talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-06--Why A Judge’s Rebuke Of Barr’s Mueller Report Shenanigans Was So Remarkable

A federal judge ’ s assertions Thursday that Attorney General Bill Barr made “ misleading ” statements about special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s report sent shockwaves through the legal community .
The judge ’ s allegations that Barr “ distorted ” Mueller ’ s findings in a perhaps “ calculated attempt to influence public discourse about the Mueller Report in favor of President Trump ” was a remarkable scolding of a sitting attorney general , and one that comes as other actions Barr has taken related to Mueller ’ s probe have come under increased scrutiny .
Seasoned legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the opinion that U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton of Washington , D.C. , issued in a Freedom of Information Act case .
In his stinging ruling , the judge ordered the Justice Department to produce for his own review an unredacted version of Mueller ’ s report because Walton couldn ’ t trust the government ’ s stated reasons for withholding redactions of the report .
What stood out to former federal prosecutors is that Walton called out Attorney General Bill Barr by name .
The judge said that the way Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question Barr ’ s “ credibility ” and thus the claims that the Justice Department now was making about the report ’ s redactions .
“ I have never seen an attorney general called out this way before by a judge for making misrepresentations , ” Harry Sandick , a former federal prosecutor , told TPM in an email .
The Justice Department did not respond to TPM ’ s inquiry .
It ’ s possible that the Justice Department could appeal Walton ’ s opinion .
It ’ s not unheard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors for how they ’ ve handled cases .
But for the Justice Department , and its top official , to be accused by a federal judge of misleading the public about a matter as high profile as the Mueller investigation suggested that the “ fabric ” of the criminal justice system was beginning to tear , one former federal prosecutor told TPM .
For generations , the U.S. system of justice has relied on the ability for judges to trust what federal prosecutors tell them , given the great deference afforded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do much of its investigatory and prosecutorial work behind closed doors .
“ When a judge calls out a prosecutor for falsehoods and this prosecutor is the attorney general himself , it ’ s indicative of the fabric of the justice system deteriorating , ” Seth Waxman , a former prosecutor in the D.C. U.S. attorney ’ s office , told TPM .
In light of Barr ’ s handling of the Mueller report , and his more recent intervention in the Roger Stone case , hundreds of former DOJ officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department to the President ’ s favor was putting its credibility in jeopardy .
Walton ’ s order is an indication that that credibility has indeed taken a hit .
“ There is a lasting cost to the Department of Justice when one administration pushes the department to do and say things that are inconsistent with its historic mission to seek impartial justice , ” Sandick said .
“ We saw this with Stone and we are seeing it again here.
” An appointee of President George W. Bush who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s administration , Walton is no liberal firebrand .
But he has shown an independent streak , as he presided over several high profile cases , including the Scooter Libby leak prosecution and the Roger Clemens steroids case .
He ’ s sided with the government on cases challenging the president ’ s executive power on national security issues .
Walton ’ s known to be generally sympathetic to prosecutors , with a reputation for being a “ long ball hitter , ” meaning that he tends to hand down sentences on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Shanlon Wu , a former federal prosecutor who practiced in front of Walton when the judge was on the D.C. Superior Court .
“ He is very law and order , ” Wu said , but he “ does not hesitate to speak his mind.
” ( Wu , now a D.C. defense attorney , briefly represented former Trump campaign advisor Rick Gates in Mueller ’ s probe ) .
Judge Walton , who is African American , has questioned DOJ ’ s prosecutorial tactics in the past , and has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profiling from law enforcement while growing up in a small Pennsylvania mining town .
Nevertheless , his broadside against the Justice Department for how it handled its Mueller report rollout was unlike anything legal observers have seen before — from him or from any federal judge .
Waxman called Walton ’ s opinion “ unprecedented , ” with its closest parallel being some of the judicial opinions issued against the Nixon administration .
“ For a judge to call out a prosecutor and say , ‘ I can ’ t trust the representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire criminal justice system , ” Waxman said .
He added that if a judge had made those kinds of assertions about a low-level “ line ” prosecutor , that prosecutor would be referred to the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility , which handles accusation of prosecutorial misconduct .
“ Those were the kind of statements that can destroy careers of line prosecutors , ” Waxman said .
Before donning judicial robes , Walton also served in the Justice Department and was an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C .
According to Wu , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s opinion .
“ I think in a lot of ways , his concerns and distaste with Barr ’ s actions have a lot to do with him being a former federal prosecutor , ” Wu said .
In proceedings in this case and others , Walton has shown signs of frustration with the Justice Department ’ s recent sketchy behavior .
In a separate FOIA case — where the challengers were seeking materials related to Andrew McCabe , the former top FBI official who has long been in the President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to pull “ the wool ” over the judge ’ s “ eyes ” with its indecision over whether it would bring charges against McCabe .
McCabe had been investigated for a “ lack of candor ” in an inspector general review of leaks related to the Clinton email probe , and a line in Walton ’ s Thursday Mueller report opinion may have been a sly callback to that matter .
In describing Barr ’ s handling of the Mueller report , Walton used specifically the term , “ lack of @ @ @

A federal judge’s assertions Thursday that Attorney General Bill Barr made “misleading” statements about special counsel Robert Mueller’s report sent shockwaves through the legal community.
The judge’s allegations that Barr “distorted” Mueller’s findings in a perhaps “calculated attempt to influence public discourse about the Mueller Report in favor of President Trump” was a remarkable scolding of a sitting attorney general, and one that comes as other actions Barr has taken related to Mueller’s probe have come under increased scrutiny.
Seasoned legal experts said they had never seen anything like the opinion that U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton of Washington, D.C., issued in a Freedom of Information Act case. In his stinging ruling, the judge ordered the Justice Department to produce for his own review an unredacted version of Mueller’s report because Walton couldn’t trust the government’s stated reasons for withholding redactions of the report.
What stood out to former federal prosecutors is that Walton called out Attorney General Bill Barr by name. The judge said that the way Barr rolled out the Mueller report called into question Barr’s “credibility” and thus the claims that the Justice Department now was making about the report’s redactions.
“I have never seen an attorney general called out this way before by a judge for making misrepresentations,” Harry Sandick, a former federal prosecutor, told TPM in an email.
The Justice Department did not respond to TPM’s inquiry. It’s possible that the Justice Department could appeal Walton’s opinion.
It’s not unheard for judges, including Walton, to criticize prosecutors for how they’ve handled cases. But for the Justice Department, and its top official, to be accused by a federal judge of misleading the public about a matter as high profile as the Mueller investigation suggested that the “fabric” of the criminal justice system was beginning to tear, one former federal prosecutor told TPM.
For generations, the U.S. system of justice has relied on the ability for judges to trust what federal prosecutors tell them, given the great deference afforded to the Justice Department, which is allowed to do much of its investigatory and prosecutorial work behind closed doors.
“When a judge calls out a prosecutor for falsehoods and this prosecutor is the attorney general himself, it’s indicative of the fabric of the justice system deteriorating,” Seth Waxman, a former prosecutor in the D.C. U.S. attorney’s office, told TPM.
In light of Barr’s handling of the Mueller report, and his more recent intervention in the Roger Stone case, hundreds of former DOJ officials have warned that his apparent willingness to bend the Justice Department to the President’s favor was putting its credibility in jeopardy. Walton’s order is an indication that that credibility has indeed taken a hit.
“There is a lasting cost to the Department of Justice when one administration pushes the department to do and say things that are inconsistent with its historic mission to seek impartial justice,” Sandick said. “ We saw this with Stone and we are seeing it again here.”
An appointee of President George W. Bush who had served in George H.W. Bush’s administration, Walton is no liberal firebrand. But he has shown an independent streak, as he presided over several high profile cases, including the Scooter Libby leak prosecution and the Roger Clemens steroids case.
He’s sided with the government on cases challenging the president’s executive power on national security issues. Walton’s known to be generally sympathetic to prosecutors, with a reputation for being a “long ball hitter,” meaning that he tends to hand down sentences on the harsher side of the spectrum, according to Shanlon Wu, a former federal prosecutor who practiced in front of Walton when the judge was on the D.C. Superior Court.
“He is very law and order,” Wu said, but he “does not hesitate to speak his mind.”
(Wu, now a D.C. defense attorney, briefly represented former Trump campaign advisor Rick Gates in Mueller’s probe).
Judge Walton, who is African American, has questioned DOJ’s prosecutorial tactics in the past, and has said he became a lawyer after facing racial profiling from law enforcement while growing up in a small Pennsylvania mining town.
Nevertheless, his broadside against the Justice Department for how it handled its Mueller report rollout was unlike anything legal observers have seen before — from him or from any federal judge.
Waxman called Walton’s opinion “unprecedented,” with its closest parallel being some of the judicial opinions issued against the Nixon administration.
“For a judge to call out a prosecutor and say, ‘I can’t trust the representation you are making,’ undercuts the entire criminal justice system,” Waxman said. He added that if a judge had made those kinds of assertions about a low-level “line” prosecutor, that prosecutor would be referred to the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, which handles accusation of prosecutorial misconduct.
“Those were the kind of statements that can destroy careers of line prosecutors,” Waxman said.
Before donning judicial robes, Walton also served in the Justice Department and was an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C. According to Wu, that perspective showed through in Wednesday’s opinion.
“I think in a lot of ways, his concerns and distaste with Barr’s actions have a lot to do with him being a former federal prosecutor,” Wu said.
In proceedings in this case and others, Walton has shown signs of frustration with the Justice Department’s recent sketchy behavior. In a separate FOIA case — where the challengers were seeking materials related to Andrew McCabe, the former top FBI official who has long been in the President’s crosshairs — Walton suggested the DOJ was trying to pull “the wool” over the judge’s “eyes” with its indecision over whether it would bring charges against McCabe.
McCabe had been investigated for a “lack of candor” in an inspector general review of leaks related to the Clinton email probe, and a line in Walton’s Thursday Mueller report opinion may have been a sly callback to that matter.
In describing Barr’s handling of the Mueller report, Walton used specifically the term, “lack of candor.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-06--Larry Kudlow Is Still Out There Spewing Happy Talk About COVID-19

Larry Kudlow put on an incredible display of scientific ignorance Friday , asserting on cable news that COVID-19 was “ contained ” and that Americans should go on with their lives .
The coronavirus outbreak in America is very much not contained .
Experts , including public health officials in the Trump administration , say it will continue to spread , and the lack of testing capacity means we still don ’ t know the true nature of the virus ’ footprint .
But Kudlow , who in the past has mischaracterized the position of the World Health Organization in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , put out yet more misinformation on CNBC ’ s “ Squawk on the Street ” Friday morning .
“ We don ’ t know what the magnitude of the economy might be in terms of a slowdown , ” Kudlow said .
“ We don ’ t actually know what the magnitude of the virus is going to be , although frankly , so far it looks relatively contained , and we don ’ t think most people — I mean the vast majority of Americans are not at risk from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentator on financial matters , is the director of President Trump ’ s National Economic Council and a member of his Coronavirus Task Force .
“ This is Baghdad-Bob-level stuff from Kudlow , ” commented Jeremy Konyndyk , a former Obama administration USAID official who was involved in the administration ’ s Ebola virus response .
In a bulletin earlier this week , the Centers for Disease Control said “ the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to expand.
” Later in Kudlow ’ s appearance , “ Squawk ” co-anchor Carl Quintanilla pressed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that there had been “ some frustration ” with Kudlow ’ s previous claim that the United States was “ pretty close to airtight ” with regard to the virus .
At the time , there were just 53 known novel coronavirus cases in the United States , most of which had originated overseas , compared to the more than 230 known cases today .
Kudlow doubled down , first in asserting that “ long term investors should think seriously about buying these dips ” and then by saying again , falsely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I will still argue to you that this is contained .
It can ’ t be airtight but we are , you know , when you look at the numbers here , and I know there are things in front of us — you know , by itself more testing is going to uncover more cases — but in a relative sense , relative to our population , relative to ordinary flus , I don ’ t want to downgrade this thing , this can be human tragedy for individuals who suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve said that from day one .
But I think it is relatively contained.
” “ Larry , it ’ s much more serious than the flu , as you know , ” he said .
“ And it ’ s a virus that ’ s spread all over the globe in the space of about three months , so it is certainly something that seems to avoid containment to some extent .
”

Larry Kudlow put on an incredible display of scientific ignorance Friday, asserting on cable news that COVID-19 was “contained” and that Americans should go on with their lives.
The coronavirus outbreak in America is very much not contained. Experts, including public health officials in the Trump administration, say it will continue to spread, and the lack of testing capacity means we still don’t know the true nature of the virus’ footprint.
But Kudlow, who in the past has mischaracterized the position of the World Health Organization in an attempt to reassure the financial markets, put out yet more misinformation on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” Friday morning.
“We don’t know what the magnitude of the economy might be in terms of a slowdown,” Kudlow said. “We don’t actually know what the magnitude of the virus is going to be, although frankly, so far it looks relatively contained, and we don’t think most people — I mean the vast majority of Americans are not at risk from this virus.”
Kudlow, a former TV commentator on financial matters, is the director of President Trump’s National Economic Council and a member of his Coronavirus Task Force.
“This is Baghdad-Bob-level stuff from Kudlow,” commented Jeremy Konyndyk, a former Obama administration USAID official who was involved in the administration’s Ebola virus response.
In a bulletin earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control said “the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to expand.”
Later in Kudlow’s appearance, “Squawk” co-anchor Carl Quintanilla pressed the White House adviser on his remarks, saying that there had been “some frustration” with Kudlow’s previous claim that the United States was “pretty close to airtight” with regard to the virus. At the time, there were just 53 known novel coronavirus cases in the United States, most of which had originated overseas, compared to the more than 230 known cases today.
Kudlow doubled down, first in asserting that “long term investors should think seriously about buying these dips” and then by saying again, falsely, that the virus was contained.
“I will still argue to you that this is contained. It can’t be airtight but we are, you know, when you look at the numbers here, and I know there are things in front of us — you know, by itself more testing is going to uncover more cases — but in a relative sense, relative to our population, relative to ordinary flus, I don’t want to downgrade this thing, this can be human tragedy for individuals who suffer or lord knows who die, I’ve said that from day one. But I think it is relatively contained.”
“Squawk” co-anchor David Faber had heard enough.
“Larry, it’s much more serious than the flu, as you know,” he said. “And it’s a virus that’s spread all over the globe in the space of about three months, so it is certainly something that seems to avoid containment to some extent.”
Watch below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-06--Klobuchar Timed Her Dropping Out To Help Deliver Minnesota To Biden

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) liked the idea of ending her campaign with a win in Minnesota — but ultimately decided to drop out earlier to help deliver her home state to former Vice President Joe Biden .
“ Then , the big overwhelming thing was I knew I was going to win my state , ” she told the New York Times .
“ And I thought , ‘ Well , that would be good .
Good way to end.
’ But then I thought , why would I just do that for myself ?
Maybe I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was at like 10 percent or 15.
” Biden did win the state after Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed , despite earlier polling that showed Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) as likely to get the win .
Klobuchar also pointed out that she still won some counties on the edges of the state which she says don ’ t always get TV from Minnesota , since they ’ re closer to the Dakotas and Canada .
“ Those were the ones that I still won , ” Klobuchar said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning without knowing .
”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) liked the idea of ending her campaign with a win in Minnesota — but ultimately decided to drop out earlier to help deliver her home state to former Vice President Joe Biden.
“Then, the big overwhelming thing was I knew I was going to win my state,” she told the New York Times. “And I thought, ‘Well, that would be good. Good way to end.’ But then I thought, why would I just do that for myself? Maybe I can actually deliver this for Joe Biden knowing that he was at like 10 percent or 15.”
Biden did win the state after Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed, despite earlier polling that showed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as likely to get the win.
Klobuchar also pointed out that she still won some counties on the edges of the state which she says don’t always get TV from Minnesota, since they’re closer to the Dakotas and Canada.
“Those were the ones that I still won,” Klobuchar said. “Maybe they went to vote in the morning without knowing.”


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-06--Sanders Blasts Heckler Who Waved Nazi Flag At Rally: My Family Was ‘Wiped Out By Hitler’

On Friday , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) , who is the only Jewish candidate in the 2020 presidential race , slammed the heckler who unfurled a Nazi flag at his campaign rally in Phoenix , Arizona the previous night .
“ As someone whose family was wiped out by Hitler and as an American , to have in this country somebody bringing forth the most detestable symbol in modern history is unspeakable , ” Sanders tweeted with a video of him commenting on the incident in a press conference .
“ I will simply say this , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think I can speak for the families of some four hundred thousand American troops who died fighting Nazism , fighting fascism , that it is horrific , ” the Vermont senator told reporters .
A video posted by a rally attendee shows a man in a white shirt waving a swastika flag before Sanders supporters ripped it away from his hands and the police escorted him out .
BuzzFeed News reported that the man had also shouted anti-Semitic slurs .
Sanders did not see the flag at that moment .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , ” he said during the press conference on Friday .
As the man who had waved the flag was walking away from the arena outside , he yelled “ Shut up , [ n-word ] ” at a black man , a video posted by ABC 15 Arizona shows .
Joe Biden , the other top contender in the Democratic primary race , defended his rival on Friday .
“ I don ’ t care who you ’ re supporting , attacks like this against a man who could be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pale , ” he tweeted .
“ Hatred and bigotry have no place in America — and it ’ s up to all of us to root out these evils wherever they ’ re found.
” During the same Sanders rally , several supporters of President Donald Trump waved a flag emblazoned with Trump ’ s name and his “ Keep America Great ” campaign slogan , per a video posted by local KOLD News 13 reporter Melissa Egan .
They were also kicked out by the police .
The Anti-Defamation League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has identified the person responsible for the Nazi flag , but TPM could not independently verify the allegation .
The Phoenix Police Department did not respond to TPM ’ s request for comment .

On Friday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who is the only Jewish candidate in the 2020 presidential race, slammed the heckler who unfurled a Nazi flag at his campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona the previous night.
“As someone whose family was wiped out by Hitler and as an American, to have in this country somebody bringing forth the most detestable symbol in modern history is unspeakable,” Sanders tweeted with a video of him commenting on the incident in a press conference.
“I will simply say this, and I speak not only as a Jewish-American, I think I can speak for the families of some four hundred thousand American troops who died fighting Nazism, fighting fascism, that it is horrific,” the Vermont senator told reporters.
A video posted by a rally attendee shows a man in a white shirt waving a swastika flag before Sanders supporters ripped it away from his hands and the police escorted him out. BuzzFeed News reported that the man had also shouted anti-Semitic slurs.
Sanders did not see the flag at that moment. “I was shocked to learn about that later,” he said during the press conference on Friday.
As the man who had waved the flag was walking away from the arena outside, he yelled “Shut up, [n-word]” at a black man, a video posted by ABC 15 Arizona shows.
Joe Biden, the other top contender in the Democratic primary race, defended his rival on Friday.
“I don’t care who you’re supporting, attacks like this against a man who could be the first Jewish President are disgusting and beyond the pale,” he tweeted. “Hatred and bigotry have no place in America — and it’s up to all of us to root out these evils wherever they’re found.”
During the same Sanders rally, several supporters of President Donald Trump waved a flag emblazoned with Trump’s name and his “Keep America Great” campaign slogan, per a video posted by local KOLD News 13 reporter Melissa Egan. They were also kicked out by the police.
The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy organization, believes it has identified the person responsible for the Nazi flag, but TPM could not independently verify the allegation.
The Phoenix Police Department did not respond to TPM’s request for comment.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-06--Trump Backtracks On CDC Trip Cancellation, Says He ‘May Go’ After All

After cancelling his trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday , President Donald Trump reversed course several hours later amid the rising death toll caused by COVID-19 .
“ We may go , ” Trump told reporters as he was signing a $ 8.3 billion funding package to combat the coronavirus .
The President said he had cancelled the trip because “ they thought there was a problem at CDC with somebody that had the virus.
” “ They ’ ve tested the person very fully and it was a negative test , ” he continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The White House had not mentioned a potentially infected person in its initial explanation for cancelling the trip earlier in the day .
“ The President is no longer traveling to Atlanta today , ” a White House official had said in an email on background .
“ The CDC has been proactive and prepared since the very beginning and the President does not want to interfere with the CDC ’ s mission.
” Trump ’ s apparent desire to avoid interfering with the CDC was at odds with his previous response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradicting the CDC ’ s warnings about the seriousness of the illness in his public comments and even downplaying the global death rate .
During a town hall hosted by Fox News on Thursday night , Trump found a bright side to the coronavirus .
“ I have to say , people are now staying in the United States , spending their money in the U.S , and I like that , ” he said .
12 people have died from the virus in the U.S. , according to Reuters , 11 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported its first death on Wednesday

After cancelling his trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, President Donald Trump reversed course several hours later amid the rising death toll caused by COVID-19.
“We may go,” Trump told reporters as he was signing a $8.3 billion funding package to combat the coronavirus.
The President said he had cancelled the trip because “they thought there was a problem at CDC with somebody that had the virus.”
“They’ve tested the person very fully and it was a negative test,” he continued. “So I may be going.”
The White House had not mentioned a potentially infected person in its initial explanation for cancelling the trip earlier in the day.
“The President is no longer traveling to Atlanta today,” a White House official had said in an email on background. “The CDC has been proactive and prepared since the very beginning and the President does not want to interfere with the CDC’s mission.”
Trump’s apparent desire to avoid interfering with the CDC was at odds with his previous response to the coronavirus, such as directly contradicting the CDC’s warnings about the seriousness of the illness in his public comments and even downplaying the global death rate.
During a town hall hosted by Fox News on Thursday night, Trump found a bright side to the coronavirus.
“I have to say, people are now staying in the United States, spending their money in the U.S, and I like that,” he said.
12 people have died from the virus in the U.S., according to Reuters, 11 of which happened in Washington state. California reported its first death on Wednesday


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--Trump Names Rep. Mark Meadows As New Chief Of Staff

President Donald Trump announced that Rep. Mark Meadows ( R-NC ) will be his new White House chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ , Mick Mulvaney , will become special envoy to northern Ireland .
The decision isn @ @ @ @ @ the blue — Meadows decided not to run for reelection back in December , hinting @ @ @ @ @ the President in a “ different capacity.
” Meadows , a founding member of the @ @ @ @ @ long been a staunch and vocal Trump ally .
Meanwhile , Trump had become increasingly @ @ @ @ @ impeachment woes .
Mulvaney ’ s self-immolation started burning in earnest after a disastrous press @ @ @ @ @ with the premise that Trump ’ s interactions with Ukraine amounted to a quid pro @ @ @ @ @ it , ” he told reporters .
“ There ’ s going to be political @ @ @ @ @ He later tried to walk the comments back .

President Donald Trump announced that Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) will be his new White House chief of staff Friday night. His predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, will become special envoy to northern Ireland.
….I want to thank Acting Chief Mick Mulvaney for having served the Administration so well. He will become the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2020
The decision isn’t wholly out of the blue — Meadows decided not to run for reelection back in December, hinting that he’d serve the President in a “different capacity.”
Meadows, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, has long been a staunch and vocal Trump ally.
Meanwhile, Trump had become increasingly discontented with Mulvaney amid his impeachment woes. Mulvaney’s self-immolation started burning in earnest after a disastrous press conference where he tacitly agreed with the premise that Trump’s interactions with Ukraine amounted to a quid pro quo.
“Get over it,” he told reporters. “There’s going to be political influence in foreign policy.” He later tried to walk the comments back.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--NYT: Trump Shouted At Azar Over Administration’s Initial Messaging On Coronavirus

President Trump was upset with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar over his own administration ’ s initial @ @ @ @ @ claiming that it scared people , according to a new New York Times report on @ @ @ @ @ internal debate over how to inform the public about the outbreak .
After Nancy Messonnier @ @ @ @ @ National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ that a “ disruption ” to day-to-day life was imminent , Trump called Azar .
@ @ @ @ @ “ shouted ” at his health and human services secretary , saying Messonnier ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ” in the Times ’ words .
Trump was reportedly “ alarmed , ” in @ @ @ @ @ whether the U.S. was really at a point where it needed to start closing schools @ @ @ @ @ the call told the Times .

President Trump was upset with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar over his own administration’s initial messaging on the coronavirus, claiming that it scared people, according to a new New York Times report on the White House’s internal debate over how to inform the public about the outbreak.
After Nancy Messonnier, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned reporters on Feb. 25 that a “disruption” to day-to-day life was imminent, Trump called Azar.
Per the Times, Trump “shouted” at his health and human services secretary, saying Messonnier’s message “scared people,” in the Times’ words.
Trump was reportedly “alarmed,” in the Times words, questioning whether the U.S. was really at a point where it needed to start closing schools, an official who heard the call told the Times.
Read the full Times report here.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--New York Governor Declares State Of Emergency Over Coronavirus

The governor of New York declared a state of emergency amid a growing outbreak of the coronavirus in the state @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed there were 76 cases of the @ @ @ @ @ the majority of which , 57 , are in Westchester County .
There are 11 @ @ @ @ @ and the rest are spread across three other counties , he said .
Only 10 @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo said that the state is set to receive “ hundreds ” of tests and @ @ @ @ @ more .
New York now joins states like Maryland , California and Utah that have @ @ @ @ @ emergency over the outbreak .
The declaration gives the state more leverage to divert resources @ @ @ @ @ who are monitoring patients or quarantining those who have the virus , according to Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ no doubt that massive quarantine is the best way to slow the spread , ” @ @ @

The governor of New York declared a state of emergency amid a growing outbreak of the coronavirus in the state.
During a press conference on Saturday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed there were 76 cases of the virus in New York, the majority of which, 57, are in Westchester County. There are 11 cases in New York City and the rest are spread across three other counties, he said.
Only 10 people are currently hospitalized. Cuomo said that the state is set to receive “hundreds” of tests and will continue to push for more. New York now joins states like Maryland, California and Utah that have also declared a state of emergency over the outbreak.
The declaration gives the state more leverage to divert resources to local health care systems who are monitoring patients or quarantining those who have the virus, according to Cuomo.
“There’s no doubt that massive quarantine is the best way to slow the spread,” he said.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--Biden Refers To Staunch Sanders Defenders As ‘Bernie Brothers’

During a phone call with donors Friday , former Vice President Joe Biden made a quaint riff on the name for Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) most ardent supporters , referring to the group as the “ Bernie brothers.
” According to Politico , the vice president warned in the call that his campaign needed to prepare for hostilities that may come during the primaries as he continues to go head-to-head with Sanders .
In the call he specifically referenced the “ Bernie brothers , ” a formal label for the young , staunch defenders and sometimes aggressive supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bros. ” “ What we can ’ t let happen is let this primary become a negative bloodbath , ” Biden told more than 100 donors , according to Politico .
“ I know I ’ m going to get a lot of suggestions on how to respond to what I suspect will be an increasingly negative campaign that the Bernie brothers will run .
But we can ’ t tear this party apart and reelect Trump .
We have to keep our eyes on the ball , in my view.
” Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

During a phone call with donors Friday, former Vice President Joe Biden made a quaint riff on the name for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) most ardent supporters, referring to the group as the “Bernie brothers.”
According to Politico, the vice president warned in the call that his campaign needed to prepare for hostilities that may come during the primaries as he continues to go head-to-head with Sanders. In the call he specifically referenced the “Bernie brothers,” a formal label for the young, staunch defenders and sometimes aggressive supporters of Sanders, usually called “Bernie bros.”
“What we can’t let happen is let this primary become a negative bloodbath,” Biden told more than 100 donors, according to Politico. “I know I’m going to get a lot of suggestions on how to respond to what I suspect will be an increasingly negative campaign that the Bernie brothers will run. But we can’t tear this party apart and reelect Trump. We have to keep our eyes on the ball, in my view.”
Twitter had a field day with the remark.
Bernie Brothers like Briahna Gray, Nina Turner, Ilhan Omar & Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez need to rein in their toxic masculinity if we want to defeat Donald Trump. — Alex Kotch (@alexkotch) March 7, 2020
looolloloool it’s been a long, awful week but the full spelling out of “Bernie Brothers” by Biden is what finally broke me https://t.co/W081T6az3B — Charlie Warzel (@cwarzel) March 7, 2020


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--Trump Calls Washington Governor A ‘Snake’ During CDC Visit

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Center for Disease Control on Friday afternoon , President Trump referred to the governor of the state that ’ s experienced the most widespread coronavirus outbreaks as a “ snake.
” “ I told Mike not to be complimentary of the governor because that governor is a snake , okay ?
” Trump told reporters after they asked about Vice President Mike Pence ’ s state visit to Washington with Governor Jay Inslee .
“ Inslee .
I said , ‘ if you are nice to him , he will take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let me just tell you we have a lot of problems with the governor… The governor of Washington , that ’ s where you have many of your problems , okay ?
” Pence was reportedly complimentary of Inslee during his visit to Washington , but Trump was likely responding Inslee ’ s ongoing criticism of the administration ’ s handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S .
In a tweet last month , Inslee said he told the vice president that the Trump administration ’ s public remarks on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During that same conversation with reporters at the CDC Trump also suggested that “ anybody that needs a test can have a test.
” “ They have the tests and the tests are beautiful .
Anybody that needs a test gets a test , ” he said .
This is not true .
States across the nation have complained they have not received enough tests to process all the cases in front of them .
For example , California only has 516 tests despite the fact that thousands are being observed for possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have maintained that they ’ d soon send 1 million to 1.5 million tests to states across the country , but many health officials say even that will not be enough .

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Center for Disease Control on Friday afternoon, President Trump referred to the governor of the state that’s experienced the most widespread coronavirus outbreaks as a “snake.”
“I told Mike not to be complimentary of the governor because that governor is a snake, okay?” Trump told reporters after they asked about Vice President Mike Pence’s state visit to Washington with Governor Jay Inslee. “Inslee. I said, ‘if you are nice to him, he will take advantage’ and I would have said no. Let me just tell you we have a lot of problems with the governor… The governor of Washington, that’s where you have many of your problems, okay?”
President Trump: "That governor is a snake, Inslee." pic.twitter.com/o9scpwPc1y — The Hill (@thehill) March 7, 2020
Pence was reportedly complimentary of Inslee during his visit to Washington, but Trump was likely responding Inslee’s ongoing criticism of the administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. In a tweet last month, Inslee said he told the vice president that the Trump administration’s public remarks on the virus have been less than truthful.
I just received a call from @VP Mike Pence, thanking Washington state for our efforts to combat the coronavirus. I told him our work would be more successful if the Trump administration stuck to the science and told the truth. — Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) February 28, 2020
During that same conversation with reporters at the CDC Trump also suggested that “anybody that needs a test can have a test.”
“They have the tests and the tests are beautiful. Anybody that needs a test gets a test,” he said.
This is not true. States across the nation have complained they have not received enough tests to process all the cases in front of them. For example, California only has 516 tests despite the fact that thousands are being observed for possible signs of the virus. Trump administration officials have maintained that they’d soon send 1 million to 1.5 million tests to states across the country, but many health officials say even that will not be enough.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-07--Gabbard Demands Biden, Sanders Help Her Get On Debate Stage After DNC Rule Change

After the Democratic National Committee instituted a rule change that will effectively block Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ( D-HI ) from @ @ @ @ @ congresswoman and presidential candidate called on the two 2020 frontrunners to “ stand up for @ @ @ @ @ help her get into the next Democratic debate .
The DNC announced a rule change @ @ @ @ @ candidates with 20 percent of the delegates awarded so far to participate in the next @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
Gabbard is still clinging to a presidential bid , despite racking up just @ @ @ @ @ given out in the primaries so far .
Gabbard also has not qualified for a @ @ @ @

After the Democratic National Committee instituted a rule change that will effectively block Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) from the debate stage, the congresswoman and presidential candidate called on the two 2020 frontrunners to “stand up for what is right” and help her get into the next Democratic debate.
To keep me off the stage, the DNC again arbitrarily changed the debate qualifications. Previously they changed the qualifications in the OPPOSITE direction so Bloomberg could debate. I ask that you stand w/ me against the DNC’s transparent effort to exclude me from the debates. — Tulsi Gabbard ? (@TulsiGabbard) March 7, 2020
The DNC announced a rule change this week that only allows candidates with 20 percent of the delegates awarded so far to participate in the next debate in Phoenix on March 15. Gabbard is still clinging to a presidential bid, despite racking up just two of the 1,385 delegates given out in the primaries so far.
Gabbard also has not qualified for a debate since November.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-08--The Pressure Is On For Sanders To Score A Major Win From The Michigan Primary

Although Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) has six opportunities to score more delegates during this Tuesday ’ s primaries , the Michigan primary has become the focus of both his campaign and the media ’ s coverage of his performance .
Last week , the New York Times first reported that Sanders canceled his rally in Jackson , Mississippi and opted instead to travel to Michigan .
The move came on the heels of former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s strong win from black voters in southern states such as Alabama , North Carolina and Virginia on Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stake in Michigan , Sanders fielded questions regarding the pressure he faces to score a big win out of the state during interviews on Sunday morning .
Here ’ s how Sanders expressed confidence heading into the Michigan primary : Sanders predicts he will win the Michigan primary given his 2016 primary win against Hillary Clinton Sanders pointed out that despite polls in 2016 showing him down 20 points to Hillary Clinton , he managed to win a surprise victory in the state .
“ I feel good about the momentum we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do well on Tuesday and beat Biden , ” Sanders told Fox News ’ Chris Wallace .
“ You know , last time , as you indicated , it was seen as a big upset because polling had us down literally 20 points one day to the election.
” Sanders ’ remarks came after he said that he “ would not consider dropping out ” if he lost the Michigan primary , citing his win in California among Latino voters and young people .
After touting his support from millions of workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s history of voting for trade agreements like NAFTA and PNTR that proved “ disastrous ” during an interview on ABC .
“ Cost 160,000 jobs here in Michigan because American workers were forced to compete against desperate people in Mexico and China .
Cost over 4 million jobs nationally , ” Sanders said .
“ I led the effort against those disastrous trade agreements , worked with the unions .
Joe voted for those trade agreements.
” Sanders says he ’ s not worried about cancelling his event in Mississippi because his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win in Michigan After confessing that Mississippi will be “ a tough state for us ” during an interview on CNN , Sanders argued that his campaign thinks it has the agenda that can win Michigan given how people in the state “ have been devastated , in Flint , in Detroit , by these disastrous trade agreements that Joe Biden voted for.
” “ I voted and helped lead the opposition to those disastrous trade agreements .
I worked with the unions .
I knew what they would do and , unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Sanders argues that the Obama-Biden administration ’ s efforts to save the auto industry won ’ t hurt his chances in Michigan When asked by MSNBC ’ s Chuck Todd whether he ’ s concerned about what the Obama-Biden administration did for the auto industry , given how it ’ s an issue that particularly resonates with Michigan voters , Sanders responded that he doesn ’ t think so because “ obviously everybody worked together to try to save the automobile industry.
” Todd then jumped in to point out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vermont senator attempted to justify by arguing that he does not believe “ that the crooks on Wall Street should have been bailed out.
” After Todd mentioned that the bailout included some of those car companies that were affected , Sanders replied that “ sometimes you have to make that choice ” but that “ the bailout was a disaster.
” “ My view was that the billionaires in this country should have bailed out Wall Street , not working families , ” Sanders said .
“ And by the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in zero-interest loans .
A direct gift from the taxpayers of this country .
That was a mistake .
”

Although Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has six opportunities to score more delegates during this Tuesday’s primaries, the Michigan primary has become the focus of both his campaign and the media’s coverage of his performance.
Last week, the New York Times first reported that Sanders canceled his rally in Jackson, Mississippi and opted instead to travel to Michigan. The move came on the heels of former Vice President Joe Biden’s strong win from black voters in southern states such as Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia on Super Tuesday.
With 125 pledged delegates at stake in Michigan, Sanders fielded questions regarding the pressure he faces to score a big win out of the state during interviews on Sunday morning.
Here’s how Sanders expressed confidence heading into the Michigan primary:
Sanders predicts he will win the Michigan primary given his 2016 primary win against Hillary Clinton
Sanders pointed out that despite polls in 2016 showing him down 20 points to Hillary Clinton, he managed to win a surprise victory in the state.
“I feel good about the momentum we have. I think we are going to do well on Tuesday and beat Biden,” Sanders told Fox News’ Chris Wallace. “You know, last time, as you indicated, it was seen as a big upset because polling had us down literally 20 points one day to the election.”
Sanders’ remarks came after he said that he “would not consider dropping out” if he lost the Michigan primary, citing his win in California among Latino voters and young people.
Watch Sanders’ remarks on Fox News below:
Sanders says he would not consider dropping out if he loses the Michigan primary pic.twitter.com/DToe0x6Zpt — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) March 8, 2020
Sanders hits Biden on his trade record
After touting his support from millions of workers and major unions, Sanders targeted Biden’s history of voting for trade agreements like NAFTA and PNTR that proved “disastrous” during an interview on ABC.
“Cost 160,000 jobs here in Michigan because American workers were forced to compete against desperate people in Mexico and China. Cost over 4 million jobs nationally,” Sanders said. “I led the effort against those disastrous trade agreements, worked with the unions. Joe voted for those trade agreements.”
Watch Sanders’ remarks on ABC below:
Sanders says he’s not worried about cancelling his event in Mississippi because his campaign “has the agenda” to win in Michigan
After confessing that Mississippi will be “a tough state for us” during an interview on CNN, Sanders argued that his campaign thinks it has the agenda that can win Michigan given how people in the state “have been devastated, in Flint, in Detroit, by these disastrous trade agreements that Joe Biden voted for.”
“I voted and helped lead the opposition to those disastrous trade agreements. I worked with the unions. I knew what they would do and, unfortunately, I was right,” Sanders said.
Watch Sanders’ remarks on CNN below:
Sanders on cancelling an event in Mississippi pic.twitter.com/WquU3rdoPl — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) March 8, 2020
Sanders argues that the Obama-Biden administration’s efforts to save the auto industry won’t hurt his chances in Michigan
When asked by MSNBC’s Chuck Todd whether he’s concerned about what the Obama-Biden administration did for the auto industry, given how it’s an issue that particularly resonates with Michigan voters, Sanders responded that he doesn’t think so because “obviously everybody worked together to try to save the automobile industry.”
Todd then jumped in to point out that Sanders voted against the bailout, which the Vermont senator attempted to justify by arguing that he does not believe “that the crooks on Wall Street should have been bailed out.”
After Todd mentioned that the bailout included some of those car companies that were affected, Sanders replied that “sometimes you have to make that choice” but that “the bailout was a disaster.”
“My view was that the billionaires in this country should have bailed out Wall Street, not working families,” Sanders said. “And by the way, Wall Street got trillions of dollars in zero-interest loans. A direct gift from the taxpayers of this country. That was a mistake.”
Watch Sanders’ remarks on MSNBC below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-08--WH Overruled CDC Recommendation Advising Seniors Against Flying

White House officials reportedly overruled a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that advised elderly and physically fragile Americans against flying commercial airlines amid coronavirus outbreak fears .
According to an Associated Press report Saturday evening , a federal official said that the CDC submitted the recommendation as an attempt to control the virus , but that White House officials ordered the removal of the recommendation .
The AP noted that since then , Trump administration officials suggested that although certain people should consider not traveling , they have not gone as far as the CDC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that on Friday , the CDC quietly updated its website by advising older adults and people with severe medical conditions to “ stay home as much as possible ” and avoid crowds .
The CDC also urged those people to “ take actions to reduce your risk of exposure ” without directly recommending against flying .
The AP reported that the official , who spoke on condition of anonymity , did not have direct knowledge regarding why White House officials decided to kill off the CDC ’ s recommendation or who made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide comment to TPM on Sunday , administration officials have denied AP ’ s report .
In a Sunday morning interview on “ Fox News Sunday , ” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and coronavirus task force member Anthony Fauci responded to the AP ’ s report by saying that “ no one overruled anybody .
”

White House officials reportedly overruled a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that advised elderly and physically fragile Americans against flying commercial airlines amid coronavirus outbreak fears.
According to an Associated Press report Saturday evening, a federal official said that the CDC submitted the recommendation as an attempt to control the virus, but that White House officials ordered the removal of the recommendation. The AP noted that since then, Trump administration officials suggested that although certain people should consider not traveling, they have not gone as far as the CDC’s recommendation.
The AP also reported that on Friday, the CDC quietly updated its website by advising older adults and people with severe medical conditions to “stay home as much as possible” and avoid crowds. The CDC also urged those people to “take actions to reduce your risk of exposure” without directly recommending against flying.
The AP reported that the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not have direct knowledge regarding why White House officials decided to kill off the CDC’s recommendation or who made the call.
Although the White House declined to provide comment to TPM on Sunday, administration officials have denied AP’s report.
Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller dismissed the AP report in Saturday evening tweets.
This story is complete fiction. It was never a recommendation to the Task Force. I look forward to Sunday morning hosts asking our medical professionals about it tomorrow. https://t.co/yL9LBRtVMP — Katie Miller (@VPPressSec) March 8, 2020
In a Sunday morning interview on “Fox News Sunday,” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and coronavirus task force member Anthony Fauci responded to the AP’s report by saying that “no one overruled anybody.”
Read the AP’s report here.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-08--Fauci Says Admin’s ‘Better Sense’ Of Coronavirus Is ‘Not Encouraging’

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci added to the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration ’ s handling of the coronavirus outbreak during Sunday morning TV interviews .
After telling MSNBC ’ s Chuck Todd that the administration is “ getting a better sense as the days go by , ” Fauci also said that “ unfortunately that better sense is not encouraging ” due to community spread and that there won ’ t be a “ vaccine that ’ s deployable for at least a year to a year and a half.
” When asked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ends , ” Fauci responded that “ it ’ s probably going to be a combination of both ” immunity where “ it just stops catching ” and a vaccine that “ ends this.
” However , Fauci was quick to point out that a vaccine won ’ t be deployable “ for at least a year to a year and a half.
” Todd went on to ask Fauci about whether the vaccine would be part of a flu shot , which Fauci replied that “ it will be sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll probably go in and just get an injection.
” “ If this cycles through maybe even goes down a bit and comes back next year , that ’ s when you get public health plus a vaccine , ” Fauci said .
“ We hope this just goes away , burns itself out , the way SARS did .
But if it doesn ’ t and it cycles in a seasonal way , that ’ s when a vaccine comes in.
” Later in the interview , Todd asked Fauci whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” than last week .
“ Well , it depends on what you mean by optimistic .
We are certainly now that we have tests out and get a better handle , ” Fauci said .
“ But clearly , I ’ m concerned about community spread.
” Fauci also appeared on Fox News Sunday morning and reiterated how it ’ s going to take between a year and a year and a half for a vaccine .
When Fox News ’ Chris Wallace told Fauci that he sounds like he thinks it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed confidence in coronavirus testing .
“ The test we ’ re doing right now , getting to phase one trial , is the fastest we ’ ve ever done , ” Fauci said .
“ Don ’ t confuse that with when you could put it in someone ’ s arm in a deployable way .
So I think that we really need to realize that , for now , the answer is not going to be a vaccine .
If , in fact , we go into a cycle , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we likely would have some opportunity for a vaccine.
” After Wallace pointed out that there have been contradictions within the Trump administration about when and how many people can get tested , Fauci admitted that despite the tests that are “ out there , there was a misstep early on.
” “ Now , when you say that , they are out there , if you go to a doctor , it is up to the doctor to order the test , and if that happens , a person should have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But it ’ s no doubt , Chris , you have to be realistic , early there were some missteps that delayed it .
”

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci added to the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak during Sunday morning TV interviews.
After telling MSNBC’s Chuck Todd that the administration is “getting a better sense as the days go by,” Fauci also said that “unfortunately that better sense is not encouraging” due to community spread and that there won’t be a “vaccine that’s deployable for at least a year to a year and a half.”
When asked by Todd about “the most realistic way this ends,” Fauci responded that “it’s probably going to be a combination of both” immunity where “it just stops catching” and a vaccine that “ends this.”
However, Fauci was quick to point out that a vaccine won’t be deployable “for at least a year to a year and a half.” Todd went on to ask Fauci about whether the vaccine would be part of a flu shot, which Fauci replied that “it will be sort of that same thing” where “you’ll probably go in and just get an injection.”
“If this cycles through maybe even goes down a bit and comes back next year, that’s when you get public health plus a vaccine,” Fauci said. “We hope this just goes away, burns itself out, the way SARS did. But if it doesn’t and it cycles in a seasonal way, that’s when a vaccine comes in.”
Later in the interview, Todd asked Fauci whether he’s “more optimistic today” than last week.
“Well, it depends on what you mean by optimistic. We are certainly now that we have tests out and get a better handle,” Fauci said. “But clearly, I’m concerned about community spread.”
Watch Fauci’s remarks on MSNBC below:
Fauci is asked if he's "more optimistic today" than last week regarding the coronavirus outbreak pic.twitter.com/INab0Fd4KP — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) March 8, 2020
Fauci also appeared on Fox News Sunday morning and reiterated how it’s going to take between a year and a year and a half for a vaccine.
When Fox News’ Chris Wallace told Fauci that he sounds like he thinks it will take longer than that, Fauci expressed confidence in coronavirus testing.
“The test we’re doing right now, getting to phase one trial, is the fastest we’ve ever done,” Fauci said. “Don’t confuse that with when you could put it in someone’s arm in a deployable way. So I think that we really need to realize that, for now, the answer is not going to be a vaccine. If, in fact, we go into a cycle, where we come back next year, then we likely would have some opportunity for a vaccine.”
After Wallace pointed out that there have been contradictions within the Trump administration about when and how many people can get tested, Fauci admitted that despite the tests that are “out there, there was a misstep early on.”
“Now, when you say that, they are out there, if you go to a doctor, it is up to the doctor to order the test, and if that happens, a person should have a test available,” Fauci said. “But it’s no doubt, Chris, you have to be realistic, early there were some missteps that delayed it.”
Watch Fauci’s remarks on Fox News below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-08--Surgeon General On Admin’s Coronavirus Rhetoric: ‘Messaging Is Hard’

Surgeon General and coronavirus task force member Jerome Adams struggled to justify the Trump administration ’ s claims that the coronavirus is contained during Sunday morning TV appearances .
When CNN ’ s Jake Tapper mentioned the influx of coronavirus case reports in the past 48 hours — citing cases in Pennsylvania , Indiana , Minnesota , Oklahoma , Connecticut , Nebraska , South Carolina , Hawaii , Utah , Kansas , Virginia , Missouri , Vermont and Washington D.C. — Adams responded that coronavirus is “ absolutely ” spreading .
Adams added that despite the administration initially having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now “ shifting into a mitigation phase , ” which he described as “ helping communities understand , you ’ re going to see more cases ” and “ more deaths.
” After Adams insisted that there ’ s no need to panic , Tapper then asked him to respond to White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow ’ s and counselor Kellyanne Conway ’ s claims that the coronavirus is largely “ contained.
” “ Well , this is a novel virus .
It ’ s a new situation .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Adams said , before saying that “ the first thing you want to try to do is contain the virus ” and that some parts of the country have contained it .
Later on in the interview , Tapper asked Adams about the coronavirus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship and President Trump considering keeping it off the coast of California .
“ I understand you don ’ t want to get into politics , but can you assure the American people that decisions are not being made just because the President wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to helping Americans ?
” Tapper asked , before classifying Trump ’ s consideration as “ a public relations decision ” and not a medical one .
Adams responded that based on his experience of being on the task force for about a week-and-a-half , “ the medical input is taken ” and that “ our voices are in no way , shape or form suppressed.
” Adams also fielded questions regarding the administration ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak on CBS ’ Face the Nation Sunday morning .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been slow to respond to the virus , Adams reiterated how it ’ s focusing on mitigation now despite its initial containment-focused approach .
“ Well , containment worked to slow the introduction of the virus and gave people time to prepare , and now we know that communities need to look at how we deal with community spread and things such as social distancing , not having large gatherings , pulling down events , ” Adams said .
“ Those are conversations that communities need to be having right now .
@

Surgeon General and coronavirus task force member Jerome Adams struggled to justify the Trump administration’s claims that the coronavirus is contained during Sunday morning TV appearances.
When CNN’s Jake Tapper mentioned the influx of coronavirus case reports in the past 48 hours — citing cases in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Nebraska, South Carolina, Hawaii, Utah, Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, Vermont and Washington D.C. — Adams responded that coronavirus is “absolutely” spreading.
Adams added that despite the administration initially having a “posture of containment,” it is now “shifting into a mitigation phase,” which he described as “helping communities understand, you’re going to see more cases” and “more deaths.”
After Adams insisted that there’s no need to panic, Tapper then asked him to respond to White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow’s and counselor Kellyanne Conway’s claims that the coronavirus is largely “contained.”
“Well, this is a novel virus. It’s a new situation. And the messaging, quite frankly, is hard,” Adams said, before saying that “the first thing you want to try to do is contain the virus” and that some parts of the country have contained it.
Later on in the interview, Tapper asked Adams about the coronavirus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship and President Trump considering keeping it off the coast of California.
“I understand you don’t want to get into politics, but can you assure the American people that decisions are not being made just because the President wants to keep the numbers low, as opposed to helping Americans?” Tapper asked, before classifying Trump’s consideration as “a public relations decision” and not a medical one.
Adams responded that based on his experience of being on the task force for about a week-and-a-half, “the medical input is taken” and that “our voices are in no way, shape or form suppressed.”
Watch Adams’ remarks on CNN below:
Surgeon General Jerome Adams responds to Trump administration officials claiming that coronavirus has been contained pic.twitter.com/4QGTGTMm78 — Talking Points Memo (@TPM) March 8, 2020
Adams also fielded questions regarding the administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak on CBS’ Face the Nation Sunday morning.
When asked to respond to criticism that the administration has been slow to respond to the virus, Adams reiterated how it’s focusing on mitigation now despite its initial containment-focused approach.
“Well, containment worked to slow the introduction of the virus and gave people time to prepare, and now we know that communities need to look at how we deal with community spread and things such as social distancing, not having large gatherings, pulling down events,” Adams said. “Those are conversations that communities need to be having right now.”
Watch Adams’ remarks on CBS below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-08--Carson Refuses To ‘Preview’ Plan For Coronavirus-Stricken Cruise Ship

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson wouldn ’ t go into details about the Trump administration ’ s plan upon the docking of the Grand Princess cruise ship in Oakland , California during an interview on ABC News Sunday morning .
On Friday , Vice President Mike Pence said during a coronavirus task force press briefing that 21 people aboard the ship tested positive for the coronavirus , which include 19 crew members and two passengers .
When pressed by ABC News ’ George Stephanopolous regarding the administration ’ s plan to deal with the 3,500 people on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the administration ’ s coronavirus task force — responded that Pence met with the CEOs of major cruise ship companies Saturday and that “ they are coming up with a plan within 72 hours of that meeting.
” Stephanopolous then pointed out that the ship is docking tomorrow , prompting Carson to say that “ the plan will be in place by that time ” but that he doesn ’ t “ want to preview the plan right now.
” “ Shouldn ’ t you be able to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded that he thinks “ it needs to all come from a solitary source.
” “ We shouldn ’ t have 16 people saying what the plan is particularly when it hasn ’ t been fully formulated , ” Carson said .

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson wouldn’t go into details about the Trump administration’s plan upon the docking of the Grand Princess cruise ship in Oakland, California during an interview on ABC News Sunday morning.
On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence said during a coronavirus task force press briefing that 21 people aboard the ship tested positive for the coronavirus, which include 19 crew members and two passengers.
When pressed by ABC News’ George Stephanopolous regarding the administration’s plan to deal with the 3,500 people on board the ship, Carson — who is a member of the administration’s coronavirus task force — responded that Pence met with the CEOs of major cruise ship companies Saturday and that “they are coming up with a plan within 72 hours of that meeting.”
Stephanopolous then pointed out that the ship is docking tomorrow, prompting Carson to say that “the plan will be in place by that time” but that he doesn’t “want to preview the plan right now.”
“Shouldn’t you be able to do that?” Stephanopolous asked Carson.
Carson responded that he thinks “it needs to all come from a solitary source.”
“We shouldn’t have 16 people saying what the plan is particularly when it hasn’t been fully formulated,” Carson said.
Watch Carson’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--An Awful Lot Of Things Would Have To Go Sanders’ Way For Him To Win Michigan

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) cancelled a rally in Jackson , Mississippi scheduled for Friday , opting to try and shore up Michigan instead .
He was likely reacting to the strong headwinds steering the race since former Vice President Joe Biden came roaring back to the front of the pack with decisive wins in South Carolina and on Super Tuesday .
But in Michigan , there were signs Sanders was competitive , or better .
Polling in the state has been sparse , but a YouGov poll from mid-February found the democratic socialist 9 points ahead .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and reversed .
Michigan State Associate Professor of Political Science Matt Grossmann estimates that Biden is “ slightly ahead and growing in the wake of Super Tuesday.
” A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll published Tuesday shows Biden at 29 percent to Sanders ’ 22.5 , though that poll was put in the field before former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) dropped out .
That poll is part of Biden ’ s upswing in the state , which has been apparent since right after Super Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President had been steadily cratering until Sanders finally surpassed him in mid-February .
As of Sunday evening , Biden held seven-point lead in FiveThirtyEight ’ s polling average : 37.8 percent to 30.1 .
But the newly free supporters of candidates who dropped out one after another , and very quickly , will factor in to Tuesday ’ s outcome as well .
Pollster Richard Czuba of the Glengariff Group , based in Lansing , told TPM that based on recent polling by his firm , he expects Sanders will get 42 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 percent will go to Biden .
While Warren ’ s supporters could mean a Sanders bump , he noted , Biden will also be cleaning up with Bloomberg ’ s supporters .
That ’ s significant because Warren was only pulling about 7 percent of respondents ; Bloomberg had over ten percent .
For Grossmann , the redistribution of voters will ultimately be determined by how Warren ’ s supporters choose to vote : in line with their ideologies , or their demographics .
“ The basic dynamic is that Warren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more liberal than Sanders ’ .
I expect if people are voting along that dimension , they may go Sanders , ” he said .
“ But her demographic coalition is exactly the same one that is moving Biden : more white suburbanites , more women , more educated voters.
” Sanders isn ’ t leaving it all up to chance .
Since Biden started picking up a head of steam , Sanders has been running ads in the state to target the former Vice President on social security and free trade agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an impact , said political consultant Mark Grebner , who runs his firm out of Lansing .
“ 1.3 million , 1.4 million people will vote in this Democratic primary and a million of those are the most usual suspects you ’ ve ever seen in your life : 50 , 60 , 70 year old , well-established Democratic voters , ” he said .
A recent poll from the Glengariff Group shows that Biden fares particularly well with older Democrats , a trend in Super Tuesday states as well .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 53.3 percent of respondents in the 50 to 64 category have a favorable impression of the senator , while 52 percent of those 65 and older do .
Those numbers pale , though , in comparison to Biden ’ s favorability with those groups : 68.1 percent and 84.3 percent , respectively .
In order to win now , Grebner told TPM , Sanders will have to cobble together factions in numbers that just aren ’ t there .
“ He ’ d have to add several hundred union workers , stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn out more college kids and scrape together 650,000 votes ?
Good luck , ” Grebner said .
“ I wouldn ’ t bet on it.
” However , Sanders has upset expectations before .
In 2016 , polls projected Hillary Clinton winning by double digit margins , until Sanders ultimately won the state by 1.5 points .
FiveThirtyEight ’ s Editor in Chief Nate Silver called it “ among the greatest polling errors in primary history.
” But some of the factors that helped Sanders bamboozle the world of statisticians may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time around .
Grossmann identified two key points : there is no contested Republican primary , and Sanders has lost ground with rural white voters .
In 2016 , the Republican primary was seen as the last chance to stop President Donald Trump .
The Democratic nomination , meanwhile was considered a foregone conclusion .
So , Grossman contended , some Clinton voters crossed over to vote in a race that seemed more contentious , allowing Sanders to take the lead .
This year , there is only one one race that counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sanders has seemed to lose ground with rural , less educated voters and to gain Latinos .
While “ that was okay on Super Tuesday in California and Texas , ” it ’ s a “ horrible trade in Michigan.
” “ We ’ re only 3 percent Latino , ” Grossmann said .
“ We have a large white working class.
” And finally , in a race that ’ s been all about momentum , there may simply not be enough time for Sanders to expand his base before election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started back on January 25 , but Michigan allows voters to “ spoil ” their ballots .
Per the Detroit News , Biden is leading Sanders in absentee ballots already cast .

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) cancelled a rally in Jackson, Mississippi scheduled for Friday, opting to try and shore up Michigan instead.
He was likely reacting to the strong headwinds steering the race since former Vice President Joe Biden came roaring back to the front of the pack with decisive wins in South Carolina and on Super Tuesday.
But in Michigan, there were signs Sanders was competitive, or better. Polling in the state has been sparse, but a YouGov poll from mid-February found the democratic socialist 9 points ahead.
Since then, trends have mirrored those nationwide, and reversed.
Michigan State Associate Professor of Political Science Matt Grossmann estimates that Biden is “slightly ahead and growing in the wake of Super Tuesday.”
A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll published Tuesday shows Biden at 29 percent to Sanders’ 22.5, though that poll was put in the field before former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) dropped out.
That poll is part of Biden’s upswing in the state, which has been apparent since right after Super Tuesday. Before that, the former Vice President had been steadily cratering until Sanders finally surpassed him in mid-February. As of Sunday evening, Biden held seven-point lead in FiveThirtyEight’s polling average: 37.8 percent to 30.1.
But the newly free supporters of candidates who dropped out one after another, and very quickly, will factor in to Tuesday’s outcome as well. Pollster Richard Czuba of the Glengariff Group, based in Lansing, told TPM that based on recent polling by his firm, he expects Sanders will get 42 percent of Warren’s support, and 25 percent will go to Biden.
While Warren’s supporters could mean a Sanders bump, he noted, Biden will also be cleaning up with Bloomberg’s supporters. That’s significant because Warren was only pulling about 7 percent of respondents; Bloomberg had over ten percent.
For Grossmann, the redistribution of voters will ultimately be determined by how Warren’s supporters choose to vote: in line with their ideologies, or their demographics.
“The basic dynamic is that Warren’s coalition is very liberal — even more liberal than Sanders’. I expect if people are voting along that dimension, they may go Sanders,” he said.
“But her demographic coalition is exactly the same one that is moving Biden: more white suburbanites, more women, more educated voters.”
Sanders isn’t leaving it all up to chance. Since Biden started picking up a head of steam, Sanders has been running ads in the state to target the former Vice President on social security and free trade agreements. But it may not have much of an impact, said political consultant Mark Grebner, who runs his firm out of Lansing.
“1.3 million, 1.4 million people will vote in this Democratic primary and a million of those are the most usual suspects you’ve ever seen in your life: 50, 60, 70 year old, well-established Democratic voters,” he said.
A recent poll from the Glengariff Group shows that Biden fares particularly well with older Democrats, a trend in Super Tuesday states as well. While Sanders’ favorables dip with older groups, 53.3 percent of respondents in the 50 to 64 category have a favorable impression of the senator, while 52 percent of those 65 and older do.
Those numbers pale, though, in comparison to Biden’s favorability with those groups: 68.1 percent and 84.3 percent, respectively.
In order to win now, Grebner told TPM, Sanders will have to cobble together factions in numbers that just aren’t there.
“He’d have to add several hundred union workers, stop getting killed with people above 60, turn out more college kids and scrape together 650,000 votes? Good luck,” Grebner said. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”
However, Sanders has upset expectations before. In 2016, polls projected Hillary Clinton winning by double digit margins, until Sanders ultimately won the state by 1.5 points. FiveThirtyEight’s Editor in Chief Nate Silver called it “among the greatest polling errors in primary history.”
But some of the factors that helped Sanders bamboozle the world of statisticians may not fall so neatly into his column this time around.
Grossmann identified two key points: there is no contested Republican primary, and Sanders has lost ground with rural white voters.
In 2016, the Republican primary was seen as the last chance to stop President Donald Trump. The Democratic nomination, meanwhile was considered a foregone conclusion. So, Grossman contended, some Clinton voters crossed over to vote in a race that seemed more contentious, allowing Sanders to take the lead.
This year, there is only one one race that counts.
Grossmann also noted that in 2020, Sanders has seemed to lose ground with rural, less educated voters and to gain Latinos. While “that was okay on Super Tuesday in California and Texas,” it’s a “horrible trade in Michigan.”
“We’re only 3 percent Latino,” Grossmann said. “We have a large white working class.”
And finally, in a race that’s been all about momentum, there may simply not be enough time for Sanders to expand his base before election day on March 10. Early voting started back on January 25, but Michigan allows voters to “spoil” their ballots. Per the Detroit News, Biden is leading Sanders in absentee ballots already cast.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--Pence Doesn’t Know If Trump Has Been Tested For Coronavirus

Vice President Mike Pence couldn ’ t confirm whether President Trump has been tested for coronavirus during a task force briefing at the White House Monday .
After telling reporters that he has not been tested for the coronavirus , Pence was asked about whether Trump has been tested .
Pence responded that he ’ ll be “ sure to get you an answer to that.
” “ I honestly don ’ t know answer to the question , but we ’ ll refer that question and we will get you an answer from the White House physician very quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two days , Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) , Rep. Paul Gosar ( R-AZ ) , Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) and Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) announced that they were self-quarantining after coming in contact with an attendee at the Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC ) less than two weeks ago who later tested positive for coronavirus .
In recent days , Collins and Gaetz were also in contact with Trump , with Gaetz flying on Air Force One and riding in the President ’ s car @ @ @

Vice President Mike Pence couldn’t confirm whether President Trump has been tested for coronavirus during a task force briefing at the White House Monday.
After telling reporters that he has not been tested for the coronavirus, Pence was asked about whether Trump has been tested.
Pence responded that he’ll be “sure to get you an answer to that.”
“I honestly don’t know answer to the question, but we’ll refer that question and we will get you an answer from the White House physician very quickly,” Pence said.
Over the past two days, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) announced that they were self-quarantining after coming in contact with an attendee at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) less than two weeks ago who later tested positive for coronavirus.
In recent days, Collins and Gaetz were also in contact with Trump, with Gaetz flying on Air Force One and riding in the President’s car earlier Monday.
Watch Pence’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--Disgraced Televangelist Jim Bakker Warned By FDA For Hawking Coronavirus Snake Oil

Disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker wants you to know that , as long as you ’ ve got his branded “ Silver Solution ” on your side , the novel coronavirus epidemic sweeping the globe doesn ’ t stand a chance .
If only those pesky federal regulators hadn ’ t gotten in the way !
Bakker , a once-mainstream Evangelical disgraced by a sex scandal and a fraud conviction , is now best known for his relentless merchandizing , including with his buckets of freeze-dried food .
And with viewers ’ virus concerns peaking last month , he recently took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silver Solution.
” “ This influenza that is now circling the globe , you ’ re saying that Silver Solution would be effective ?
” Bakker asked the naturopathic doctor Sherrill Sellman on his Feb. 12 show , holding up a bottle of the product .
Silver Solution hadn ’ t been tested on the current strain of the coronavirus , Sellman responded , but “ it has been tested on other strains of the coronavirus , and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours .
Totally eliminates it , kills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same episode , Sellman said of the product , “ it has been proven by the government that it has the ability to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on , including SARS and HIV.
” The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission told the Jim Bakker show Friday that that pitch , and several others , had crossed the line .
“ You should take immediate action to correct the violations cited in this letter , ” officials from the agencies wrote to Bakker ’ s show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The claims cited above are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence , ” the regulators added later .
“ You must immediately cease making all such claims.
” New York Attorney General Leticia James also warned Bakker to stop selling the snake-oil cures in a March 3 letter .
The FTC and the FDA sent similar warnings to six other companies that falsely advertised an assortment of natural and herbal remedies , dietary supplements and colloidal silver as effective against coronavirus .
Bakker ’ s show didn ’ t respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But representatives of three companies that received warnings — Vital Silver , GuruNanda LLC and Herbal Amy Inc. — told TPM they ’ d removed statements from their websites with which regulators had taken issue .
The FTC could take enforcement action against companies that continue to market “ scam ” treatments , FTC Chairman Joe Simons said in a statement .

Disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker wants you to know that, as long as you’ve got his branded “Silver Solution” on your side, the novel coronavirus epidemic sweeping the globe doesn’t stand a chance. If only those pesky federal regulators hadn’t gotten in the way!
Bakker, a once-mainstream Evangelical disgraced by a sex scandal and a fraud conviction, is now best known for his relentless merchandizing, including with his buckets of freeze-dried food.
And with viewers’ virus concerns peaking last month, he recently took to marketing a miracle cure: “Silver Solution.”
“This influenza that is now circling the globe, you’re saying that Silver Solution would be effective?” Bakker asked the naturopathic doctor Sherrill Sellman on his Feb. 12 show, holding up a bottle of the product.
Silver Solution hadn’t been tested on the current strain of the coronavirus, Sellman responded, but “it has been tested on other strains of the coronavirus, and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours. Totally eliminates it, kills it, deactivates it.”
The Jim Bakker Show is suggesting that the silver solution it sells can kill the coronavirus within 12 hours. pic.twitter.com/kbUGnUp69m — Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) February 12, 2020
Elsewhere on the same episode, Sellman said of the product, “it has been proven by the government that it has the ability to kill every pathogen it has ever been tested on, including SARS and HIV.”
The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission told the Jim Bakker show Friday that that pitch, and several others, had crossed the line.
“You should take immediate action to correct the violations cited in this letter,” officials from the agencies wrote to Bakker’s show in a letter dated March 6.
“The claims cited above are not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence,” the regulators added later. “You must immediately cease making all such claims.”
New York Attorney General Leticia James also warned Bakker to stop selling the snake-oil cures in a March 3 letter.
The FTC and the FDA sent similar warnings to six other companies that falsely advertised an assortment of natural and herbal remedies, dietary supplements and colloidal silver as effective against coronavirus.
Bakker’s show didn’t respond to TPM’s request for comment. But representatives of three companies that received warnings — Vital Silver, GuruNanda LLC and Herbal Amy Inc. — told TPM they’d removed statements from their websites with which regulators had taken issue.
The FTC could take enforcement action against companies that continue to market “scam” treatments, FTC Chairman Joe Simons said in a statement.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--WATCH LIVE: Trump Expected To Speak At Coronavirus Press Briefing

US President Donald Trump holds a news conference with members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC @ @ @ @ @ at the White House on February 26 , 2020 .
- Trump defended his administrat @ @ @ @ @ holds a news conference with members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( @ @ @ @ @ outbreak at the White House on February 26 , 2020 .
- Trump defended his @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus .
( Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP ) ( Photo by ANDREW @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump holds a news conference with members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 outbreak at the White House on February 26, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLD...
President Donald Trump holds a news conference with members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 outbreak at the White House on February 26, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
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talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--Pelosi Says ‘There’s No Reason’ To Change House Schedule Over Coronavirus

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) doesn ’ t foresee the closure of the Capitol amid an increase in @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill Monday , Pelosi repeatedly said “ no ” @ @ @ @ @ Capitol will be closed off for a period of time to visitors .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ plans to change the House ’ s schedule , Pelosi responded that “ at this @ @ @ @ @ no reason to do so ” but that it ’ s not her decision .
@ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) urged in a letter to the Trump @ @ @ @ @ leave requirements for workers impacted by COVID-19 .
“ In light of reports that the @ @ @ @ @ tax cuts for major corporations impacted by the coronavirus , we are demanding that the @ @ @ @ @ safety of American workers and their families over corporate interests , ” Pelosi and Schumer @ @ @ @ @ .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) doesn’t foresee the closure of the Capitol amid an increase in coronavirus cases across the country.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill Monday, Pelosi repeatedly said “no” when asked about whether the Capitol will be closed off for a period of time to visitors.
When asked about whether she has any plans to change the House’s schedule, Pelosi responded that “at this time, there’s no reason to do so” but that it’s not her decision.
“It’s a security and health decision,” Pelosi said.
On Sunday, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urged in a letter to the Trump administration to issue paid sick leave requirements for workers impacted by COVID-19.
“In light of reports that the Trump administration is considering new tax cuts for major corporations impacted by the coronavirus, we are demanding that the administration prioritize the health and safety of American workers and their families over corporate interests,” Pelosi and Schumer wrote in the letter Sunday.
Watch Pelosi’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--Several Newsrooms Asking Reporters Who Covered CPAC To Self-Quarantine

The Washington Post , Politico and other news outlets are asking the journalists who reported on this year ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC ) to self-quarantine after news emerged of at least one CPAC attendee who tested positive for COVID-19 .
Per internal memos obtained by the Washingtonian , higher-ups at the Post , Politico , Mother Jones and the Daily Beast all requested on Monday that those reporters who covered the four-day conference a little over a week ago work from home .
The Post and Politico ’ s memos both state that the outlets had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abundance of caution.
” “ Self-quarantine of well individuals who may have been exposed is simply a precautionary measure that helps mitigate spread of the virus and is a step that we will continue moving forward , ” the Politico memo said .
The memos were sent out after Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) and Rep. Paul Gozar ( R-AZ ) announced they were self-quarantining after having shaken hands with an individual at CPAC who was later found to have the coronavirus .
On Saturday , CPAC chair Matt Schlapp disclosed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made contact with the infected person at the conference but that he himself has not experienced symptoms .
The Post noted that on the last day of CPAC , Schlapp had shaken President Donald Trump ’ s hand .

The Washington Post, Politico and other news outlets are asking the journalists who reported on this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) to self-quarantine after news emerged of at least one CPAC attendee who tested positive for COVID-19.
Per internal memos obtained by the Washingtonian, higher-ups at the Post, Politico, Mother Jones and the Daily Beast all requested on Monday that those reporters who covered the four-day conference a little over a week ago work from home.
The Post and Politico’s memos both state that the outlets had made the decisions “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Self-quarantine of well individuals who may have been exposed is simply a precautionary measure that helps mitigate spread of the virus and is a step that we will continue moving forward,” the Politico memo said.
The memos were sent out after Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Paul Gozar (R-AZ) announced they were self-quarantining after having shaken hands with an individual at CPAC who was later found to have the coronavirus.
On Saturday, CPAC chair Matt Schlapp disclosed to the Washington Post that he had also made contact with the infected person at the conference but that he himself has not experienced symptoms. The Post noted that on the last day of CPAC, Schlapp had shaken President Donald Trump’s hand.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-03-09--Biden Wishes Trump ‘Would Just Be Quiet’ About Coronavirus

Former Vice President Joe Biden aired his grievances with President Trump ’ s coronavirus response during an interview that aired on MSNBC Monday morning .
When asked by MSNBC ’ s Laurence O ’ Donnell about whether he believes that the recent stock market plunge is a reaction to the markets realizing that Trump does not tell the truth about the situation , Biden replied that he “ believes that ’ s the case.
” “ Now , it doesn ’ t mean the market wouldn ’ t still go down , but it wouldn ’ t collapse , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Biden then argued that “ there ’ s no confidence ” in the President in terms of “ anything he says or does.
” “ He turns everything into what he thinks is a political benefit for himself and he ’ s actually imploding in the process , ” Biden said , before mentioning how “ there ’ s a lot of innocent bystanders that are being badly hurt ” by Trump ’ s coronavirus rhetoric .
Biden added that he wishes Trump to “ would just be quiet.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ That ’ s an awful thing to say about a president , but to be quiet — just let the experts speak and acknowledge whatever they suggest to him is what we should be doing.
” Biden ’ s latest remarks were aired just hours after Trump tweeted Monday morning that the novel coronavirus epidemic is comparable to the seasonal flu — a comparison that public health experts and doctors have said for weeks minimizes the danger posed by the coronavirus ’ global spread .

Former Vice President Joe Biden aired his grievances with President Trump’s coronavirus response during an interview that aired on MSNBC Monday morning.
When asked by MSNBC’s Laurence O’Donnell about whether he believes that the recent stock market plunge is a reaction to the markets realizing that Trump does not tell the truth about the situation, Biden replied that he “believes that’s the case.”
“Now, it doesn’t mean the market wouldn’t still go down, but it wouldn’t collapse, I don’t think,” Biden said.
Biden then argued that “there’s no confidence” in the President in terms of “anything he says or does.”
“He turns everything into what he thinks is a political benefit for himself and he’s actually imploding in the process,” Biden said, before mentioning how “there’s a lot of innocent bystanders that are being badly hurt” by Trump’s coronavirus rhetoric.
Biden added that he wishes Trump to “would just be quiet.”
“I really mean it,” Biden said. “That’s an awful thing to say about a president, but to be quiet — just let the experts speak and acknowledge whatever they suggest to him is what we should be doing.”
Biden’s latest remarks were aired just hours after Trump tweeted Monday morning that the novel coronavirus epidemic is comparable to the seasonal flu — a comparison that public health experts and doctors have said for weeks minimizes the danger posed by the coronavirus’ global spread.
Watch Biden’s remarks below: