occupydemocrats--2020-03-15--Trump Sunday morning tweets: Attacking Democrats and campaigning amidst coronavirus emergency

Donald “ no responsibility ” Trump has no shame whatsoever in using the worst health crisis of his or any other recent administration as a political tool to help his efforts at reelection .
If he was doing that by responding so decisively , efficiently , and effectively to the coronavirus outbreak that the grateful nation would be able to relax and feel that things are safe and under control , then the demonstration of basic competence might actually be an intelligent strategy that wouldn ’ t actually require him to brag about qualities that he and his team of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their collective capabilities .
Instead , after weeks of downplaying the danger posed by the virus , rejecting an offer of testing kits from the World Health Organization in favor of faulty CDC-developed kits , and spreading misinformation about the readiness of the U.S. health systems to respond to the pandemic while blaming the “ Fake News Media ” for causing panic hoarding , the president thinks that his best course of action is now to declare a national emergency that will give him sweeping powers to act without congressional oversight while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone but himself for the failure to address the crisis swiftly and effectively .
Trump ’ s Twitter feed this morning tells you everything you need to know about his failures to manage the health emergency in a manner that ignores his political self-interest and instead focuses on the safety of the American people .
First , the notoriously irreligious icon of the evangelicals declared a National Day of Prayer to solidify any of his base whose faith — in him , not God — may have been shaken by his mismanagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Given Trump ’ s dismantling of the National Security Council ’ s pandemic task force two years ago , lord knows that he needs all the prayers that he can get .
Next , the man who was shaking the hands of health care executives and touching the shared lectern mic after being exposed to people who later tested positive for the COVID-19 virus— but before being tested himself — told people to excuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to medical screenings because safety was of utmost importance .
The president then announced that he would hold another news conference to update the nation on efforts to stop the rapidly spreading disease which claimed our country was not set up to deal with as if he had nothing to do with the lack of preparation .
He conveniently used the tweet to attack his likely Democratic opponent in the November elections and to boast that his decision to ban entry to travelers from China had saved many lives .
It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political advisors had the cojones to tell the president that absolutely no one wants to hear his pandering campaign rhetoric at a time like this .
If it were even possible to further cheapen and tarnish the presidency from where Trump has sunk it to at this point , this tweet and the one that followed — which abandoned the coronavirus concerns altogether to push his own tired political grudge against the Senate Minority Leader — accomplished that unlikely achievement .
Yes , the nation is under attack by a deadly invisible microbe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypocritically prosecute Senator Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) for criticizing Supreme Court justices after his own attacks on Justices Sotomayor and Ginsberg while simultaneously attempting to use the Department of Justice as his personal Gestapo .
Trump needs to avoid politics during this national crisis in the same way that people are avoiding large crowds and contacts of less than six feet of distance with others .
And voters need to avoid Republicans altogether when they go to the ballot box in November , as the consequences of their party ’ s dedication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so patently manifest .
What do you think ?

Donald “no responsibility” Trump has no shame whatsoever in using the worst health crisis of his or any other recent administration as a political tool to help his efforts at reelection.
If he was doing that by responding so decisively, efficiently, and effectively to the coronavirus outbreak that the grateful nation would be able to relax and feel that things are safe and under control, then the demonstration of basic competence might actually be an intelligent strategy that wouldn’t actually require him to brag about qualities that he and his team of toadying buffoons have not an iota of in their collective capabilities.
Instead, after weeks of downplaying the danger posed by the virus, rejecting an offer of testing kits from the World Health Organization in favor of faulty CDC-developed kits, and spreading misinformation about the readiness of the U.S. health systems to respond to the pandemic while blaming the “Fake News Media” for causing panic hoarding, the president thinks that his best course of action is now to declare a national emergency that will give him sweeping powers to act without congressional oversight while continuing to play politics and blame anything and anyone but himself for the failure to address the crisis swiftly and effectively.
Trump’s Twitter feed this morning tells you everything you need to know about his failures to manage the health emergency in a manner that ignores his political self-interest and instead focuses on the safety of the American people.
First, the notoriously irreligious icon of the evangelicals declared a National Day of Prayer to solidify any of his base whose faith — in him, not God — may have been shaken by his mismanagement of the crisis to date.
TODAY IS A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. GOD BLESS EVERYONE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Given Trump’s dismantling of the National Security Council’s pandemic task force two years ago, lord knows that he needs all the prayers that he can get.
Next, the man who was shaking the hands of health care executives and touching the shared lectern mic after being exposed to people who later tested positive for the COVID-19 virus— but before being tested himself — told people to excuse the delays at ports of entry due to medical screenings because safety was of utmost importance.
We are doing very precise Medical Screenings at our airports. Pardon the interruptions and delays, we are moving as quickly as possible, but it is very important that we be vigilant and careful. We must get it right. Safety first! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020
The president then announced that he would hold another news conference to update the nation on efforts to stop the rapidly spreading disease which claimed our country was not set up to deal with as if he had nothing to do with the lack of preparation.
He conveniently used the tweet to attack his likely Democratic opponent in the November elections and to boast that his decision to ban entry to travelers from China had saved many lives.
….The USA was never set up for this, just look at the catastrophe of the H1N1 Swine Flu (Biden in charge, 17,000 people lost, very late response time), but it soon will be. Great decision to close our China, and other, borders early. Saved many lives! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020
It would be nice if one of Trump’s political advisors had the cojones to tell the president that absolutely no one wants to hear his pandering campaign rhetoric at a time like this.
If it were even possible to further cheapen and tarnish the presidency from where Trump has sunk it to at this point, this tweet and the one that followed — which abandoned the coronavirus concerns altogether to push his own tired political grudge against the Senate Minority Leader — accomplished that unlikely achievement.
Can’t believe they are not going after Schumer for the threats he made to our cherished United States Supreme Court, and our two great Justices. If a Republican did that, there would be an endless price to pay. Pathetic! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020
Yes, the nation is under attack by a deadly invisible microbe, and Trump is still trying to hypocritically prosecute Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for criticizing Supreme Court justices after his own attacks on Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg while simultaneously attempting to use the Department of Justice as his personal Gestapo.
Trump needs to avoid politics during this national crisis in the same way that people are avoiding large crowds and contacts of less than six feet of distance with others.
And voters need to avoid Republicans altogether when they go to the ballot box in November, as the consequences of their party’s dedication to shrinking government services and capabilities become so patently manifest.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Stock futures drop 840 points while Trump addresses nation in Sunday coronavirus press conference

It ’ s not just you who was less than impressed by Donald Trump ’ s performance today at a White House press conference to announce the latest developments in the United States ’ efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic that is rapidly spreading across an obviously unprepared and panicked nation .
Despite announcing that the Federal Reserve had made an emergency decision to cut interest rates for the second time in less than two weeks — slashing rates a full percentage point to practically nothing and echoing the types of desperate actions last taken during the 2008 Republican-induced financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks fell precipitously , indicating that savvy investors were unimpressed with the Trump administration ’ s ability to constrain the damage that the virus would cause to the economy no matter how cheap credit has become .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Many Americans were outraged over Trump ’ s apparent greater concern for financial markets than for the health and well-being of they and their families , as Trump seemed more interested in dropping the names of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creeping realization by much of the nation that his weeks of inaction and his firing of the National Security Council ’ s pandemic response team two years ago have led us to a much greater crisis than we would have otherwise faced .
Anyone foolish enough to be looking for empathy from the president for their sudden precarious physical and economic outlook instead faced a scolding over their panic hoarding of essential food and personal care items from the president who , after speaking with grocery company executives on Sunday afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop buying so much stuff .
Trump ’ s attempts at reassurance were seen by many as another ploy to downplay the seriousness of the pandemic and his own administration ’ s failure to take swift measures to contain the disease .
After Trump yielded the podium to Vice President Mike Pence who he ’ s appointed to coordinate the federal government response to the crisis , the announcement that many more tests would become available in the next week and that the elderly and infirm who are at higher risk of perishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome news .
However , even with the new test kits arriving this week , the number available will only be enough for a fraction of the U.S. population and will likely reveal that the number of people already infected has been vastly underestimated due to the lack of testing possible during the crucial early weeks of the coronavirus ’ spread .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases , a rare voice of credibility and reason in the Trump administration throughout the crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the American people a fair assessment of what lies ahead for them in the weeks ahead .
Perhaps at this point , it ’ s worth reminding readers that it didn ’ t have to be this way .
A more competent president who focused on governing rather than political gamesmanship and who believed scientists , rather than dismissing them as alarmist conspiracy mongers , would have acted more quickly to ensure that testing was available earlier and that the contagion from the virus was more limited .
A more compassionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensured that every American had access to affordable health care rather than trying to destroy the already limited coverage now available through Obamacare that ’ s better than any proposed alternative plan put forth by Republicans who are still suing to remove coverage of pre-existing conditions , Trump ’ s protestations to the contrary notwithstanding .
Those of us who make it out of this pandemic alive will have a strong incentive to vote in November .
Let ’ s not forget the anxiety and fear we are experiencing now — and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — when we make our choice for our next leader .
Original reporting by Kathryn Watson at CBS News and by Avie Schneider at NPR .
What do you think ?

It’s not just you who was less than impressed by Donald Trump’s performance today at a White House press conference to announce the latest developments in the United States’ efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic that is rapidly spreading across an obviously unprepared and panicked nation.
Despite announcing that the Federal Reserve had made an emergency decision to cut interest rates for the second time in less than two weeks — slashing rates a full percentage point to practically nothing and echoing the types of desperate actions last taken during the 2008 Republican-induced financial meltdown — the futures market for U.S. stocks fell precipitously, indicating that savvy investors were unimpressed with the Trump administration’s ability to constrain the damage that the virus would cause to the economy no matter how cheap credit has become.
Dow Future plunges 840 after Fed's second emergency rate cut points as Trump says market should be 'thrilled' at Fed's surprise rate cut. pic.twitter.com/vXzFgh7tEQ — Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) March 15, 2020
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Many Americans were outraged over Trump’s apparent greater concern for financial markets than for the health and well-being of they and their families, as Trump seemed more interested in dropping the names of corporate executives as he struggled to overcome the creeping realization by much of the nation that his weeks of inaction and his firing of the National Security Council’s pandemic response team two years ago have led us to a much greater crisis than we would have otherwise faced.
Anyone foolish enough to be looking for empathy from the president for their sudden precarious physical and economic outlook instead faced a scolding over their panic hoarding of essential food and personal care items from the president who, after speaking with grocery company executives on Sunday afternoon, made the unprecedented request to Americans to stop buying so much stuff.
“You don’t have to buy so much. Just take it easy,” Trump said, saying that grocery stores will “have to stay open,” and that there’s “no need for anybody in the country to hoard essential food supplies.” “Relax. We’re doing great. It all will pass,” he added.
Trump’s attempts at reassurance were seen by many as another ploy to downplay the seriousness of the pandemic and his own administration’s failure to take swift measures to contain the disease.
After Trump yielded the podium to Vice President Mike Pence who he’s appointed to coordinate the federal government response to the crisis, the announcement that many more tests would become available in the next week and that the elderly and infirm who are at higher risk of perishing should they contract the virus would get priority in receiving them came as welcome news.
However, even with the new test kits arriving this week, the number available will only be enough for a fraction of the U.S. population and will likely reveal that the number of people already infected has been vastly underestimated due to the lack of testing possible during the crucial early weeks of the coronavirus’ spread.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a rare voice of credibility and reason in the Trump administration throughout the crisis, was one of the only people willing to give the American people a fair assessment of what lies ahead for them in the weeks ahead.
“The worst is yet ahead for us,” he told reporters.
Perhaps at this point, it’s worth reminding readers that it didn’t have to be this way.
A more competent president who focused on governing rather than political gamesmanship and who believed scientists, rather than dismissing them as alarmist conspiracy mongers, would have acted more quickly to ensure that testing was available earlier and that the contagion from the virus was more limited.
A more compassionate president — and Senate — would have ensured that every American had access to affordable health care rather than trying to destroy the already limited coverage now available through Obamacare that’s better than any proposed alternative plan put forth by Republicans who are still suing to remove coverage of pre-existing conditions, Trump’s protestations to the contrary notwithstanding.
Those of us who make it out of this pandemic alive will have a strong incentive to vote in November.
Let’s not forget the anxiety and fear we are experiencing now — and how Trump’s failures exacerbated the situation — when we make our choice for our next leader.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Kathryn Watson at CBS News and by Avie Schneider at NPR.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Louie Gohmert singlehandedly blocks House virus relief bill so he can “read the corrections”

The United States ( and the rest of the world ) are in an outright panic over the 21st-century version of the black death , the plague called COVID-19 , and now , after weeks of the stalled federal response to the threat , even Donald Trump — the man who initially considered the outbreak a “ hoax ” being used by his political opponents to damage his reputation — is beginning to show signs of taking the pandemic seriously .
Yet , after the House of Representatives worked into the wee hours of Saturday morning to pass an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American public slowly realizing the magnitude of the damage caused by Trump ’ s bungling denial of expert advice in early days of the coronavirus ’ spread — a bill that would provide free virus testing , two weeks of paid sick leave , enhanced jobless benefits , increased food aid , and higher funding for Medicaid benefits — a single Republican congressman is preventing the bill from being forwarded to the Senate for consideration and passage before it can be signed into law by the president .
Unsurprisingly , that irresponsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gohmert ( R-TX ) , a Tea Party member and one of the most asinine conservatives in Congress .
According to The Washington Post , Gohmert is objecting to the fact that the rapidly passed bill — the contents of which were fiercely negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin — “ wasn ’ t released with enough time for lawmakers to study the text , and he hasn ’ t yet agreed to a technical change sought by Republicans to address virus-related sick leave for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country are contracting the virulent COVID-19 virus in daily-increasing numbers and many are suffering from its acute respiratory symptoms while the elderly and infirm are succumbing to the disease and dying at a rate that far exceeds any ordinary flu and one unfeeling Republican is holding up a bill that could help both the economy and prevent the further spread of the virus by people who have to choose between earning a living and no longer dwelling among the living .
CNN ’ s Senior Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju tweeted out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far his head truly extends up into his posterior that he felt compelled to slow down emergency legislation when every second of delay could mean additional American deaths .
Oddly , there wasn ’ t a peep from Gohmert when the then-Republican-led House passed a tax bill offering a windfall to billionaires and corporations under circumstances that were hardly an emergency yet was passed without giving legislators the chance to read the hastily-drawn final draft of the bill .
Reaction to Rep. Gohmert ’ s obstructionism was appropriately savage as these Twitter posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surviving voters in Gohmert ’ s east Texas district have memories long enough to recall how anxious he was to prevent them from receiving any federal assistance when the nation was suffering from a deadly emergency and every second was of the essence .
This particular strain of Republican heartlessness must be eradicated from Congress and prevented from infecting the minds of other Americans .
Original reporting by Laura Litvan at The Washington Post and by Manu Raju at CNN .
What do you think ?

The United States (and the rest of the world) are in an outright panic over the 21st-century version of the black death, the plague called COVID-19, and now, after weeks of the stalled federal response to the threat, even Donald Trump — the man who initially considered the outbreak a “hoax” being used by his political opponents to damage his reputation — is beginning to show signs of taking the pandemic seriously.
Yet, after the House of Representatives worked into the wee hours of Saturday morning to pass an emergency bill that would provide much-needed relief to an American public slowly realizing the magnitude of the damage caused by Trump’s bungling denial of expert advice in early days of the coronavirus’ spread — a bill that would provide free virus testing, two weeks of paid sick leave, enhanced jobless benefits, increased food aid, and higher funding for Medicaid benefits — a single Republican congressman is preventing the bill from being forwarded to the Senate for consideration and passage before it can be signed into law by the president.
Unsurprisingly, that irresponsible and extraordinarily selfish obstructor is Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX), a Tea Party member and one of the most asinine conservatives in Congress.
According to The Washington Post, Gohmert is objecting to the fact that the rapidly passed bill — the contents of which were fiercely negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin — “wasn’t released with enough time for lawmakers to study the text, and he hasn’t yet agreed to a technical change sought by Republicans to address virus-related sick leave for small firms.”
Yes, Americans across the country are contracting the virulent COVID-19 virus in daily-increasing numbers and many are suffering from its acute respiratory symptoms while the elderly and infirm are succumbing to the disease and dying at a rate that far exceeds any ordinary flu and one unfeeling Republican is holding up a bill that could help both the economy and prevent the further spread of the virus by people who have to choose between earning a living and no longer dwelling among the living.
CNN’s Senior Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju tweeted out a quote from Congressman Gohmert that showed how far his head truly extends up into his posterior that he felt compelled to slow down emergency legislation when every second of delay could mean additional American deaths.
“I cannot in good conscience give my consent to something that has not been finished or made available to Members of Congress before it is up for a vote,” Gohmert says — Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 16, 2020
Oddly, there wasn’t a peep from Gohmert when the then-Republican-led House passed a tax bill offering a windfall to billionaires and corporations under circumstances that were hardly an emergency yet was passed without giving legislators the chance to read the hastily-drawn final draft of the bill.
Reaction to Rep. Gohmert’s obstructionism was appropriately savage as these Twitter posts demonstrate.
He can't in good conscience give his consent to something too long for him to read. — Ceasar8675309 (Jenny changed numbers) (@kingofkings247) March 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/MontyBoa99/status/1239636199536570369?s=20
Like he cares about anyone but himself — Eric (@Eric55581746) March 16, 2020
Except for the GOP TAX PLAN and ACA REPEAL in 2017. — mriveted (@mriveted) March 16, 2020
Funny, that statement sounds like one that is being made by someone who doesn't have a "good conscience." — Erin (@doopergirl) March 16, 2020
This man has no conscience. Don’t all sociopaths claim otherwise? — Philippe du Col (@PhilippeduCol) March 16, 2020
"I cannot in good conscience support a bill that will help millions of Americans from dying. Sincerely, a typical Republican." — Tyler Gorash (@TurbidTG1) March 16, 2020
Translation "It's a bill to help save lives. Can't rush that. I mean it's not like it's a tax cut bill or something." – Rep Louie Gohmert (R-Asshole) — Alan (@JudahTheHammer) March 16, 2020
Let’s hope that the surviving voters in Gohmert’s east Texas district have memories long enough to recall how anxious he was to prevent them from receiving any federal assistance when the nation was suffering from a deadly emergency and every second was of the essence.
This particular strain of Republican heartlessness must be eradicated from Congress and prevented from infecting the minds of other Americans.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Laura Litvan at The Washington Post and by Manu Raju at CNN.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Governor Cuomo claps back after Trump tells him he needs to “do more” to fight coronavirus

More than any other event to date , the coronavirus pandemic is throwing into sharp relief how incredibly unfit for office Donald Trump really is .
Thousands of Americans have already contracted the deadly virus with many more expected to fall ill in the coming days .
Meanwhile , we ’ re being led by a bloviating ignoramus who decided to fire the government ’ s pandemic response team , proceeded to insist that the outbreak was a “ hoax ” perpetrated by Democrats , announced that he would be accepting no responsibility for what ’ s going on in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage in petty partisan feuds as the state of the country rapidly deteriorates .
There has been a pronounced lack of federal leadership and state and local authorities have been forced to pick up the slack .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Rather than recognize his own failings and work to rectify them , Trump is doing what he always does : flinging the blame at everyone but himself .
Earlier today , he took to Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good ” teleconference with the country ’ s governors and took a swing at New York ’ s Governor Andrew Cuomo , claiming that he must do more .
Unlike Trump , Cuomo has been taking the appropriate steps to fight the pandemic .
The governor has ordered that crowds over 50 will be banned from gathering .
Movie theaters and gyms will close and bars and restaurants will be restricted to takeout orders and delivery starting Monday .
With the confidence that he ’ s taking appropriate action while the president fails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at Trump on Twitter .
“ Happy to do your job , too , ” wrote Cuomo .
He included a link to his op-ed in The New York Times calling for Trump to mobilize the military to help with the coronavirus .
The article is worth a read and the president would do well to heed Cuomos ’ call .
The White House has to immediately begin treating this outbreak with the seriousness it deserves before avoidable deaths begin to pile up .
What do you think ?

More than any other event to date, the coronavirus pandemic is throwing into sharp relief how incredibly unfit for office Donald Trump really is. Thousands of Americans have already contracted the deadly virus with many more expected to fall ill in the coming days.
Meanwhile, we’re being led by a bloviating ignoramus who decided to fire the government’s pandemic response team, proceeded to insist that the outbreak was a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats, announced that he would be accepting no responsibility for what’s going on in the country, and who continues to engage in petty partisan feuds as the state of the country rapidly deteriorates. There has been a pronounced lack of federal leadership and state and local authorities have been forced to pick up the slack.
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Rather than recognize his own failings and work to rectify them, Trump is doing what he always does: flinging the blame at everyone but himself. Earlier today, he took to Twitter and claimed that he had a “very good” teleconference with the country’s governors and took a swing at New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo, claiming that he must do more.
Just had a very good tele-conference with Nation’s Governors. Went very well. Cuomo of New York has to “do more”. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
Unlike Trump, Cuomo has been taking the appropriate steps to fight the pandemic. The governor has ordered that crowds over 50 will be banned from gathering. Movie theaters and gyms will close and bars and restaurants will be restricted to takeout orders and delivery starting Monday.
With the confidence that he’s taking appropriate action while the president fails to do so, Cuomo quickly hit back at Trump on Twitter.
“Happy to do your job, too,” wrote Cuomo. He included a link to his op-ed in The New York Times calling for Trump to mobilize the military to help with the coronavirus. The article is worth a read and the president would do well to heed Cuomos’ call. The White House has to immediately begin treating this outbreak with the seriousness it deserves before avoidable deaths begin to pile up.
Happy to do your job, too. Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.https://t.co/nfjZ8xiRL4 https://t.co/YNvdHC3Xz3 — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 16, 2020
Staff Report This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Trump crony David Clarke floats postponing 2020 election in coronavirus tweet meltdown

You would think that even the most ardent Trump supporter would be beginning to have doubts about the qualifications of Donald Trump to continue hosting the reality show that his presidency has turned into after his jump-the-shark performance bungling the nation ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , at least one devoted Trump acolyte is proposing postponing the 2020 presidential elections to ensure that the nation must suffer from a surfeit of incompetence in its leadership for an unearned and unelected additional four years .
David Clarke , the former sheriff of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , made the suggestion in an unhinged Twitter rant complaining about American society ’ s panicked reaction to a virus with a fatality rate much higher than the ordinary flu he foolishly compares it with .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Such moronic comments demonstrate the lengths to which Trump ’ s base will delude themselves to ignore his obvious failure to deal with the rapidly-spreading health crisis and its devastating economic fallout as they see his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pulses of frail and elderly victims of the COVID-19 virus .
According to the watchdog group Right Wing Watch , Clarke ’ s rant was originally even worse .
They report that Twitter deleted three of the former sheriff ’ s posts for violating the platform ’ s policy against encouraging harmful behavior when Clarke tweeted this rallying call for virus-skeptical right-wingers .
The fact that the Twitter responses to Clarke ’ s post contained as many — or more — positive reactions to his statements as they did abject denunciations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with the fact that his social media following consists primarily of those who have watched his appearances on Fox News and other right-wing extremist media outlets than a more representative sampling of the American public .
Given Donald Trump ’ s own “ joking ” ( ? )
references to trashing the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution that limits presidents to just two four-year terms , Clarke ’ s radical proposal — even if made only in satiric hyperbole in reaction to the hoarding of toilet paper — should inspire fear among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump will leave the White House willingly if he loses the election in November .
As political Comedian Bill Maher has stated many times , he believes that Trump will declare the election rigged if he loses and will refuse to accept the results in a bid to retain power and avoid the almost certain prosecution that has been held in abeyance while he controls a Justice Department that maintains that a sitting president can not be indicted for any crimes .
If the coronavirus is still virulent in November , then mail-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better would be an even more radical proposal , an immediate plebiscite on whether Donald Trump should continue in office even another day as his incompetence drives the country to new lows , both medically and financially .
What do you think ?

You would think that even the most ardent Trump supporter would be beginning to have doubts about the qualifications of Donald Trump to continue hosting the reality show that his presidency has turned into after his jump-the-shark performance bungling the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, at least one devoted Trump acolyte is proposing postponing the 2020 presidential elections to ensure that the nation must suffer from a surfeit of incompetence in its leadership for an unearned and unelected additional four years.
David Clarke, the former sheriff of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin who has been a vocal supporter of the president, made the suggestion in an unhinged Twitter rant complaining about American society’s panicked reaction to a virus with a fatality rate much higher than the ordinary flu he foolishly compares it with.
Pause for a second and think about how we have responded to COVID19. We closed America, we crashed the economy not on the basis of factual information but out of panic, fear & hysteria. We call out the national guard. New viruses will appear in the future. Is this the new normal. — David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) March 15, 2020
When a LEFTY says they favor shutting down society for the rest of the year I say OK lets do it, that includes the 2020 Nov elections. It’s status quo then and @realDonaldTrump remains President until the next election in 2024. Wouldn’t want anybody catching the FLU at the polls. — David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) March 15, 2020
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Such moronic comments demonstrate the lengths to which Trump’s base will delude themselves to ignore his obvious failure to deal with the rapidly-spreading health crisis and its devastating economic fallout as they see his chances of reelection fading as quickly as the pulses of frail and elderly victims of the COVID-19 virus.
According to the watchdog group Right Wing Watch, Clarke’s rant was originally even worse.
They report that Twitter deleted three of the former sheriff’s posts for violating the platform’s policy against encouraging harmful behavior when Clarke tweeted this rallying call for virus-skeptical right-wingers.
“GO INTO THE STREETS FOLKS. Visit bars, restaurants, shopping malls, CHURCHES and demand that your schools re-open. NOW! If government doesn’t stop this foolishness…STAY IN THE STREETS. END GOVERNEMNT CONTROL OVER OUR LIVES. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? THIS IS AN EXPLOITATION OF A CRISIS.”
The fact that the Twitter responses to Clarke’s post contained as many — or more — positive reactions to his statements as they did abject denunciations of his unthinkable proposals may have more to do with the fact that his social media following consists primarily of those who have watched his appearances on Fox News and other right-wing extremist media outlets than a more representative sampling of the American public.
Given Donald Trump’s own “joking”(?) references to trashing the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution that limits presidents to just two four-year terms, Clarke’s radical proposal — even if made only in satiric hyperbole in reaction to the hoarding of toilet paper — should inspire fear among those who are already concerned about whether Trump will leave the White House willingly if he loses the election in November.
As political Comedian Bill Maher has stated many times, he believes that Trump will declare the election rigged if he loses and will refuse to accept the results in a bid to retain power and avoid the almost certain prosecution that has been held in abeyance while he controls a Justice Department that maintains that a sitting president can not be indicted for any crimes.
If the coronavirus is still virulent in November, then mail-in ballots can dominate the polls.
Even better would be an even more radical proposal, an immediate plebiscite on whether Donald Trump should continue in office even another day as his incompetence drives the country to new lows, both medically and financially.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Evan Brechtel at SecondNexus.com.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Marco Rubio sparks mockery after demanding people stop discussing “marshall law”

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate with thousands of confirmed cases in the United States already and thousands more expected to fall ill in the coming days .
As the fallout from the virus grows worse and people find their lives disrupted in increasingly disturbing ways it would be great if we had political leadership we could rely on .
Instead , we have a government riddled with ignorant and ill-intentioned Republicans from a local level all the way to the Oval Office .
These individuals are terrible public servants during the best of times and now that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeing the depths of their incompetence .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Donald Trump takes the crown for the worst Republican during this outbreak ( as well as all the time ) .
He started by calling the coronavirus outbreak a host , then refused to take any responsibility for what ’ s happening , and continues to engage in petty partisan Twitter attacks instead of focusing on the dire issues at hand .
On top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hamstrung by the fact that he decided to fire the CDC ’ s pandemic response team two years ago .
In addition to Trump ’ s more serious , dangerous mistakes we are seeing some downright embarrassing ones from other Republicans .
Senator Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) took to Twitter today to demand that his followers “ stop spreading stupid rumors about marshall law.
” The correct term , of course , is martial law .
There is no such thing as “ marshall ” law .
Twitter was quick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mockery and references from everything to Thurgood Marshall to Marshall Mathers .
In the scheme of things the mistake is funny rather than terribly serious , but it is a reminder of how consistently clueless our Republican leaders are .
What do you think ?

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate with thousands of confirmed cases in the United States already and thousands more expected to fall ill in the coming days.
As the fallout from the virus grows worse and people find their lives disrupted in increasingly disturbing ways it would be great if we had political leadership we could rely on. Instead, we have a government riddled with ignorant and ill-intentioned Republicans from a local level all the way to the Oval Office. These individuals are terrible public servants during the best of times and now that we have a genuine crisis on our hands we are seeing the depths of their incompetence.
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Donald Trump takes the crown for the worst Republican during this outbreak (as well as all the time). He started by calling the coronavirus outbreak a host, then refused to take any responsibility for what’s happening, and continues to engage in petty partisan Twitter attacks instead of focusing on the dire issues at hand. On top of all that, the virus response has been hamstrung by the fact that he decided to fire the CDC’s pandemic response team two years ago.
In addition to Trump’s more serious, dangerous mistakes we are seeing some downright embarrassing ones from other Republicans. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) took to Twitter today to demand that his followers “stop spreading stupid rumors about marshall law.” The correct term, of course, is martial law. There is no such thing as “marshall” law.
Twitter was quick to swarm the senator for his repeated typo with mockery and references from everything to Thurgood Marshall to Marshall Mathers. In the scheme of things the mistake is funny rather than terribly serious, but it is a reminder of how consistently clueless our Republican leaders are.
Please stop spreading stupid rumors about marshall law. COMPLETELY FALSE We will continue to see closings & restrictions on hours of non-essential businesses in certain cities & states. But that is NOT marshall law. — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 16, 2020
Forgetting Sarah Marshall law — the last of the wife guys (@TheSocietyDude) March 16, 2020
Marshall law? Is “Justified” coming back? https://t.co/IRz8lC2LpV — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) March 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/AdamSerwer/status/1239566692747010048?s=20
A leading GOP official thinks "martial" law is spelled "marshall" law -that sums up the idiocy that is the Trump GOP (BTW "Marshall Law" Sounds like a TV show on the USA network from the 2000's ) https://t.co/7qgaTQWKAx — (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) March 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/dkmnow/status/1239596541263962112?s=20
Its Martial Law not Marshall Law, holy fuck this guy is a law maker… We are so fucked America. https://t.co/4yKoXQ0Yfd — Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) March 16, 2020
I knew he had a store, but didn’t realize he had a law too. That Marshall, he’s a multitasker. Marshall Law pic.twitter.com/yiCo9Rmeqc — Linda Childers (@lindarchilders) March 16, 2020
Marshall Law was Marco Rubio's best friend in college and he would like you to stop bullying him by spreading rumors. https://t.co/lyTgo6SiOD — Dan Baer (@danbbaer) March 16, 2020
Marshall law is trending… PEOPLE… its MARTIAL law… pic.twitter.com/WYZXn2j78s — kanaanye (@NESNKanaanye) March 16, 2020
Marshall Law, i.e. rule by Marshall Steinbaum, is truly something to be feared https://t.co/3qYuNVAXDy — Shutdowns in every state and every city, NOW (@Noahpinion) March 16, 2020
Who is this fellow Marshall Law everyone is talking about? Is he related to Jude Law? Boy, if people don't stop talking about Marshall, he might want ask Trump to impose martial law so he can force everyone to leave Mr. Law alone. — Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 16, 2020
Can’t believe CBS never generated a spinoff of “Walker, Texas Ranger” or “Blue Bloods” about a sheriff named “Marshall Law.” https://t.co/QJ73pZZHMK — Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) March 16, 2020
Staff Report This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-16--Dept. of Health and Human Services hit by cyberattacks as they struggle to deal with coronavirus

As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic spread almost as quickly as the deadly virus itself , Americans find themselves grappling with the grim reality of the broken state of our federal government under Donald Trump .
Our habitually ignorant president has botched the response to the virus from day one and continues to deny any responsibility for his own actions or those of his administration .
Now , it appears we have more than just incompetent leadership to contend with as we navigate this crisis .
Bloomberg News ’ s Jennifer Jacobs reports that the U.S. Department of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night by ann as yet unrevealed entity .
“ Multiple incidents of hacking ” involving launching “ millions of hits over several hours ” are said to have occurred with the apparent goal of slowing down the department ’ s computer systems as its employees struggle to grapple with the rapidly escalating consequences of the coronavirus spread .
Thankfully , the sinister attacks were unable to slow HHS ’ s systems in “ any meaningful way .
The National Security Council sent out a tweet last night to counteract the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Roughly 3,500 Americans have been confirmed as infected by a coronavirus and that number is expected to skyrocket in the coming days as state and federal forces roll out increasingly drastic measures to curb the spread of the virus .
The crippling of HHS or any other government entity involved in these measures could lead directly to the deaths of more Americans .
Whoever was behind these cyberattacks took aggressive , potentially fatal action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our government must discern the identities of the attackers and hold them accountable immediately .
Donald Trump failed to adequately respond to the Russian interference in the 2016 election which emboldened them going into 2020 .
Such a mistake can not be repeated in this case , regardless of who is behind it .
This can not go unanswered .
Lives are at stake .
What do you think ?

As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic spread almost as quickly as the deadly virus itself, Americans find themselves grappling with the grim reality of the broken state of our federal government under Donald Trump. Our habitually ignorant president has botched the response to the virus from day one and continues to deny any responsibility for his own actions or those of his administration.
Now, it appears we have more than just incompetent leadership to contend with as we navigate this crisis. Bloomberg News’s Jennifer Jacobs reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was hit with a cyberattack last night by ann as yet unrevealed entity.
“Multiple incidents of hacking” involving launching “millions of hits over several hours” are said to have occurred with the apparent goal of slowing down the department’s computer systems as its employees struggle to grapple with the rapidly escalating consequences of the coronavirus spread.
Thankfully, the sinister attacks were unable to slow HHS’s systems in “any meaningful way.
The National Security Council sent out a tweet last night to counteract the spread of misinformation related to the hacking.
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Roughly 3,500 Americans have been confirmed as infected by a coronavirus and that number is expected to skyrocket in the coming days as state and federal forces roll out increasingly drastic measures to curb the spread of the virus. The crippling of HHS or any other government entity involved in these measures could lead directly to the deaths of more Americans.
Whoever was behind these cyberattacks took aggressive, potentially fatal action against the people of the United States. Our government must discern the identities of the attackers and hold them accountable immediately. Donald Trump failed to adequately respond to the Russian interference in the 2016 election which emboldened them going into 2020. Such a mistake cannot be repeated in this case, regardless of who is behind it. This cannot go unanswered. Lives are at stake.
BREAKING scoop: HHS was hit by a cyber attack last night, sources tell me and @shiramstein. Multiple incidents of hacking. — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) March 16, 2020
////BREAKING: U.S. Health and Human Services Department suffered a cyber-attack on its computer system Sunday night during the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The attack appears to have been intended to slow the agency’s systems down. Story w @shiramstein soon — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) March 16, 2020
LATEST: U.S. officials have not yet confirmed who was behind the HHS hacking. The hack yesterday involved overloading the HHS servers with millions of hits over several hours, sources tell me and @shiramstein https://t.co/d12zNuAYXg — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) March 16, 2020
Staff Report This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Trump is reportedly “livid” at Jared Kushner for bungling coronavirus response

According to a new report by Vanity Fair reporter Gabriel Sherman , tensions between Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have reached new heights as the president begins to realize the magnitude of his own screw-up in failing to react quickly and decisively enough to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 virus across America .
Trump being Trump and unable to accept personal responsibility for anything that doesn ’ t make him look good , is naturally seeking scapegoats , and he ’ s apparently found one living with his daughter Ivanka .
According to Sharman ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livid ” at Kushner whom he blames for “ the White House ’ s inept and flat-footed response.
” Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
The president is reportedly remorseful about taking his son-in-law ’ s advice to treat the outbreak like a public relations problem rather than as the public health emergency that experts such as the White House ’ s chief coronavirus adviser , Dr. Anthony Fauci , were advising him to do .
While Fauci and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take aggressive measures to stave off the rapid spread of the virus , one former White House official described Kushner as egotistically inserting himself into the high-level discussions as the go-to uber-mensch who could jump in to save the day .
Kushner reportedly consulted his sister-in-law ’ s father — Dr. Kurt Kloss , who is an emergency room physician — for advice on how to deal with the crisis .
Kloss promptly went to Facebook to solicit advice from his friends .
Kushner apparently insisted that the president not declare a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oval Office last Wednesday out of fear that “ it would tank the markets.
” We can all see how well that worked out , with the markets plunging despite his failure to declare a nationwide state of emergency — or perhaps exactly because he failed to do so — and two valuable days were lost until Trump was forced to make the declaration on Friday in a move considered several days late and billions of dollars short .
Ironically , when Trump finally did declare an emergency , the markets spiked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also blames Kushner for over-hyping the progress and capabilities of Google ’ s coronavirus testing website which the president cited as soon to be operational when in fact it was still only in prototype testing in only the Bay Area near Silicon Valley and wouldn ’ t be available to all Americans until some unknown future date .
The gaffe , which the media quickly jumped all over , made Trump seem even more clueless than usual .
When asked to comment on the allegations in the article , the White House response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oval Office comes on a day that Trump looked and acted as if he ’ d rather be anywhere else during this afternoon ’ s press conference as viewers watching he and his advisory team speak about limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people while the stoke ticker plunged downward with every word the president uttered .
It didn ’ t help that while others were speaking , Trump stood behind them with his eyes closed , looking like he was falling asleep from boredom , sedatives , or perhaps sleepless nights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reelection chances — and his presidential criminal immunity — flowing away like fluid in an intravenous line .
That hasn ’ t stopped Trump from trying , as he continued to attack political opponents on Twitter , including taking shots at Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today .
At least his animosity towards his son-in-law has stayed mostly behind closed doors .
Still , the former West Wing official who noted that this type of crisis is not in the president ’ s wheelhouse was not optimistic about where things would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in the White House , unable to go out to play golf or hold ego-gratifying rallies , glued to Fox News and tweeting incessantly .
And it won ’ t get better until he ’ s out of the White House…for good .
What do you think ?

According to a new report by Vanity Fair reporter Gabriel Sherman, tensions between Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have reached new heights as the president begins to realize the magnitude of his own screw-up in failing to react quickly and decisively enough to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 virus across America.
Trump being Trump and unable to accept personal responsibility for anything that doesn’t make him look good, is naturally seeking scapegoats, and he’s apparently found one living with his daughter Ivanka.
According to Sherman’s White House sources, Trump is “livid” at Kushner whom he blames for “the White House’s inept and flat-footed response.”
“I have never heard so many people inside the White House openly discuss how pissed Trump is at Jared,” one former West Wing official told Vanity Fair.
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
The president is reportedly remorseful about taking his son-in-law’s advice to treat the outbreak like a public relations problem rather than as the public health emergency that experts such as the White House’s chief coronavirus adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, were advising him to do.
While Fauci and other health experts were urging Trump to take aggressive measures to stave off the rapid spread of the virus, one former White House official described Kushner as egotistically inserting himself into the high-level discussions as the go-to uber-mensch who could jump in to save the day.
“This was Jared saying the world needs me to solve another problem,” the official described the situation.
Kushner reportedly consulted his sister-in-law’s father — Dr. Kurt Kloss, who is an emergency room physician — for advice on how to deal with the crisis. Kloss promptly went to Facebook to solicit advice from his friends.
Kushner apparently insisted that the president not declare a national emergency when he addressed the nation from the Oval Office last Wednesday out of fear that “it would tank the markets.”
We can all see how well that worked out, with the markets plunging despite his failure to declare a nationwide state of emergency — or perhaps exactly because he failed to do so — and two valuable days were lost until Trump was forced to make the declaration on Friday in a move considered several days late and billions of dollars short. Ironically, when Trump finally did declare an emergency, the markets spiked on the news albeit temporarily.
Trump also blames Kushner for over-hyping the progress and capabilities of Google’s coronavirus testing website which the president cited as soon to be operational when in fact it was still only in prototype testing in only the Bay Area near Silicon Valley and wouldn’t be available to all Americans until some unknown future date.
The gaffe, which the media quickly jumped all over, made Trump seem even more clueless than usual.
“Jared told Trump that Google was doing an entire website that would be up in 72 hours and had 1,100 people working on it 24/7. That’s just a lie,” a source with knowledge of the internal briefings told Vanity Fair.
When asked to comment on the allegations in the article, the White House response was predictable.
“This is just another false story focused on rumors about palace intrigue instead of the actual aggressive measures President Trump has implemented to keep the American people safe and healthy,” the president’s spokesperson said.
The defensiveness from the Oval Office comes on a day that Trump looked and acted as if he’d rather be anywhere else during this afternoon’s press conference as viewers watching he and his advisory team speak about limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people while the stock ticker plunged downward with every word the president uttered.
It didn’t help that while others were speaking, Trump stood behind them with his eyes closed, looking like he was falling asleep from boredom, sedatives, or perhaps sleepless nights caused by the panic of seeing his reelection chances — and his presidential criminal immunity — flowing away like fluid in an intravenous line.
“This is not what he likes to do,” a former Trump official said. “There’s no boogeyman he can attack.”
That hasn’t stopped Trump from trying, as he continued to attack political opponents on Twitter, including taking shots at Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today.
At least his animosity towards his son-in-law has stayed mostly behind closed doors.
Still, the former West Wing official who noted that this type of crisis is not in the president’s wheelhouse was not optimistic about where things would go from here as he contemplated Trump cooped up in the White House, unable to go out to play golf or hold ego-gratifying rallies, glued to Fox News and tweeting incessantly.
“What’s he going to do, watch reruns of the Masters from 2017? He’s just going to watch TV and tweet and it’s going to get worse,” the former official said.
And it won’t get better until he’s out of the White House…for good.
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Original reporting by Gabriel Sherman at Vanity Fair.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Ivanka and Melania get hammered for being out of touch after posting cutesy quarantine advice

It ’ s a truism that the rich are different .
That was reinforced today by two clueless tweets sent out by members of the family of Donald Trump in response to the increasingly stringent travel and “ shelter in place ” restrictions being implemented as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic accelerating its way across the nation , an advance that is at least partially due to the president ’ s leisurely and inept failure to address the crisis in a timely fashion .
The first post was made by the privileged spawn of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day of her life in any sort of financial insecurity despite her father ’ s multiple bankruptcies , the president ’ s daughter Ivanka .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Framed as a helpful tip for suddenly shut-in moms that would not look out of place in the pages of the sort of “ women ’ s magazines ” usually found at the checkout counter of your local grocery stores ( at least before their shelves were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivanka ’ s tweet represents the height of privilege by its assumption that most moms have the time , money , and accommodations available to live the Elle Decor lifestyle she presents .
CNN analyst and former FBI agent Asha Rangappa saw the president ’ s daughter ’ s tweet and responded with a takeaway shared by the many harried mothers desperately trying to figure out how they will survive the next few months as jobs disappear , childcare options evaporate , and stores experience shortages of essential items , even if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go shopping in the areas already on lockdown , like portions of New York and California are already facing .
It didn ’ t take long for others to join the chorus of derision .
Progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) also noticed Ivanka ’ s tweet and couldn ’ t help but take up the offer to share her own ideas on how the president ’ s daughter could be using her downtime productively .
Not to be outdone on the cluelessly callous front by her evil step-daughter , First Lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions for involuntary shut-ins .
Consider the fact that economic insecurity caused by the massively unequal distribution of wealth in this country , coupled with the stress of dealing with a health care system that fails to provide coverage to every vulnerable American and is inadequately prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude , may be more pressing issues for the vast majority of Americans who didn ’ t have the luck of marrying a supposed billionaire conman .
Perhaps the book she should be recommending is Das Kapital , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that delivered them to their current fate .
Books on emergency medical responses and government preparedness would also be particularly useful right now .
Melania ’ s critics were equally savage as those who replied to Ivanka ’ s posts .
If one were to declare a winner in the clash of privileged cluelessness between the president ’ s family members , one would have to give the prize to Ivanka since she went to all the trouble and expense of setting up a staged photo-op for her tweet , putting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was actually valuable and relevant .
Melania ’ s tweet has more of the feeling of an obligatory faux expression of compassion expected from the First Lady with little creativity in her suggestions for activities for the sequestered .
Still , both of the Trump family tweets are champion level examples of how one ’ s exalted position in society can blind one to the reality of the lives of those whose circumstances are not even envisioned in one ’ s limited world-view .
Let ’ s see them both volunteering at hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of value at this time of crisis and perhaps they can be worthy of respect and praise rather than the butt of derisive putdowns for their disconnection from the real lives of the American populace .
What do you think ?

It’s a truism that the rich are different.
That was reinforced today by two clueless tweets sent out by members of the family of Donald Trump in response to the increasingly stringent travel and “shelter in place” restrictions being implemented as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic accelerating its way across the nation, an advance that is at least partially due to the president’s leisurely and inept failure to address the crisis in a timely fashion.
The first post was made by the privileged spawn of Trump’s loins who has never had to face a day of her life in any sort of financial insecurity despite her father’s multiple bankruptcies, the president’s daughter Ivanka.
https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1239892800138813446?s=20
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Framed as a helpful tip for suddenly shut-in moms that would not look out of place in the pages of the sort of “women’s magazines” usually found at the checkout counter of your local grocery stores (at least before their shelves were stripped bare by panicked hoarders), Ivanka’s tweet represents the height of privilege by its assumption that most moms have the time, money, and accommodations available to live the Elle Decor lifestyle she presents.
CNN analyst and former FBI agent Asha Rangappa saw the president’s daughter’s tweet and responded with a takeaway shared by the many harried mothers desperately trying to figure out how they will survive the next few months as jobs disappear, childcare options evaporate, and stores experience shortages of essential items, even if they were allowed to leave their homes to go shopping in the areas already on lockdown, like portions of New York and California are already facing.
It didn’t take long for others to join the chorus of derision.
Progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) also noticed Ivanka’s tweet and couldn’t help but take up the offer to share her own ideas on how the president’s daughter could be using her downtime productively.
Thinking of all the families separated forcefully by your father’s policies today. Share your ideas on how you plan to unite them. #TogetherApart https://t.co/cv2g8Oclvc — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 17, 2020
Not to be outdone on the cluelessly callous front by her evil step-daughter, First Lady Melania Trump also tweeted out her own suggestions for involuntary shut-ins.
Consider taking advantage of time working from home to connect with your loved ones via email or FaceTime, spend time w family, or work on your well-being by reading a book or spending time on a hobby. — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) March 17, 2020
Consider the fact that economic insecurity caused by the massively unequal distribution of wealth in this country, coupled with the stress of dealing with a health care system that fails to provide coverage to every vulnerable American and is inadequately prepared to deal with a crisis of this magnitude, may be more pressing issues for the vast majority of Americans who didn’t have the luck of marrying a supposed billionaire conman.
Perhaps the book she should be recommending is Das Kapital, so Americans can begin to understand the economic system that delivered them to their current fate. Books on emergency medical responses and government preparedness would also be particularly useful right now.
Melania’s critics were equally savage as those who replied to Ivanka’s posts.
If one were to declare a winner in the clash of privileged cluelessness between the president’s family members, one would have to give the prize to Ivanka since she went to all the trouble and expense of setting up a staged photo-op for her tweet, putting in the extra effort as if her advice was actually valuable and relevant.
Melania’s tweet has more of the feeling of an obligatory faux expression of compassion expected from the First Lady with little creativity in her suggestions for activities for the sequestered.
Still, both of the Trump family tweets are champion level examples of how one’s exalted position in society can blind one to the reality of the lives of those whose circumstances are not even envisioned in one’s limited world-view.
Let’s see them both volunteering at hospitals and childcare facilities and making actual contributions of value at this time of crisis and perhaps they can be worthy of respect and praise rather than the butt of derisive putdowns for their disconnection from the real lives of the American populace.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Trump official stuns Chinese-American reporter by using racist nickname for coronavirus to her face

Over the past few days , President Trump has been more and more blatant in his xenophobic efforts to paint the coronavirus as a “ Chinese ” virus , thus shunting blame off of himself for bungling the response to the pandemic while also feeding into right-wing jingoism and Sinophobia .
It appears his efforts are trickling down into the rest of the administration , as shown by the appalling term used by a White House staffer this morning — to the horror of CBS White House correspondent Weijia Jiang , who is Chinese-born .
“ Kung-Flu ” is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus ” or “ Chinese virus ” being promoted by the President and the rest of the right-wing media , which is intent on using the opportunity to both demonize the Chinese and shift responsibility from the wildly negligent Trump team to China .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Since the crisis began , conspiracy theories have been rampant on right-wing social media and eventually trickled into mainstream discussion .
Racist stereotypes about Chinese eating habits led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which posited that the consumption of exotic animals was responsible for the virus .
The meme was based off of mislocated videos from a travel blogger of restaurant patrons eating bat soup at the Seafood House in Palau , a Pacific island archipelago near the Phillippines .
Of course , that didn ’ t matter to people like FOX News ’ Jesse Watters , who said on his show that Chinese people were “ very hungry people ” who eat “ raw bats and snakes ” and demanded an “ apology ” from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get one , but neither did he retract his wildly offensive remarks .
The theories that the virus originated in a bioweapons facility in Wuhan province have been similarly debunked , but that hasn ’ t stopped right-wing media figures like Rush Limbaugh and even sitting United States Senators like Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) from promoting the idea .
For a Trump official to use the term “ Kung Flu ” speaks to both how deeply racism is embedded in every level of the administration but also to how unseriously they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already killed 2,500 people in Italy alone .
What do you think ?

Over the past few days, President Trump has been more and more blatant in his xenophobic efforts to paint the coronavirus as a “Chinese” virus, thus shunting blame off of himself for bungling the response to the pandemic while also feeding into right-wing jingoism and Sinophobia.
It appears his efforts are trickling down into the rest of the administration, as shown by the appalling term used by a White House staffer this morning — to the horror of CBS White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, who is Chinese-born.
This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the “Kung-Flu” to my face. Makes me wonder what they’re calling it behind my back. — Weijia Jiang (@weijia) March 17, 2020
“Kung-Flu” is the inevitable progression of the term “Wuhan virus” or “Chinese virus” being promoted by the President and the rest of the right-wing media, which is intent on using the opportunity to both demonize the Chinese and shift responsibility from the wildly negligent Trump team to China.
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Since the crisis began, conspiracy theories have been rampant on right-wing social media and eventually trickled into mainstream discussion. Racist stereotypes about Chinese eating habits led to the “bat soup” meme, which posited that the consumption of exotic animals was responsible for the virus. The meme was based off of mislocated videos from a travel blogger of restaurant patrons eating bat soup at the Seafood House in Palau, a Pacific island archipelago near the Phillippines.
Of course, that didn’t matter to people like FOX News’ Jesse Watters, who said on his show that Chinese people were “very hungry people” who eat “raw bats and snakes” and demanded an “apology” from China for the virus. He did not get one, but neither did he retract his wildly offensive remarks.
The theories that the virus originated in a bioweapons facility in Wuhan province have been similarly debunked, but that hasn’t stopped right-wing media figures like Rush Limbaugh and even sitting United States Senators like Tom Cotton (R-AR) from promoting the idea.
For a Trump official to use the term “Kung Flu” speaks to both how deeply racism is embedded in every level of the administration but also to how unseriously they’re taking a pandemic that has already killed 2,500 people in Italy alone.
Colin Taylor Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Michigan’s Governor torches Trump’s coronavirus claim that she needs to “do more”

The President of the United States continues to look for someone other than himself to blame for his administration ’ s total failure to adequately prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump has rated his response to the outbreak a ten out of ten , an absurdly generous assessment given the fact that this is the same man who fired the government ’ s pandemic response team , claimed the virus ’ s outbreak was a “ hoax ” fabricated by the Democratic Party , and glibly stated that he will take no responsibility for his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yesterday , in a transparent effort to shift blame away from his failed White House , Trump attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo ( D-NY ) .
Trump fired America ’ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Despite Cuomo ’ s effortless response to Trump ( he offered to do his job for him ) , Trump went after the governor on Twitter again today .
He quoted Cuomo as saying that all states should be “ treated the same ” so that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for services .
Trump responded to Cuomo ’ s reasonable concern by making the inane observation that “ all states aren ’ t the same ” and told him to “ keep politics out of it… ” Before the digital ink could even dry on his call to avoid partisan mudslinging , Trump went after Governor Gretchen Whitmer ( D-MI ) and said she “ must work harder ” and be “ much more proactive.
” He went on to say that he stands with Michigan , a patently untrue statement since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s executive even as she does her best to save her citizens .
The reality , of course , is the opposite of what the president claims .
Governor Whitmer has responded to the situation as best as possible given the numerous failings of the federal government under Trump .
She has declared a state of emergency , closed bars and restaurants , and banned large gatherings .
Michigan is fortunate to have her behind the wheel .
Whitmer didn ’ t wait long to respond to Trump ’ s asinine tweet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she used the opportunity to state that “ attack tweets won ’ t solve this crisis ” before calling for better guidance , more virus testing , equipment disbursement , and greater resources .
Her point firmly made , she walked day by day through the steps her administration has taken to help the people of Michigan .
The list is stunning compared to what Trump himself has done , and a reminder that so far our governors are doing far more than the president .
What do you think ?

The President of the United States continues to look for someone other than himself to blame for his administration’s total failure to adequately prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump has rated his response to the outbreak a ten out of ten, an absurdly generous assessment given the fact that this is the same man who fired the government’s pandemic response team, claimed the virus’s outbreak was a “hoax” fabricated by the Democratic Party, and glibly stated that he will take no responsibility for his administration’s inability to provide adequate testing.
Yesterday, in a transparent effort to shift blame away from his failed White House, Trump attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Despite Cuomo’s effortless response to Trump (he offered to do his job for him), Trump went after the governor on Twitter again today. He quoted Cuomo as saying that all states should be “treated the same” so that people don’t travel to other states looking for services. Trump responded to Cuomo’s reasonable concern by making the inane observation that “all states aren’t the same” and told him to “keep politics out of it…”
Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Before the digital ink could even dry on his call to avoid partisan mudslinging, Trump went after Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and said she “must work harder” and be “much more proactive.” He went on to say that he stands with Michigan, a patently untrue statement since he’s attacking the state’s executive even as she does her best to save her citizens.
The reality, of course, is the opposite of what the president claims. Governor Whitmer has responded to the situation as best as possible given the numerous failings of the federal government under Trump. She has declared a state of emergency, closed bars and restaurants, and banned large gatherings. Michigan is fortunate to have her behind the wheel.
Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive. We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Whitmer didn’t wait long to respond to Trump’s asinine tweet. Rather than stoop to his petty level, she used the opportunity to state that “attack tweets won’t solve this crisis” before calling for better guidance, more virus testing, equipment disbursement, and greater resources.
Her point firmly made, she walked day by day through the steps her administration has taken to help the people of Michigan. The list is stunning compared to what Trump himself has done, and a reminder that so far our governors are doing far more than the president.
Now that I’ve got your attention, Mr. President – attack tweets won’t solve this crisis. But swift and clear guidance, tests, personal protective equipment, and resources would. FYI – here’s what I’ve done so far ⬇ https://t.co/LZkN0U490p — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/3: Created COVID-19 task forces
3/6: Ensured Medicaid waiver for copays & cost sharing for testing
3/10: Declared a State of Emergency
3/11: Recommended mitigation strategies
3/12: Expanded access to telemedicine
3/12: Closed all K-12 schools — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/13: Prohibited large gatherings 250+
3/13: Restricted entry into care facilities & juvenile justice facilities
3/14: Enhanced restrictions on price gouging
3/16: Closed places of public accommodation
3/16: Prohibited large gatherings 50+
3/16: Expanded unemployment benefits — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/16: Lifted road weight restrictions The latest information is available at https://t.co/m2sOFDoo30. For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call our COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8AM – 5PM daily. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
Staff Report This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Trump publicly trashes World Health Organization’s virus test after refusing to use it

The “ executive time ” is getting scarce for Donald Trump these days .
With the pandemic crisis growing logarithmically every day , and the reality of the effects of the disease on the everyday lives of Americans now undeniable , the president is being forced to at least show up for press conferences and meetings and had to skip his weekend golf excursions , at least saving the government from wasting money that could otherwise go to help those economically impacted by business closures on his travel and security .
While the coronavirus may have forced a change of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old habits die hard .
Take for example Trump ’ s compulsive habit of substituting a falsehood for the truth at any available opportunity .
That habit was on full display in his White House press conference updating the nation on the status of the government response to the health crisis that has blossomed into a full-blown economic disaster as well .
In a stunning denial of words memorialized on his Twitter feed , Trump denied dismissing the coronavirus as overblown and downplaying its risks and claimed that he has taken it seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pandemic response team .
Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately !
Gaslighting is a hard habit to quit , even if it reduces your already infinitesimal credibility even further at a time when the dissemination of facts is at a premium .
Today ’ s press conference was also notable for Trump ’ s reinforcement of racist stereotypes by insisting on calling the COVID-19 virus the “ China Virus ” since the first cases were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
He saw it as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have accused the American military of introducing the virus into their country .
Trump ’ s undermined his credibility further by both claiming that he was working well with state governors well on coordinating the response to the pandemic — just hours after tweeting attacks on the Democratic governors of Michigan and New York — and by arguing that the only deficiency in his administration ’ s crisis management has been its public relations failures .
Perhaps the president would get better press if the media wouldn ’ t keep trying to confront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements since it is own behavior from the early days of the coronavirus ’ initial entry onto American shores that keeps coming back to haunt him in appropriately negative coverage .
MSNBC ‘ s Joy Reid pointed out the perniciousness of the president ’ s lies and revisionist history about the federal government response to the health crisis in an outraged tweet at the end of his press conference .
Excusing one ’ s own failures and misjudgments by blaming them on others is a standard tactic for the man who has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility at all ” for the failure to distribute a sufficient number coronavirus testing kits earlier in the spread of the disease when it could have been an effective tactic in slowing down the contagion of the virus .
At this point , it goes without saying that the nation needs new leadership in dealing with the new reality in our nation .
While some people may be enheartened to learn that the government will be taking measures including direct payments to citizens whose livelihoods have been threatened by the economic fallout of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration ’ s response has been too little and too late .
After years of GOP attacks on socialism as antithetical to American values , the value of shared responsibilities and the holes in our profit-driven health care system have been exposed .
If America doesn ’ t emerge from the coronavirus pandemic with a renewed groundswell of support for Medicare for all , then we will have squandered a valuable learning opportunity and wasted perhaps the only good thing that may result from this pandemic .
What do you think ?

The “executive time” is getting scarce for Donald Trump these days.
With the pandemic crisis growing logarithmically every day, and the reality of the effects of the disease on the everyday lives of Americans now undeniable, the president is being forced to at least show up for press conferences and meetings and had to skip his weekend golf excursions, at least saving the government from wasting money that could otherwise go to help those economically impacted by business closures on his travel and security.
While the coronavirus may have forced a change of lifestyle even for the president, som old habits die hard.
Take for example Trump’s compulsive habit of substituting a falsehood for the truth at any available opportunity.
That habit was on full display in his White House press conference updating the nation on the status of the government response to the health crisis that has blossomed into a full-blown economic disaster as well.
In a stunning denial of words memorialized on his Twitter feed, Trump denied dismissing the coronavirus as overblown and downplaying its risks and claimed that he has taken it seriously all along.
Trump, who not a month ago characterized Democratic criticism of the coronavirus response as a "hoax," now claims, "I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic." pic.twitter.com/6GTpZ59b75 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2020
Trump fired America’s pandemic response team. Demand he reassemble it to confront the coronavirus pandemic immediately!
Gaslighting is a hard habit to quit, even if it reduces your already infinitesimal credibility even further at a time when the dissemination of facts is at a premium.
Today’s press conference was also notable for Trump’s reinforcement of racist stereotypes by insisting on calling the COVID-19 virus the “China Virus” since the first cases were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan. He saw it as a retaliatory move because some reports in China have accused the American military of introducing the virus into their country.
REPORTER: People are criticizing you for using the phrase "China virus." Your response? TRUMP: I think it's a very accurate term. pic.twitter.com/IsDlzZP8Oj — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2020
Trump’s undermined his credibility further by both claiming that he was working well with state governors well on coordinating the response to the pandemic — just hours after tweeting attacks on the Democratic governors of Michigan and New York — and by arguing that the only deficiency in his administration’s crisis management has been its public relations failures.
TRUMP: "The only thing we have not done well is to get good press." pic.twitter.com/92SPRF7MTs — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 17, 2020
Perhaps the president would get better press if the media wouldn’t keep trying to confront him with pesky facts about his past statements since it is his own behavior from the early days of the coronavirus’ initial entry onto American shores that keeps coming back to haunt him in appropriately negative coverage.
MSNBC‘s Joy Reid pointed out the perniciousness of the president’s lies and revisionist history about the federal government response to the health crisis in an outraged tweet at the end of his press conference.
Fact Number One: The U.S. DID reject the WHO-certified test. Item: https://t.co/udbK1Qvx0w pic.twitter.com/DoLOMotfzA — Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 17, 2020
Donald Trump cares only about pushing responsibility away from himself; to make sure the buck does not stop with him. It is shameful. He is in charge and this mess is HIS responsibility. That's the job of a president. To LEAD, not to make excuses. — Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 17, 2020
Excusing one’s own failures and misjudgments by blaming them on others is a standard tactic for the man who has said that he doesn’t “take responsibility at all” for the failure to distribute a sufficient number coronavirus testing kits earlier in the spread of the disease when it could have been an effective tactic in slowing down the contagion of the virus.
At this point, it goes without saying that the nation needs new leadership in dealing with the new reality in our nation.
While some people may be enheartened to learn that the government will be taking measures including direct payments to citizens whose livelihoods have been threatened by the economic fallout of the epidemic and tax relief, the Trump administration’s response has been too little and too late.
After years of GOP attacks on socialism as antithetical to American values, the value of shared responsibilities and the holes in our profit-driven health care system have been exposed. If America doesn’t emerge from the coronavirus pandemic with a renewed groundswell of support for Medicare for all, then we will have squandered a valuable learning opportunity and wasted perhaps the only good thing that may result from this pandemic.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-03-17--Trump attacks the governors of New York and Michigan as they race to deal with coronavirus

The number of Americans infected with the coronavirus continues to rise as our president struggles to display even an ounce of the leadership this country needs and deserves in these trying times .
Trump himself rated his response to the pandemic as a ten out of ten , an absurdly generous assessment given the fact that this is the same man who fired the government ’ s pandemic response team , claimed the virus ’ s outbreak was a “ hoax ” fabricated by the Democratic Party , and glibly stated that he will take no responsibility for his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As if all of that weren ’ t enough to prove how singularly unprepared he is to deal with this moment , Trump has also demonstrated a pathological inability to refrain from his usual tawdry partisan attacks .
Yesterday , in a transparent effort to shift blame away from his failed White House , Trump attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo ( D-NY ) .
Despite Cuomo ’ s effortless response to Trump ( he offered to do his job for him ) , Trump went after the governor on Twitter again today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ states should be “ treated the same ” so that people don ’ t travel to other states looking for services .
Trump responded to Cuomo ’ s reasonable concern by making the inane observation that “ all states aren ’ t the same.
” Trump forced in the phrase “ Chinese Virus , ” his pathetic attempt to tap into his base ’ s noted xenophobia to lay all of the blame for the virus at the feet of the Chinese government so as to obfuscate his administration ’ s role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet with a disgustingly hypocritical demand for Cuomo to “ keep politics out ” of it .
Trump has been politicizing this from the start in the worst way possible and the sooner he gets off Twitter and does something the better off we all will be .
Before the digital ink could even dry on his call to avoid partisan mudslinging , Trump went after Governor Gretchen Whitmer ( D-MI ) and said she “ must work harder ” and be “ much more proactive.
” He went on to say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untrue statement since he ’ s attacking the state ’ s executive even as she does her best to save her citizens .
The reality , of course , is the opposite of what the president claims .
Governor Whitmer has responded to the situation as best as possible given the numerous failings of the federal government under Trump .
She has declared a state of emergency , closed bars and restaurants , and banned large gatherings .
Michigan is fortunate to have her behind the wheel .
Once again , we see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing Americans because he ’ s unable to display even a baseline empathy .
What do you think ?

The number of Americans infected with the coronavirus continues to rise as our president struggles to display even an ounce of the leadership this country needs and deserves in these trying times.
Trump himself rated his response to the pandemic as a ten out of ten, an absurdly generous assessment given the fact that this is the same man who fired the government’s pandemic response team, claimed the virus’s outbreak was a “hoax” fabricated by the Democratic Party, and glibly stated that he will take no responsibility for his administration’s inability to provide adequate testing.
As if all of that weren’t enough to prove how singularly unprepared he is to deal with this moment, Trump has also demonstrated a pathological inability to refrain from his usual tawdry partisan attacks. Yesterday, in a transparent effort to shift blame away from his failed White House, Trump attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
Despite Cuomo’s effortless response to Trump (he offered to do his job for him), Trump went after the governor on Twitter again today. He quoted Cuomo as saying that all states should be “treated the same” so that people don’t travel to other states looking for services. Trump responded to Cuomo’s reasonable concern by making the inane observation that “all states aren’t the same.”
Trump forced in the phrase “Chinese Virus,” his pathetic attempt to tap into his base’s noted xenophobia to lay all of the blame for the virus at the feet of the Chinese government so as to obfuscate his administration’s role in botching this crisis. He ended the tweet with a disgustingly hypocritical demand for Cuomo to “keep politics out” of it. Trump has been politicizing this from the start in the worst way possible and the sooner he gets off Twitter and does something the better off we all will be.
Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Before the digital ink could even dry on his call to avoid partisan mudslinging, Trump went after Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and said she “must work harder” and be “much more proactive.” He went on to say that he stands with Michigan, a patently untrue statement since he’s attacking the state’s executive even as she does her best to save her citizens.
The reality, of course, is the opposite of what the president claims. Governor Whitmer has responded to the situation as best as possible given the numerous failings of the federal government under Trump. She has declared a state of emergency, closed bars and restaurants, and banned large gatherings. Michigan is fortunate to have her behind the wheel.
Once again, we see Trump making things worse for living, breathing Americans because he’s unable to display even a baseline empathy.
Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive. We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Staff Report This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney. Latest Posts