msnbc--2020-11-20--Ignoring the CDC and traveling for Thanksgiving? At least read this first.

The impact of the nation ’ s Covied-19 cases — over 10 million and counting , with more than 250,000 dead — have many people considering how best to avoid the virus during the holiday season .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , along with the members of the White House coronavirus task force , including Dr. Anthony Fauci , and most health professionals including myself , have urged everyone to reconsider plans and stay home .
Staying home equals saving lives .
Fauci and his wife , Christine Grady , discussed their own decision to celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we also acknowledge that at least 50.6 million Americans are planning to travel soon , or to invite other family and friends into your home .
If this group includes you , you should consider these practical tips to keep yourself and others healthy and as safe as possible : 1 .
Not all masks are created equal Despite the unfortunate political rhetoric that has emerged about masks , the science is clear : The respiratory aspect of this virus can be mitigated to a large degree by wearing high quality masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a good mask ?
Try the candle test : If you can wear your mask and blow out a birthday candle , your mask should be replaced , ideally with a three layer mask .
Also remember , wearing the mask on your mouth only is not good enough ; it must cover your nose and mouth in order to serve its purpose .
Healthcare-grade masks such as N-95 masks require proper fitting ( a complex process that is done under pretty strict environmental conditions ) and are best reserved for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short supply , but many high quality alternatives are available .
Wearing a mask indoors may seem unconventional , but try to at least encourage higher risk people to wear a mask , especially older people , pregnant women and people with chronic conditions .
If you are visiting others or hosting guests , keep a spare supply of masks that people can use if they forget theirs , or if you notice that theirs is of lesser quality .
If one thing is certain , it ’ s that , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here to stay .
Instead of focusing on how scary it feels , incorporate masks into your holiday traditions .
We can even make them fun ; create a contest for the most creative mask , or have a mask-decorating party along with you usual holiday activities to help normalize the concept of wearing one in your house .
2 .
To test or not to test ?
Many of my patients have asked whether they should take a Covid-19 test prior to travel , and if a negative result means safe travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests are created equal .
Many of the rapid tests that offer results in less than an hour suffer from high false negative rates , while the lab-based PCR tests which are close to 100 percent accurate can take several days to process , and often involve standing with strangers in long lines to get into testing centers .
If you decide to go this route , the best course of action is to take a test and then immediately quarantine for at least 14 days , then consider testing again at day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Thanksgiving Day , I encourage my patients to remember that tests only offer a snapshot of the results in that exact moment that you obtained the test .
Similar to a pregnancy test , you can test too early to detect results , but still be pregnant .
If you do choose to test in order to travel , please be sure you get a high quality test and try to quarantine as long as possible to prevent the chances of receiving or getting the virus .
Quarantining is still the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing protocol .
3 .
Can you control your environment ?
In the clinic and hospital , our humidity is controlled , there is a sink in every room , and you can ’ t walk 5 feet without seeing a hand sanitizer dispenser .
In essence , our built environment is tailored to avoid respiratory spread .
Our homes are almost the opposite for the most part : The air in our homes circulates about 1-2 times an hour and the cold air combined with low humidity makes it easier for virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks , do what you can to build a better equipped home .
Have frequent sanitizing stations and provide masks and disinfectant wipes .
Consider how to move air inside a room by either opening a window or using some practical techniques to improve air circulation .
In my household , we space chairs so that we ’ ve gotten used to understanding how far 6 feet actually is .
Of course , this means we also have to keep in mind that if you are speaking with raised , loud voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re likely emitting more particles that linger in the air .
Surfaces should be kept clean in the house , especially high traffic areas like counters .
Use gloves when handling dishes , and ask guests to bring and take their own plates .
The safest option for all involved is to host your holiday meal outdoors .
If you must travel on a plane , avoid using the bathroom or taking off our mask , which creates more opportunities to potentially contaminate yourself and others .
That means avoiding meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you drive and need to stop somewhere , carry scraps of paper or napkins to handle door handles , light switches or other surfaces .
At a minimum , make a point upon re-entry into your car to sanitize your hands and consider keeping your mask on to avoid touching your face .
A face shield can be helpful , but not as a substitute for a mask over the nose and face ; they can be especially helpful though for travelers under the age of 2 , for whom masks might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us — even those of us trained in infectious diseases and public health .
So think about what might happen and plan for the worst ; if someone shows up and is sick or not feeling well , for example , think about how to best isolate them away from others in your home .
You may even consider sending a group chat or text reinforcing masks and expected behavior to any guests , and also offer people a way to change their plans if they feel uncertain .
No one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holidays , but in the year of a global pandemic , letting people know that staying home and keeping your celebration to members of your own household is an option might be a relief to all involved .
And it ’ s by far the safest choice .
Finally , try to take time to have compassion for yourself and others .
Acknowledge your emotions .
Do not be afraid to ask for help .
Even as we navigate an infection disease , our mental health and well being matter deeply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through this simultaneously has created a unique baseline of understanding .
Signs that you may be experiencing depression or anxiety include changes in sleep habits and appetite as well as overall lack of interest in doing things that would normally bring you pleasure .
If you yourself are not experiencing any mental health issues , take time to be more aware of those around you who may be , and acknowledge their emotions — especially those who are alone right now .
Loneliness can have an effect on chronic conditions such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
We are all feeling the detrimental effects of isolation , and if you are staying at home by yourself or just feeling alone even among others , know that you are not , in fact , alone .

The impact of the nation’s Covid-19 cases — over 10 million and counting, with more than 250,000 dead — have many people considering how best to avoid the virus during the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the members of the White House coronavirus task force, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, and most health professionals including myself, have urged everyone to reconsider plans and stay home. Staying home equals saving lives. Fauci and his wife, Christine Grady, discussed their own decision to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday without their two daughters.
But we also acknowledge that at least 50.6 million Americans are planning to travel soon, or to invite other family and friends into your home. If this group includes you, you should consider these practical tips to keep yourself and others healthy and as safe as possible:
1. Not all masks are created equal
Despite the unfortunate political rhetoric that has emerged about masks, the science is clear: The respiratory aspect of this virus can be mitigated to a large degree by wearing high quality masks.
If you can wear your mask and blow out a birthday candle, your mask should be replaced.
How can you tell if you have a good mask? Try the candle test: If you can wear your mask and blow out a birthday candle, your mask should be replaced, ideally with a three layer mask. Also remember, wearing the mask on your mouth only is not good enough; it must cover your nose and mouth in order to serve its purpose. Healthcare-grade masks such as N-95 masks require proper fitting (a complex process that is done under pretty strict environmental conditions) and are best reserved for health care workers as these are still in short supply, but many high quality alternatives are available.
Wearing a mask indoors may seem unconventional, but try to at least encourage higher risk people to wear a mask, especially older people, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. If you are visiting others or hosting guests, keep a spare supply of masks that people can use if they forget theirs, or if you notice that theirs is of lesser quality. If one thing is certain, it’s that, for the foreseeable future at least, masks are here to stay. Instead of focusing on how scary it feels, incorporate masks into your holiday traditions. We can even make them fun; create a contest for the most creative mask, or have a mask-decorating party along with you usual holiday activities to help normalize the concept of wearing one in your house.
2. To test or not to test?
Many of my patients have asked whether they should take a Covid-19 test prior to travel, and if a negative result means safe travel. Keep in mind that not all tests are created equal. Many of the rapid tests that offer results in less than an hour suffer from high false negative rates, while the lab-based PCR tests which are close to 100 percent accurate can take several days to process, and often involve standing with strangers in long lines to get into testing centers.
Similar to a pregnancy test, you can test too early to detect results, but still be pregnant.
If you decide to go this route, the best course of action is to take a test and then immediately quarantine for at least 14 days, then consider testing again at day 10. Since we are getting so close to Thanksgiving Day, I encourage my patients to remember that tests only offer a snapshot of the results in that exact moment that you obtained the test.
Similar to a pregnancy test, you can test too early to detect results, but still be pregnant. If you do choose to test in order to travel, please be sure you get a high quality test and try to quarantine as long as possible to prevent the chances of receiving or getting the virus. Quarantining is still the most important factor, no matter your testing protocol.
3. Can you control your environment?
In the clinic and hospital, our humidity is controlled, there is a sink in every room, and you can’t walk 5 feet without seeing a hand sanitizer dispenser. In essence, our built environment is tailored to avoid respiratory spread. Our homes are almost the opposite for the most part: The air in our homes circulates about 1-2 times an hour and the cold air combined with low humidity makes it easier for virus particles to linger. In addition to wearing masks, do what you can to build a better equipped home. Have frequent sanitizing stations and provide masks and disinfectant wipes. Consider how to move air inside a room by either opening a window or using some practical techniques to improve air circulation.
The air in our homes circulates about 1-2 times an hour and the cold air combined with low humidity makes it easier for virus particles to linger.
In my household, we space chairs so that we’ve gotten used to understanding how far 6 feet actually is. Of course, this means we also have to keep in mind that if you are speaking with raised, loud voices because of large distances between people, you’re likely emitting more particles that linger in the air. Surfaces should be kept clean in the house, especially high traffic areas like counters. Use gloves when handling dishes, and ask guests to bring and take their own plates. The safest option for all involved is to host your holiday meal outdoors.
4. Planes, trains, and automobiles
If you must travel on a plane, avoid using the bathroom or taking off our mask, which creates more opportunities to potentially contaminate yourself and others. That means avoiding meals and drinking on a plane. If you drive and need to stop somewhere, carry scraps of paper or napkins to handle door handles, light switches or other surfaces.
At a minimum, make a point upon re-entry into your car to sanitize your hands and consider keeping your mask on to avoid touching your face. A face shield can be helpful, but not as a substitute for a mask over the nose and face; they can be especially helpful though for travelers under the age of 2, for whom masks might not be feasible.
5. Make a contingency plan
This virus has surprised all of us — even those of us trained in infectious diseases and public health. So think about what might happen and plan for the worst; if someone shows up and is sick or not feeling well, for example, think about how to best isolate them away from others in your home. You may even consider sending a group chat or text reinforcing masks and expected behavior to any guests, and also offer people a way to change their plans if they feel uncertain.
No one wants to cancel plans, especially during the holidays, but in the year of a global pandemic, letting people know that staying home and keeping your celebration to members of your own household is an option might be a relief to all involved. And it’s by far the safest choice.
Finally, try to take time to have compassion for yourself and others. Acknowledge your emotions. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Even as we navigate an infection disease, our mental health and well being matter deeply, and the fact that we are all going through this simultaneously has created a unique baseline of understanding. Signs that you may be experiencing depression or anxiety include changes in sleep habits and appetite as well as overall lack of interest in doing things that would normally bring you pleasure. If you yourself are not experiencing any mental health issues, take time to be more aware of those around you who may be, and acknowledge their emotions — especially those who are alone right now.
Loneliness can have an effect on chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and make them worse. We are all feeling the detrimental effects of isolation, and if you are staying at home by yourself or just feeling alone even among others, know that you are not, in fact, alone.


msnbc--2020-11-21--How do you govern when half the country is trapped in a disinformation bubble?

How do you govern when half the country is trapped in a disinformation bubble ?

The right has spent decades telling people not to believe anyone but them. And now half the country simply can't accept the reality that Trump lost. “The question of whether anyone can run a democracy under these conditions is really an open one,” says Chris Hayes.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--'Meltdown': As Rudy Giuliani flails in court, Trump hides in WH

As Trump continues to lose in court over his election fraud claims, MSNBC’s Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber provides an update on the ongoing litigation and breaks down Rudy Giuliani’s bizarre behavior in court. Washington Post reporter Libby Casey and journalist Blake Zeff join to discuss Giuliani’s distracting behavior and the GOP’s efforts to undermine the election, Casey asserting “you could not script this.”Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Dr. Vin Gupta: No one should be traveling for the holidays unless it’s an emergency

Dr. Vin Gupta: No one should be traveling for the holidays unless it’s an emergency
Along with limiting travel, Dr. Vin Gupta has a message for college students: “For the benefit of your loved ones, don't go home and then come back and go back home again. Stay home, stay put. Once you arrive home, mask in the presence of loved ones for at least 72 hours and get tested."Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-20--Biden says he won't take legal action as Trump continues effort to overturn election

Biden says he won't take legal action as Trump continues effort to overturn election
NBC's Geoff Bennett brings us the latest from the Biden team as President Trump and his aides continue their effort to overturn the election.Nov. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-20--David Plouffe calls Trump’s legal fight ‘the biggest grift in American history’

Former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe says that the president is “the most unpatriotic person in the country’s history” and warns that Republicans backing his legal fight are threatening the underpinning of our democracyNov. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Senators who urged ‘voters to decide’ impeachment won’t admit Trump lost the election

Trump lost .
So why are Hill Republicans sticking by him ?

During the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, the Republican excuse for acquitting the president was, “This shouldn’t be up to us—let the voters decide.” Well, the voters have decided. And there is still universal silence from those senators.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--'Good luck with that': PA lt. gov. not worried about Trump scheme to corrupt election

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it


msnbc--2020-11-21--Geraldo Rivera wants to name the Covid-19 vaccine after Trump


msnbc--2020-11-21--Trump lost. So why are Hill Republicans sticking by him?

Trump lost. So why are Hill Republicans sticking by him?
If Trump lost the election, why are Republicans on the Hill sticking with him? Jeremy Peters of The New York Times joins to give us his analysis.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Lawrence O’Donnell thanks Rachel Maddow for her powerful Covid-19 message

Lawrence O’Donnell thanks Rachel Maddow for her powerful Covid-19 message
Rachel Maddow joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the dangers of Covid-19 following her partner’s battle with the disease and urges Americans to protect the ones they love by social distancing over the holidays.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Judge dismisses Trump's Pennsylvania election lawsuit

Ali Velshi : 'The United States is the richest country in the world , yet millions are food insecure '

Trump claims it would be 'sort of foolish' for him to attend first GOP primary debate 03:33


msnbc--2020-11-21--Healthcare worker advocate fears ‘America will fail’ COVID fight

The COVID-19 fight is examined by frontline healthcare worker experts, who warn that in their view Americans must unite, make sacrifices, and spread the truth in order to beat the coronavirus pandemic.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Ali Velshi: 'The United States is the richest country in the world, yet millions are food insecure'

As the holidays approach, millions of Americans are classified as “food insecure” because they can’t afford to feed themselves and their families. “We have seen the best of America during these dark days but rarely has it come from the nation’s capital,” Ali Velshi says. “It’s time for Congress to pass a second round of relief for those most in need.”Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Rep. Ryan: House Restaurants Act would help the working class

Mitch McConnell is slammed by Rep. Tim Ryan for in his view not aiding small restaurants, which in turn would aid the millions of workers employed in restaurants, by not taking up the revised House Heroes Act.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--U.S. surpasses 12 million coronavirus cases

Coronavirus cases passed 12 million in the U.S., with more than 200,000 cases recorded in the last 24 hours.Nov. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Trump has waged a four year-long assault on reality — but the worst is still to come

Rudy Giuliani knows what he can get away with these days ; and he and his cohorts are correct when they assume that even the most bizarre falsehoods will find an extensive audience in the far-right media ecosystem .
They know that multiple right-wing outlets will carry them ; that millions of supporters of President Donald Trump will believe them ; and that enough members of the Republican Party will barely bat an eye at even the most utterly unsupportable lies .
Giuliani knows this because Trump has waged a four year-long assault on reality .
But for those anticipating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in the White House , you ’ d be wise to buckle up : The worst is likely yet to come as the competition to be the main conduit for Trump ’ s post-presidency bile heats up .
Thursday ’ s utterly lunatic press conference by Trump ’ s campaign lawyers , including Giuliani , shows how far things have already spiraled .
Among other things , the lawyers alleged that Trump ’ s defeat had been engineered by “ communist money ” and rigged voting machines in a scheme hatched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the other alleged culprits : George Soros , the Clinton Foundation , and “ communistic ” countries like China and Cuba .
`` We will not be intimidated , ” insisted Trump lawyer Sidney Powell .
“ We are going to clean this mess up now .
President Trump won by a landslide .
We are going to prove it.
” ( Note : They have not only not proven it , but have failed to provide any evidence to support their claim . )
As NBC News ’ Ben Collins wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff straight from the bowels of 4chan.
” Chris Krebs , the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who was fired on Tuesday for insisting — correctly — that the 2020 election was secure and free from digital tampering , tweeted : “ That press conference was the most dangerous 1hr 45 minutes of television in American history .
And possibly the craziest .
If you don ’ t know what I ’ m talking about , you ’ re lucky.
” But millions of people know exactly what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the press conference was broadcast live on Fox News .
A clip of it claiming that Trump won the election was tweeted out by the Republican National Committee .
And it was extensively covered throughout the Trump-friendly media , which is now competing for the loyalty of the MAGA-verse .
Trump ’ s team also knew that even the most deranged tin-foil hat charges had the imprimatur of the president of the United States himself .
Trump has embraced already debunked conspiracy theories about rigged voting machines manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ QAnon .
These theories have since made their way up through the media chain to Giuliani , who has whispered fervently in his ear that the election is still winnable .
“ People are not going to stand for having this Election stolen from them by a privately owned Radical Left company , Dominion , and many other reasons !
” Trump tweeted last week Advance Democracy , a non-profit group that tracks misinformation , found that tweets that included the # Dominion hashtag exploded from just 75 tweets a day to nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cascade of misinformation is accelerating in large part because the center of gravity of the right ’ s media ecosystem has shifted toward the bizarre as it races to keep up with the latest Trumpist conspiracy theories .
As Politico notes , there is a mad rush “ to determine which outlet — cable , radio , internet or otherwise — will embrace Trumpism the tightest .
And the competition is driving the far-right MAGA echo chamber to cannibalize itself.
” Claims that Trump actually “ won ” the election , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have flooded Facebook and other social media platforms .
This creates immense pressure on conservative media to echo the same complaints .
Fox News now faces intense competition from One America News Network and Newsmax , which have been eager to push Trump ’ s favorite conspiracy theories about the election among other subjects .
They are making a concerted play for an audience that has grown accustomed to a steady diet of outrage and grievance .
Their drive for ratings fuels the willingness to embrace Trump ’ s lies .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News rose to prominence by creating and then feeding the appetite for easy answers that morphed into Trumpism .
The network created a safe space for many on the right , but in the wake of the election , the anxieties of its audience has turned against them .
These tensions were evident at a November pro-Trump rally in Washington , D.C. when marchers chanted “ Fox News sucks , ” after the network called the election for Biden .
Trump himself is egging on the attacks on Fox .
`` They forgot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them there , ” he tweeted .
” They forgot the Golden Goose . ''
For much of the right-wing media , Trump has laid golden egg after golden egg over the years , and they risk massive backlash and even excommunication if they fail to stoke the undiluted grievances of Trump-world .
The success of this campaign of falsehoods about the election is already evident in the polls .
The latest Monmouth University survey found that 77 percent of Trump supporters believe that Biden ’ s win was fraudulent .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied to a belief that the election was stolen , ” remarked one of the pollsters .
That anger is not likely to dissipate anytime soon , especially if Trump decides to exploit that sense of victimization to launch a 2024 comeback bid .
For many on the right , loyalty to Trump will continue to be a litmus test and competition for his favor .
This will only intensify , even if it means undermining confidence in the political system itself .
Like Republican politicians , right-wing media outlets live in terror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yes , it ’ s bad now .
But it will get worse , and the threat to democracy is real .

Rudy Giuliani knows what he can get away with these days; and he and his cohorts are correct when they assume that even the most bizarre falsehoods will find an extensive audience in the far-right media ecosystem. They know that multiple right-wing outlets will carry them; that millions of supporters of President Donald Trump will believe them; and that enough members of the Republican Party will barely bat an eye at even the most utterly unsupportable lies.
For those anticipating some type of reprieve with President-elect Joe Biden in the White House, you’d be wise to buckle up.
Giuliani knows this because Trump has waged a four year-long assault on reality. But for those anticipating some type of reprieve with President-elect Joe Biden in the White House, you’d be wise to buckle up: The worst is likely yet to come as the competition to be the main conduit for Trump’s post-presidency bile heats up.
Thursday’s utterly lunatic press conference by Trump’s campaign lawyers, including Giuliani, shows how far things have already spiraled. Among other things, the lawyers alleged that Trump’s defeat had been engineered by “communist money” and rigged voting machines in a scheme hatched by the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Among the other alleged culprits: George Soros, the Clinton Foundation, and “communistic” countries like China and Cuba.
"We will not be intimidated,” insisted Trump lawyer Sidney Powell. “We are going to clean this mess up now. President Trump won by a landslide. We are going to prove it.” (Note: They have not only not proven it, but have failed to provide any evidence to support their claim.)
As NBC News’ Ben Collins wrote on Twitter, “This is unhinged stuff straight from the bowels of 4chan.”
This is unhinged stuff straight from the bowels of 4chan. https://t.co/7A64qJiSNc — Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) November 19, 2020
Chris Krebs, the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who was fired on Tuesday for insisting — correctly — that the 2020 election was secure and free from digital tampering, tweeted: “That press conference was the most dangerous 1hr 45 minutes of television in American history. And possibly the craziest. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re lucky.”
That press conference was the most dangerous 1hr 45 minutes of television in American history. And possibly the craziest. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re lucky. — Chris Krebs (@C_C_Krebs) November 19, 2020
But millions of people know exactly what he’s talking about. The entirety of the press conference was broadcast live on Fox News. A clip of it claiming that Trump won the election was tweeted out by the Republican National Committee. And it was extensively covered throughout the Trump-friendly media, which is now competing for the loyalty of the MAGA-verse.
Trump’s team also knew that even the most deranged tin-foil hat charges had the imprimatur of the president of the United States himself. Trump has embraced already debunked conspiracy theories about rigged voting machines manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems that originated in the fever swamps of QAnon. These theories have since made their way up through the media chain to Giuliani, who has whispered fervently in his ear that the election is still winnable.
“People are not going to stand for having this Election stolen from them by a privately owned Radical Left company, Dominion, and many other reasons!” Trump tweeted last week
For many on the right, loyalty to Trump will continue to be a litmus test.
Advance Democracy, a non-profit group that tracks misinformation, found that tweets that included the #Dominion hashtag exploded from just 75 tweets a day to nearly 36,000 per day within a week.
The cascade of misinformation is accelerating in large part because the center of gravity of the right’s media ecosystem has shifted toward the bizarre as it races to keep up with the latest Trumpist conspiracy theories.
As Politico notes, there is a mad rush “to determine which outlet — cable, radio, internet or otherwise — will embrace Trumpism the tightest. And the competition is driving the far-right MAGA echo chamber to cannibalize itself.”
Claims that Trump actually “won” the election, and that it is being stolen by Biden, have flooded Facebook and other social media platforms. This creates immense pressure on conservative media to echo the same complaints.
Fox News now faces intense competition from One America News Network and Newsmax, which have been eager to push Trump’s favorite conspiracy theories about the election among other subjects. They are making a concerted play for an audience that has grown accustomed to a steady diet of outrage and grievance. Their drive for ratings fuels the willingness to embrace Trump’s lies.
The situation is rife with irony: Fox News rose to prominence by creating and then feeding the appetite for easy answers that morphed into Trumpism. The network created a safe space for many on the right, but in the wake of the election, the anxieties of its audience has turned against them.
These tensions were evident at a November pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C. when marchers chanted “Fox News sucks,” after the network called the election for Biden.
77 percent of Trump supporters believe that Biden’s win was fraudulent.
Trump himself is egging on the attacks on Fox. "They forgot what made them successful, what got them there,” he tweeted. ”They forgot the Golden Goose."
For much of the right-wing media, Trump has laid golden egg after golden egg over the years, and they risk massive backlash and even excommunication if they fail to stoke the undiluted grievances of Trump-world.
The success of this campaign of falsehoods about the election is already evident in the polls. The latest Monmouth University survey found that 77 percent of Trump supporters believe that Biden’s win was fraudulent. “The anger among Trump’s base is tied to a belief that the election was stolen,” remarked one of the pollsters.
That anger is not likely to dissipate anytime soon, especially if Trump decides to exploit that sense of victimization to launch a 2024 comeback bid. For many on the right, loyalty to Trump will continue to be a litmus test and competition for his favor. This will only intensify, even if it means undermining confidence in the political system itself.
Like Republican politicians, right-wing media outlets live in terror of offending the Trump base. So yes, it’s bad now. But it will get worse, and the threat to democracy is real.


msnbc--2020-11-20--Why Black Georgians must brace themselves for another wave of voter suppression

As the 2020 election season draws to a merciful close , all eyes remain on Georgia .
The state voted Democratic in the presidential election — for the first time since 1992 — with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially certifying the vote for President-elect Joe Biden on Friday .
Now , control of the U.S. Senate depends on a pair of runoff elections on Jan. 5 .
No single factor adequately explains the rise of the new “ blue Georgia , ” but the role of Black voters there , especially in the younger generations , stands out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has the potential to cement the changes there for decades to come .
And given the history of suppression of the Black vote in Georgia , the emergence of this key demographic is nothing short of remarkable .
Ever since African Americans first secured the right to vote in Georgia , white supremacists have worked to take it away from them .
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries , white Georgians crafted an elaborate series of new rules and regulations to block Black voting , including a cumulative and costly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , ” and property qualifications .
( Poor whites who might have been barred by these restrictions had their voting rights restored through the so-called grandfather clause . )
Most significantly , Georgia made the Democratic Party ’ s primary — the only primary that mattered at all in the one-party “ Solid South ” — a purely whites-only affair .
By the end of World War II , however , much of the official structure of disfranchisement had been dismantled , due to rulings by federal courts and changes in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppression unraveled , white supremacists resorted to extralegal programs of intimidation and violence to block Black voting .
In 1946 , Gov .
Gene Talmadge was asked how they might keep African Americans away from the polls .
The demagogic Democrat picked up a scrap of paper and wrote a single word on it : “ Pistols.
” The governor ’ s supporters took him seriously , singling out Black voters for violent retribution .
In Taylor County , a Black veteran who dared to vote in the now-open Democratic primary was dragged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by four white men .
Afterward , they nailed a sign up at a local Black church : “ The First N -- -- - to Vote Will Never Vote Again.
” In Walton County , midway between Atlanta and Athens , a white mob gunned down two Black couples in an open field ; one body was riddled with 180 bullets .
“ This thing ’ s got to be done to keep Mister N -- -- - in his place , ” a local coldly explained .
“ Since the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been any holding him.
” Black Georgians , however , refused to stay in the “ place ” white supremacists assigned for them , and continued to press for full voting rights , prompting predictable responses from segregationists .
In “ Terrible Terrell ” County , in the southwestern section of the state , Sheriff Zeke Mathews and a dozen armed men barged into a voter-registration meeting at a Black church in July 1962 .
Smoking a cigar , the sheriff told the congregation that the white community was “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
We want our colored people to go on living like they have for the past 100 years.
” When Black activists persisted with their plans , that same church and another involved in the voting drive were firebombed that September .
White terrorists fired shots into the homes of Black leaders and dynamited others , too .
As the campaigns to suppress the Black vote grew uglier , the federal government finally stepped in .
First , it secured justice for past offenses with lawsuits against Mathews and other law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimidate Black voters .
Then it worked to prevent further disfranchisement through the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 .
The landmark legislation wrought a revolution in voting rights across the South .
In Georgia , the percentage of eligible Black voters who were registered to vote more than doubled from 1965 to 1988 , closing the gap between African American and white registration rates to the point where the two were nearly identical .
While it helped boost Black registration across the South , the Voting Rights Act also worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly .
A key element of the law required that states with a history of voter suppression — such as Georgia — had to obtain “ pre-clearance ” from the Department of Justice before making any changes to their election procedures .
Over five decades , the vigilance of the federal government blocked 177 proposed changes in Georgia , ranging from redistricting to restricting the schedule for elections .
The Supreme Court ’ s 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder , however , eviscerated the Voting Rights Act , ending the pre-clearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns of voter suppression .
Georgia ’ s secretary of state at the time , Brian Kemp , a Republican , purged an estimated 1.4 million voters from the rolls from 2010 to 2018 , with nearly 670,000 removed from the rolls in 2017 alone .
A year later , Kemp blocked registration efforts from 53,000 state residents , 70 percent of them Black .
At the same time , his office closed 214 polling sites across Georgia , predominantly in poorer counties with sizable African American populations .
As he wrapped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , Kemp ran for governor himself .
He won , but by the narrowest margin in nearly 50 years — roughly 55,000 votes .
As this new wave of voter suppression sweeps across Georgia , Black Georgians are once again fighting back .
This time , notably , they ’ re not fighting the Democratic Party that produced Gene Talmadge and Zeke Mathews ; they ’ re leading it .
The chair of the state party is African American , as are the party ’ s leaders in the incoming session of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most notably , Kemp ’ s opponent in the 2018 race , Stacey Abrams , was the first African American to win the Democratic Party ’ s nomination for governor there .
After her narrow loss in that race , Abrams has been working tirelessly to combat the new campaigns of voter suppression in Georgia and elsewhere through her organization Fair Fight .
The work she and countless other Black activists have done in the state have given the Rev .
Raphael Warnock the best shot yet to become the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abrams challenge Kemp again in 2022 , the best chance for her to become the state ’ s first African American governor as well .
Still , President Donald Trump continues to insist that the election has been stolen from him , that people ’ s hard-won votes were fraudulent , and that he had the opportunity and the right to overturn the results .
It ’ s a thinly veiled echo of the racial ugliness that has underpinned voting legislation in Georgia and in most states .
Georgia ’ s Black voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state blue in an extremely crucial election .
But the energy being poured into erasing this Democratic victory — and their democratic victory —are proof that the fight for equal voting rights in this country is long from over and won .

As the 2020 election season draws to a merciful close, all eyes remain on Georgia. The state voted Democratic in the presidential election — for the first time since 1992 — with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially certifying the vote for President-elect Joe Biden on Friday. Now, control of the U.S. Senate depends on a pair of runoff elections on Jan. 5.
Ever since African Americans first secured the right to vote in Georgia, white supremacists have worked to take it away from them.
No single factor adequately explains the rise of the new “blue Georgia,” but the role of Black voters there, especially in the younger generations, stands out as a fundamentally important development, one that has the potential to cement the changes there for decades to come. And given the history of suppression of the Black vote in Georgia, the emergence of this key demographic is nothing short of remarkable.
Ever since African Americans first secured the right to vote in Georgia, white supremacists have worked to take it away from them.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, white Georgians crafted an elaborate series of new rules and regulations to block Black voting, including a cumulative and costly poll tax, an impossible-to-answer “literacy test,” and property qualifications. (Poor whites who might have been barred by these restrictions had their voting rights restored through the so-called grandfather clause.) Most significantly, Georgia made the Democratic Party’s primary — the only primary that mattered at all in the one-party “Solid South” — a purely whites-only affair.
By the end of World War II, however, much of the official structure of disfranchisement had been dismantled, due to rulings by federal courts and changes in state laws. As their legal schemes of suppression unraveled, white supremacists resorted to extralegal programs of intimidation and violence to block Black voting. In 1946, Gov. Gene Talmadge was asked how they might keep African Americans away from the polls. The demagogic Democrat picked up a scrap of paper and wrote a single word on it: “Pistols.”
In Taylor County, a Black veteran who dared to vote in the now-open Democratic Primary was dragged from his home and shot to death by four white men.
The governor’s supporters took him seriously, singling out Black voters for violent retribution. In Taylor County, a Black veteran who dared to vote in the now-open Democratic primary was dragged from his home and shot to death by four white men. Afterward, they nailed a sign up at a local Black church: “The First N----- to Vote Will Never Vote Again.” In Walton County, midway between Atlanta and Athens, a white mob gunned down two Black couples in an open field; one body was riddled with 180 bullets. “This thing’s got to be done to keep Mister N----- in his place,” a local coldly explained. “Since the state said he could vote, there ain’t been any holding him.”
Black Georgians, however, refused to stay in the “place” white supremacists assigned for them, and continued to press for full voting rights, prompting predictable responses from segregationists.
In “Terrible Terrell” County, in the southwestern section of the state, Sheriff Zeke Mathews and a dozen armed men barged into a voter-registration meeting at a Black church in July 1962. Smoking a cigar, the sheriff told the congregation that the white community was “a little fed up with this voter registration business. We want our colored people to go on living like they have for the past 100 years.” When Black activists persisted with their plans, that same church and another involved in the voting drive were firebombed that September. White terrorists fired shots into the homes of Black leaders and dynamited others, too.
As the campaigns to suppress the Black vote grew uglier, the federal government finally stepped in. First, it secured justice for past offenses with lawsuits against Mathews and other law enforcement officials who had used their positions to intimidate Black voters. Then it worked to prevent further disfranchisement through the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The landmark legislation wrought a revolution in voting rights across the South. In Georgia, the percentage of eligible Black voters who were registered to vote more than doubled from 1965 to 1988, closing the gap between African American and white registration rates to the point where the two were nearly identical.
While it helped boost Black registration across the South, the Voting Rights Act also worked to ensure that Black votes were counted fairly. A key element of the law required that states with a history of voter suppression — such as Georgia — had to obtain “pre-clearance” from the Department of Justice before making any changes to their election procedures. Over five decades, the vigilance of the federal government blocked 177 proposed changes in Georgia, ranging from redistricting to restricting the schedule for elections.
The Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, however, eviscerated the Voting Rights Act, ending the pre-clearance requirement and opening the door for renewed campaigns of voter suppression.
As this new wave of voter suppression sweeps across Georgia, Black Georgians are once again fighting back.
Georgia’s secretary of state at the time, Brian Kemp, a Republican, purged an estimated 1.4 million voters from the rolls from 2010 to 2018, with nearly 670,000 removed from the rolls in 2017 alone. A year later, Kemp blocked registration efforts from 53,000 state residents, 70 percent of them Black. At the same time, his office closed 214 polling sites across Georgia, predominantly in poorer counties with sizable African American populations. As he wrapped up this massive campaign of voter suppression in 2018, Kemp ran for governor himself. He won, but by the narrowest margin in nearly 50 years — roughly 55,000 votes.
As this new wave of voter suppression sweeps across Georgia, Black Georgians are once again fighting back. This time, notably, they’re not fighting the Democratic Party that produced Gene Talmadge and Zeke Mathews; they’re leading it. The chair of the state party is African American, as are the party’s leaders in the incoming session of the General Assembly and state Senate.
Most notably, Kemp’s opponent in the 2018 race, Stacey Abrams, was the first African American to win the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor there. After her narrow loss in that race, Abrams has been working tirelessly to combat the new campaigns of voter suppression in Georgia and elsewhere through her organization Fair Fight. The work she and countless other Black activists have done in the state have given the Rev. Raphael Warnock the best shot yet to become the state’s first African American senator and, should Abrams challenge Kemp again in 2022, the best chance for her to become the state’s first African American governor as well.
Still, President Donald Trump continues to insist that the election has been stolen from him, that people’s hard-won votes were fraudulent, and that he had the opportunity and the right to overturn the results. It’s a thinly veiled echo of the racial ugliness that has underpinned voting legislation in Georgia and in most states. Georgia’s Black voters have overcome improbable odds to turn their state blue in an extremely crucial election. But the energy being poured into erasing this Democratic victory — and their democratic victory —are proof that the fight for equal voting rights in this country is long from over and won.


msnbc--2020-11-20--Please read this if you haven't canceled your Thanksgiving plans

The impact of the nation’s Covid-19 cases — over 10 million and counting, with more than 250,000 dead — have many people considering how best to avoid the virus during the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the members of the White House coronavirus task force, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, and most health professionals including myself, have urged everyone to reconsider plans and stay home. Staying home equals saving lives. Fauci and his wife, Christine Grady, discussed their own decision to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday without their two daughters.
But we also acknowledge that at least 50.6 million Americans are planning to travel soon, or to invite other family and friends into your home. If this group includes you, you should consider these practical tips to keep yourself and others healthy and as safe as possible:
1. Not all masks are created equal
Despite the unfortunate political rhetoric that has emerged about masks, the science is clear: The respiratory aspect of this virus can be mitigated to a large degree by wearing high quality masks.
If you can wear your mask and blow out a birthday candle, your mask should be replaced.
How can you tell if you have a good mask? Try the candle test: If you can wear your mask and blow out a birthday candle, your mask should be replaced, ideally with a three layer mask. Also remember, wearing the mask on your mouth only is not good enough; it must cover your nose and mouth in order to serve its purpose. Healthcare-grade masks such as N-95 masks require proper fitting (a complex process that is done under pretty strict environmental conditions) and are best reserved for health care workers as these are still in short supply, but many high quality alternatives are available.
Wearing a mask indoors may seem unconventional, but try to at least encourage higher risk people to wear a mask, especially older people, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. If you are visiting others or hosting guests, keep a spare supply of masks that people can use if they forget theirs, or if you notice that theirs is of lesser quality. If one thing is certain, it’s that, for the foreseeable future at least, masks are here to stay. Instead of focusing on how scary it feels, incorporate masks into your holiday traditions. We can even make them fun; create a contest for the most creative mask, or have a mask-decorating party along with you usual holiday activities to help normalize the concept of wearing one in your house.
2. To test or not to test?
Many of my patients have asked whether they should take a Covid-19 test prior to travel, and if a negative result means safe travel. Keep in mind that not all tests are created equal. Many of the rapid tests that offer results in less than an hour suffer from high false negative rates, while the lab-based PCR tests which are close to 100 percent accurate can take several days to process, and often involve standing with strangers in long lines to get into testing centers.
Similar to a pregnancy test, you can test too early to detect results, but still be pregnant.
If you decide to go this route, the best course of action is to take a test and then immediately quarantine for at least 14 days, then consider testing again at day 10. Since we are getting so close to Thanksgiving Day, I encourage my patients to remember that tests only offer a snapshot of the results in that exact moment that you obtained the test.
Similar to a pregnancy test, you can test too early to detect results, but still be pregnant. If you do choose to test in order to travel, please be sure you get a high quality test and try to quarantine as long as possible to prevent the chances of receiving or getting the virus. Quarantining is still the most important factor, no matter your testing protocol.
3. Can you control your environment?
In the clinic and hospital, our humidity is controlled, there is a sink in every room, and you can’t walk 5 feet without seeing a hand sanitizer dispenser. In essence, our built environment is tailored to avoid respiratory spread. Our homes are almost the opposite for the most part: The air in our homes circulates about 1-2 times an hour and the cold air combined with low humidity makes it easier for virus particles to linger. In addition to wearing masks, do what you can to build a better equipped home. Have frequent sanitizing stations and provide masks and disinfectant wipes. Consider how to move air inside a room by either opening a window or using some practical techniques to improve air circulation.
The air in our homes circulates about 1-2 times an hour and the cold air combined with low humidity makes it easier for virus particles to linger.
In my household, we space chairs so that we’ve gotten used to understanding how far 6 feet actually is. Of course, this means we also have to keep in mind that if you are speaking with raised, loud voices because of large distances between people, you’re likely emitting more particles that linger in the air. Surfaces should be kept clean in the house, especially high traffic areas like counters. Use gloves when handling dishes, and ask guests to bring and take their own plates. The safest option for all involved is to host your holiday meal outdoors.
4. Planes, trains, and automobiles
If you must travel on a plane, avoid using the bathroom or taking off our mask, which creates more opportunities to potentially contaminate yourself and others. That means avoiding meals and drinking on a plane. If you drive and need to stop somewhere, carry scraps of paper or napkins to handle door handles, light switches or other surfaces.
At a minimum, make a point upon re-entry into your car to sanitize your hands and consider keeping your mask on to avoid touching your face. A face shield can be helpful, but not as a substitute for a mask over the nose and face; they can be especially helpful though for travelers under the age of 2, for whom masks might not be feasible.
5. Make a contingency plan
This virus has surprised all of us — even those of us trained in infectious diseases and public health. So think about what might happen and plan for the worst; if someone shows up and is sick or not feeling well, for example, think about how to best isolate them away from others in your home. You may even consider sending a group chat or text reinforcing masks and expected behavior to any guests, and also offer people a way to change their plans if they feel uncertain.
No one wants to cancel plans, especially during the holidays, but in the year of a global pandemic, letting people know that staying home and keeping your celebration to members of your own household is an option might be a relief to all involved. And it’s by far the safest choice.
Finally, try to take time to have compassion for yourself and others. Acknowledge your emotions. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Even as we navigate an infection disease, our mental health and well being matter deeply, and the fact that we are all going through this simultaneously has created a unique baseline of understanding. Signs that you may be experiencing depression or anxiety include changes in sleep habits and appetite as well as overall lack of interest in doing things that would normally bring you pleasure. If you yourself are not experiencing any mental health issues, take time to be more aware of those around you who may be, and acknowledge their emotions — especially those who are alone right now.
Loneliness can have an effect on chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and make them worse. We are all feeling the detrimental effects of isolation, and if you are staying at home by yourself or just feeling alone even among others, know that you are not, in fact, alone.


msnbc--2020-11-22--Pennsylvania judge dismisses Trump campaign election lawsuit: ‘This Court has been presented with st

Pennsylvania judge dismisses Trump campaign election lawsuit: ‘This Court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations’
In a devastating blow to President Trump’s relentless effort to overturn the 2020 election results, a federal judge in Pennsylvania has dismissed the Trump campaign’s election lawsuit that Rudy Giuliani was brought in to argue. Host of MSNBC’s “American Voices” Alicia Menendez speaks with MSNBC White House Correspondent Garrett Haake, Michael Kang, MSNBC legal analyst and professor of law at Northwestern University, Abraham Aiyash, democratic state representative of Michigan’s 4th House District, and MSNBC political reporter Jane Timm.Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Former FDA Commissioner on Covid Vaccine rollout

When can you expect to get a shot for COVID-19? Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, former head of the FDA speaks with NBC’s Joshua Johnson on the potential timeline for the approval and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine.Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Who is your reason for fighting Covid-19?

MSNBC’s Joshua Johnson was briefly hospitalized this week after experiencing minor medical issues. This comes after MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow revealed her partner, Susan, tested positive for Covid-19. In an emotional on-air commentary during her first show back, Maddow revealed her partner had severe symptoms and was left fearing for her life. As the U.S. surpasses more than 12 million coronavirus cases, Joshua Johnson asks Americans who they’re fighting for this holiday season.Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-21--Experts urge Americans to shore up our democracy in wake of Trump

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msnbc--2020-11-20--State-by-state breakdown of coronavirus travel restrictions

Guidance on traveling and travel restrictions varies across the United States as the country faces new surges in Covid-19 cases ahead of Thanksgiving travel .
The patchwork of restrictions between regions highlights the ability of states to take different approaches while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
While all of the Northeast and most of the mid-Atlantic states have implemented statewide travel restrictions , more than half the states , including two of the biggest , Texas and Florida , have no such restrictions .
California , Oregon and Washington introduced tough travel restrictions in November , requiring all out-of-state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks on arrival .
States hit the hardest when the epidemic began in the United States last spring , such as New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , also have some of the most stringent travel restrictions .
As of Nov. 20 , any traveler from the more than 40 states and territories currently on the tri-state ’ s advisory list must self-quarantine for 14 days .
States will appear on the advisory list if they have new daily positive test rates higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or are states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate over a seven-day rolling average .
Instead of opting for statewide restrictions , some local officials have imposed restrictions on travel to the most populous cities .
Check the interactive map below to see the latest guidance on travel and possible travel restrictions .
This map will be updated weekly .

Matt Marshall and Naitian Zhou and Kanwal Syed

Guidance on traveling and travel restrictions varies across the United States as the country faces new surges in Covid-19 cases.
The patchwork of restrictions between regions highlights the ability of states to take different approaches while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
While all of the Northeast and most of the mid-Atlantic states have implemented statewide travel restrictions, more than half the states, including two of the biggest, Texas and Florida, have no such restrictions.
States hit the hardest when the epidemic began in the United States last spring, such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have some of the most stringent travel restrictions.
Instead of opting for statewide restrictions, some local officials have imposed restrictions on travel to the most populous cities.
Check the interactive map below to see the latest guidance on travel and possible travel restrictions. This map will be updated weekly.


msnbc--2020-11-22--Single mother discusses the economic struggle once unemployment benefits end, “It is really scary. T

Single mother discusses the economic struggle once unemployment benefits end, “It is really scary. The state isn't going to step in to help us.”

Nurse on the frontlines : ‘ I ’ ve had patients tell me I ’ m trying to kill them @

Karin Smith, a single mother facing loss of unemployment benefits, and Andrew Stettner, Senior Fellow in The Century Foundation, discuss the unemployment benefits ending in December. The day after Christmas millions of Americans could lose crucial unemployment benefits unless Congress agrees on a new stimulus deal. Smith describes how she lost her job and has been struggling to make means-ends since. She says, “There aren't good choices. We don't really have anybody to ask you know, how do you do this? How do we figure out what the best move to make is? We're at a loss.”Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Doctor: With right leadership, measures we could have stayed open

COVID-19 school closures nationwide are expected after Thanksgiving by many. Kavita Patel, M.D. explains that in her view America could have largely stayed open with the right leadership, and the correct measures in place, in conversation with Dr. Jason Johnson.Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Michigan Secy. of State: ‘It’s clear that the voters of Michigan have spoken and made a choice’

As Michigan prepares to issue final certification of the state’s results, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hopes to wrap up the election this week. She adds that if the Republicans want an audit to take place, they must first certify the votes: “Those audits cannot begin until we get the election results.”Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Loeffler tests negative for Covid, awaits consecutive negative result before being cleared

Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler announced that she has tested negative for Covid-19 after receiving inconclusive Covid-19 test results. Her campaign says she will continue to self-isolate and undergo more testing "out of an abundance of caution."Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Former community health director on why she had to resign

Amber Elliott had to leave her role as Director of St. Francois County Health Center in Missouri because of the resistance to her public health messaging, including threats against her and her family. She says, “Anytime we report out what’s going on with the pandemic, that seems to really upset people, especially people who don’t feel that it’s either a problem or don’t think it’s as serious as it is.”Nov. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--While you were voting, you might've lost sight of these racial injustice cases

Jones: "What the Republicans attempted to do here in Tennessee was crucify democracy and is that what they have done is resurrect the movement" 09:56


msnbc--2020-11-23--Trump urges state legislatures and courts to ‘flip’ results

'Cancel your plans ' for Thanksgiving , says doctor as cases rise

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it 08:18


msnbc--2020-11-23--Biden team set to announced first Cabinet picks


msnbc--2020-11-23--'Cancel your plans' for Thanksgiving, says doctor as cases rise

'Cancel your plans' for Thanksgiving, says doctor as cases rise
The United States topped 12 million cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, as the third wave's uncontrolled spread prompted the CDC to urge Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving. Drs. Vin Gupta and Dave Campbell discuss.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--The psychology of Covid-19 stubbornness: why some American’s refuse to follow the rules

The CDC has issued a warning asking American’s not to travel this Thanksgiving as coronavirus cases surge across the nation. Despite warnings, mask mandates and other guidelines many still refuse to follow the rules. So what’s behind this psychology of stubbornness? Joshua Johnson spoke with cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand to find out.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--AstraZeneca says vaccine can be around 90 percent effective

AstraZeneca said on Monday that its Covid-19 vaccine could be up to 90 percent effective in preventing the disease — the third promising breakthrough in the fight against a pandemic that has killed nearly 1.4 million people worldwide.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--'The path to the Supreme Court is unlikely at best'

The Trump campaign’s election lawsuits in various key battleground states continue to be rejected in court putting President Trump’s wish to involve the Supreme Court in the 2020 election even further out of reach. Host of MSNBC’s “American Voices” speaks with MSNBC Correspondent Garrett Haake, Zerlina Maxwell, host of Peacock’s “Zerlina” and the author of “The End of White Politics”, Rachael Cobb, MSNBC Election Analyst and Chair & Associate Professor of Political Science & Legal Studies at Suffolk University, and Tiffany C. Li, visiting professor at the Boston University School of Law.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Understanding how the new app “Parler” plays into disinformation and conspiracy theories

Understanding how the new app “Parler” plays into disinformation and conspiracy theories
NBC News Reporter Ben Collins explains the social media platform “Parler” that's been increasing in popularity since the election, and why it’s concerning when it comes to spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-22--Tracking coronavirus case surges in the United States

Covid-19 cases are once again rising across the country .
But not all upticks are the same .
In states @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota , new cases have risen steadily since July , with daily counts as @ @ @ @ @ highs .
In states such as Maryland , New York and Texas , new daily @ @ @ @ @ the spring surges , but they began to tick up again this fall .
NBC @ @ @ @ @ are seeing prolonged or dramatic case increases as the country heads into a winter President-elect @ @ @ @ @ final presidential debate as “ dark.
” The charts below show each state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ cases .
Areas highlighted in red represent periods where the rate of new cases exceeds @ @ @ @ @ longer the red line , the longer cases have been increasing and the more rapidly @ @ @ @ @ The charts will update daily before 11 a.m. Eastern .

Measuring stress levels at hospital intensive care units can help hospitals plan and manage their surge capacity. The stress level is based on the share of ICU hospital beds used by Covid patients. Low-stress hospitals have less than 10% of critical care beds occupied by Covid patients, while high-stress hospitals have from 30% to 59%.


msnbc--2020-11-24--GSA says Biden transition can formally begin

Breaking : Trump folds on Biden transition , Stacey Abrams says 'it 's about time '

In a letter from GSA Administration Emily Murphy, The Trump administration has authorized resources and services to be made available to Joe Biden for the presidential transition.Nov. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Michigan certifies election results, making Biden's win official

The state of Michigan voted 3-0 to certify the election results, making President-elect Joe Biden's win there official and dealing a blow to President Trump's legal challenges. Nicolle Wallace discusses the breaking news with Eddie Glaude and A.B. Stoddard.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Trump campaign appeals Pennsylvania judge's decision to dismiss election lawsuit

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msnbc--2020-11-23--Biden transition announces national security team selections

NBC's Geoff Bennett reports as the Biden transition team announces new selections to serve in national security positions. These include Alejandro Mayorkas, the first Latino nominee to run the Department of Homeland Security, and John Kerry, who will serve as a special envoy for climate.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Biden to nominate Janet Yellen for Treasury secretary

NBC News confirms President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Janet Yellen for Treasury secretary. She would be the first woman to hold that position. Previously, Yellen served as the chair of the Federal Reserve during the Obama administration.Nov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Dr. Gupta: Traveling for Thanksgiving could pose the ‘deepest consequence’ of all

Dr. Gupta: Traveling for Thanksgiving could pose the ‘deepest consequence’ of all
MSNBC public health contributor Dr. Vin Gupta urges viewers not to travel for Thanksgiving. He says it is ‘not worth the risk’, and gives advice on how to have a safe and socially distanced holidayNov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--Eddie Glaude says America’s illiberal tendencies show ‘when it comes to Black voters’

Eddie Glaude says America’s illiberal tendencies show ‘when it comes to Black voters’
Chair of the Department of African American studies at Princeton University Eddie Glaude and PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor discuss the Trump Campaign’s fraud claims targeting hundreds of thousands of Black votersNov. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-11-23--'Personal responsibility' is no match for American selfishness

Americans are being told that the key to handling this pandemic is “ personal responsibility : ” Stay home ( if you can ) , work from home ( if you can ) , avoid seeing friends ( if you can ) , don ’ t dine indoors ( if you can . )
In this way , everyone is to blame for this pandemic — our individual choices cascade out too far to focus on any one cause as being “ the problem.
” In effect , this means that nobody is to blame , a collective shunting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 1 million people flying through U.S. airports on Nov 20 .
One million is also the number of new Covid-19 cases that have accumulated within six days in the United States , the same number of new cases that piled on top of the rest in just the six days before that , for a total of 12 million since March .
This deep into the pandemic cycle , I ’ m at a loss for where to channel the anger I ’ m feeling right now .
Am I angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for keeping flights in the air even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged passengers not to travel for Thanksgiving ?
I can ’ t know how many of those millions of travelers flew because of an emergency ; or how many of them flew because they were desperate to see their families after months of isolation .
I have no idea how many of them were taking every safety precaution they could .
Meanwhile , small businesses that support dozens of local workers are forced to decide whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered to keep their staff and customers safe , or stay open and risk losing both .
All employees are essentially essential now — there ’ s no distinction anymore , everyone has to work now — if their job still exists .
The divide now is between who can do their job safely at home and who has to risk their long-term health every day .
Restaurants have been particularly hard hit .
In Los Angeles , officials say that the main risk of spread that comes from dining out isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant , it ’ s doing so with people from outside your household .
But restaurants don ’ t have the power to check whether their diners are all in the same quarantine pod when they make their reservation .
There ’ s no enforcement mechanism they have aside from turning aside customers , which is an impossible choice when you have staffers to support and you can never fill your restaurant to capacity , eating away at the already slim margins you had set up .
And there ’ s no sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry .
Who in this calculus deserves the brunt of our anger ?
Is it the restaurateurs who know they ’ re potentially acting as a plague den ?
The diners who want to share a plate of appetizers with their friends , convinced that it 's safe , since they ’ re outdoors ?
The politicians who haven ’ t provided the funds required seem like the obvious choice here , but even there I ’ m not certain .
Republicans in the Senate have blocked aid for months , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus left and right .
In the last week , Sens .
Chuck Grassley , Rick Scott , and Kelly Loeffler have all announced that they ’ ve tested positive for the virus .
Scott and Loeffler have been out among large crowds of unmasked people within their infection window , putting all of them at risk as well .
The president ’ s son , Donald Trump , Jr. , has also been infected after managing to dodge that bullet for weeks as people around him contracted it .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best treatment in the world and wear that knowledge like a false armor .
It seems to have emboldened them to take risks that they won ’ t acknowledge are risks .
It encourages them to urge their followers to do the same while declining to offer them the same safety net they can readily access .
And it gives them the cover to refuse to offer aid that would actually let people take the steps needed to stop the virus .
It ’ s been six months since Congress doled out stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people around the country .
The odds of the lame duck session passing any substantial aid are slim at best .
But , could it be that our system is just not designed to counteract American selfishness ?
Anne Helen Petersen wrote in her newsletter on Nov. 15 about the division between collectivism and individualism in America these days .
It ’ s at the core of why some people know the risks and still choose to act as though coronavirus isn ’ t a threat — they measure the impact on themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t feel the need to think about broader communities .
That ’ s part of why New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo ’ s essay explaining why he was still attending a Thanksgiving dinner with family got readers so upset .
And that same “ how does it affect me , personally ?
” ethos keeps me from being sure that pointing my rage at elected officials is really the answer .
This last month has been a reminder that for all its many flaws , whether there by accident or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with government answerable to the will of the people .
Those officials I heap scorn on are in their roles because the people of their community chose to elevate them to those positions .
It ’ s hard to tell which side of the looking glass people stand on : for example , people like Gov .
Kristi Noem of South Dakota , where rates are some of the highest in the world , and the county leaders in Kansas who rejected the state ’ s mask mandate in July .
Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following that rejection , saw a 100 percent rise in Covid-19 rates by mid-August — shunning masks for their own selfish reasons because they aren ’ t being offered proper guidance ?
Or are those commissioners just reflecting the beliefs of their communities back to them as they act in their own self-interest , opting for inaction over voter outrage ?
I wish I knew how to break the cycle I just described .
As much as I hate to resort to a Winston Churchill quote , the man had a point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
” I ’ m forced to wonder , too , whether I ’ m angriest at myself right now .
The anger born from guilt is real .
It ’ s the guilt of not doing enough when I ’ m already mad at everyone else for the same reason .
I got tested last Wednesday at one of the city ’ s free testing centers .
I should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , I ’ m doing what we ’ re allowed to do — but nothing more — all but invalidating whatever the test tells me .
New York City officials can only trace where about a quarter of new Covid-19 cases were picked up , the New York Times reported .
That leaves a lot of spread in the community untraced .
I worry that I ’ m going to become one of the silent spreaders , girding myself for an eventual positive result and the overwhelming horror that I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved one .
And for what ?
The convenience of a bag of chips ?
My mask is firmly over my nose and mouth when I weave through shoppers in my local grocery store .
I ’ m not alone in this thankfully , but I ’ m also not thrilled to see how many people ’ s usage has slipped over time .
Our societal norms keep me from telling every person whose nostrils I can clearly see to tug their mask up .
But each time I ’ m silent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighing me down further .
There ’ s been no shortage of things to be mad about this year .
I know that this Thanksgiving Day , I ’ ll still have a lot to be thankful for : Nobody in my immediate family has contracted the virus ; I haven ’ t had to attend any Zoom funerals for friends ; I ’ m employed and living in relative comfort when that ’ s not the case for so many others .
But as we head toward what should be a holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have brought us comfort and relief , it ’ s getting harder and harder to put my anger aside .
The opposite of anger isn ’ t being thankful — it ’ s being forgiving .
I can give thanks as much as I want , but I don ’ t know how I ’ m going to wind up forgiving anyone for this situation this country is in — or how to decide who ’ s worth that forgiveness .
Including myself .

Americans are being told that the key to handling this pandemic is “personal responsibility:” Stay home (if you can), work from home (if you can), avoid seeing friends (if you can), don’t dine indoors (if you can.) In this way, everyone is to blame for this pandemic — our individual choices cascade out too far to focus on any one cause as being “the problem.” In effect, this means that nobody is to blame, a collective shunting of responsibility.
This deep into the pandemic cycle, I’m at a loss for where to channel the anger I’m feeling right now.
The Transportation Security Administration checked more than 1 million people flying through U.S. airports on Nov 20. One million is also the number of new Covid-19 cases that have accumulated within six days in the United States, the same number of new cases that piled on top of the rest in just the six days before that, for a total of 12 million since March.
This deep into the pandemic cycle, I’m at a loss for where to channel the anger I’m feeling right now. Am I angry at those travelers? The airlines, for keeping flights in the air even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged passengers not to travel for Thanksgiving?
I can’t know how many of those millions of travelers flew because of an emergency; or how many of them flew because they were desperate to see their families after months of isolation. I have no idea how many of them were taking every safety precaution they could.
Meanwhile, small businesses that support dozens of local workers are forced to decide whether to go above and beyond what governments have ordered to keep their staff and customers safe, or stay open and risk losing both. All employees are essentially essential now — there’s no distinction anymore, everyone has to work now — if their job still exists. The divide now is between who can do their job safely at home and who has to risk their long-term health every day.
Could it be that our system is just not designed to counteract American selfishness?
Restaurants have been particularly hard hit. In Los Angeles, officials say that the main risk of spread that comes from dining out isn’t the act of eating at a restaurant, it’s doing so with people from outside your household. But restaurants don’t have the power to check whether their diners are all in the same quarantine pod when they make their reservation. There’s no enforcement mechanism they have aside from turning aside customers, which is an impossible choice when you have staffers to support and you can never fill your restaurant to capacity, eating away at the already slim margins you had set up. And there’s no sign of a much-needed federal bailout coming for the industry.
Who in this calculus deserves the brunt of our anger? Is it the restaurateurs who know they’re potentially acting as a plague den? The diners who want to share a plate of appetizers with their friends, convinced that it's safe, since they’re outdoors? The politicians who haven’t provided the funds required seem like the obvious choice here, but even there I’m not certain.
Republicans in the Senate have blocked aid for months, and yet it seems they're testing positive for the coronavirus left and right. In the last week, Sens. Chuck Grassley, Rick Scott, and Kelly Loeffler have all announced that they’ve tested positive for the virus. Scott and Loeffler have been out among large crowds of unmasked people within their infection window, putting all of them at risk as well. The president’s son, Donald Trump, Jr., has also been infected after managing to dodge that bullet for weeks as people around him contracted it.
These people have access to some of the best treatment in the world and wear that knowledge like a false armor. It seems to have emboldened them to take risks that they won’t acknowledge are risks. It encourages them to urge their followers to do the same while declining to offer them the same safety net they can readily access. And it gives them the cover to refuse to offer aid that would actually let people take the steps needed to stop the virus. It’s been six months since Congress doled out stimulus checks of up to $1,200 to people around the country. The odds of the lame duck session passing any substantial aid are slim at best.
But, could it be that our system is just not designed to counteract American selfishness?
Anne Helen Petersen wrote in her newsletter on Nov. 15 about the division between collectivism and individualism in America these days. It’s at the core of why some people know the risks and still choose to act as though coronavirus isn’t a threat — they measure the impact on themselves and those closest to them, but don’t feel the need to think about broader communities. That’s part of why New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo’s essay explaining why he was still attending a Thanksgiving dinner with family got readers so upset. And that same “how does it affect me, personally?” ethos keeps me from being sure that pointing my rage at elected officials is really the answer.
This last month has been a reminder that for all its many flaws, whether there by accident or design, our country is a democracy, with government answerable to the will of the people. Those officials I heap scorn on are in their roles because the people of their community chose to elevate them to those positions. It’s hard to tell which side of the looking glass people stand on: for example, people like Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, where rates are some of the highest in the world, and the county leaders in Kansas who rejected the state’s mask mandate in July.
Are the Kansans in those counties — who, following that rejection, saw a 100 percent rise in Covid-19 rates by mid-August — shunning masks for their own selfish reasons because they aren’t being offered proper guidance? Or are those commissioners just reflecting the beliefs of their communities back to them as they act in their own self-interest, opting for inaction over voter outrage?
It’s the guilt of not doing enough when I’m already mad at everyone else for the same reason.
I wish I knew how to break the cycle I just described. As much as I hate to resort to a Winston Churchill quote, the man had a point when he paraphrased some unknown to say that “democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
I’m forced to wonder, too, whether I’m angriest at myself right now. The anger born from guilt is real. It’s the guilt of not doing enough when I’m already mad at everyone else for the same reason. I got tested last Wednesday at one of the city’s free testing centers. I should be quarantining while I wait for my results. Instead, I’m doing what we’re allowed to do — but nothing more — all but invalidating whatever the test tells me.
New York City officials can only trace where about a quarter of new Covid-19 cases were picked up, the New York Times reported. That leaves a lot of spread in the community untraced. I worry that I’m going to become one of the silent spreaders, girding myself for an eventual positive result and the overwhelming horror that I was the cause of someone else losing a loved one. And for what? The convenience of a bag of chips?
My mask is firmly over my nose and mouth when I weave through shoppers in my local grocery store. I’m not alone in this thankfully, but I’m also not thrilled to see how many people’s usage has slipped over time. Our societal norms keep me from telling every person whose nostrils I can clearly see to tug their mask up. But each time I’m silent, I feel a new pang of guilt weighing me down further.
There’s been no shortage of things to be mad about this year. I know that this Thanksgiving Day, I’ll still have a lot to be thankful for: Nobody in my immediate family has contracted the virus; I haven’t had to attend any Zoom funerals for friends; I’m employed and living in relative comfort when that’s not the case for so many others.
But as we head toward what should be a holiday where we embrace all the things that have brought us comfort and relief, it’s getting harder and harder to put my anger aside. The opposite of anger isn’t being thankful — it’s being forgiving. I can give thanks as much as I want, but I don’t know how I’m going to wind up forgiving anyone for this situation this country is in — or how to decide who’s worth that forgiveness. Including myself.


msnbc--2020-11-23--Kyle Rittenhouse proves the depths of Trump's GOP radicalization

On Friday , Kyle Rittenhouse , the teenager accused of killing two people during protests in Kenosha , Wisconsin , posted his $ 2 million bail .
My first reaction : Imagine if Rittenhouse was Muslim .
Imagine if the 17-year-old 's name was not Kyle Rittenhouse but , say , Khalid Rehman .
Would people be hailing him as a hero , a martyr or even `` my president '' ?
Would the MyPillow guy or the kid from `` Silver Spoons '' have helped crowdsource Khalid 's $ 2 million bail ?
Would his mother be treated sympathetically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Would conservative news anchors be praising him for maintaining `` order '' ?
Would a Republican lawmaker be urging him to run for office ?
Would President Donald Trump have defended him from a White House podium ?
Do n't be ridiculous ; we all know the same conservatives celebrating Rittenhouse would be falling over one another to ask one provocative question after another .
Where was he radicalized ?
Was he groomed by a preacher of hate ?
How did his family or friends not know ?
Why wo n't his community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's no question that in today 's America , a Khalid ( or a Mohamed or an Ismail ) would be demonized , not defended ; pilloried , not praised .
There would be no celebratory murals for a Khalid , only montages of grainy video of Middle Eastern men firing guns in the air .
But this is an opportunity to ask those very same questions of Rittenhouse .
We should question how a 17-year-old ended up arming himself with an ( illegally obtained ) AR-15 , drove across state lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters and ended up accused of shooting three people in Wisconsin , killing two of them .
In 2018 , attorneys representing far-right Kansas `` militia '' members convicted of plotting to bomb a mosque frequented by Somali Muslims made this very point when they asked the judge for a more lenient sentence on the basis that Trump 's `` inflammatory rhetoric should be taken into account as the 'backdrop ' for the case . ''
Still , why did the police allow Rittenhouse to leave the scene of a crime and go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 miles away in Antioch , Illinois ?
( He was n't even arrested until the following morning . )
Similar questions could be asked not only of Rittenhouse but also of his enablers , defenders and promoters , which applies to the U.S. conservative movement as a whole .
After all , we know there are plenty of ways and places Rittenhouse could have been radicalized , including in the front row of a Trump rally in January , where he was spotted by some eagle-eyed BuzzFeed reporters .
Where was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys say it was the `` provocative language '' on Fox News .
How about the Comet Ping Pong gunman and Pizzagate conspiracy theorist Edgar Welch ?
He says he listened to Alex Jones ' Infowars , which has hosted everyone from Trump to Rep. Matt Gaetz .
Where did the right-wing `` militia '' members who are accused of having plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer draw inspiration from ?
Could it possibly have been the Twitter feed of the president ?
And why have n't conservative leaders in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the spike in hate crimes against minorities ?
Against the growing danger of domestic terrorism ?
The great irony here is that a Rittenhouse poses a much bigger threat to security in this country than any so-called Khalid Rehman .
You do n't have to take my word for it ; according to Trump 's own Department of Homeland Security , domestic extremists — specifically `` white supremacist extremists '' — pose the `` most persistent and lethal '' terrorist threat to the United States .
We need to think about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and denounce , Muslim extremism or violence and violence by a member of a minority community versus the proven urgency of white supremacist violence .
How do these relate to the right in the U.S. ?
It is difficult to come to any other conclusion than that the conservative movement , including the GOP , has succumbed to far-right extremism .
And it 's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the rhetoric of a Kyle Rittenhouse or a Patrick Crusius from the rhetoric of a Donald Trump or a Tucker Carlson .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a white-nationalist fringe , '' author Max Boot wrote to his former fellow Republicans in The Washington Post in 2018 .
`` Now it 's a white-nationalist party with a conservative fringe . ''
And make no mistake : None of this ends with the departure of Trump from the White House in January .
Perhaps the biggest political story of Trump 's term is the radicalization of the Republican Party as a whole .
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson refused to condemn the crimes with which Rittenhouse is charged and defended `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioters .
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio lavished praise on the Trump-supporting trucks that swarmed and ambushed a Biden/Harris campaign bus in Texas .
Meanwhile , the House Republican freshman class for 2021 includes Marjorie Taylor Greene , 46 , and Lauren Boebert , 33 , both supporters of the bonkers conspiracy cult QAnon , which the FBI has labeled a domestic terrorist threat .
There 's also Madison Cawthorne , 25 , who once said his visit to Hitler 's `` Eagle 's Nest '' retreat was on his bucket list .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of QAnon to the prime-time speaking slot at the Republican National Convention for the McCloskeys , all evidence suggests that enough of the Republican Party and its base has no plans to abandon extremism , conspiracism or hate any time soon .
Remember how the right in this country not only seized upon the 9/11 attacks themselves but also alleged that there were images of Muslims celebrating the attacks to accuse Muslims the world over of an affinity for murder , violence and terrorism ?
The objective was to drape Islam in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the conservative magazine National Review asked `` Is Islam the problem ? ''
Similar questions must be asked of many Republicans and conservatives : Why are they filled with such hate for , and rage toward , the left , liberals and minorities ?
How sick , broken and extreme is their movement that a teenager charged with two counts of murder has become its poster boy ?
And how is this not the glorification of terrorism , plain and simple ?

On Friday, Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager accused of killing two people during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, posted his $2 million bail.
My first reaction: Imagine if Rittenhouse was Muslim.
Imagine if Kyle Rittenhouse was a Muslim... https://t.co/C8rB4g4XTE — Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) November 21, 2020
Imagine if the 17-year-old's name was not Kyle Rittenhouse but, say, Khalid Rehman. Would people be hailing him as a hero, a martyr or even "my president"? Would the MyPillow guy or the kid from "Silver Spoons" have helped crowdsource Khalid's $2 million bail? Would his mother be treated sympathetically as a guest on Fox News? Would conservative news anchors be praising him for maintaining "order"? Would a Republican lawmaker be urging him to run for office? Would President Donald Trump have defended him from a White House podium?
Don't be ridiculous; we all know the same conservatives celebrating Rittenhouse would be falling over one another to ask one provocative question after another.
Where was he radicalized?
Was he groomed by a preacher of hate?
How did his family or friends not know?
Why won't his community leaders speak out and denounce him?
Does his faith encourage violence?
There's no question that in today's America, a Khalid (or a Mohamed or an Ismail) would be demonized, not defended; pilloried, not praised. There would be no celebratory murals for a Khalid, only montages of grainy video of Middle Eastern men firing guns in the air.
Why haven’t conservative leaders in Congress or the white evangelical movement spoken out against the spike in hate crimes against minorities?
But this is an opportunity to ask those very same questions of Rittenhouse. We should question how a 17-year-old ended up arming himself with an (illegally obtained) AR-15, drove across state lines to pick a fight with racial justice protesters and ended up accused of shooting three people in Wisconsin, killing two of them.
In 2018, attorneys representing far-right Kansas "militia" members convicted of plotting to bomb a mosque frequented by Somali Muslims made this very point when they asked the judge for a more lenient sentence on the basis that Trump's "inflammatory rhetoric should be taken into account as the 'backdrop' for the case."
Still, why did the police allow Rittenhouse to leave the scene of a crime and go home to sleep in his own bed 20 miles away in Antioch, Illinois? (He wasn't even arrested until the following morning.)
Similar questions could be asked not only of Rittenhouse but also of his enablers, defenders and promoters, which applies to the U.S. conservative movement as a whole.
After all, we know there are plenty of ways and places Rittenhouse could have been radicalized, including in the front row of a Trump rally in January, where he was spotted by some eagle-eyed BuzzFeed reporters. Where was the pipe bomber Cesar Sayoc radicalized? His attorneys say it was the "provocative language" on Fox News. How about the Comet Ping Pong gunman and Pizzagate conspiracy theorist Edgar Welch? He says he listened to Alex Jones' Infowars, which has hosted everyone from Trump to Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Where did the right-wing "militia" members who are accused of having plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer draw inspiration from? Could it possibly have been the Twitter feed of the president?
The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2020
And why haven't conservative leaders in Congress or the white evangelical movement spoken out against the spike in hate crimes against minorities? Against the growing danger of domestic terrorism?
The great irony here is that a Rittenhouse poses a much bigger threat to security in this country than any so-called Khalid Rehman. You don't have to take my word for it; according to Trump's own Department of Homeland Security, domestic extremists — specifically "white supremacist extremists" — pose the "most persistent and lethal" terrorist threat to the United States.
We need to think about the boxes we check whenever we discuss, and denounce, Muslim extremism or violence and violence by a member of a minority community versus the proven urgency of white supremacist violence. How do these relate to the right in the U.S.?
Supremacist ideology? Check
Preachers of hate? Check
Online radicalization? Check.
Conspiracy theories? Check
Distortion of religion? Check, check, check.
It is difficult to come to any other conclusion than that the conservative movement, including the GOP, has succumbed to far-right extremism. And it's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the rhetoric of a Kyle Rittenhouse or a Patrick Crusius from the rhetoric of a Donald Trump or a Tucker Carlson.
Perhaps the biggest political story of Trump’s term is the radicalization of the Republican Party as a whole.
"You used to belong to a conservative party with a white-nationalist fringe," author Max Boot wrote to his former fellow Republicans in The Washington Post in 2018. "Now it's a white-nationalist party with a conservative fringe."
And make no mistake: None of this ends with the departure of Trump from the White House in January. Perhaps the biggest political story of Trump's term is the radicalization of the Republican Party as a whole. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson refused to condemn the crimes with which Rittenhouse is charged and defended "citizen soldiers" for standing up against rioters. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio lavished praise on the Trump-supporting trucks that swarmed and ambushed a Biden/Harris campaign bus in Texas. Meanwhile, the House Republican freshman class for 2021 includes Marjorie Taylor Greene, 46, and Lauren Boebert, 33, both supporters of the bonkers conspiracy cult QAnon, which the FBI has labeled a domestic terrorist threat. There's also Madison Cawthorne, 25, who once said his visit to Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" retreat was on his bucket list.
From the embrace of Rittenhouse to the mainstreaming of QAnon to the prime-time speaking slot at the Republican National Convention for the McCloskeys, all evidence suggests that enough of the Republican Party and its base has no plans to abandon extremism, conspiracism or hate any time soon.
Remember how the right in this country not only seized upon the 9/11 attacks themselves but also alleged that there were images of Muslims celebrating the attacks to accuse Muslims the world over of an affinity for murder, violence and terrorism? The objective was to drape Islam in a cloak of extremism and intolerance, as when the conservative magazine National Review asked "Is Islam the problem?"
Similar questions must be asked of many Republicans and conservatives: Why are they filled with such hate for, and rage toward, the left, liberals and minorities? How sick, broken and extreme is their movement that a teenager charged with two counts of murder has become its poster boy? And how is this not the glorification of terrorism, plain and simple?