hotair--2020-10-02--After testing positive, what's next for the Trumps, the election, and the country?

The first question that crossed my mind when I awoke to the shocking news that the President had tested positive for COVID-19 was how a renowned germaphobe like Donald Trump had contracted it in the first place .
But this is the reality we ’ re dealing with now and there ’ s nothing that ’ s going to change the diagnosis .
So what happens next ?
I ’ m not going to join in with those who are taking an overly optimistic view .
We should be realists in this moment .
The good news is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best medical care on the planet , so if anyone could be considered to have a positive outlook , President Trump would be counted among them .
But at the same time , we know that he ’ s in the age group that ’ s considered most at risk for being seriously affected and the virus is notoriously fickle in terms of who it strikes the hardest and who shrugs it off with few ill effects beyond the symptoms associated with a mild case of the flu .
We ’ ll know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last night , Ed and John considered some of the possible implications .
It ’ s impossible to consider this development without wondering what impact if any , it will have on the election .
My first reaction was to think it would be minimal .
Trump ’ s avid supporters aren ’ t going to bail out on him just because he ’ s fallen ill and his detractors are highly unlikely to suddenly toss him a sympathy vote because of this news .
But there are still plenty of generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are already voting ) who might be persuadable in either direction .
It ’ s conceivable that some of them may not feel as confident handing another term to someone who is potentially facing an imminent health crisis .
For that group of voters , the result will likely depend heavily on how the President ’ s body responds to the virus .
As we ’ ve seen all around the world , it ’ s entirely possible that Trump will be one of the asymptomatic people who are ready to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
But it ’ s equally possible that 32 days from now he could be on a ventilator .
The First Lady is considerably younger and always seems to be in excellent physical shape , so hopefully , she ’ ll shake it off more easily .
But it ’ s not logical to pretend that this news won ’ t have any impact on the election results .
While much of the nation prays for the president , the usual vultures began circling immediately .
One of the more execrable responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulwark .
I won ’ t dignify his evil remarks by quoting him here , but it was really offensive .
Others were quick to try to turn the news to their political advantage by suggesting that the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings should be canceled .
By contrast , one of the most far-left voices in the country offered up some of the kindest comments imaginable after the announcement .
No matter what happens , we ’ re going to get through this as a country .
If the President is seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of invoking the 25th Amendment and handing the reins to Mike Pence during his convalescence .
( That strikes me as unlikely , but at least he has the option . )
Either way , our government – and our nation – will continue moving forward .
God bless the President and the First Lady .
May they , Ms. Hicks , and everyone else struck by this disease experience a rapid and complete recovery .

The first question that crossed my mind when I awoke to the shocking news that the President had tested positive for COVID-19 was how a renowned germaphobe like Donald Trump had contracted it in the first place. But this is the reality we’re dealing with now and there’s nothing that’s going to change the diagnosis. So what happens next?
I’m not going to join in with those who are taking an overly optimistic view. We should be realists in this moment. The good news is that the President has access to some of the best medical care on the planet, so if anyone could be considered to have a positive outlook, President Trump would be counted among them. But at the same time, we know that he’s in the age group that’s considered most at risk for being seriously affected and the virus is notoriously fickle in terms of who it strikes the hardest and who shrugs it off with few ill effects beyond the symptoms associated with a mild case of the flu. We’ll know soon enough, I’m sure.
Last night, Ed and John considered some of the possible implications. It’s impossible to consider this development without wondering what impact if any, it will have on the election. My first reaction was to think it would be minimal. Trump’s avid supporters aren’t going to bail out on him just because he’s fallen ill and his detractors are highly unlikely to suddenly toss him a sympathy vote because of this news. But there are still plenty of generally disengaged people who will be voting (or are already voting) who might be persuadable in either direction. It’s conceivable that some of them may not feel as confident handing another term to someone who is potentially facing an imminent health crisis.
For that group of voters, the result will likely depend heavily on how the President’s body responds to the virus. As we’ve seen all around the world, it’s entirely possible that Trump will be one of the asymptomatic people who are ready to get back to business in a couple of weeks. But it’s equally possible that 32 days from now he could be on a ventilator. The First Lady is considerably younger and always seems to be in excellent physical shape, so hopefully, she’ll shake it off more easily. But it’s not logical to pretend that this news won’t have any impact on the election results.
While much of the nation prays for the president, the usual vultures began circling immediately. One of the more execrable responses came from NeverTrumper Tim Miller at the Bulwark. I won’t dignify his evil remarks by quoting him here, but it was really offensive. Others were quick to try to turn the news to their political advantage by suggesting that the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings should be canceled.
By contrast, one of the most far-left voices in the country offered up some of the kindest comments imaginable after the announcement.
God bless the president and the first lady. If you pray, please pray for their speedy and complete recovery — and for everyone infected, everywhere. This virus is horrific and merciless — no one would wish its wrath on anyone. We must get its spread under control. Enough. — Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) October 2, 2020
No matter what happens, we’re going to get through this as a country. If the President is seriously affected, he always has the option of invoking the 25th Amendment and handing the reins to Mike Pence during his convalescence. (That strikes me as unlikely, but at least he has the option.) Either way, our government – and our nation – will continue moving forward. God bless the President and the First Lady. May they, Ms. Hicks, and everyone else struck by this disease experience a rapid and complete recovery.


hotair--2020-10-01--<span class='red'>Breaking: Trump to quarantine after Hicks tests positive for COVID-19 Update: Trum

Breaking: Trump to quarantine after Hicks tests positive for COVID-19 Update: Trump and First Lady test positive

Update ( John ) : Here it is directly from President Trump .
And from the First Lady : The reactions to this on Twitter run the gamut from sincere prayers and wishes for Trump ’ s speedy recovery to a lot of replies hoping for quite the opposite .
One of the things I ’ m seeing a surprising amount of right now is people suggesting we need confirmation of the diagnosis .
I ’ m not sure where that ’ s coming from but it feels like some people are eager to launch a new conspiracy theory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a memorandum , the president ’ s physician said that the president and first lady “ are both well at this time ” and “ plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.
” “ Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering , ” he added… Trump is not the only major world leader known to have contracted the virus .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent a week in the hospital , including three nights in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched around the clock by medical workers .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel self-isolated after a doctor who gave her a vaccination tested positive for the virus , and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau worked from home after his wife fell ill .
It sounds like the president is asymptomatic so far which is the silver lining to this bad news .
Hopefully that ’ s a sign this is going to be a mild case .
Bad news from the White House , and especially for Hope Hicks .
Bloomberg reported tonight that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 , necessitating contact tracing at the highest levels .
Trump confirmed it on Fox News tonight , and announced on Twitter that he and the First Lady would begin a quarantine .
The Trumps have not gotten their test results as yet , however : Trump confirmed it on Sean Hannity ’ s show tonight .
The conversation starts at just past the seven-minute mark : President Donald Trump said that he would begin self-quarantine while waiting for coronavirus test results after Hope Hicks , one of his closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ She did test positive .
I just heard about this , ” Trump said in an interview Thursday night on Fox News , about two hours after Bloomberg News first reported Hicks ’ s positive test .
Later , in a tweet , the president said that he and First Lady Melania Trump had been tested for the virus and were waiting on the results .
“ In the meantime , we will begin our quarantine process !
” It was unclear from the president ’ s tweet whether that meant he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An official White House schedule released less than an hour earlier still listed his plans to meet with supporters in Washington on Friday , then fly to Florida for a campaign rally near Orlando .
Hicks traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One to and from the presidential debate in Cleveland on Tuesday and to a Minnesota rally on Wednesday .
She felt poorly in Minnesota and quarantined aboard the presidential plane on the way home , according to people familiar with the matter .
First , of course we hope for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uneventful quarantine and/or recovery .
Ms. Hicks will undoubtedly be missed during her convalescence .
The White House will assuredly do the proper contact tracing , and hopefully everyone who might have been exposed will be notified and quarantined properly .
Politically , this is a curve ball for Trump .
He will undoubtedly get sympathy for his situation from supporters ; his critics will not wait long to claim vindication about their warnings regarding mass rallies , personal appearances , and so on .
Trump ’ s attempts to talk down those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which won ’ t do much to help Trump on one of his bigger vulnerabilities in this election .
It ’ s a tough time to get knocked off the campaign trail , too .
Trump had hoped to keep pressing in order to maintain that energy advantage over Joe Biden ; now he will be limited to the same kind of Zoom calls that Biden ’ s been using for the last several months .
Unless Trump actually gets sick , that just evens out the playing field a bit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by staying on the road , even if he doesn ’ t have to quarantine ?
Or will he decide to stay close to play it safe for continuity-of-government reasons ?
These are legitimate concerns , although they ’ re not the highest priority concerns .
Prayers for everyone impacted , and hopefully everyone will emerge healthy and strong for the final weeks of the campaign .
For now , the top task is to stay healthy .

Update (John): Here it is directly from President Trump.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1311892190680014849
And from the First Lady:
As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together. — Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) October 2, 2020
The reactions to this on Twitter run the gamut from sincere prayers and wishes for Trump’s speedy recovery to a lot of replies hoping for quite the opposite. One of the things I’m seeing a surprising amount of right now is people suggesting we need confirmation of the diagnosis. I’m not sure where that’s coming from but it feels like some people are eager to launch a new conspiracy theory.
A bit more from the AP:
In a memorandum, the president’s physician said that the president and first lady “are both well at this time” and “plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.” “Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering,” he added… Trump is not the only major world leader known to have contracted the virus. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent a week in the hospital, including three nights in intensive care, where he was given oxygen and watched around the clock by medical workers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel self-isolated after a doctor who gave her a vaccination tested positive for the virus, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau worked from home after his wife fell ill.
It sounds like the president is asymptomatic so far which is the silver lining to this bad news. Hopefully that’s a sign this is going to be a mild case.
[End update]
Bad news from the White House, and especially for Hope Hicks. Bloomberg reported tonight that Donald Trump’s close aide has tested positive for COVID-19, necessitating contact tracing at the highest levels. Trump confirmed it on Fox News tonight, and announced on Twitter that he and the First Lady would begin a quarantine. The Trumps have not gotten their test results as yet, however:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1311859538279239686
https://twitter.com/hwdarlington3/status/1311862833634832384
Trump confirmed it on Sean Hannity’s show tonight. The conversation starts at just past the seven-minute mark:
President Donald Trump said that he would begin self-quarantine while waiting for coronavirus test results after Hope Hicks, one of his closest aides, tested positive for Covid-19. “She did test positive. I just heard about this,” Trump said in an interview Thursday night on Fox News, about two hours after Bloomberg News first reported Hicks’s positive test. Later, in a tweet, the president said that he and First Lady Melania Trump had been tested for the virus and were waiting on the results. “In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!” It was unclear from the president’s tweet whether that meant he planned to halt campaigning for re-election. An official White House schedule released less than an hour earlier still listed his plans to meet with supporters in Washington on Friday, then fly to Florida for a campaign rally near Orlando. Hicks traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One to and from the presidential debate in Cleveland on Tuesday and to a Minnesota rally on Wednesday. She felt poorly in Minnesota and quarantined aboard the presidential plane on the way home, according to people familiar with the matter.
First, of course we hope for the best and wish everyone a speedy and uneventful quarantine and/or recovery. Ms. Hicks will undoubtedly be missed during her convalescence. The White House will assuredly do the proper contact tracing, and hopefully everyone who might have been exposed will be notified and quarantined properly.
Politically, this is a curve ball for Trump. He will undoubtedly get sympathy for his situation from supporters; his critics will not wait long to claim vindication about their warnings regarding mass rallies, personal appearances, and so on. Trump’s attempts to talk down those risks will get new scrutiny and criticism, which won’t do much to help Trump on one of his bigger vulnerabilities in this election.
It’s a tough time to get knocked off the campaign trail, too. Trump had hoped to keep pressing in order to maintain that energy advantage over Joe Biden; now he will be limited to the same kind of Zoom calls that Biden’s been using for the last several months. Unless Trump actually gets sick, that just evens out the playing field a bit. Will Mike Pence pick up the slack by staying on the road, even if he doesn’t have to quarantine? Or will he decide to stay close to play it safe for continuity-of-government reasons?
These are legitimate concerns, although they’re not the highest priority concerns. Prayers for everyone impacted, and hopefully everyone will emerge healthy and strong for the final weeks of the campaign. For now, the top task is to stay healthy.


hotair--2020-10-01--BET founder: "I will take the devil I know over the devil I don’t know any time of the week”

Robert Johnson , founder of Black Entertainment Television and a Democrat , was interviewed on CNBC ’ s Squawk Box Wednesday .
He is now a contributor to the cable channel .
The topic of the presidential debate was discussed and during that time , he was asked twice about his preference of the candidates .
The host asked Johnson not once but twice for whom he supports in the presidential race after he said , “ Where I come out as a businessman , I will take the devil I know over the devil I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fairly easy to assume that the devil he supports is the current president , right ?
Given some past remarks that Johnson has made publicly about President Trump ’ s handling of the national economy , pre-pandemic , Johnson ’ s meaning is clear .
The host asked twice if he is endorsing Trump .
He said it isn ’ t about endorsements but as a businessman , he doesn ’ t know how Biden would “ run the country.
” Johnson , when pressed , refused to outright endorse Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knows how the president will react to important issues of the day such as coronavirus and he does not have a handle on Biden would run the country .
“ I know what President Trump has done and what he ’ s said he will do .
I don ’ t know what Vice President Biden has said he will do other than masks , listen to the scientists , ” the 74-year-old Johnson said .
He suggested the coronavirus response should weigh the tradeoffs of “ pandemic safety ” versus “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebuke to the Biden candidacy by a very successful , savvy , black businessman .
He ’ s a Democrat megadonor and he supported Hillary in 2016 .
This is an admission by a Democrat that Biden ’ s 47 years in elected office do not inspire confidence in his ability to govern the country and handle the economy .
Johnson specifically pointed to the fact that voters “ haven ’ t been given clear and concise direction on why we should change horses in the middle of the river.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions , fiscal policy decisions , and monetary policy decisions that will be made in a different administration .
Given that Biden boasts about his job creation record during the Obama administration and how he was involved in all major policy decisions of the Obama administration , this is a slap in the face to Biden .
Johnson ’ s criticism of Biden is richly deserved .
Biden side-steps difficult questions about policy and is trying to stay in the good graces of moderate Democrats , the far-left , and Independent voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an impossible task .
The real problem with a career politician like Biden is that he has no core principled beliefs .
He goes with ideas that poll well .
He appeases the far-left because it was the only way to win the Democrat primary .
He had to agree to a manifesto from Bernie Sanders and his wing of the party , something Biden now denies .
He denies saying he ’ ll end fracking and supports the Green New Deal though he did both of those things while trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to alarm middle America now with the extent to which he has allowed the far-left to push him .
Joe Biden is a follower , not a leader .
Successful businessmen and women want a candidate who can show leadership ability .
In 2016 President Trump offered Johnson a seat in his cabinet but Johnson declined .
He didn ’ t do so over Trump ’ s politics but over the fact that he knew he couldn ’ t deal with all the government ’ s red tape .
Who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done well in de-regulating business restrictions and streamlining government bureaucracy .
As far as the debate went , Johnson said that the American people were the losers .
He went on to say it was a free-for-all and a wasted 90 minutes .
That is a common reaction from the rest of the general public , as it turns out .
Chris Wallace lost control after Biden began interrupting Trump , which he did after the first five minutes of the debate .
Biden began the bad behavior , not Trump .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , as they just tuned in to hear from the candidates and frankly , to see if Biden would survive throughout the entire 90 minutes .
So , Johnson says it ’ s best to stick with who you know .
“ What I had hoped he would do would be a reasonable , relaxed balance , if you will , in a debate where he would talk about specific policies , particularly as it impacts Black Americans , ” said Johnson , founder and chairman of investment firm The RLJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not from a racial injustice standpoint , Johnson reiterated that it ’ s better for corporate executives to know what they ’ re getting in a president rather trying to guess .
“ I would rather know who I ’ m going to deal with in the White House .
I ’ m going to know what regulatory decisions they ’ re going to make .
What fiscal policy decisions , what monetary policies they ’ re going to make than to be taking a chance , particularly when you have the turbulence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who in the past has been complimentary of Trump ’ s business-centric policies .
Asked specifically Wednesday about Trump not explicitly condemning White supremacist groups during the debate , Johnson pivoted his answer to the coronavirus pandemic and said he ’ s not confident either Biden or Trump could have taken different steps to significantly reduce the Covid-19 death total .
On the coronavirus , Biden has offered absolutely nothing different than what Trump has already done so it ’ s no wonder that Johnson doesn ’ t think either man would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance with pandemics , however , is a different story .
He handled both the Eboli pandemic and the H1N1 pandemic badly .
His own chief of staff said they just got lucky that more people didn ’ t die .
It wasn ’ t due to the Obama-Biden administration ’ s handling of the pandemics , just luck .
In 2019 Johnson was very complimentary about Trump ’ s handling of the economy .
He specifically mentioned the favorable atmosphere for African-Americans in Trump ’ s economy .
Before the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels across the board .
Employment levels of all demographics were at record levels .
Unemployment was at a historic low .
Small businesses were thriving and entrepreneurship was booming .
This record is no doubt why Johnson is sticking with Trump .
He has confidence that Trump will bring back the economy from the effects of the pandemic lockdowns .
There is no such confidence deserved for Biden .
He promises to raise taxes , do away with Trump ’ s tax cuts , devastate the already hurting energy sector , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a recipe for economic stagnation and decline , not expansion .
Johnson is on the record as saying the Democrat Party has gone too far left .
He also has encouraged African-Americans to not be locked into just one party .
He may not want to go on the record with a formal endorsement of President Trump – wink , wink – but his words speak loudly .

Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television and a Democrat, was interviewed on CNBC’s Squawk Box Wednesday. He is now a contributor to the cable channel. The topic of the presidential debate was discussed and during that time, he was asked twice about his preference of the candidates.
The host asked Johnson not once but twice for whom he supports in the presidential race after he said, “Where I come out as a businessman, I will take the devil I know over the devil I don’t know any time of the week.” It is fairly easy to assume that the devil he supports is the current president, right? Given some past remarks that Johnson has made publicly about President Trump’s handling of the national economy, pre-pandemic, Johnson’s meaning is clear. The host asked twice if he is endorsing Trump. He said it isn’t about endorsements but as a businessman, he doesn’t know how Biden would “run the country.”
Johnson, when pressed, refused to outright endorse Trump, instead saying as a longtime corporate executive he knows how the president will react to important issues of the day such as coronavirus and he does not have a handle on Biden would run the country. “I know what President Trump has done and what he’s said he will do. I don’t know what Vice President Biden has said he will do other than masks, listen to the scientists,” the 74-year-old Johnson said. He suggested the coronavirus response should weigh the tradeoffs of “pandemic safety” versus “economy growth.”
That is a devastating rebuke to the Biden candidacy by a very successful, savvy, black businessman. He’s a Democrat megadonor and he supported Hillary in 2016. This is an admission by a Democrat that Biden’s 47 years in elected office do not inspire confidence in his ability to govern the country and handle the economy. Johnson specifically pointed to the fact that voters “haven’t been given clear and concise direction on why we should change horses in the middle of the river.” He said he had no idea on the regulatory decisions, fiscal policy decisions, and monetary policy decisions that will be made in a different administration. Given that Biden boasts about his job creation record during the Obama administration and how he was involved in all major policy decisions of the Obama administration, this is a slap in the face to Biden.
Johnson’s criticism of Biden is richly deserved. Biden side-steps difficult questions about policy and is trying to stay in the good graces of moderate Democrats, the far-left, and Independent voters, too. He is failing because that is an impossible task. The real problem with a career politician like Biden is that he has no core principled beliefs. He goes with ideas that poll well. He appeases the far-left because it was the only way to win the Democrat primary. He had to agree to a manifesto from Bernie Sanders and his wing of the party, something Biden now denies. He denies saying he’ll end fracking and supports the Green New Deal though he did both of those things while trying to win the primary. He doesn’t want to alarm middle America now with the extent to which he has allowed the far-left to push him.
Joe Biden is a follower, not a leader. Successful businessmen and women want a candidate who can show leadership ability. In 2016 President Trump offered Johnson a seat in his cabinet but Johnson declined. He didn’t do so over Trump’s politics but over the fact that he knew he couldn’t deal with all the government’s red tape. Who can blame him for that? Trump has done well in de-regulating business restrictions and streamlining government bureaucracy.
As far as the debate went, Johnson said that the American people were the losers. He went on to say it was a free-for-all and a wasted 90 minutes. That is a common reaction from the rest of the general public, as it turns out. Chris Wallace lost control after Biden began interrupting Trump, which he did after the first five minutes of the debate. Biden began the bad behavior, not Trump. This doesn’t matter to most voters, though, as they just tuned in to hear from the candidates and frankly, to see if Biden would survive throughout the entire 90 minutes. So, Johnson says it’s best to stick with who you know.
“What I had hoped he would do would be a reasonable, relaxed balance, if you will, in a debate where he would talk about specific policies, particularly as it impacts Black Americans,” said Johnson, founder and chairman of investment firm The RLJ Cos. From a business standpoint only, not from a racial injustice standpoint, Johnson reiterated that it’s better for corporate executives to know what they’re getting in a president rather trying to guess. “I would rather know who I’m going to deal with in the White House. I’m going to know what regulatory decisions they’re going to make. What fiscal policy decisions, what monetary policies they’re going to make than to be taking a chance, particularly when you have the turbulence of a pandemic,” said Johnson, who in the past has been complimentary of Trump’s business-centric policies. Asked specifically Wednesday about Trump not explicitly condemning White supremacist groups during the debate, Johnson pivoted his answer to the coronavirus pandemic and said he’s not confident either Biden or Trump could have taken different steps to significantly reduce the Covid-19 death total.
On the coronavirus, Biden has offered absolutely nothing different than what Trump has already done so it’s no wonder that Johnson doesn’t think either man would act differently. Biden’s past performance with pandemics, however, is a different story. He handled both the Eboli pandemic and the H1N1 pandemic badly. His own chief of staff said they just got lucky that more people didn’t die. It wasn’t due to the Obama-Biden administration’s handling of the pandemics, just luck.
In 2019 Johnson was very complimentary about Trump’s handling of the economy. He specifically mentioned the favorable atmosphere for African-Americans in Trump’s economy. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the economy was at record levels across the board. Employment levels of all demographics were at record levels. Unemployment was at a historic low. Small businesses were thriving and entrepreneurship was booming. This record is no doubt why Johnson is sticking with Trump. He has confidence that Trump will bring back the economy from the effects of the pandemic lockdowns. There is no such confidence deserved for Biden. He promises to raise taxes, do away with Trump’s tax cuts, devastate the already hurting energy sector, and put back regulations taken away by Trump. It’s a recipe for economic stagnation and decline, not expansion.
Johnson is on the record as saying the Democrat Party has gone too far left. He also has encouraged African-Americans to not be locked into just one party. He may not want to go on the record with a formal endorsement of President Trump – wink, wink – but his words speak loudly.


hotair--2020-10-02--Pelosi prematurely dances on Trump's grave, Never Trump ghouls rejoice over diagnosis

Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to President Trump ’ s positive diagnosis with the coronavirus in standard Nancy Pelosi style .
She said , as she frequently does , that she prays for President Trump every day and the news brought an extension of those prayers for his health and well-being .
Pelosi hopes this will be a teachable moment for the country .
The message is that the bad Orange Man didn ’ t protect himself and now he has the virus .
What has been the most striking of Pelosi ’ s remarks so far is her virtue-signaling over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosts on CNN tweeted out Pelosi ’ s message that this should be a lesson that people must wear face masks .
And this one from a Democrat activist : Talk about a ballsy declaration by Speaker Nancy .
Does she think we ’ ve forgotten salongate ?
We have not .
She sashayed around a hair salon without a mask on her face – a salon that was supposed to be closed at the time due to the lockdown in California , by the way – and when she was caught she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask while she got her hair shampooed .
That was nonsense , of course , if she is seriously demanding everyone wear a mask all the time .
The logistics of a woman getting her hair shampooed at a salon would have allowed her to wear a mask .
She would have leaned back , not forward .
Also of note , when Pelosi addresses the press , she removes her mask .
Her mask hangs around her neck , like a scarf .
If she is so concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shouldn ’ t she lead by example ?
And , who can forget her little pied piper parade in Chinatown , encouraging her entourage of followers to join her in eating in that part of San Francisco ?
She was maskless back then , too .
Her history of masks is hardly stellar .
She was late to the party in enforcing mask-wearing in Congress , too , both on the floor of the House and in committee meetings .
Masks are for the little people unless there is some virtue-signaling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who see the president of the United States with all the protection that he has , and the first lady , still having this exposure , it might be … a learning experience , ” Pelosi said in an interview with MSNBC .
“ But more than learning , it has to be something that is acted upon.
” She suggested that the president ’ s repeated reluctance to wear a mask — combined with his decision to continue holding campaign rallies with large crowds — had made Trump ’ s illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds , unmasked and all the rest , was sort of a brazen invitation for something like this to happen , ” she said .
“ Sad that it did , but nonetheless hopeful that it will be a transition to a saner approach to what this virus is all about.
” Here ’ s the thing – President Trump and Melania likely were exposed to the virus by Hope Hicks .
She ’ s a mask-wearing person .
To unequivocally say that wearing a mask protects a person from the virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mitigation but it ’ s not a sure method of protection .
I ’ m a mask-wearing person but I don ’ t think it completely protects me from exposure to the virus .
It ’ s a tool , not a bulletproof solution .
This is a highly contagious virus , even people who follow all the guidelines have gotten it .
Trump ’ s a well-known germophobe .
He tries to social distance and I ’ m sure he frequently washes his hands .
Pelosi took a COVID test this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution.
” She spent 90 minutes with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on Wednesday .
He has tested negative .
Pelosi also had the nerve to talk about the coronavirus spending bill in Congress .
Ignoring that it is Democrats and herself that has been holding up progress all along , she now boasts of what is in the bill .
CNN commentators are busy dragging the White House for a lack of transparency over President Trump ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis .
As I write this on Friday morning , this story dominates cable news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative taken by the Never-Trump networks .
Listening to a panel conducted by CNN ’ s John King , the consensus is that the White House is not being transparent enough and are only delivering some happy talk , downplaying the president ’ s illness .
The White House is releasing information on who is being tested and their test results , though .
The president and Melania are tweeting that they are feeling good and have mild symptoms .
What more can they do ?
Democrats are pushing their fever dream that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As horrifying as that sounds , she is at the top of the line of succession .
She is second in line behind Vice-President Pence .
When asked on MSNBC if the White House had reached out to her regarding the continuity of government , Pelosi , D-Calif. , said , “ No , they haven ’ t. ” “ But that is an ongoing , not with the White House but with the military , quite frankly , in terms of the — some officials in the government , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the president ’ s health — thank God the vice president has tested negatively and the second lady , as well , ” Pelosi added .
“ So again , that continuity of government is always in place.
” Never Trump ghouls are doing their thing on social media .
It ’ s disgusting but predictable .
They have wished ill upon Trump for four years , so this is just more of the same .
The president is 74 years old , overweight , and takes medication for his cholesterol .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health for his age .
Joe Biden ’ s medical history is more concerning than Trump ’ s .
This bodes well that if his exposure results in a light case of the virus , he ’ ll be on track to recover in a timely fashion .
Melania is younger and without a history of health problems .
Fortunately , Barron Trump tested negative for the virus .
The best medical people will be available to treat the president and Melania .
All we can do now is listen for updates and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are 31 days away from Election Day .
We ’ ll get through this .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted to President Trump’s positive diagnosis with the coronavirus in standard Nancy Pelosi style. She said, as she frequently does, that she prays for President Trump every day and the news brought an extension of those prayers for his health and well-being. Pelosi hopes this will be a teachable moment for the country. The message is that the bad Orange Man didn’t protect himself and now he has the virus.
What has been the most striking of Pelosi’s remarks so far is her virtue-signaling over masks. One of the Never Trump hosts on CNN tweeted out Pelosi’s message that this should be a lesson that people must wear face masks.
Nancy Pelosi, on Trump's positive COVID test: "Hopefully this will be a message to the rest of the country…you have to wear your mask." — S.E. Cupp (@secupp) October 2, 2020
And this one from a Democrat activist:
BREAKING: “Hopefully this enlightenment will have them say wear your mask, do your distancing, wash your hands, testing, tracing, treatment, so that we can crush this vicious virus. Not only in our own country, but throughout the world.” Speaker Pelosi — Scott Dworkin (@funder) October 2, 2020
Talk about a ballsy declaration by Speaker Nancy. Does she think we’ve forgotten salongate? We have not. She sashayed around a hair salon without a mask on her face – a salon that was supposed to be closed at the time due to the lockdown in California, by the way – and when she was caught she said she couldn’t be expected to wear a mask while she got her hair shampooed. That was nonsense, of course, if she is seriously demanding everyone wear a mask all the time. The logistics of a woman getting her hair shampooed at a salon would have allowed her to wear a mask. She would have leaned back, not forward.
Also of note, when Pelosi addresses the press, she removes her mask. Her mask hangs around her neck, like a scarf. If she is so concerned about the diligence of others wearing a mask, shouldn’t she lead by example? And, who can forget her little pied piper parade in Chinatown, encouraging her entourage of followers to join her in eating in that part of San Francisco? She was maskless back then, too. Her history of masks is hardly stellar. She was late to the party in enforcing mask-wearing in Congress, too, both on the floor of the House and in committee meetings. Masks are for the little people unless there is some virtue-signaling to be done.
“Maybe now that people who see the president of the United States with all the protection that he has, and the first lady, still having this exposure, it might be … a learning experience,” Pelosi said in an interview with MSNBC. “But more than learning, it has to be something that is acted upon.” She suggested that the president’s repeated reluctance to wear a mask — combined with his decision to continue holding campaign rallies with large crowds — had made Trump’s illness all but inevitable. “Going into crowds, unmasked and all the rest, was sort of a brazen invitation for something like this to happen,” she said. “Sad that it did, but nonetheless hopeful that it will be a transition to a saner approach to what this virus is all about.”
Here’s the thing – President Trump and Melania likely were exposed to the virus by Hope Hicks. She’s a mask-wearing person. To unequivocally say that wearing a mask protects a person from the virus is wrong. It’s a method of mitigation but it’s not a sure method of protection. I’m a mask-wearing person but I don’t think it completely protects me from exposure to the virus. It’s a tool, not a bulletproof solution. This is a highly contagious virus, even people who follow all the guidelines have gotten it. Trump’s a well-known germophobe. He tries to social distance and I’m sure he frequently washes his hands.
Pelosi took a COVID test this morning out of “an abundance of caution.” She spent 90 minutes with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on Wednesday. He has tested negative.
“He informed me early this morning that he was [negative],” Pelosi said of Mnuchin. “And prior to our meetings he has said, ‘I have been tested because I am in touch with the president. We are all tested.’ So that was good for me, as well.”
Pelosi also had the nerve to talk about the coronavirus spending bill in Congress. Ignoring that it is Democrats and herself that has been holding up progress all along, she now boasts of what is in the bill.
The California Democrat also spoke about the new $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill the House passed on Thursday evening, and that talks were underway with the Trump administration. “Let’s understand the diagnosis that our country has had at the highest level — and recognize that every life, every diagnosis, is important,” Pelosi said. “Having the treatment is very important. We’re glad the president has it. We want it for everyone. That’s in our bill.”
CNN commentators are busy dragging the White House for a lack of transparency over President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis. As I write this on Friday morning, this story dominates cable news coverage. What is striking is the narrative taken by the Never-Trump networks. Listening to a panel conducted by CNN’s John King, the consensus is that the White House is not being transparent enough and are only delivering some happy talk, downplaying the president’s illness. The White House is releasing information on who is being tested and their test results, though. The president and Melania are tweeting that they are feeling good and have mild symptoms. What more can they do?
Democrats are pushing their fever dream that this will bring about President Pelosi. As horrifying as that sounds, she is at the top of the line of succession. She is second in line behind Vice-President Pence.
When asked on MSNBC if the White House had reached out to her regarding the continuity of government, Pelosi, D-Calif., said, “No, they haven’t.” “But that is an ongoing, not with the White House but with the military, quite frankly, in terms of the — some officials in the government,” she said. “Let us just all pray for the president’s health — thank God the vice president has tested negatively and the second lady, as well,” Pelosi added. “So again, that continuity of government is always in place.”
Never Trump ghouls are doing their thing on social media. It’s disgusting but predictable. They have wished ill upon Trump for four years, so this is just more of the same.
You may not give a f*** about children but decent people care about one another. — Jennifer 'pro-reality' Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) October 2, 2020
Let's be very honest about what's happening. Our nation’s commander-in-chief is presently in quarantine by way of his incompetence, paranoia, and denialism. From me: https://t.co/1Fj519cQJx — Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) October 2, 2020
The president is 74 years old, overweight, and takes medication for his cholesterol. He’s actually in remarkably good health for his age. Joe Biden’s medical history is more concerning than Trump’s. This bodes well that if his exposure results in a light case of the virus, he’ll be on track to recover in a timely fashion. Melania is younger and without a history of health problems. Fortunately, Barron Trump tested negative for the virus. The best medical people will be available to treat the president and Melania. All we can do now is listen for updates and wish them both a speedy recovery. We are 31 days away from Election Day. We’ll get through this.


hotair--2020-10-02--Another Smollett hoax? Police in Madison find no evidence four 'frat boys' committed hate crime agai

Another Smollett hoax? Police in Madison find no evidence four 'frat boys' committed hate crime against biracial woman

The alleged attack happened in June in Madison , Wisconsin .
An 18-year-old biracial woman named Althea Bernstein claimed she had been attacked by four white men who looked like frat boys .
Here ’ s how Bernstein described the attack in an interview with Madison 365 : “ I was listening to some music at a stoplight and then all of a sudden I heard someone yell the N-word really loud , ” she said in an interview Wednesday .
“ I turned my head to look and somebody ’ s throwing lighter fluid on me .
And then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my neck caught on fire and I tried to put it out , but I brushed it up onto my face .
I got it out and then I just blasted through the red light … I just felt like I needed to get away .
So I drove through the red light and just kept driving until I got to my brother and Middleton.
” … She said she ’ s reasonably certain it was four white men who “ looked like classic Wisconsin frat boys … Two of them were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other two were wearing jeans and a floral shirt , ” she said .
She said the way they walked made her think they were intoxicated… “ At first I didn ’ t even believe what had happened , ” she said .
I grew up in Madison , on the East side , and my dad would take me to the Farmer ’ s Market every weekend , on those same streets .
It just felt so weird to have these really happy memories there , and then now to have this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the childhood memories .
I never really knew someone could hate you just by looking at you .
They didn ’ t know me .
I didn ’ t know them .
I was just driving my car and minding my own business.
” The floral shirt detail was significant because it was a possible reference to so-called Boogaloo boys , a group of right-wing extremists who had shown up at some protests dressed in Hawaiian shirts .
Bernstein went home then drove herself to the hospital where she was treated for burns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police report which led to an investigation by both the Madison police and the FBI .
Two days after the alleged incident she was featured on Good Morning America ( see below ) .
Bernstein ’ s case got more attention after she received a phone call from Meghan Markle .
Rep. Joe Kennedy spoke about it on the House floor .
Many news outlets wrote about it including The Forward .
Their story got picked up by Rep. Ilhan Omar : In short , this got a fair amount of media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though not nearly as much as the Jussie Smollett hoax did .
And then for the next few months we heard nothing .
Today , Madison police announced the investigation was being closed because they could not confirm any details of Bernstein ’ s report to the police .
In fact , there ’ s evidence that nothing like what she described happened : An exhaustive search of video from city- and privately owned surveillance cameras , however , turned up no evidence of the attack , and the investigation identified a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review of 17 city cameras in the Downtown area from 12:15 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. found no groups of white males matching Bernstein ’ s descriptions .
Police also did not find any fire damage in the Elantra , according to police reports , and a dog trained to sniff out accelerants did not find evidence of them of in the car .
A forensic analysis of the shirt she reported wearing at the time of the attack did turn up evidence of a “ medium petroleum distillate , ” such as charcoal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organic solvent , according to the police investigation .
But no such evidence was found on the shorts she was reportedly wearing at the time , nor on swabs taken of the vehicle .
The police investigation also found evidence that Bernstein had her window rolled up at the time of the alleged attack and hadn ’ t stopped at stoplights where it might have occurred .
It also determined she had been driving in a different lane than she told police and was uncertain about where exactly the incident occurred .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline of Bernstein ’ s travels that night showing nearly every intersection she passed through .
The timeline they assembled notes that her first mention of an attack happened at 1:24 am while she was at home .
A little more than an hour later she went to the hospital and was treated for burns on her face and neck .
I read through some of the case file and I found a document dated 8/18/2020 describing a call Bernstein made to the police looking to get information on her case .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she wanted an update .
The officer then laid out all the facts they had uncovered , i.e .
there were multiple images showing her car that night and no evidence anyone every approached her car .
Also there was no evidence of a group of four men anything like what she had described walking the streets that night .
Bernstein ’ s response to all of this was “ I don ’ t remember the attack.
” She claimed her brain seemed to be erasing her memory of the attack as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call she insisted she was “ 100 % confident ” of what had happened and said she couldn ’ t understand why there was no evidence to support her claims .
It seems very clear that police and the FBI don ’ t believe this happened and yet police are not planning to charge Bernstein with filing a false report .
It ’ s not clear why except perhaps that , unlike the Smollett case , they don ’ t have any proof she did this to herself ( only a complete lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her as she claimed . )
Her family released a brief statement basically saying they don ’ t want to talk to anyone : The alleged attack happened on June 24 , the same night there were riots in Madison prompted by the arrest of a 28-year-old activist after he walked into a restaurant with a bullhorn and a baseball bat with “ Black Lives Matter ” written on it .

The alleged attack happened in June in Madison, Wisconsin. An 18-year-old biracial woman named Althea Bernstein claimed she had been attacked by four white men who looked like frat boys. Here’s how Bernstein described the attack in an interview with Madison 365:
“I was listening to some music at a stoplight and then all of a sudden I heard someone yell the N-word really loud,” she said in an interview Wednesday. “I turned my head to look and somebody’s throwing lighter fluid on me. And then they threw a lighter at me, and my neck caught on fire and I tried to put it out, but I brushed it up onto my face. I got it out and then I just blasted through the red light … I just felt like I needed to get away. So I drove through the red light and just kept driving until I got to my brother and Middleton.”… She said she’s reasonably certain it was four white men who “looked like classic Wisconsin frat boys … Two of them were wearing all black, and then the other two were wearing jeans and a floral shirt,” she said. She said the way they walked made her think they were intoxicated… “At first I didn’t even believe what had happened,” she said. I grew up in Madison, on the East side, and my dad would take me to the Farmer’s Market every weekend, on those same streets. It just felt so weird to have these really happy memories there, and then now to have this memory that sort of ruined all of the childhood memories. I never really knew someone could hate you just by looking at you. They didn’t know me. I didn’t know them. I was just driving my car and minding my own business.”
The floral shirt detail was significant because it was a possible reference to so-called Boogaloo boys, a group of right-wing extremists who had shown up at some protests dressed in Hawaiian shirts.
Bernstein went home then drove herself to the hospital where she was treated for burns to her face. Then she filed a police report which led to an investigation by both the Madison police and the FBI. Two days after the alleged incident she was featured on Good Morning America (see below). Bernstein’s case got more attention after she received a phone call from Meghan Markle. Rep. Joe Kennedy spoke about it on the House floor. Many news outlets wrote about it including The Forward. Their story got picked up by Rep. Ilhan Omar:
This is horrific. Althea Bernstein: Say her name. She was attacked with lighter fluid and fire. These injustices must end.
https://t.co/ZPMu2AcHSn — Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) July 4, 2020
In short, this got a fair amount of media attention as a suspected hate crime, though not nearly as much as the Jussie Smollett hoax did. And then for the next few months we heard nothing.
Today, Madison police announced the investigation was being closed because they could not confirm any details of Bernstein’s report to the police. In fact, there’s evidence that nothing like what she described happened:
An exhaustive search of video from city- and privately owned surveillance cameras, however, turned up no evidence of the attack, and the investigation identified a number inconsistencies in Bernstein’s story… A review of 17 city cameras in the Downtown area from 12:15 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. found no groups of white males matching Bernstein’s descriptions. Police also did not find any fire damage in the Elantra, according to police reports, and a dog trained to sniff out accelerants did not find evidence of them of in the car. A forensic analysis of the shirt she reported wearing at the time of the attack did turn up evidence of a “medium petroleum distillate,” such as charcoal lighter, some paint thinners or an organic solvent, according to the police investigation. But no such evidence was found on the shorts she was reportedly wearing at the time, nor on swabs taken of the vehicle. The police investigation also found evidence that Bernstein had her window rolled up at the time of the alleged attack and hadn’t stopped at stoplights where it might have occurred. It also determined she had been driving in a different lane than she told police and was uncertain about where exactly the incident occurred.
Police were able to put together a detailed timeline of Bernstein’s travels that night showing nearly every intersection she passed through. The timeline they assembled notes that her first mention of an attack happened at 1:24 am while she was at home. A little more than an hour later she went to the hospital and was treated for burns on her face and neck.
I read through some of the case file and I found a document dated 8/18/2020 describing a call Bernstein made to the police looking to get information on her case. She apologized for not being more communicative and said she wanted an update. The officer then laid out all the facts they had uncovered, i.e. there were multiple images showing her car that night and no evidence anyone every approached her car. Also there was no evidence of a group of four men anything like what she had described walking the streets that night. Bernstein’s response to all of this was “I don’t remember the attack.” She claimed her brain seemed to be erasing her memory of the attack as time passed. Later in the same call she insisted she was “100% confident” of what had happened and said she couldn’t understand why there was no evidence to support her claims.
It seems very clear that police and the FBI don’t believe this happened and yet police are not planning to charge Bernstein with filing a false report. It’s not clear why except perhaps that, unlike the Smollett case, they don’t have any proof she did this to herself (only a complete lack of proof that anyone else did it to her as she claimed.)
Her family released a brief statement basically saying they don’t want to talk to anyone:
“Althea Bernstein and her family appreciate the detailed investigative efforts by all involved in this case. Althea’s injuries are healing and the support of our community has been invaluable in that regard. We continue to maintain our family privacy and will not be granting interviews at this time.”
The alleged attack happened on June 24, the same night there were riots in Madison prompted by the arrest of a 28-year-old activist after he walked into a restaurant with a bullhorn and a baseball bat with “Black Lives Matter” written on it.
Here’s the GMA interview with Bernstein:


hotair--2020-10-02--<span class='red'>"An abundance of caution": Trump headed to Walter Reed hospital; Update: Trump pos

"An abundance of caution": Trump headed to Walter Reed hospital; Update: Trump posts video

Officials are telling WaPo that he ’ s not seriously ill .
It may be that they simply want a battery of doctors around him in case his condition takes a sudden turn , which is a notorious feature of the disease in some patients .
They can deteriorate quickly .
Boris Johnson was very sick when he went to the hospital after getting COVID but as I recall he never quite reached the ICU stage .
So maybe this really is just precautionary .
But Nate Silver remembers that Johnson ’ s hospitalization was also described as “ precautionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be true .
And there ’ s some circumstantial evidence floating around that Trump ’ s case may not be “ mild , ” even if it ’ s not quite “ severe ” either .
Two administration officials said that Trump is preparing to depart for Walter Reed Medical Center Friday evening around 5:30 p.m .
The visit is “ out of an abundance of caution , ” the official said , adding that the president may remain there for several days .
Trump spent Friday working and making calls from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working from the hospital , the official said .
Walter Reed has an executive office suite set up for this very purpose , including both a residence and an office space , the official said .
The official stressed that Trump is not seriously ill , but because of his age , as well as other risk factors , he and aides decided to take this additional step .
Initially word was that he was going to the hospital for “ tests , ” but tests wouldn ’ t require a multi-day stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness that I mentioned is this memo from the White House doctor .
Would the most powerful man in the world really be given an experimental treatment if his symptoms were mild ?
No hydroxychloroquine in the mix there , interestingly .
The experimental drug , Regeneron ’ s antibody cocktail , was profiled a few days ago at CNBC .
Data from a small trial showed that it “ reduced viral levels and improved symptoms in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate Covid19.
” There were serious side effects in only two of 275 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have thought it was safe to dose it out to him .
The upside outweighs the downside .
Or does it ?
Some doctors are raising an eyebrow .
Dr. Zeke Emanuel ( Rahm ’ s brother ) warned , “ You do not give a patient — much less the President of the United States — a drug that is not yet approved by the FDA ( to say nothing of one with ‘ mild symptoms ’ ) .
Unsurprisingly , the Trump WH is not being forthright to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Dr. Jeremy Faust recorded the short audio file below registering his own objections .
His point is simple : Experimental treatments are typically reserved for desperate situations .
You wouldn ’ t play dice with the health of the president if he ’ s only suffering minor symptoms , as one would assume he ’ s capable of fighting off a minor infection on his own .
You only treat the president as a guinea pig if the situation is urgent : One other thing .
Trump hates to project weakness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to Walter Reed last year ?
To this day , ludicrously , he continues to insist that he made that unannounced visit to the hospital to complete part one of his annual physical even though that could have been done at the White House .
He doesn ’ t like people to see him as vulnerable in any way .
For him to agree today to make a spectacle of himself being flown to Walter Reed for medical care — for the “ China virus , ” of all things — he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep wondering why he hasn ’ t tweeted either .
If anyone would want to signal with some bravado that he ’ s feeling A-OK , you ’ d think it ’ d be Trump on his favorite platform .
The odds of recovery remain with him .
But hospitalization cuts the odds of death from something like one in 33 for a man his age to one in six .
If he needs ICU care the odds will get much worse .
And although his White House doctors are forever praising his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s 74 , male , and overweight , three conditions that increase his chances of a bad illness .
“ Compared with people in the ‘ normal ’ BMI range , obese patients are 74 percent more likely to be admitted to an ICU and 48 percent more likely to die , ” notes James Hamblin , an MD .
Because we don ’ t know why he really went to Walter Reed last year , we don ’ t know what other secret comorbidities he might be managing .
None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s in danger right now ; rather , it may be that because he ’ s at elevated risk of a crisis , they want him to get to the hospital now to try to stop the disease ’ s progression early .
Clearly , though , his condition seems more serious than anyone had reason to fear when he made his announcement last night .
Update : Good question from Gabe Malor .
If Trump ’ s symptoms are mild and his hospital visit is precautionary , why not bring Melania too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat .
Update : Here ’ s the first communique from Trump himself since last night .
He does look a bit “ fatigued ” but he sounds good .

Officials are telling WaPo that he’s not seriously ill. It may be that they simply want a battery of doctors around him in case his condition takes a sudden turn, which is a notorious feature of the disease in some patients. They can deteriorate quickly.
Boris Johnson was very sick when he went to the hospital after getting COVID but as I recall he never quite reached the ICU stage. So maybe this really is just precautionary.
But Nate Silver remembers that Johnson’s hospitalization was also described as “precautionary” initially, which turned out not to be true. And there’s some circumstantial evidence floating around that Trump’s case may not be “mild,” even if it’s not quite “severe” either.
Two administration officials said that Trump is preparing to depart for Walter Reed Medical Center Friday evening around 5:30 p.m. The visit is “out of an abundance of caution,” the official said, adding that the president may remain there for several days. Trump spent Friday working and making calls from his residence, and plans to continue working from the hospital, the official said. Walter Reed has an executive office suite set up for this very purpose, including both a residence and an office space, the official said. The official stressed that Trump is not seriously ill, but because of his age, as well as other risk factors, he and aides decided to take this additional step.
Initially word was that he was going to the hospital for “tests,” but tests wouldn’t require a multi-day stay.
The circumstantial evidence of a serious illness that I mentioned is this memo from the White House doctor. Would the most powerful man in the world really be given an experimental treatment if his symptoms were mild?
No hydroxychloroquine in the mix there, interestingly. The experimental drug, Regeneron’s antibody cocktail, was profiled a few days ago at CNBC. Data from a small trial showed that it “reduced viral levels and improved symptoms in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate Covid19.” There were serious side effects in only two of 275 patients. You can understand why they might have thought it was safe to dose it out to him. The upside outweighs the downside.
Or does it? Some doctors are raising an eyebrow. Dr. Zeke Emanuel (Rahm’s brother) warned, “You do not give a patient — much less the President of the United States — a drug that is not yet approved by the FDA (to say nothing of one with ‘mild symptoms’). Unsurprisingly, the Trump WH is not being forthright to the American people about the health of their President.” Dr. Jeremy Faust recorded the short audio file below registering his own objections. His point is simple: Experimental treatments are typically reserved for desperate situations. You wouldn’t play dice with the health of the president if he’s only suffering minor symptoms, as one would assume he’s capable of fighting off a minor infection on his own.
You only treat the president as a guinea pig if the situation is urgent:
Voice memo to you all. pic.twitter.com/fmVqK1WO48 — Jeremy Faust MD MS (ER physician) (@jeremyfaust) October 2, 2020
One other thing. Trump hates to project weakness, especially physical weakness. Remember the mystery trip to Walter Reed last year? To this day, ludicrously, he continues to insist that he made that unannounced visit to the hospital to complete part one of his annual physical even though that could have been done at the White House. He doesn’t like people to see him as vulnerable in any way. For him to agree today to make a spectacle of himself being flown to Walter Reed for medical care — for the “China virus,” of all things — he must really need that care.
Trump has had a long distaste for hospitals, and a distrust of medical treatments. Some of his closest allies note Trump wouldn’t allow himself to be hospitalized unless he absolutely had to. — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) October 2, 2020
I keep wondering why he hasn’t tweeted either. If anyone would want to signal with some bravado that he’s feeling A-OK, you’d think it’d be Trump on his favorite platform.
The odds of recovery remain with him. But hospitalization cuts the odds of death from something like one in 33 for a man his age to one in six. If he needs ICU care the odds will get much worse. And although his White House doctors are forever praising his manly vigor, the fact remains that he’s 74, male, and overweight, three conditions that increase his chances of a bad illness. “Compared with people in the ‘normal’ BMI range, obese patients are 74 percent more likely to be admitted to an ICU and 48 percent more likely to die,” notes James Hamblin, an MD. Because we don’t know why he really went to Walter Reed last year, we don’t know what other secret comorbidities he might be managing. None of which is to say he’s in danger right now; rather, it may be that because he’s at elevated risk of a crisis, they want him to get to the hospital now to try to stop the disease’s progression early. Clearly, though, his condition seems more serious than anyone had reason to fear when he made his announcement last night.
Update: Good question from Gabe Malor. If Trump’s symptoms are mild and his hospital visit is precautionary, why not bring Melania too? She’s in the same boat.
I would like someone to ask the White House why the president is going to the hospital, but not the First Lady. — Gabriel Malor (@gabrielmalor) October 2, 2020
Update: Here’s the first communique from Trump himself since last night. He does look a bit “fatigued” but he sounds good.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1312158400352972800


hotair--2020-10-02--Report: Trump has mild symptoms, including a cough and fever

Hopefully it ’ s true that his case is mild , but Jonathan Karl ’ s right that no one should trust the White House to report accurately on Trump ’ s condition .
For one thing , all available evidence suggests that they intended to cover up Hope Hicks ’ s infection even though that meant not telling people who ’ d been in contact with her that they were at risk .
For another , Trump is obsessed with projecting strength .
Unless he develops a case so bad that he needs to go to the hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official talking point .
He ’ s simply too manly to be weakened by COVID .
“ But I ’ ve got to tell you that the ground truth of this is that the White House and the White House staff are really rattled , ” Karl added .
“ This is something that has really , frankly , freaked them out .
They ’ re concerned about the president ’ s health .
They ’ re concerned about Hope Hicks , who by the way I ’ m told is quite sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus , not just the positive test , but he has symptoms .
He said those are mild symptoms .
Of course , there ’ s a real question of exactly what you can believe in terms of how they ’ re characterizing this , but this is something that has the White House rattled , concerned about their health , concerned about the president ’ s health , and concerned about when this means for the campaign.
” Hearing that Hicks is “ quite sick ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , a woman , and seemingly in good health .
She ’ s in one of the least vulnerable cohorts of the entire population .
As for Trump , a curious detail as of 3:15 p.m .
ET is that he hasn ’ t tweeted once since his announcement last night that he ’ s infected .
If his symptoms are mild , you would expect him to want to show the country that he ’ s taking this in stride by continuing his favorite pastime .
Gabriel Sherman reports that Hicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not doing more to keep staff safe : This morning the New York Times reported that Trump is exhibiting “ coldlike symptoms.
” Two Republicans in close contact with the White House told me that Trump ’ s symptoms have included a cough and fever .
Melania is said to be asymptomatic .
“ They are worried about the president because of his age , ” one of the sources said .
Sources said Trump will likely want to be seen in public as soon as possible to blunt the narrative that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s spent the last six months downplaying .
“ He ’ s going to want to get out there a lot sooner than people think , ” the former official said .
“ But it will be hard to hide if he ’ s sick .
Also , who will want to be in a room with him ?
” … Meanwhile , Hicks has experienced more pronounced symptoms than the president .
Two sources said she has had a high fever and a cough , with one source adding she lost her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be frustrated with Trump for taking such a cavalier approach to the virus .
She was one of the few West Wing staffers to wear a mask in meetings , which her colleagues chided her for .
“ She was made fun of because she wore a mask , ” a friend said .
Sources told me Hicks is also upset that news coverage has made it appear that she gave Trump the virus , when in fact no one knows where he got it .
“ It ’ s so unfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the friend told me .
The detail about people making fun of her for wearing a mask rings true .
Trump lightly mocked Biden at the debate for his habit of wearing masks , and staffers at Trump ’ s campaign headquarters told reporters months ago that they were pressured by colleagues not to take precautions against COVID .
“ You get made fun of , if you wear a mask , ” said one person to Politico .
“ There ’ s social pressure not to do it.
” If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HQ , why wouldn ’ t it be similarly toxic inside the White House ?
In fact , White House personnel — including medical personnel — still seem not to be taking this seriously enough .
Pence ’ s official doctor issued this baffling statement a few hours ago : Pence was seated right in front of COVID-positive Mike Lee at Saturday ’ s Supreme Court announcement in the Rose Garden , a possible superspreader event given the number of attendees who have turned up sick yesterday and today .
What reason is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility that the vice president is infected and still incubating the virus , with tomorrow ’ s test set to show that he has COVID too ?
Why the hell would they continue to take the risk of further spread within the building by freeing Pence to roam around instead of having him isolate as a precaution ?
Worse , who made the decision that Trump should proceed with his schedule as normal yesterday *after* they knew Hicks was positive ?
It ’ d be bad enough to have him out there meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact with someone who has the virus , but reportedly he was already showing symptoms of fatigue on Wednesday .
No one made the connection between Hicks having COVID and the president seeming under the weather ?
Or did they make the connection and just decide to let him go out and risk infecting people in the hope/expectation that he wouldn ’ t have any symptoms himself and could keep campaigning ?
One would think now might be the moment for them to revise their COVID protocols inside the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve refused .
Mask-wearing will remain “ a personal choice , ” not a mandate .
And they ’ ll continue to use Abbott ’ s rapid tests even though they “ only return positive results if individuals tested submit samples with large amounts of viral material.
” That ’ s why there are so many false negatives with those tests — some people are positive but don ’ t yet have viral loads high enough to be measured .
Said one epidemiologist to Stat about the White House ’ s “ testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ If you told me that somebody who was only testing , not wearing their mask , not distancing , and not taking every other precautionary measure tested positive , I would say : No sh*t , Sherlock.
” Sticking with a flawed , failed strategy is par for the course , though .
One former White House official told Sherman that once Trump has recovered , “ He could come out and say , ‘ Look , I had COVID and it wasn ’ t that bad .
It just shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should open up the country.
’ … He could make a mockery of it.
” Unquestionably that ’ s what Trump will do , and it ’ ll only further alienate the 60 percent of the country that believes he ’ s never taken the pandemic seriously enough .
Mocking the virus in February , before it ’ s killed anyone , would be stupid but understandable in a “ people are often stupid ” kind of way .
Mocking it after 200,000 have died just because you managed to survive it while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care ( and maybe some experimental treatments ) would make you look like a psychopath , especially when your own young aide is “ quite sick ” from it right now .
But Trump is going to be Trump .
It ’ s too late to change now .

Hopefully it’s true that his case is mild, but Jonathan Karl’s right that no one should trust the White House to report accurately on Trump’s condition. For one thing, all available evidence suggests that they intended to cover up Hope Hicks’s infection even though that meant not telling people who’d been in contact with her that they were at risk. For another, Trump is obsessed with projecting strength. Unless he develops a case so bad that he needs to go to the hospital, “mild symptoms” will be the official talking point. He’s simply too manly to be weakened by COVID.
“But I’ve got to tell you that the ground truth of this is that the White House and the White House staff are really rattled,” Karl added. “This is something that has really, frankly, freaked them out. They’re concerned about the president’s health. They’re concerned about Hope Hicks, who by the way I’m told is quite sick. They — Meadows did acknowledge that the president is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, not just the positive test, but he has symptoms. He said those are mild symptoms. Of course, there’s a real question of exactly what you can believe in terms of how they’re characterizing this, but this is something that has the White House rattled, concerned about their health, concerned about the president’s health, and concerned about when this means for the campaign.”
Hearing that Hicks is “quite sick” is unnerving, but she’s 31, a woman, and seemingly in good health. She’s in one of the least vulnerable cohorts of the entire population. As for Trump, a curious detail as of 3:15 p.m. ET is that he hasn’t tweeted once since his announcement last night that he’s infected. If his symptoms are mild, you would expect him to want to show the country that he’s taking this in stride by continuing his favorite pastime.
Gabriel Sherman reports that Hicks is annoyed with Trump in hindsight for not doing more to keep staff safe:
This morning the New York Times reported that Trump is exhibiting “coldlike symptoms.” Two Republicans in close contact with the White House told me that Trump’s symptoms have included a cough and fever. Melania is said to be asymptomatic. “They are worried about the president because of his age,” one of the sources said. Sources said Trump will likely want to be seen in public as soon as possible to blunt the narrative that he is sidelined by the virus he’s spent the last six months downplaying. “He’s going to want to get out there a lot sooner than people think,” the former official said. “But it will be hard to hide if he’s sick. Also, who will want to be in a room with him?”… Meanwhile, Hicks has experienced more pronounced symptoms than the president. Two sources said she has had a high fever and a cough, with one source adding she lost her sense of smell. Hicks is said to be frustrated with Trump for taking such a cavalier approach to the virus. She was one of the few West Wing staffers to wear a mask in meetings, which her colleagues chided her for. “She was made fun of because she wore a mask,” a friend said. Sources told me Hicks is also upset that news coverage has made it appear that she gave Trump the virus, when in fact no one knows where he got it. “It’s so unfair she’s sort of being blamed,” the friend told me.
The detail about people making fun of her for wearing a mask rings true. Trump lightly mocked Biden at the debate for his habit of wearing masks, and staffers at Trump’s campaign headquarters told reporters months ago that they were pressured by colleagues not to take precautions against COVID. “You get made fun of, if you wear a mask,” said one person to Politico. “There’s social pressure not to do it.” If the culture is that toxic at campaign HQ, why wouldn’t it be similarly toxic inside the White House?
In fact, White House personnel — including medical personnel — still seem not to be taking this seriously enough. Pence’s official doctor issued this baffling statement a few hours ago:
Pence was seated right in front of COVID-positive Mike Lee at Saturday’s Supreme Court announcement in the Rose Garden, a possible superspreader event given the number of attendees who have turned up sick yesterday and today. What reason is there right now to rule out the possibility that the vice president is infected and still incubating the virus, with tomorrow’s test set to show that he has COVID too?
Why the hell would they continue to take the risk of further spread within the building by freeing Pence to roam around instead of having him isolate as a precaution?
Worse, who made the decision that Trump should proceed with his schedule as normal yesterday *after* they knew Hicks was positive? It’d be bad enough to have him out there meeting people after he’d been in close contact with someone who has the virus, but reportedly he was already showing symptoms of fatigue on Wednesday. No one made the connection between Hicks having COVID and the president seeming under the weather? Or did they make the connection and just decide to let him go out and risk infecting people in the hope/expectation that he wouldn’t have any symptoms himself and could keep campaigning?
.@PressSec on President Trump's New Jersey trip yesterday: "It was deemed safe for the president to go. He socially distanced. It was an outdoor event and it was deemed safe…White House Operations made the assessment it was safe for the president in consultation with others." pic.twitter.com/xcltfqiWx0 — CSPAN (@cspan) October 2, 2020
One would think now might be the moment for them to revise their COVID protocols inside the White House, but according to the AP they’ve refused. Mask-wearing will remain “a personal choice,” not a mandate. And they’ll continue to use Abbott’s rapid tests even though they “only return positive results if individuals tested submit samples with large amounts of viral material.” That’s why there are so many false negatives with those tests — some people are positive but don’t yet have viral loads high enough to be measured. Said one epidemiologist to Stat about the White House’s “testing only” approach to containing the virus, “If you told me that somebody who was only testing, not wearing their mask, not distancing, and not taking every other precautionary measure tested positive, I would say: No sh*t, Sherlock.”
Sticking with a flawed, failed strategy is par for the course, though. One former White House official told Sherman that once Trump has recovered, “He could come out and say, ‘Look, I had COVID and it wasn’t that bad. It just shows that I’m strong and we should open up the country.’… He could make a mockery of it.” Unquestionably that’s what Trump will do, and it’ll only further alienate the 60 percent of the country that believes he’s never taken the pandemic seriously enough. Mocking the virus in February, before it’s killed anyone, would be stupid but understandable in a “people are often stupid” kind of way. Mocking it after 200,000 have died just because you managed to survive it while enjoying the world’s best medical care (and maybe some experimental treatments) would make you look like a psychopath, especially when your own young aide is “quite sick” from it right now. But Trump is going to be Trump. It’s too late to change now.


hotair--2020-10-02--Victim of random street attack in NY City turns out to be actor Rick Moranis

Thursday morning there was a random attack on the street in New York .
Police quickly released video of the assault and asked for tips finding the person responsible .
A police spokesman said the victim was punched in the head with a closed fist .
There didn ’ t appear to be any reason for this attack .
Just a random attack on an older man .
Today police released a much clearer image of the suspect .
This is pure speculation on my part but I wonder if this will turn out to be another random attack by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see in the video clip above is the identity of the victim .
He ’ s actually been blurred out .
But today we learned he ’ s someone a lot of us remember fondly , actor Rick Moranis .
Police said he went to the hospital with pain in his head , back and hip .
He later walked to the precinct to report the crime .
Moranis ’ management team told CBS2 ’ s Jenna DeAngelis he is “ fine , but grateful for everyone ’ s thoughts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career going in the 80s .
He was on SCTV and hit it big as half of the Bob and Doug McKenzie skit which poked fun at a pair of beer-drinking Canadian brothers .
A film based on the skit , Strange Brew was released in 1983 .
After that Moranis had memorable roles in Ghostbusters , Little Shop of Horrors , Spaceballs , Honey , I Shrunk the Kids plus various sequels and a bunch more films .
What I didn ’ t know was that he mostly stopped acting after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what it says on his Wikipedia page — and to the fact that he barely has appeared onscreen in the past two decades — Moranis is not retired .
Not exactly , anyway .
He did take an 18-year hiatus from acting after his wife , Ann , died from breast cancer in 1997 to focus on raising his two young children ( ever the overprotective father , he won ’ t reveal their names ) .
But now that his kids have grown , the actor…is thinking about stepping back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just really , really particular about which cameras… Today he lives alone in a sprawling , art-filled apartment on the Upper West Side ( not far from the building where the Ghostbusters once did battle with a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ) … But whenever he leaves his apartment , he still gets recognized on the streets of New York .
“ People are very nice when they see me , ” he says .
“ They ask me , ‘ How come they don ’ t make movies like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governed by a certain kind of taste at that time , and there were places we wouldn ’ t go with language and bodily fluids and functions .
I think that ’ s what they ’ re nostalgic for.
” Moranis has recently agreed to appear in another Honey , I Shrunk the Kids sequel and earlier this month he appeared in a cell phone ad with actor Ryan Reynolds : To his credit , Moranis turned down a cameo in the female Ghostbusters reboot : “ I wish them well , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s so stunned by the outcry over his absence in the film that he decided to grant a rare interview with THR .
“ I hope it ’ s terrific .
But it just makes no sense to me .
Why would I do just one day of shooting on something I did 30 years ago ?
” I grew up watching Moranis so I have a fondness for him .
I hope they catch the guy who punched him and I really hope this doesn ’ t dissuade him from returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawyer like the one he had in Strange Brew to keep away strangers on the street :

Thursday morning there was a random attack on the street in New York. Police quickly released video of the assault and asked for tips finding the person responsible. A police spokesman said the victim was punched in the head with a closed fist. There didn’t appear to be any reason for this attack. Just a random attack on an older man.
🚨WANTED🚨for ASSAULT October 1, 2020 at 7:24 AM, on Central Park West in the vicinity of West 70 St Manhattan. @NYPD20PCT.Reward up to $2500👀Seen him? Know who he is?📞Call 1-800-577-TIPS or📲DM us!☎Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! @YourCityYourCall @NYPDDetectives @nypdchiefofpatrol pic.twitter.com/s06yNPBUBk — NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) October 2, 2020
Today police released a much clearer image of the suspect. This is pure speculation on my part but I wonder if this will turn out to be another random attack by a homeless person.
Breaking Update: Police release photo of the suspect wanted in the random and violent attack on actor Rick Moranis on the Upper West Side. https://t.co/WSNcD41r4f pic.twitter.com/pmcnLigRri — Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 2, 2020
What you can’t see in the video clip above is the identity of the victim. He’s actually been blurred out. But today we learned he’s someone a lot of us remember fondly, actor Rick Moranis.
Police said he went to the hospital with pain in his head, back and hip. He later walked to the precinct to report the crime. Moranis’ management team told CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis he is “fine, but grateful for everyone’s thoughts and well wishes.”
Moranis had a good career going in the 80s. He was on SCTV and hit it big as half of the Bob and Doug McKenzie skit which poked fun at a pair of beer-drinking Canadian brothers. A film based on the skit, Strange Brew was released in 1983. After that Moranis had memorable roles in Ghostbusters, Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids plus various sequels and a bunch more films. What I didn’t know was that he mostly stopped acting after a family tragedy in the 1990s:
Contrary to what it says on his Wikipedia page — and to the fact that he barely has appeared onscreen in the past two decades — Moranis is not retired. Not exactly, anyway. He did take an 18-year hiatus from acting after his wife, Ann, died from breast cancer in 1997 to focus on raising his two young children (ever the overprotective father, he won’t reveal their names). But now that his kids have grown, the actor…is thinking about stepping back in front of the cameras again. He’s just really, really particular about which cameras… Today he lives alone in a sprawling, art-filled apartment on the Upper West Side (not far from the building where the Ghostbusters once did battle with a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man)… But whenever he leaves his apartment, he still gets recognized on the streets of New York. “People are very nice when they see me,” he says. “They ask me, ‘How come they don’t make movies like they used to?’ We were governed by a certain kind of taste at that time, and there were places we wouldn’t go with language and bodily fluids and functions. I think that’s what they’re nostalgic for.”
Moranis has recently agreed to appear in another Honey, I Shrunk the Kids sequel and earlier this month he appeared in a cell phone ad with actor Ryan Reynolds:
To his credit, Moranis turned down a cameo in the female Ghostbusters reboot:
“I wish them well,” says the 62-year-old comedic legend, who’s so stunned by the outcry over his absence in the film that he decided to grant a rare interview with THR. “I hope it’s terrific. But it just makes no sense to me. Why would I do just one day of shooting on something I did 30 years ago?”
Good call, Rick Moranis, good call.
I grew up watching Moranis so I have a fondness for him. I hope they catch the guy who punched him and I really hope this doesn’t dissuade him from returning to work. Maybe he should hire a lawyer like the one he had in Strange Brew to keep away strangers on the street:


hotair--2020-10-02--Schumer, Feinstein: Trump, Lee COVID-19 diagnoses means we should cancel Barrett confirmation

Actually , it doesn ’ t — and both Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein can thank Nancy Pelosi in part for that .
After the news about positive COVID-19 diagnoses for Donald Trump and especially Mike Lee , who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee , the two Senate Democrat leaders insisted on canceling the upcoming confirmation hearing for Amy Coney Barrett .
It doesn ’ t help this case that both of them have demanded it be canceled pretty much every day since her nomination , too : This is a silly argument for a couple of reasons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no bearing at all , since his constitutional role ended on Sunday with the official transmission of Barrett ’ s formal nomination .
Second no one seems to be demanding an end to the Senate session , at least for the moment , despite Lee ’ s diagnosis .
Schumer will probably demand later today that Mitch McConnell take up the House HEROES Act on COVID-19 relief , perhaps even citing these diagnoses for necessity .
The proximity of senators to each other on the chamber floor is closer than in committee hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little time before the hearing , too .
Lee announced that he would quarantine for ten days , starting today , which would conveniently leave him available for the confirmation hearing on October 12 .
Other committee members who were around Lee yesterday might want to quarantine longer , but that wouldn ’ t prevent the Senate from holding the hearing .
Thanks in part to Pelosi ’ s insistence on conducting congressional business remotely , committees in both chambers have met in whole or in part virtually — including the Senate Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comey via teleconference for his testimony .
And that hearing dealt with sensitive intel and nat-sec issues , too .
This is nothing more than yet another excuse to demand an end to a legitimate nomination and confirmation process .
Mitch McConnell declared “ full steam ahead , ” as did Judiciary chair Lindsey Graham : Out of caution , Graham could hold the confirmation hearing over Zoom , or whatever platform Congress is using for these committee meetings .
The committee members can meet with Barrett the same way , or talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research remotely or through their staffs .
But if Judiciary Democrats still don ’ t want to do that , then Graham should hold a vote immediately and report the nomination to the full Senate .

Actually, it doesn’t — and both Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein can thank Nancy Pelosi in part for that. After the news about positive COVID-19 diagnoses for Donald Trump and especially Mike Lee, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the two Senate Democrat leaders insisted on canceling the upcoming confirmation hearing for Amy Coney Barrett.
It doesn’t help this case that both of them have demanded it be canceled pretty much every day since her nomination, too:
Schumer/Feinstein: The unfortunate news about the infection of our colleague Senator Mike Lee makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities, including hearings. — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 2, 2020
Schumer/Feinstein: It’s critical that Chairman Graham put the health of senators, the nominee, and staff first – and ensure a full and fair hearing that is not rushed, not truncated, and not virtual. Otherwise this already illegitimate process will become a dangerous one. — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 2, 2020
This is a silly argument for a couple of reasons. First, Trump’s diagnosis has no bearing at all, since his constitutional role ended on Sunday with the official transmission of Barrett’s formal nomination. Second no one seems to be demanding an end to the Senate session, at least for the moment, despite Lee’s diagnosis. Schumer will probably demand later today that Mitch McConnell take up the House HEROES Act on COVID-19 relief, perhaps even citing these diagnoses for necessity. The proximity of senators to each other on the chamber floor is closer than in committee hearings.
There’s at least a little time before the hearing, too. Lee announced that he would quarantine for ten days, starting today, which would conveniently leave him available for the confirmation hearing on October 12. Other committee members who were around Lee yesterday might want to quarantine longer, but that wouldn’t prevent the Senate from holding the hearing. Thanks in part to Pelosi’s insistence on conducting congressional business remotely, committees in both chambers have met in whole or in part virtually — including the Senate Judiciary Committee, which just met with James Comey via teleconference for his testimony. And that hearing dealt with sensitive intel and nat-sec issues, too.
This is nothing more than yet another excuse to demand an end to a legitimate nomination and confirmation process. Mitch McConnell declared “full steam ahead,” as did Judiciary chair Lindsey Graham:
Just finished a great phone call with @POTUS. He’s in good spirits and we talked business — especially how impressed Senators are with the qualifications of Judge Barrett. Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, & the country deserve. — Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) October 2, 2020
Talked to Senator Lee earlier today and wished him a speedy recovery. Look forward to welcoming him back to the @senjudiciary to proceed with the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barret on October 12. https://t.co/OVm0OQbnQF — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 2, 2020
Out of caution, Graham could hold the confirmation hearing over Zoom, or whatever platform Congress is using for these committee meetings. The committee members can meet with Barrett the same way, or talk over the phone, and do their research remotely or through their staffs. But if Judiciary Democrats still don’t want to do that, then Graham should hold a vote immediately and report the nomination to the full Senate.