federal government. He ignored it because he wanted to make sure that he did all he could to take me out of a presidential race where at the time I was the frontrunner for the nomination and beating Hillary Clinton in all the national polls. And he ran a two and a half year investigation, which ultimately wound up indicting just two people in my administration. And the United States Supreme Court said nine to nothing in a 13 page opinion with the back of their hands that he knew what law was supposed to be. He didn’t follow the law. Therefore, these convictions are vacated. And it’s vindication for the people in my administration that they didn’t commit federal crimes. What they did was stupid and they deserved to be fired. And I did fire them, but they didn’t belong going to jail. And, you know, this is just another display of the partisanship and the vindictiveness and my view of some of the people, the Obama Justice Department.
Guy Benson: And so it’s interesting because, Governor, as you know, people on the other side of the ideological spectrum in the political aisle are saying, well, actually, what we’re seeing is a corrupt Justice Department now under President Trump and Bill Barr. And these decisions that they’re making about Michael Flynn and other things is that there is a witch hunt with John Durham underway. There’s a lot of sort of mud in the water right now. How do you see, based on the evidence coming in? How do you see how the Flynn matter was handled or the FISA warrants against Carter Page? Do you feel like Bill Barr is doing the right thing here and that John German investigation might actually blow back on some of the same Obama era folks who are really pounding the table on this issue?
Chris Christie: Well, we’re gonna have to wait and see on the Durham investigation. That’s what prudent prosecutors do. Guy, either we wait and see, then I’ll see. I have great trust in John Durham. He’s a he’s a pro. He’s been around for a long time. And I think John will do a good job. I saw the Flynn case. It looks to me like a classic perjury trap where they knew already what the answer was. You saw the notes you were trying to decide whether to get him to tell the truth or whether given the lie. That’s not what FBI agents are there to do, what they’re there to do is to go and interview those people who they need to interview to uncover all the facts so that prosecutors decide whether people should be prosecuted or not. Now, General Flynn still divides the vise president, and I think that’s the problem. Yeah, from my perspective, I don’t think he should be seen as a hero in any of this. But on the other hand, you know, this is not the way folks are supposed to be operating, guy. And for somebody like me, spent seven years in the Justice Department in the Bush administration, it’s a disgrace. And Jim Comey should be ashamed himself for the kind of operation he was running at the FBI. He lost his way. And I think he really permitted a whole bunch of cases, the Hillary Clinton e-mail case, which he handled incorrectly. And now this Flynt matter. He’s shown himself to be someone who had become bigger than the job he had. And once that happens, our justice system just whites are really getting hurt.
Guy Benson: So, Governor, I want to pick up on something that you just mentioned in passing, which is you are a DOJ alum, right? You’re a federal prosecutor for years. And I’m struck by it seems like every so often I’m thinking back to the Mueller report controversy and and that whole contretemps involving how Bill Barr, the attorney general, handled that. And now the Flynn decision to drop the charges, up to 2000 former DOJ officials come out of the woodwork and they all get together and they sign some open letter calling for Barr to resign. This has happened two or three times now against Bill Barr. And I wonder what you make of that. I mean, you are also a a former Justice Department official. I don’t happen to see your name on the list of folks who are calling for Bill Barr to resign yet again. I just it I’m curious for your reaction and then just be it is it is worrisome to me that thousands of former DOJ officials would look at the new information that we’re getting and say the problem here is Bill Barr.
Chris Christie: You know, the problem you the way I see it, guy, is it is because of how divided our country has become. Everything everything now is based upon whether you like Donald Trump or you don’t like Donald Trump. We agree with Donald Trump or you don’t agree with him. I support the president as one of the first people to endorse him after I got out of the race. But I don’t agree with everything he does and everything he says. But that doesn’t mean that I get a pink. How I view law enforcement issues. And yeah. Listen, I told the president a long time ago, you know, for instance, that he should never fire Bob Mueller, that it would cause too much upset. I said, listen, Mr. President, if you did nothing wrong, which I believe in the end, that’ll come out. In fact, it did. And so, you know, we have to have more faith in our in our in our system as a whole. And it was hard for me to have faith in a guy with for six years. You know, me and my people were dragged through the mud on this Bridgegate stuff, but ultimately. The system did vindicate us, and I think over and over again we’re seeing that if we let the system work, it will vindicate us. So these people were signing these letters are just, you know, these are people who are ??? Donald Trump, and they can’t ever get by that. And it’s a shame. But it’s where our country is right now, unfortunately.
Guy Benson: Yeah. And I think it actually undermines public faith. Exactly. To your previous point where it seems like, OK, there are politics at play and it’s not just a country divided, but a DOJ divided along partisan lines, which is not what it’s supposed to be. That’s not how the system is supposed to go. Governor, I want to shift and talk about leadership in a crisis so my listeners know I’m originally from New Jersey. You won reelection in 2013 by a shocking margin for a Republican in New Jersey. Right. I mean, when the Republicans win statewide in New Jersey in my lifetime, basically, it’s by the razor thin margin. You can imagine usually a plurality. You won a majority. You want to 60 percent of the vote as a fairly conservative Republican in the state of New Jersey, which is not a very conservative place. And I think part of your success and you can agree or disagree is people from across the spectrum, some Democrats, a lot of independents and of course, Republicans saw your leadership during Superstorm Sandy and how you responded to that. And there were some critics on the right saying that you were too chummy with Barack Obama. And there was, you know, the reelection campaign on. And you were kind of helping Obama because you were giving him photo ops and you said, look, I’m here to help my state. I don’t care what party the president is. So that was your approach back in 2012, 2013. It worked out politically for you as you look at the response to a very different type of crisis now, this pandemic. What is your assessment of the leadership at the federal level? And I know there’s a lot of different governors involved here, but at the state levels broadly as you watch from the outside in.
Chris Christie: Well, listen, I think that at the federal level, we were slow to get going and slow to really engage in the way that we should have. But then once the president did engage, I think they’ve done a good job once engaged.. And, you know, we’re seeing it now on testing. I see significant improvements on the ground in testing. We saw it with regulators, you know, with PPE. Again, I think, you know, we needed an aggressive federal response in the beginning. We didn’t have it. But then as the president got wall, we got aggressive. I think he’s managed that part of it very, very well. Now, on the state side, I think there’s some obvious really good players in this. Mike DeWine in Ohio, I think it’s done a very good job and I think, you know, has acted aggressively the right way. And I think he’s getting it right. I think Gavin Newsom in California, quite frankly, guy who I probably don’t agree with almost everything God, but I think he’s got a pretty good job out there. When you read the numbers in California. Given a population of 40 million, I think he’s done a very good job in California. The challenge is going to be can he continue it? I think Larry Hogan in Maryland, he’s got a very good job and worked hard on the testing issue of particular being really innovative, going to South Korea, getting half a million tests. And to quote a quote in New York, I think has been a a a voice of reason during much of this. You know, some of the decisions I agree with some of them I don’t. But I think he’s being a good voice for all this. So I think, you know, the governor level, those are kind of that to me, the people who have stood out and in others have done nice jobs, too. But those are the ones to me that stand out on a federal level. We we. I was urging that I worked some op ed on this front to get more aggressive more quickly. But now that we have I think we’re moving in the right direction. And I think we’re doing the right things started to reopen the country.
Guy Benson: You know, I just want to come back to Cuomo because I tend to agree. He’s been good at communicating. I think the press has really enjoyed how he has handled it vis-a-vis his public relations. There have been some very serious questions about decisions that they’ve made in New York, including not. Cleaning the subway system every night until just recently and their nursing home policy was frankly crazy, and that’s had some really devastating consequences. The numbers in New York and New Jersey have been just brutal. I mean, you know that and I know that very well. But it seems like a lot of the criticism has been about the president, about governors like Ron DeSantis down in Florida, where the numbers are much, much better than they are in New York. And I kind of feel like. CUOMO I’m not saying everyone should pile on the guy, but it seems like legitimate questions about policies that he was implementing and forcing are almost not even being asked of him. And there’s there seems to be an imbalance and a disconnect there. And my cynical take are my cynical suspicion is that the press has a narrative that they are almost religiously devoted to. And that’s how the coverage goes a lot of the time. You can probably sympathize with that having been a Republican governor.
Chris Christie: Sure. Oh, listen, there’s no doubt that Republican governors, Republican officeholders are held to a much different level of scrutiny than Democrats in this country. They just are. And anybody who tries to tell you differently. Two-thousand watching or hasn’t experienced it themselves. And so Fritz’s New Jersey. Our state. Has more nursing home deaths than any place in the world. And you know, Phil Murphy instituted the policy where on, you know, the thirty thirty first of March, he had his health commissioner ordered all nursing homes that they had to take covered 19 patients could not discriminate against them. So we were putting covered 19 patients into the most vulnerable population, the elderly. There was the New York Times story, which I’m sure you saw yesterday on the front page about our state run veterans homes where we’ve lost, you know, dozens and dozens of veterans to this disease. But here’s what I know, having been a governor. Ultimately, you are going to be scrutinized for what’s happened and that every one of these governors will be scrutinized ultimately. You know, it’s it’s it’s an admirable thing about the American people. Guy, they rally around their leaders in a crisis and they they support their leaders and they try to give the benefit of the doubt. But then once the crisis begins to stabilize. They definitely then look and critique how decisions are made. And I think some of these decisions, especially the Governor Murphy has made, will be. And I don’t know that they’ll stand up very well given that we have, you know, more deaths in New Jersey in nursing homes than any place else in the world. Governor, pretty extraordinary.
Guy Benson: Just to jump back and we have about a minute left and that was a tough one to throw at you with just a minute left. But overall, what do you think the public policy decision making process ought to look like when it comes to reopening safely?
Chris Christie: Well, this if I were a pretty extensive column in The Washington Post, right, we kept saying that sitting this we need to start reopening and we need to do it smartly. The way we need to do it is 30 percent capacity for businesses in the beginning. Taking everybody’s temperature before they go in, making sure that we’re not allowing big crowds again. No, no big sporting events or concerts. We need to let people get back to work and start working. The vulnerable population, elderly and people with underlying conditions should still stay at home until we have an effective therapeutic to deal with it or a vaccine. And and those people need to be very, very careful. But 33 billion unemployed guy, this this economy is in the worst shape it’s been in since the Great Depression. And we need to let people get back to work. Last thing I’ll say is this. We saw this after Sandy. Increase in mental health problems. Domestic violence. Yep. Addiction and suicide. It is already happening in a number of states and it’s going to get worse. We have to get people off food, bank lines and back to work. And no American expects that Gates is going to be without risk. We’re going to wear masks. We’re going to social distance in the right way, and we’re going to be smart about it. And are we going to lose more lives? Yes, we are going to lose more guys, tragically. But that’s not the fault of anyone. That’s the fault of the virus. And we just have to get back to work and start getting this economy going again. Well, we don’t know what kind of country we’re going to have in six or nine months yet.
Guy Benson: The economic concerns and the pain there and then the externalities about other actual human suffering and death, suicide, depression, that sort of thing. Those are real. Those are not sidebar issues. Governor Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, on the guy. Benson, shall we would love to have you back, Governor. Thanks for doing this,.
Chris Christie: Guy. I will. Come on. For a Jersey guy, anytime you ask.
Guy Benson: Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to that, governor. We’ll take a break and continue. It’s the happy hour on the Guy Benson Show.


radio--2020-04-22--Sen. Chris Coons: Relieved to Unanimously Pass Relief Package For Small Businesses

Sen. Chris Coons ( D-DE ) joined Brian to break down what is in the interim coronavirus funding bill that @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
`` I 'm relieved that we have , again , unanimously passed a @ @ @ @ @ , for small businesses , for non-profits and for hospitals , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 60 billion for community based lenders , which will help small businesses secure loans @ @ @ @ @ banking relationship , Coons also wanted more relief for state and local governments .
`` @ @ @ @ @ between the parties about the urgency of adding relief to states and local governments .
@ @ @ @ @ in this bill .
I frankly do n't understand why we could n't have done @ @ @ @ @ .
Senator Coons also voiced support for a mail-in voting option for all Americans in @ @ @ @ @ his state of Delaware to begin opening back up in a month 's time .

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) joined Brian to break down what is in the interim coronavirus funding bill that was just passed by the Senate.
“I’m relieved that we have, again, unanimously passed a significant relief package for Americans, for small businesses, for non-profits and for hospitals,” he said. Though the bill now includes $60 billion for community based lenders, which will help small businesses secure loans without having had a previous banking relationship, Coons also wanted more relief for state and local governments.
“There was a significant disagreement between the parties about the urgency of adding relief to states and local governments. That did not end up in this bill. I frankly don’t understand why we couldn’t have done both,” he said.
Senator Coons also voiced support for a mail-in voting option for all Americans in November and said he expects his state of Delaware to begin opening back up in a month’s time.
Listen here:


radio--2020-04-21--Dr. Nicole Saphier: The COVID-19 Models Were Wrong Thanks To The Resolve Of Americans

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla , Fox News Contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier explained why the resolve of the American people helped reduce the number of potential fatalities due to COVID-19 .
`` The reason that all the models got it wrong when it came to COVID-19 is because they did n't take into account the integrity and resolve of the American people .
They said one to two million Americans could potentially die .
That number is slashed to less than ten percent of that now , and that 's because Americans heard that there was a threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to keep people safe .
Now people are getting restless and saying it 's time to get out there , but they did what they needed to do .
Can you imagine if they took that same strength and integrity and if everybody just made a couple of lifestyle modifications ?
I 'm not saying everybody needs to follow a Keto diet or become like a weightlifter .
But the bottom line is all you have to do is a little bit better than you 're doing right now , because if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better , there 's billions of dollars we spend every year on chronic illness , many , much of it , which is preventable . ''

On Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, Fox News Contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier explained why the resolve of the American people helped reduce the number of potential fatalities due to COVID-19.
“The reason that all the models got it wrong when it came to COVID-19 is because they didn’t take into account the integrity and resolve of the American people. They said one to two million Americans could potentially die. That number is slashed to less than ten percent of that now, and that’s because Americans heard that there was a threat and they did what they needed to do to keep people safe. Now people are getting restless and saying it’s time to get out there, but they did what they needed to do. Can you imagine if they took that same strength and integrity and if everybody just made a couple of lifestyle modifications? I’m not saying everybody needs to follow a Keto diet or become like a weightlifter. But the bottom line is all you have to do is a little bit better than you’re doing right now, because if everybody just started doing a little bit better, there’s billions of dollars we spend every year on chronic illness, many, much of it, which is preventable.”