msnbc--2020-10-14--America's lack of Covid-19 accountability suggests an ugly, foundational truth

America 's Covid-19 crisis raises a big question : Are we going to do the right thing ?
Or , to put it in more tangible terms : Are you going to wear a mask ?
The jury 's still out on that one , as evidenced by gatherings of mostly maskless White House staff members and a group of armed , angry men who are alleged to have plotted to abduct Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , outraged over the state 's coronavirus restrictions .
President Donald Trump says he 's learned a lot from contracting Covid-19 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding events at the White House or to cancel campaign rallies .
We 're seeing more instances in which people 's thoughtlessness is getting others hurt or even killed in some cases — and not from the virus , but from physical violence , which is what happened in a tragic event in upstate New York when a bar patron named Rocco Sapienza asked another patron , Donald Lewinski , to put on a mask .
The district attorney alleged that the non-masked Lewinksi , 65 , shoved Sapienza , 80 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he fell to the floor , and he never regained consciousness .
Lewinski pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide .
But there 's also evidence that not all accountability is dead .
Last week , `` Saturday Night Live '' uninvited its scheduled musical guest , country singer Morgan Wallen , after a video surfaced showing him partying at a bar in Tuscaloosa , Alabama — behavior that violated the show 's Covid-19 protocols .
Wallen took to Instagram with a heartfelt apology .
The moment was significant because his apology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I 'm sorry if what I did upset you , '' but rather `` I am sorry , and what I did upset me . ''
Wallen understood where he went wrong and was genuinely remorseful for his actions and their potential consequences .
For a more historical model of accountability , back in 1951 , the U.S .
Naval Academy had a big problem with students who were cheating on tests , which led two midshipmen , William Lawrence and Ross Perot — yes , that Ross Perot — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept .
The main premise of the honor concept is n't to do right for fear of being punished , but to do right ... because it 's right .
Perhaps the academy , on the recent occasion of its 175th birthday , gives us the right word for the ideal so many of us are falling short of today as we fight a global pandemic : honor .
Within the Navy 's core values ( honor , courage and commitment ) , honor encompasses uncompromising integrity , being forthright even with bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal consequences .
This applies to doing the right thing even when you think no one is looking ( for example , wearing a mask ) .
Notable Naval Academy graduates include the first American in space , Alan Shepard , the late Sen. John McCain , NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson and perhaps its most distinguished graduate : former governor , former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter .
So much of today 's news has to do with accountability and trust , and the coronavirus pandemic seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our fellow Americans .
The White House physician , Dr. Sean Conley , is a Navy commander , too .
Based on how much we still do n't know about Trump 's health , these values matter now like never before .

America's Covid-19 crisis raises a big question: Are we going to do the right thing? Or, to put it in more tangible terms: Are you going to wear a mask?
The jury's still out on that one, as evidenced by gatherings of mostly maskless White House staff members and a group of armed, angry men who are alleged to have plotted to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, outraged over the state's coronavirus restrictions. President Donald Trump says he's learned a lot from contracting Covid-19, but clearly not enough to stop him from holding events at the White House or to cancel campaign rallies.
We're seeing more instances in which people's thoughtlessness is getting others hurt or even killed in some cases — and not from the virus, but from physical violence, which is what happened in a tragic event in upstate New York when a bar patron named Rocco Sapienza asked another patron, Donald Lewinski, to put on a mask. The district attorney alleged that the non-masked Lewinksi, 65, shoved Sapienza, 80, with both hands. Sapienza hit his head as he fell to the floor, and he never regained consciousness. Lewinski pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
But there's also evidence that not all accountability is dead. Last week, "Saturday Night Live" uninvited its scheduled musical guest, country singer Morgan Wallen, after a video surfaced showing him partying at a bar in Tuscaloosa, Alabama — behavior that violated the show's Covid-19 protocols. Wallen took to Instagram with a heartfelt apology. The moment was significant because his apology was not, as so many are, "I'm sorry if what I did upset you," but rather "I am sorry, and what I did upset me." Wallen understood where he went wrong and was genuinely remorseful for his actions and their potential consequences.
For a more historical model of accountability, back in 1951, the U.S. Naval Academy had a big problem with students who were cheating on tests, which led two midshipmen, William Lawrence and Ross Perot — yes, that Ross Perot — to create what's now called the honor concept. The main premise of the honor concept isn't to do right for fear of being punished, but to do right ... because it's right.
The coronavirus pandemic seems to have revealed how we truly feel about our fellow Americans.
Perhaps the academy, on the recent occasion of its 175th birthday, gives us the right word for the ideal so many of us are falling short of today as we fight a global pandemic: honor. Within the Navy's core values (honor, courage and commitment), honor encompasses uncompromising integrity, being forthright even with bad news and making decisions without regard to personal consequences. This applies to doing the right thing even when you think no one is looking (for example, wearing a mask).
Notable Naval Academy graduates include the first American in space, Alan Shepard, the late Sen. John McCain, NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson and perhaps its most distinguished graduate: former governor, former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter.
So much of today's news has to do with accountability and trust, and the coronavirus pandemic seems to have revealed how we truly feel about our fellow Americans. The White House physician, Dr. Sean Conley, is a Navy commander, too. Based on how much we still don't know about Trump's health, these values matter now like never before.


msnbc--2020-10-14--Amy Coney Barrett is playing it safe. So Senate Democrats need to channel RBG.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's name has been invoked throughout the first two days of Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's Supreme Court confirmation hearings .
But rather than simply memorialize the late jurist , Senate Democrats would be wise to follow Ginsburg 's legal playbook .
As a lawyer in the 1970s , Ginsburg led the ACLU 's Women 's Rights Project .
She brought a number of cases as part of a mission to improve gender equality , and she used a sort of legal jiujitsu to achieve success .
Her legal strategy was to select cases in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases challenged laws that denied benefits to men with wives in the military , that rejected Social Security benefits to surviving widowers and that prevented boys from buying alcohol that could be sold to girls of the same age .
By demonstrating the unfairness of laws that discriminated against men , Ginsburg was able to persuade the all-male Supreme Court that equal protection under the law extended to gender .
Senate Democrats should employ a similar strategy by using Barrett 's views about the death penalty to expose her lack of fidelity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push the court hard to the right on issues such as health care , gun control and abortion .
Giving the court a 6-3 conservative majority , Barrett poses a genuine threat to overturning Roe v. Wade , the landmark 1973 case that recognized a woman 's right to an abortion without excessive government restrictions .
This is n't conjecture : Barrett has in the past expressed strong views opposing abortion .
As a professor at Notre Dame Law School , she was a member of an anti-abortion group called Faculty for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` abortion on demand '' and to protect `` the unborn . ''
As a judge on the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals since 2017 , Barrett has ruled in two cases on reproductive rights , and she has written in favor of laws restricting abortions each time .
Barrett has also expressed strong views about stare decisis , the principle that provides that courts should follow case precedent .
Barrett has written that stare decisis is a `` soft rule , '' not an `` inexorable command . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article : `` I tend to agree with those who say that a justice 's duty is to the Constitution and that it is thus more legitimate for her to enforce her best understanding of the Constitution than a precedent that she thinks clearly in conflict with it . ''
At age 48 , Barrett could serve on the court for 40 years , and she will have plenty of time to `` enforce her best understanding of the Constitution '' — regardless of whether it conflicts with precedent .
During their opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirming a nominee only a few weeks before a presidential election after Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to allow a vote on Merrick Garland , President Barack Obama 's nominee , in 2016 .
Republicans seem undeterred by these accusations of hypocrisy .
And so perhaps it is time for some Ginsburg-style table-turning .
To expose the risk of Barrett 's refusal to follow precedent , Senate Democrats should focus not on when life begins , but on when it ends .
Barrett 's views about the sanctity of life extend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds with the other conservative justices on the court .
While Barrett has stated that judges `` must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold , '' she has also has written that Catholic judges should recuse themselves in death penalty cases because they are `` obliged to adhere to their church 's teaching on moral matters '' and are `` morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty . ''
Senate Democrats would be wise to probe the apparent contradiction in these statements .
Will she set aside her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in every death penalty case ?
If she would recuse herself , would n't it be better to choose someone else for this important job ?
Are there other laws that conflict with church teaching ?
Is she unable to enforce those laws , too ?
And if sanctity of life is the overarching principle to which she must adhere , then why may a Catholic judge decide cases about abortion but not about death ?
Just as Ginsburg exposed discrimination by focusing on the rights of men , Senate Democrats can expose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule of law by exposing her views on the death penalty .
Even if Senate Democrats are not successful in persuading their Republican colleagues that Barrett is unfit to serve on the court , they could make the broader case to voters for a president who would appoint justices with less extreme views .
By probing Barrett 's refusal to decide death penalty cases , they would expose to the public her inability set aside her own moral convictions and follow the laws of the United States .
Throughout the hearings so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccurately ) portray their Democratic colleagues as being opposed to Barrett because of her Catholic faith — no matter that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is also Catholic .
Perhaps the GOP 's goal is to pander to voters of faith by falsely casting Democrats as the enemy of religion .
Or perhaps the goal is to chill Democratic colleagues from asking questions about Barrett 's views on abortion , knowing that around two-thirds of Americans oppose overturning Roe v. Wade and might not like her answers .
Rather than be thrown by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the example of Ginsburg and flip the debate on its head .
By focusing on the death penalty , senators may be able to reveal Barrett 's lack of fidelity to the rule of law .

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's name has been invoked throughout the first two days of Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearings. But rather than simply memorialize the late jurist, Senate Democrats would be wise to follow Ginsburg's legal playbook.
Senate Democrats should employ a similar strategy by using Barrett’s views on the death penalty to expose her lack of fidelity to the rule of law.
As a lawyer in the 1970s, Ginsburg led the ACLU's Women's Rights Project. She brought a number of cases as part of a mission to improve gender equality, and she used a sort of legal jiujitsu to achieve success. Her legal strategy was to select cases in which the plaintiffs were male, and her cases challenged laws that denied benefits to men with wives in the military, that rejected Social Security benefits to surviving widowers and that prevented boys from buying alcohol that could be sold to girls of the same age. By demonstrating the unfairness of laws that discriminated against men, Ginsburg was able to persuade the all-male Supreme Court that equal protection under the law extended to gender. Senate Democrats should employ a similar strategy by using Barrett's views about the death penalty to expose her lack of fidelity to the rule of law.
Barrett threatens to push the court hard to the right on issues such as health care, gun control and abortion. Giving the court a 6-3 conservative majority, Barrett poses a genuine threat to overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that recognized a woman's right to an abortion without excessive government restrictions. This isn't conjecture: Barrett has in the past expressed strong views opposing abortion. As a professor at Notre Dame Law School, she was a member of an anti-abortion group called Faculty for Life. She signed public letters opposing "abortion on demand" and to protect "the unborn." As a judge on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals since 2017, Barrett has ruled in two cases on reproductive rights, and she has written in favor of laws restricting abortions each time.
Barrett has also expressed strong views about stare decisis, the principle that provides that courts should follow case precedent. Barrett has written that stare decisis is a "soft rule," not an "inexorable command." She explained in a 2013 Notre Dame journal article: "I tend to agree with those who say that a justice's duty is to the Constitution and that it is thus more legitimate for her to enforce her best understanding of the Constitution than a precedent that she thinks clearly in conflict with it." At age 48, Barrett could serve on the court for 40 years, and she will have plenty of time to "enforce her best understanding of the Constitution" — regardless of whether it conflicts with precedent.
During their opening statements Monday, some senators objected to confirming a nominee only a few weeks before a presidential election after Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to allow a vote on Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama's nominee, in 2016. Republicans seem undeterred by these accusations of hypocrisy.
And so perhaps it is time for some Ginsburg-style table-turning. To expose the risk of Barrett's refusal to follow precedent, Senate Democrats should focus not on when life begins, but on when it ends.
Barrett's views about the sanctity of life extend to the death penalty, putting her at odds with the other conservative justices on the court. While Barrett has stated that judges "must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold," she has also has written that Catholic judges should recuse themselves in death penalty cases because they are "obliged to adhere to their church's teaching on moral matters" and are "morally precluded from enforcing the death penalty."
Senate Democrats would be wise to probe the apparent contradiction in these statements. Will she set aside her personal views or will she recuse herself in every death penalty case? If she would recuse herself, wouldn't it be better to choose someone else for this important job? Are there other laws that conflict with church teaching? Is she unable to enforce those laws, too? And if sanctity of life is the overarching principle to which she must adhere, then why may a Catholic judge decide cases about abortion but not about death? Just as Ginsburg exposed discrimination by focusing on the rights of men, Senate Democrats can expose Barrett's lack of fidelity to the rule of law by exposing her views on the death penalty.
Even if Senate Democrats are not successful in persuading their Republican colleagues that Barrett is unfit to serve on the court, they could make the broader case to voters for a president who would appoint justices with less extreme views. By probing Barrett's refusal to decide death penalty cases, they would expose to the public her inability set aside her own moral convictions and follow the laws of the United States.
Throughout the hearings so far, Senate Republicans have sought to (inaccurately) portray their Democratic colleagues as being opposed to Barrett because of her Catholic faith — no matter that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is also Catholic. Perhaps the GOP's goal is to pander to voters of faith by falsely casting Democrats as the enemy of religion. Or perhaps the goal is to chill Democratic colleagues from asking questions about Barrett's views on abortion, knowing that around two-thirds of Americans oppose overturning Roe v. Wade and might not like her answers.
Rather than be thrown by the Republican strategy, Senate Democrats should follow the example of Ginsburg and flip the debate on its head. By focusing on the death penalty, senators may be able to reveal Barrett's lack of fidelity to the rule of law.


msnbc--2020-10-13--The political futility of Trump's offensive against Anthony Fauci

The Trump campaign apparently thought it 'd be a good idea to launch a television ad featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci , by taking his words out of context to make it appear that he was praising the president .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was n't pleased .
`` In my nearly five decades of public service , I have never publicly endorsed nor do I now endorse any political candidates , '' Fauci said in a statement .
`` The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials . ''
As Rachel noted on the show last night , the immunologist also made public comments yesterday , denouncing the campaign tactics and warning the president 's political operation that its efforts may yet `` backfire '' on the incumbent .
The smart move for everyone involved would be for Team Trump to move in a more sensible direction .
The president evidently is n't interested in the smart move .
`` Actually , Tony 's pitching arm is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'No problem , no masks ' . ''
Trump wrote .
The `` pitching arm '' reference appears to be Trump 's effort to mock Fauci over the first pitch he threw at a Washington Nationals game over the summer .
( The president , by some accounts , was irritated that the doctor was honored in this way , while he was not . )
To be sure , the specific details matter , and the president 's mischaracterization of what the World Health Organization said yesterday is worth appreciating .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's broader message is elusive .
With Election Day three weeks away , and as coronavirus cases climb , the president wants to publicly quarrel with the nation 's most celebrated and respected expert on infectious diseases ?
As the public sours on Trump 's handling on the pandemic , the Republican thinks he can win back voters by ridiculing the nation 's most trusted voice on the coronavirus ?
Though the president has taken some vague shots in Fauci 's direction before — Trump said in late August that he `` inherited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to be escalating matters now .
If there 's wisdom behind such a move , it 's hiding well .

The Trump campaign apparently thought it'd be a good idea to launch a television ad featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci, by taking his words out of context to make it appear that he was praising the president. The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases wasn't pleased.
"In my nearly five decades of public service, I have never publicly endorsed nor do I now endorse any political candidates," Fauci said in a statement. "The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials."
As Rachel noted on the show last night, the immunologist also made public comments yesterday, denouncing the campaign tactics and warning the president's political operation that its efforts may yet "backfire" on the incumbent.
The smart move for everyone involved would be for Team Trump to move in a more sensible direction. The president evidently isn't interested in the smart move.
"Actually, Tony's pitching arm is far more accurate than his prognostications. 'No problem, no masks'." Trump wrote.
The "pitching arm" reference appears to be Trump's effort to mock Fauci over the first pitch he threw at a Washington Nationals game over the summer. (The president, by some accounts, was irritated that the doctor was honored in this way, while he was not.)
Actually, Tony’s pitching arm is far more accurate than his prognostications. “No problem, no masks”. WHO no longer likes Lockdowns - just came out against. Trump was right. We saved 2,000,000 USA lives!!! https://t.co/YyLyCsbZ7a — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 13, 2020
To be sure, the specific details matter, and the president's mischaracterization of what the World Health Organization said yesterday is worth appreciating.
But stepping back, the wisdom behind Trump's broader message is elusive. With Election Day three weeks away, and as coronavirus cases climb, the president wants to publicly quarrel with the nation's most celebrated and respected expert on infectious diseases?
As the public sours on Trump's handling on the pandemic, the Republican thinks he can win back voters by ridiculing the nation's most trusted voice on the coronavirus?
Though the president has taken some vague shots in Fauci's direction before — Trump said in late August that he "inherited" Fauci, for example — he appears to be escalating matters now. If there's wisdom behind such a move, it's hiding well.


msnbc--2020-09-29--Here's the scariest detail from Trump's tax return revelations

Benjamin Franklin reminded us that “ in this world nothing can be said to be certain , except death and taxes.
” Now , President Donald Trump ’ s financial records raise the possibility that the latter of the two inevitabilities might figuratively bring about the former .
That ’ s because it ’ s possible this week ’ s detailed reporting by The New York Times on 20 years of Trump ’ s personal and business tax records may signal the demise of our president ’ s self-inflated facade of business acumen and success .
Importantly , the Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet even greater truth — that Trump ’ s big lie about his deal-making prowess and the truth about his debt means that he may be one of American history ’ s most vulnerable presidents when it comes to leaving himself open to nefarious actors offering to come to his financial rescue .
Want more articles like this ?
Follow THINK on Instagram to get updates on the week 's most important political analysis Trump ’ s tax records reveal a staggering amount of personal debt — as much as $ 420 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the next four years .
That ’ s four years that he might spend as our president .
He ’ ll need a way out of his debt , and plenty of foreign intelligence services will be more than happy to provide that help to him — for a price .
Presidents are privy to all manner of the most sensitive secrets a nation possesses .
A president would know precisely how long it would take our military to respond to an incoming missile attack .
A president knows whether our CIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a foreign prince or king .
A president might be aware that an intelligence agency has successfully planted a microphone inside a dictator ’ s office .
Without betraying top secret information , a president could attempt to gain favor with a foreign power by allowing them to do things that would otherwise be against American interests .
In my former role as the FBI ’ s head of counterintelligence , our agents would have salivated over the potential presented by a recruitment target who was facing public humiliation and possible personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the collapse of his highly cultivated business mogul persona .
And now we know that this president has so much debt , so many conflicts of interest with foreign business ties , so many suspicious and potentially criminal manipulations of the U.S. tax code that he should be unable to get the security clearance required to work in the cafeteria at FBI headquarters .
The most apparent tax violations include claiming as business expenses $ 70,000 for “ hair styling , ” and consulting fees paid by the Trump Organization to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee of the organization .
As the Times reported , the president earned tens of millions of dollars from his reality television show , “ The Apprentice , ” which he poured into buying now failing golf courses around the globe .
This is a man who seems far better qualified to host “ The Biggest Loser ” than run a country .
In fact , the financial losses claimed by Trump during some of the years reviewed by the Times ranked among the highest losses asserted by any U.S. citizen .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed triggered the attention of a congressional panel on taxation .
Further , an automatic IRS audit was required by the colossal $ 70 million tax refund requested and received by Trump in one year .
While some , even perhaps Trump himself , might claim that this crafty ability to dodge tax liability and milk the system makes him “ smart , ” counterintelligence professionals know that these realities make Trump incredibly vulnerable to foreign intelligence services eager to have him do their bidding in return for helping him dig out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess Trump ’ s foreign policy decisions , or lack thereof , through the lens of someone seeking financial rescue — someone who must parlay his political power into personal profit — you can see how his self-interest may have overridden our national interests , with our without foreign coercion .
The president ’ s favorable posture toward the Saudi crown prince , despite our intelligence community finding that Mohammed Bin Salman directed the murder of a Washington Post columnist , his siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over our intelligence agencies who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference , his permitting Turkish President Recip Tayyip Erdogan to move troops into Syria and displace our Kurdish allies and his praise for the world ’ s dictators , including Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and others , make more sense when viewed as potential profiteering .
The revelations of the president ’ s tax records must become part of a larger and still unresolved investigation into Trump ’ s potential compromise by foreign powers .
These concerns were apparently never fully addressed following the referral of the FBI ’ s Russia counterintelligence investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seminal question is answered , our president will remain a national security threat .
Such an investigation , perhaps FBI led and congressionally supported , should include the current status of IRS inquiries into Trump , and whether Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is playing a role in delaying such audits .
And the need for answers to these counterintelligence concerns won ’ t dissipate just because the president may not be re-elected — in fact , they may become even greater .
Ask any corporate security director about the threat posed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ll tell you that executives , engineers , finance managers , IT professionals and all manner of former employees take with them the company secrets committed to memory .
Often , those former employees turn such proprietary information into personal gain by offering it to competitors or even to foreign powers .
A financially compromised former president facing possible indictment , financial ruin and even prison poses a continuing danger to our nation .
That ’ s why the revelations about the president ’ s finances jeopardize not only his image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Trump 's 'losers ' and 'suckers ' scandal is about more than respect for the troops • Trump 's White House is racking up whistleblowers — and America 's flying blind • Trump loves scary 'plane loaded with thugs ' conspiracies .
New research suggests why .

Benjamin Franklin reminded us that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Now, President Donald Trump’s financial records raise the possibility that the latter of the two inevitabilities might figuratively bring about the former.
This week’s detailed reporting by The New York Times may signal the demise of our president’s self-inflated facade of business acumen and success.
That’s because it’s possible this week’s detailed reporting by The New York Times on 20 years of Trump’s personal and business tax records may signal the demise of our president’s self-inflated facade of business acumen and success. Importantly, the Times' reporting also exposes a related, yet even greater truth — that Trump’s big lie about his deal-making prowess and the truth about his debt means that he may be one of American history’s most vulnerable presidents when it comes to leaving himself open to nefarious actors offering to come to his financial rescue.
Trump’s tax records reveal a staggering amount of personal debt — as much as $420 million that he is on the hook for within the next four years. That’s four years that he might spend as our president. He’ll need a way out of his debt, and plenty of foreign intelligence services will be more than happy to provide that help to him — for a price.
Presidents are privy to all manner of the most sensitive secrets a nation possesses. A president would know precisely how long it would take our military to respond to an incoming missile attack. A president knows whether our CIA has recruited a high-ranking official who reports on a foreign prince or king. A president might be aware that an intelligence agency has successfully planted a microphone inside a dictator’s office. Without betraying top secret information, a president could attempt to gain favor with a foreign power by allowing them to do things that would otherwise be against American interests. In my former role as the FBI’s head of counterintelligence, our agents would have salivated over the potential presented by a recruitment target who was facing public humiliation and possible personal bankruptcy from crushing debt, criminal exposure and the collapse of his highly cultivated business mogul persona.
And now we know that this president has so much debt, so many conflicts of interest with foreign business ties, so many suspicious and potentially criminal manipulations of the U.S. tax code that he should be unable to get the security clearance required to work in the cafeteria at FBI headquarters. The most apparent tax violations include claiming as business expenses $70,000 for “hair styling,” and consulting fees paid by the Trump Organization to his daughter Ivanka while she was simultaneously an employee of the organization.
As the Times reported, the president earned tens of millions of dollars from his reality television show, “The Apprentice,” which he poured into buying now failing golf courses around the globe. This is a man who seems far better qualified to host “The Biggest Loser” than run a country. In fact, the financial losses claimed by Trump during some of the years reviewed by the Times ranked among the highest losses asserted by any U.S. citizen. And, the size of the refunds he claimed triggered the attention of a congressional panel on taxation. Further, an automatic IRS audit was required by the colossal $70 million tax refund requested and received by Trump in one year.
While some, even perhaps Trump himself, might claim that this crafty ability to dodge tax liability and milk the system makes him “smart,” counterintelligence professionals know that these realities make Trump incredibly vulnerable to foreign intelligence services eager to have him do their bidding in return for helping him dig out of his deepening financial hole.
If you assess Trump’s foreign policy decisions, or lack thereof, through the lens of someone seeking financial rescue you can see how his self-interest may have overridden our national interests.
If you assess Trump’s foreign policy decisions, or lack thereof, through the lens of someone seeking financial rescue — someone who must parlay his political power into personal profit — you can see how his self-interest may have overridden our national interests, with our without foreign coercion. The president’s favorable posture toward the Saudi crown prince, despite our intelligence community finding that Mohammed Bin Salman directed the murder of a Washington Post columnist, his siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over our intelligence agencies who pointed directly to Putin regarding 2016 election interference, his permitting Turkish President Recip Tayyip Erdogan to move troops into Syria and displace our Kurdish allies and his praise for the world’s dictators, including Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and others, make more sense when viewed as potential profiteering.
The revelations of the president’s tax records must become part of a larger and still unresolved investigation into Trump’s potential compromise by foreign powers. These concerns were apparently never fully addressed following the referral of the FBI’s Russia counterintelligence investigation to special counsel Robert Mueller. Until that seminal question is answered, our president will remain a national security threat. Such an investigation, perhaps FBI led and congressionally supported, should include the current status of IRS inquiries into Trump, and whether Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is playing a role in delaying such audits.
And the need for answers to these counterintelligence concerns won’t dissipate just because the president may not be re-elected — in fact, they may become even greater. Ask any corporate security director about the threat posed by retired, fired or disgruntled ex-employees. They’ll tell you that executives, engineers, finance managers, IT professionals and all manner of former employees take with them the company secrets committed to memory. Often, those former employees turn such proprietary information into personal gain by offering it to competitors or even to foreign powers.
A financially compromised former president facing possible indictment, financial ruin and even prison poses a continuing danger to our nation. That’s why the revelations about the president’s finances jeopardize not only his image and wealth — they imperil our security.
Related:


msnbc--2020-04-10--Coronavirus in the U.S. is a tale of two pandemics. New CDC numbers prove it.

Every day , we are inundated with information about the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic .
We hear about the rising number of deaths , the increasing rate of infections , the mental anguish , the shortages of critical supplies in hospitals , the people struggling to pay bills and survive , the long lines at food banks and so much more .
But lost in the coverage of this virus is one critical point that we simply can not ignore : the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans and disenfranchised communities .
To be clear , I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill or target Blacks , but it is illuminating the existing racial disparities in this country that reverberate in everything from health care to jobs , housing and more .
We are watching a crisis within a crisis unfold before us , and our challenge is not just to expose it but also to ensure that when we rebuild and re-emerge , we take strategic steps to rectify it .
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Sign up for the THINK newsletter to get updates on the week 's most important political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alarming rate at which Black Americans have contracted and died from COVID-19 .
The report notes that Black Chicagoans account for half of all coronavirus cases in the city and more than 70 percent of deaths , even though they make up only about 30 percent of the city 's population .
In Milwaukee County , Blacks comprised almost half of all cases and 81 percent of its deaths even though the Black population is only 26 percent in that area .
In Michigan , the state 's population is 14 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of deaths .
In Louisiana , the Black population is about 32 percent of the total , but more than 70 percent of people who have died from the virus are Black , according to the Louisiana Department of Health .
On Wednesday , data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention backed up this reporting .
The CDC analysis includes data from hundreds of patients from 14 states and found that , in the data available , significantly more patients were white than Black .
But the racial inequality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in pre-existing conditions and the imbalances and disparities that have long persisted in our community .
African Americans suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like heart disease , diabetes , asthma , hypertension and more — all of which increase the likelihood of death or serious illness due to coronavirus .
The inability to get access to good health care or medical assistance in everyday life and , of course , during this pandemic also greatly impacts the Black community and poorer communities .
Environmental issues like air quality and water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also disproportionately impact Black Americans and other communities of color .
When you are living in a housing project or crowded buildings with multiple family members , you do n't have the luxury to socially distance .
When you do n't have the luxury to work from home , you ca n't avoid getting on a subway , a bus or other forms of public transportation to go to work .
Ditto when you ca n't afford your own car , ca n't afford an Uber or ca n't afford a cab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance in the suburbs or in affluent neighborhoods , but it becomes nearly impossible in crowded urban areas and in lower-income neighborhoods .
As we continue to grapple with the new normal and try to come together as a nation to battle this vicious pandemic , we can not simply gloss over the toll this horrendous virus has taken on the Black community .
As the CDC numbers show , we are only just starting to understand the danger this pandemic poses to Black Americans in the days , weeks and months ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , but they are now magnified before us .
We must flatten the curve , but we must also flatten inequality in health care , the economy , access to nutritious food and overall quality of life .
It is the only way we can truly emerge from this tragedy with a semblance of hope for the future .
• TLC 's 'My 600-lb Life ' shut down due to coronavirus .
It should n't start back up .
• 9/11 was this century 's first great test .
Coronavirus is @ @ @

Every day, we are inundated with information about the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic. We hear about the rising number of deaths, the increasing rate of infections, the mental anguish, the shortages of critical supplies in hospitals, the people struggling to pay bills and survive, the long lines at food banks and so much more. But lost in the coverage of this virus is one critical point that we simply cannot ignore: the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans and disenfranchised communities.
To be clear, I am not saying the pandemic is a conspiracy to kill or target Blacks, but it is illuminating the existing racial disparities in this country.
To be clear, I am not saying the pandemic is a conspiracy to kill or target Blacks, but it is illuminating the existing racial disparities in this country that reverberate in everything from health care to jobs, housing and more. We are watching a crisis within a crisis unfold before us, and our challenge is not just to expose it but also to ensure that when we rebuild and re-emerge, we take strategic steps to rectify it.
ProPublica recently released a report on the alarming rate at which Black Americans have contracted and died from COVID-19. The report notes that Black Chicagoans account for half of all coronavirus cases in the city and more than 70 percent of deaths, even though they make up only about 30 percent of the city's population. In Milwaukee County, Blacks comprised almost half of all cases and 81 percent of its deaths even though the Black population is only 26 percent in that area. In Michigan, the state's population is 14 percent Black, but Blacks make up 40 percent of deaths. In Louisiana, the Black population is about 32 percent of the total, but more than 70 percent of people who have died from the virus are Black, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
On Wednesday, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention backed up this reporting. The CDC analysis includes data from hundreds of patients from 14 states and found that, in the data available, significantly more patients were white than Black.
But the racial inequality becomes even more apparent when you factor in pre-existing conditions and the imbalances and disparities that have long persisted in our community. African Americans suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and more — all of which increase the likelihood of death or serious illness due to coronavirus. The inability to get access to good health care or medical assistance in everyday life and, of course, during this pandemic also greatly impacts the Black community and poorer communities. Environmental issues like air quality and water quality, as well as inadequate housing, also disproportionately impact Black Americans and other communities of color.
When you are living in a housing project or crowded buildings with multiple family members, you don't have the luxury to socially distance. When you don't have the luxury to work from home, you can't avoid getting on a subway, a bus or other forms of public transportation to go to work. Ditto when you can't afford your own car, can't afford an Uber or can't afford a cab ride. It's easy to socially distance in the suburbs or in affluent neighborhoods, but it becomes nearly impossible in crowded urban areas and in lower-income neighborhoods.
As we continue to grapple with the new normal and try to come together as a nation to battle this vicious pandemic, we cannot simply gloss over the toll this horrendous virus has taken on the Black community. As the CDC numbers show, we are only just starting to understand the danger this pandemic poses to Black Americans in the days, weeks and months ahead. These societal disparities existed long before the virus, but they are now magnified before us.
We must flatten the curve, but we must also flatten inequality in health care, the economy, access to nutritious food and overall quality of life. It is the only way we can truly emerge from this tragedy with a semblance of hope for the future.
Related:


msnbc--2020-10-05--Trump's toxic masculinity could literally be making other people sick now

The strongman is sick .
Due to mixed messages from President Donald Trump 's doctors and staffers , we do n't know exactly how sick he is .
But we know he is sick .
After months of downplaying a disease that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States , Trump contracted Covid-19 and was airlifted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after exhibiting symptoms that were `` very concerning . ''
On Sunday night , Trump left the hospital — briefly —to drive by supporters in the presidential motorcade .
The joyride , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter Reed doctors for potentially putting himself and his Secret Service detail at risk , is a particularly reckless example of the president attempting to downplay his illness .
But judging by the president ’ s family , the leader of the free world contracting a dangerous and potentially lethal virus is nothing to worry about .
Shortly after Trump was admitted to the hospital , his son Donald Trump Jr. tweeted that `` no one is tougher '' than his dad , and Ivanka Trump called him a `` warrior . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the president 's daughter in-law , Lara Trump , said he would `` beat Covid to a pulp '' so he could `` come back and beat Joe Biden to a pulp . ''
In other words , even when he 's battling a disease that has infected and killed millions of people around the world — and which the president 's gender , weight and age put him at the high risk for — the Trumps want to reassure us of his alleged invincibility .
Want more articles like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on the week 's most important political analysis The reason for this transparent bravado is obvious .
The president 's needing urgent medical care because of a virus he spent the last eight months mocking or outright denying contradicts his brand of invulnerable masculinity .
The problem , as this past week has shown quite dramatically , is that pretending you 're stronger than a deadly virus has consequences .
When men ( and women ) pretend like they 're not sick and do n't take precautions , it 's not strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not like we were n't warned .
In 2016 , Trump aggressively painted himself as a supreme alpha male bragging about the size of his buildings , his testosterone levels and even , regrettably , his anatomy .
He built himself up by portraying others as weak , suggesting that Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was `` a pussy '' and that Jeb Bush was low-energy .
And Trump 's treatment of women really showcases the toxic mix of ego and dishonest masculinity that has defined his adult life .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated women when they get sick .
Hillary Clinton 's almost fainting during a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in 2016 became a massive campaign liability , because the president and his right-wing enablers made it one .
Trump became , in fact , obsessed with Clinton 's fitness .
He mocked her stumbling and her pneumonia diagnosis while promoting conspiracy theories about her mental health and claiming she lacked the `` stamina '' to lead the country .
His campaign ran videos splicing together different shots in a misleading order while claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fortitude , strength or stamina to lead in our world . ''
The scrutiny over her health drew the ire of several female reporters , who pointed out the seeming sexism at the heart of the criticism .
As Christiane Amanpour asked , `` Can a woman get a sick day ? ''
The double standard does n't end there .
As MSNBC host Chris Hayes pointed out , there was outrage when Clinton 's campaign did n't immediately offer detailed medical information about her losing her balance .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's condition has been sporadic or contradictory , to say the least .
And yet , we are still supposed to believe the president is strong and infallible .
As I 've written and reported on before , the president 's narrow definition of masculinity has lethal repercussions .
Just a few days ago , the president mocked former Vice President Joe Biden for wearing masks too often .
And now , even though the leader of the free world has been airlifted to a hospital and the list of infected GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings will still not be mandatory inside the White House , because the Trump administration believes masks are still a `` personal choice . ''
Despite having been in contact with Hope Hicks , who tested positive , Jim Jordan refuses to quarantine , and Vice President Mike Pence refuses to , either .
Both have tested negative so far , but as the wave of White House infections proves , testing is neither accurate enough nor quick enough to prevent the virus 's spread .
So why wouldn ’ t these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts recommend ?
In fact , the president ’ s misunderstanding of masculinity seems to be almost as contagious as the virus he contracted .
Sen. Roger Wicker of Alaska was photographed on a Delta flight with his mask pulled down to his chin for most of a trip .
On Sunday , Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller said on ABC 's `` The Week '' that Biden 's mask was a mere `` prop . ''
Which all raises the question : Is there anything that will make irresponsible men take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happens when you do n't .
If Trump 's own situation is n't enough , look at the way the virus spread among attendees at the White House 's packed Rose Garden ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett , where Trump campaign officials were seen hugging and fist-bumping sans masks .
And while Trump is the poster boy for this outdated view of masculinity , it 's not unique to him .
It 's not even unique to America .
The president follows in the footsteps of other chauvinistic male leaders who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , only to end up contracting it , the latest being Alexander Lukashenko , the Belarusian authoritarian leader who got Covid-19 after claiming it `` could be cured with saunas and vodka . ''
It 's worth noting that so many of the world 's most powerful Covid-19 deniers happen to be men .
The truth is that both men and women fall ill , and they both need time to recover .
In addition to pushing back when women are stereotyped as weaker , we also need to question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide or deny their illnesses to save face .
Men get sick , too , really sick .
Let 's let them .
Because when they force themselves to obscure or fight through sickness , it does n't hurt just them .
Covid-19 is making us question a lot , including the cultural and societal reasons men ignore their physical limitations .
Downplaying the fact that you have the flu is inconsiderate in the workplace ; downplaying the fact that you have the coronavirus is unconscionable for America 's leaders .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masculinity that puts men at risk — and everyone else , too .
• Trump 's Covid-19 denial may have turned the Rose Garden into a superspreader event • Trump 's Covid test — and taxes — prove the danger of insisting you always know best • If you got Covid-19 at Trump 's fundraiser , can you sue the president ?

The strongman is sick. Due to mixed messages from President Donald Trump's doctors and staffers, we don't know exactly how sick he is. But we know he is sick.
After months of downplaying a disease that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States, Trump contracted Covid-19 and was airlifted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after exhibiting symptoms that were "very concerning." On Sunday night, Trump left the hospital — briefly —to drive by supporters in the presidential motorcade. The joyride, which was decried by medical experts and even some Walter Reed doctors for potentially putting himself and his Secret Service detail at risk, is a particularly reckless example of the president attempting to downplay his illness.
That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play. — Dr. James P. Phillips, MD (@DrPhillipsMD) October 4, 2020
But judging by the president’s family, the leader of the free world contracting a dangerous and potentially lethal virus is nothing to worry about. Shortly after Trump was admitted to the hospital, his son Donald Trump Jr. tweeted that "no one is tougher" than his dad, and Ivanka Trump called him a "warrior." On a conference call with Trump loyalists Saturday, the president's daughter in-law, Lara Trump, said he would "beat Covid to a pulp" so he could "come back and beat Joe Biden to a pulp." In other words, even when he's battling a disease that has infected and killed millions of people around the world — and which the president's gender, weight and age put him at the high risk for — the Trumps want to reassure us of his alleged invincibility.
The reason for this transparent bravado is obvious. The president's needing urgent medical care because of a virus he spent the last eight months mocking or outright denying contradicts his brand of invulnerable masculinity. The problem, as this past week has shown quite dramatically, is that pretending you're stronger than a deadly virus has consequences. When men (and women) pretend like they're not sick and don't take precautions, it's not strong. It's quite literally dangerous.
The problem, as last week has shown quite dramatically, is that pretending you’re stronger than a deadly virus has consequences.
It's not like we weren't warned. In 2016, Trump aggressively painted himself as a supreme alpha male bragging about the size of his buildings, his testosterone levels and even, regrettably, his anatomy. He built himself up by portraying others as weak, suggesting that Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was "a pussy" and that Jeb Bush was low-energy.
And Trump's treatment of women really showcases the toxic mix of ego and dishonest masculinity that has defined his adult life.
Just look at the way he’s treated women when they get sick. Hillary Clinton's almost fainting during a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in 2016 became a massive campaign liability, because the president and his right-wing enablers made it one. Trump became, in fact, obsessed with Clinton's fitness. He mocked her stumbling and her pneumonia diagnosis while promoting conspiracy theories about her mental health and claiming she lacked the "stamina" to lead the country. His campaign ran videos splicing together different shots in a misleading order while claiming that "Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world." The scrutiny over her health drew the ire of several female reporters, who pointed out the seeming sexism at the heart of the criticism. As Christiane Amanpour asked, "Can a woman get a sick day?"
Also remember when @HillaryClinton’s campaign not *immediately* giving the press details on her fainting spell was like the most important story in America? — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) October 2, 2020
The double standard doesn't end there. As MSNBC host Chris Hayes pointed out, there was outrage when Clinton's campaign didn't immediately offer detailed medical information about her losing her balance. Meanwhile, the information we've been provided about the president's condition has been sporadic or contradictory, to say the least. And yet, we are still supposed to believe the president is strong and infallible.
As I've written and reported on before, the president's narrow definition of masculinity has lethal repercussions. Just a few days ago, the president mocked former Vice President Joe Biden for wearing masks too often. And now, even though the leader of the free world has been airlifted to a hospital and the list of infected GOP staffers and lawmakers rises every day, face coverings will still not be mandatory inside the White House, because the Trump administration believes masks are still a "personal choice." Despite having been in contact with Hope Hicks, who tested positive, Jim Jordan refuses to quarantine, and Vice President Mike Pence refuses to, either. Both have tested negative so far, but as the wave of White House infections proves, testing is neither accurate enough nor quick enough to prevent the virus's spread. So why wouldn’t these men just take the precautions their own experts recommend?
In fact, the president’s misunderstanding of masculinity seems to be almost as contagious as the virus he contracted. Sen. Roger Wicker of Alaska was photographed on a Delta flight with his mask pulled down to his chin for most of a trip. On Sunday, Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller said on ABC's "The Week" that Biden's mask was a mere "prop."
Which all raises the question: Is there anything that will make irresponsible men take this virus seriously? We already know what happens when you don't. If Trump's own situation isn't enough, look at the way the virus spread among attendees at the White House's packed Rose Garden ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett, where Trump campaign officials were seen hugging and fist-bumping sans masks.
We need to question the ideals of manhood that pressure men to hide or deny their illnesses to save face.
And while Trump is the poster boy for this outdated view of masculinity, it's not unique to him. It's not even unique to America. The president follows in the footsteps of other chauvinistic male leaders who have misled their own people about the risks of the virus, only to end up contracting it, the latest being Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian authoritarian leader who got Covid-19 after claiming it "could be cured with saunas and vodka." It's worth noting that so many of the world's most powerful Covid-19 deniers happen to be men.
The truth is that both men and women fall ill, and they both need time to recover. In addition to pushing back when women are stereotyped as weaker, we also need to question the ideals of manhood that pressure men to hide or deny their illnesses to save face. Men get sick, too, really sick. Let's let them.
Because when they force themselves to obscure or fight through sickness, it doesn't hurt just them. Covid-19 is making us question a lot, including the cultural and societal reasons men ignore their physical limitations. Downplaying the fact that you have the flu is inconsiderate in the workplace; downplaying the fact that you have the coronavirus is unconscionable for America's leaders. Let's get rid of the definition of masculinity that puts men at risk — and everyone else, too.
Related:


msnbc--2020-08-04--The White House has lost its way. A new report suggests it's worse than we think.

For the last four years , President Donald Trump has been enthusiastically showing us exactly who he is .
But now we are seeing the full extent of the broken moral compass of the White House that he has molded in his own image .
It 's easy to see Trump 's failure to confront the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year as a case study in gross incompetence , but a recent report in Vanity Fair suggests that it was also something much worse .
As the pandemic tore through Northeastern states this spring , including New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the country , while also downplaying the severity of the outbreak .
Instead of relentlessly urging states to take the virus seriously , he spent quite a bit of valuable time spreading misinformation about possible miracle cures .
Trump 's early efforts to minimize the severity of the outbreak , Vanity Fair alleges , `` were soon amplified by Republican elected officials and right-wing media figures . ''
Want more articles like this ?
Follow THINK on Instagram to get updates on the week 's most important political analysis Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his son-in-law , Jared Kushner , despite Kushner 's manifest lack of credentials , knowledge or experience .
It fell to Kushner and his group to develop a plan for nationwide testing .
Nothing ever came of the effort , and we are living through the consequences now .
But what if the failure involved more than mere ineptitude ?
From the beginning , Trump set the tone .
In the spring , when a nationwide testing regimen was still possible , the president publicly worried about the stock market , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized on any hint that the pandemic would simply go away .
He was encouraged by Dr. Deborah Birx , who was a source of relentless optimism inside the White House walls .
Trump has made no secret of his ambivalence about testing .
`` When you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , '' Trump said in June at an ill-timed rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
`` You 're going to find more cases .
So I said to my people , 'Slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The White House tried to claim that Trump was joking .
But the account in Vanity Fair has the ring of authenticity when it reports that this spring , `` the prospect of launching a large-scale national plan was losing favor , said one public health expert in frequent contact with the White House 's official coronavirus task force . ''
But then comes this stunning passage : Most troubling of all , perhaps , was a sentiment the expert said a member of Kushner 's team expressed : that because the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national plan was unnecessary and would not make sense politically .
`` The political folks believed that because it was going to be relegated to Democratic states , that they could blame those governors , and that would be an effective political strategy , '' said the expert .
It 's easy to get numbed by this presidency 's cascade of awfulness , but , even by Trumpian standards , the amorality of such a suggestion is breathtaking .
If the account is true , then the failure to test was not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the death toll rose , Trump could escape responsibility , shift the political blame onto Democrats and use the issue to help win re-election .
Not surprisingly , the White House denies that such calculations were ever made .
`` The article is completely incorrect in its assertion that any testing was stopped for political or other reasons , '' White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said .
And yet , this would n't be the first time that Trump has encouraged dangerous partisan politics .
Back in May , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills would be unfair to more conservative states .
`` It 's not fair to the Republicans , because all the states that need help , they 're run by Democrats in every case , '' he said .
( In fact , three of the four states that rely the most on federal funding would be considered red states . )
As New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo pleaded for resources and ventilators and thousands of New Yorkers sickened and died , Trump delayed .
We also know Trump actively encouraged protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had imposed lockdown measures .
He seemed to relish turning the fight against the pandemic into a culture war .
In mid-April , he lashed out on Twitter , writing in all caps `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN '' and `` LIBERATE MINNESOTA , '' followed by a similar attack on the Democratic governor of Virginia : `` LIBERATE VIRGINIA , and save your great 2nd Amendment .
It is under siege ! ''
The strategy backfired badly .
Ignoring the need for more tests was not , after all , `` an effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now admits that the pandemic has reached a `` new phase . ''
The disease has spread from blue states to red ones , moving from urban to rural areas and into the heart of Trump 's own base .
Not surprisingly , his poll numbers have crumbled .
So we are left with a president who is flailing , tweeting out conspiracy theories and misinformation , wallowing in self-pity and suggesting an illegal delay in the November election .
But the real consequence of Trump 's moral failure is n't political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus , and we 're nowhere near the end of even the first wave of deaths..
Historians will puzzle over how we got to this place , but we are already getting a chilling glimpse .
• COVID-19 mask rules spark new hypocrisy .
And women will pay the price .
• Trump 's new Postal Service chief is an unqualified crony .
That 's not what 's most worrying .

For the last four years, President Donald Trump has been enthusiastically showing us exactly who he is. But now we are seeing the full extent of the broken moral compass of the White House that he has molded in his own image.
It's easy to see Trump's failure to confront the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year as a case study in gross incompetence, but a recent report in Vanity Fair suggests that it was also something much worse.
Now we are seeing the full extent of the broken moral compass of the White House that he has molded in his own image.
As the pandemic tore through Northeastern states this spring, including New York and New Jersey, Trump frequently promised to protect the country, while also downplaying the severity of the outbreak. Instead of relentlessly urging states to take the virus seriously, he spent quite a bit of valuable time spreading misinformation about possible miracle cures. Trump's early efforts to minimize the severity of the outbreak, Vanity Fair alleges, "were soon amplified by Republican elected officials and right-wing media figures."
Meanwhile, Trump entrusted much of the federal response to his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, despite Kushner's manifest lack of credentials, knowledge or experience. It fell to Kushner and his group to develop a plan for nationwide testing.
Nothing ever came of the effort, and we are living through the consequences now. But what if the failure involved more than mere ineptitude?
From the beginning, Trump set the tone. In the spring, when a nationwide testing regimen was still possible, the president publicly worried about the stock market, the economy and his political standing. He seized on any hint that the pandemic would simply go away. He was encouraged by Dr. Deborah Birx, who was a source of relentless optimism inside the White House walls.
Trump has made no secret of his ambivalence about testing. "When you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people," Trump said in June at an ill-timed rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "You're going to find more cases. So I said to my people, 'Slow the testing down, please.'"
The White House tried to claim that Trump was joking. But the account in Vanity Fair has the ring of authenticity when it reports that this spring, "the prospect of launching a large-scale national plan was losing favor, said one public health expert in frequent contact with the White House's official coronavirus task force."
But then comes this stunning passage:
Most troubling of all, perhaps, was a sentiment the expert said a member of Kushner's team expressed: that because the virus had hit blue states hardest, a national plan was unnecessary and would not make sense politically. "The political folks believed that because it was going to be relegated to Democratic states, that they could blame those governors, and that would be an effective political strategy," said the expert.
It's easy to get numbed by this presidency's cascade of awfulness, but, even by Trumpian standards, the amorality of such a suggestion is breathtaking. If the account is true, then the failure to test was not a matter of incompetence but one of choice. As the death toll rose, Trump could escape responsibility, shift the political blame onto Democrats and use the issue to help win re-election.
Not surprisingly, the White House denies that such calculations were ever made. "The article is completely incorrect in its assertion that any testing was stopped for political or other reasons," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.
And yet, this wouldn't be the first time that Trump has encouraged dangerous partisan politics.
Back in May, Trump told Fox News that coronavirus emergency funding bills would be unfair to more conservative states. "It's not fair to the Republicans, because all the states that need help, they're run by Democrats in every case," he said. (In fact, three of the four states that rely the most on federal funding would be considered red states.)
As New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pleaded for resources and ventilators and thousands of New Yorkers sickened and died, Trump delayed.
We also know Trump actively encouraged protests by Trump-friendly right-wing groups against Democratic governors who had imposed lockdown measures. He seemed to relish turning the fight against the pandemic into a culture war. In mid-April, he lashed out on Twitter, writing in all caps "LIBERATE MICHIGAN" and "LIBERATE MINNESOTA," followed by a similar attack on the Democratic governor of Virginia: "LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!"
LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
The strategy backfired badly. Ignoring the need for more tests was not, after all, "an effective political strategy."
Birx, too, now admits that the pandemic has reached a "new phase." The disease has spread from blue states to red ones, moving from urban to rural areas and into the heart of Trump's own base. Not surprisingly, his poll numbers have crumbled.
So we are left with a president who is flailing, tweeting out conspiracy theories and misinformation, wallowing in self-pity and suggesting an illegal delay in the November election.
But the real consequence of Trump's moral failure isn't political. More than 157,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus, and we're nowhere near the end of even the first wave of deaths..
Historians will puzzle over how we got to this place, but we are already getting a chilling glimpse.
Related:


msnbc--2020-04-24--Why Trump's new immigration ban isn't really about saving American jobs

America ’ s pandemic president continues his reign of ineptitude and cruelty .
On Wednesday , President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the issuing of new green cards for people immigrating to the United States .
After initially implying on Twitter that the order would broadly ban all immigration , he clarified that the order would not stop temporary work visas from being granted to foreign laborers .
At the same time , Trump 's administration has given Americans a series of mixed messages about when the country should reopen .
At least some in the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason for the new immigration policy .
National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien , for example , told Fox News that “ We ’ re trying to do everything , the president ’ s trying to do everything he can to put the health of the American people first during this crisis , ” adding that the executive order was `` one step . ''
In reality , this latest executive order should be tossed on the garbage heap with all of Trump ’ s other travel bans .
Either the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide social distancing or it is so serious that there is an immediate need to stop people from entering the country .
It can not be both .
Despite the specter of the coronavirus , this is just another attempt to stop black , brown and Muslim immigrants from entering the country — all while feeding his xenophobic base .
Trump ’ s softening of the ban 's stance on temporary workers is further proof that the president does not actually believe his own statements about immigration and jobs .
It is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cheap labor — but not as people who could or should become part of our nation .
`` This action is not only an attempt to divert attention away from Trump 's failure to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives , but an authoritarian-like move to take advantage of a crisis and advance his anti-immigrant agenda , ” noted Rep. Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus .
The distinction lies in the path of opportunity for temporary workers and green card holders .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members for their own green cards , work in a field and occupation of their choosing , leave and re-enter the United States much more easily , contribute to political campaigns , and , of course , apply for citizenship after five years .
In other words , a green card provides a real opportunity to become a productive part of this country .
Temporary work visas , on the other hand , only allow people to come into the country to work in a specific occupation , for a fixed amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit and re-enter the country or take part in civic life .

America’s pandemic president continues his reign of ineptitude and cruelty. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the issuing of new green cards for people immigrating to the United States. After initially implying on Twitter that the order would broadly ban all immigration, he clarified that the order would not stop temporary work visas from being granted to foreign laborers.
In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020
At the same time, Trump's administration has given Americans a series of mixed messages about when the country should reopen. At least some in the White House have called out public health as a reason for the new immigration policy. National security adviser Robert O’Brien, for example, told Fox News that “We’re trying to do everything, the president’s trying to do everything he can to put the health of the American people first during this crisis,” adding that the executive order was "one step."
In reality, this latest executive order should be tossed on the garbage heap with all of Trump’s other travel bans. Either the virus is not serious enough to continue mass nationwide social distancing or it is so serious that there is an immediate need to stop people from entering the country. It cannot be both. Despite the specter of the coronavirus, this is just another attempt to stop black, brown and Muslim immigrants from entering the country — all while feeding his xenophobic base.
Trump’s softening of the ban's stance on temporary workers is further proof that the president does not actually believe his own statements about immigration and jobs. It is more evidence that he views immigrants as disposable, cheap labor — but not as people who could or should become part of our nation. "This action is not only an attempt to divert attention away from Trump's failure to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives, but an authoritarian-like move to take advantage of a crisis and advance his anti-immigrant agenda,” noted Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
This action is not only an attempt to divert attention away from Trump’s failure to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives, but an authoritarian-like move to take advantage of a crisis and advance his anti-immigrant agenda. We must come together to reject his division. https://t.co/wYEai4rYVY — Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) April 21, 2020
The distinction lies in the path of opportunity for temporary workers and green card holders. A person with a green card can sponsor family members for their own green cards, work in a field and occupation of their choosing, leave and re-enter the United States much more easily, contribute to political campaigns, and, of course, apply for citizenship after five years. In other words, a green card provides a real opportunity to become a productive part of this country.
Temporary work visas, on the other hand, only allow people to come into the country to work in a specific occupation, for a fixed amount of time, without the ability to exit and re-enter the country or take part in civic life.


msnbc--2020-10-14--Prime Day 2020: Home and kitchen deals to shop right now

Prime Day was created by Amazon , which has an affiliate relationship with Shop TODAY .
Whenever you buy an Amazon product through our site , Amazon pays Shop TODAY a small commission on that sale .
Amazon Prime Day 2020 is live and there are thousands of discounted items to shop for your home and kitchen from cookware and kitchen appliances to furniture and home goods .
To help you navigate the best sales and deals during the big two-day sales event , we ’ ve gathered the best options right now , including Instant Pots , vacuums , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re looking to upgrade your work-from-home station or elevate your kitchen , we ’ ve got you covered .
Though Amazon started this sale in 2015 , it has since grown so much that other retailers offer similarly large-scale sales during Prime Day , meaning you have more ways to save .
Some of those sales are running at Shopping reader favorite retailers like Wayfair , Walmart and Target .
In our coverage of Prime Day sales at Amazon , we 'll be noting top deals and highlighting comparable savings at other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how each sale holds up against the competition .
We ’ re going to be keeping this page updated from right now and through the end of the very last home and kitchen sale during Amazon Prime Day .
In our in-depth look at the history and impact of Prime Day , several experts told us that , as a result of the exponential growth of Prime Day ( which started in 2015 ) , other major retailers have begun running their own sales during the sales event .
“ Quite frankly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” explained CNBC ’ s Annie Palmer .
While that usually happened in July , this year it ’ s happening right now .
• In our guide to Walmart ’ s sales during Prime Day , we found some of the best deals in the retailer ’ s Save Big Sale event .
• In our guide to Wayfair ’ s sales during Prime Day , for example , we found some of the best deals in the retailer ’ s October sales .
• And in our guide to Target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we found some of the best deals in the retailer ’ s Deal Days sales .
Outside of those , retailers large and small are running likewise substantial sales right now to match up against Amazon ’ s Prime Day sale .
Here are some of the most relevant ones to Shopping readers looking to save on home and kitchen items : • Best Buy : Save on Dyson products , TVs and more • Bed Bath and Beyond : Save on select small appliances , cookware and food organizers • Bloomingdales : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , small appliances and more • Crate & Barrel : Up to 20 percent off dining seating , plus save on cookware , coffee makers and more • The Home Depot : Up to 50 percent off select interior furniture , decor and kitchenware • Target : Save on home electronics , decor and tech during Target ’ s Deal Days sales event • Walmart : Save on furniture , kitchen and dining items and more during Walmart ’ s Big Save sales event • Wayfair : Up to 70 percent off during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Extra 15 percent off select kitchen and dining during Overstock ’ s Anniversary Sale During Amazon Prime Day , you can save on everything from coffee tables and dining chairs to bed frames , TV stands and more .
To help you find the best deals , we ’ ve rounded up the most notable furniture sales and deals below .
• 20 percent off mattresses from from Tuft and Needle , Nod and Simmons • Up to 40 percent off AmazonBasics Home Furnishings • Highlights : This lightweight and compact counter stool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 200 pounds .
It features a wood seat , steel frame and distressed metal finish for an industrial design .
It also sports plastic footcaps to protect flooring .
• Highlights : This vanity stool is 19.5-inches tall and is made from polyester upholstery .
It features a steel circular back with decorative knot detailing for a classic design .
Plus , it 's an Amazon bestseller when it comes to vanities and vanity benches .
• Highlights : This mattress is soft and firm to give you pressure where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of polyurethane foam and a layer of AirScape perforated foam to help keep you cool while sleeping .
This is the lowest price it ’ s ever been listed on Amazon , according to price comparison site CamelCamelCamel .
Amazon Prime Day is a great time to shop for kitchen items , including cutting boards , cookware , tools and more .
If you ’ re looking to spruce up your kitchen or want to do some early holiday shopping , we ’ ve compiled the most notable kitchen sales and deals below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen essentials • Up to 40 percent off AmazonBasics Kitchen Essentials • Up to 55 percent off select Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery • Highlights : This cookware set includes two sauce pans , two fry pans , a dutch oven , jumbo cooker and more .
The cookware is dishwasher-friendly and made of stainless steel .
With the exception of the non-stick pan , the pieces can handle temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven .
While you peruse the above cookware , Amazon Prime Day also offers slashed prices on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pots to smart ovens , blenders and coffee makers .
If you ’ re in the market for a new rice cooker , microwave or toaster , check out the noteworthy kitchen appliances we ’ ve compiled .
• Up to 40 percent off SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker Machines • Up to 58 percent off Instant Pot products • Highlights : This compact electric grill features smoke-shield technology and is great for cooking indoors .
It also includes non-stick cooking plates , five-temperature settings and extra-large heating elements for dispersed and consistent heating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its lowest price ever .
Amazon Prime Day is also a great time to save on fans , air purifiers , vacuums and more .
To find the best home appliance deals , check out our roundup of items below .
• Up to 35 percent off Bissell Floorcare • Up to 35 percent off smart home products from Moen , Leviton , Samsung and more • Up to 38 percent off iRobot Roomba Vacuums • Up to 44 percent off Shark Vacuums • Highlights : This upright vacuum is Shark ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It features a detachable pod for cleaning hard-to-reach places , as well as anti-allergen technology and a HEPA filter that traps over 99.99 percent of dust and allergens .
This is the lowest price this vacuum has ever been .
• Highlights : Roomba vacuums are popular among NBC News Shopping and this model features a three-stage cleaning system and auto-adjust its cleaning head with multi-surface brushes for cleaning carpet or hard floors .
For convenience , you can schedule it to clean your home through the iRobot Home app or voice controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it includes smart sensors for dirt detection and more effective cleaning and can run for up to 90 minutes when charged .
• Best slippers for working from home • Roku launches Streambar and the new Ultra Catch up on the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations and download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Prime Day was created by Amazon, which has an affiliate relationship with Shop TODAY. Whenever you buy an Amazon product through our site, Amazon pays Shop TODAY a small commission on that sale.
Amazon Prime Day is live right now and we're in the second day (final hours): It ends tonight (as far as we know right now). In the sale's remaining hours, you’ll come across massive deals on significant items like TVs and mattresses, as well as noteworthy savings on distinct and lower-priced items like gifts, apparel, simple home electronics and even groceries both on Amazon and at other retailers like Walmart, Wayfair and Target.
SKIP AHEAD Furniture | kitchen essentials | kitchen appliances | home appliances
Prime Day home and kitchen sales from other retailers
In our in-depth look at the history and impact of Prime Day, several experts told us that, as a result of the exponential growth of Amazon Prime Day (which started in 2015), other major retailers have begun running their own sales during the sales event. “Quite frankly, it has completely altered the retail calendar,” explained CNBC’s Annie Palmer. Some of those sales are running at Shopping reader favorite retailers like the aforementioned Wayfair, Walmart and Target. Outside of those, retailers large and small are running likewise substantial sales right now to match up against Amazon’s Prime Day sale. Here are some of the most relevant ones to Shopping readers:
Best Buy : Save on Dyson products, TVs and more
: Save on Dyson products, TVs and more Bed Bath and Beyond : Save on select small appliances, cookware and food organizers
: Save on select small appliances, cookware and food organizers Bloomingdales : Up to 75 percent off select cookware, small appliances and more
: Up to select cookware, small appliances and more Crate & Barrel : Up to 20 percent off dining seating, plus save on cookware, coffee makers and more
: Up to dining seating, plus save on cookware, coffee makers and more The Home Depot : Up to 50 percent off select interior furniture, decor and kitchenware
: Up to select interior furniture, decor and kitchenware Macy’s : Save on home and kitchen items
: Save on home and kitchen items Target : Save on home electronics, decor and tech during Target’s Deal Days sales event
: Save on home electronics, decor and tech during Target’s Deal Days sales event Walmart : Save on furniture, kitchen and dining items and more during Walmart’s Big Save sales event
: Save on furniture, kitchen and dining items and more during Walmart’s Big Save sales event Wayfair : Up to 60 percent off during the Wayfair Clearance Sale
: Up to during the Wayfair Clearance Sale Overstock: Up to 70 percent off select items during Overstock’s Anniversary Sale
Amazon Prime Day 2020: home and kitchen sales
Our favorite deals right now
Furniture deals during Prime Day 2020
During Amazon Prime Day, you can save on everything from coffee tables and dining chairs to bed frames, TV stands and more. To help you find the best deals, we’ve rounded up the most notable furniture sales and deals below.
Furniture sales
Furniture brand deal
BestOffice: 10 percent off BestOffice PC Gaming Chair
Rating : 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,000 reviewers
: 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,000 reviewers Highlights: This vanity stool is 19.5-inches tall and is made from polyester upholstery. It features a steel circular back with decorative knot detailing for a classic design. Plus, it's an Amazon bestseller when it comes to vanities and vanity benches.
Rating : 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,000 reviewers
: 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,000 reviewers Highlights: This mattress is soft and firm to give you pressure where you need it. It includes two layers of polyurethane foam and a layer of AirScape perforated foam to help keep you cool while sleeping. This is the lowest price it’s ever been listed on Amazon, according to price comparison site CamelCamelCamel.
Rating : 4.4-star average rating, more than 23,000 reviewers
: 4.4-star average rating, more than 23,000 reviewers Highlights: Back and side sleepers will swoon over the 14 inches of plushness that this gel infused, hypoallergenic mattress offers. A two- inch layer of ventilated gel memory foam helps keep you cool while nine inches of bamboo charcoal-infused foam brings full body support and stability. The only time this mattress was on sale for less on Amazon was back in April and only for a few dollars cheaper.
Save on kitchen essentials
Amazon Prime Day is a great time to shop for kitchen items, including cutting boards, cookware, tools and more. If you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen or want to do some early holiday shopping, we’ve compiled the most notable kitchen sales and deals below.
Kitchen essentials sales
Kitchen essentials brand deals
Contigo : 32 percent off Contigo Autoseal 10-oz Travel Mug
: Contigo Autoseal 10-oz Travel Mug Gorilla Grip : 43 percent off Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board
: Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board Wüsthof: 33 percent off Wüsthof Gourmet 7-Piece Traveler's Set
Rating : 4.7-star average rating, more than 6,900 reviewers
: 4.7-star average rating, more than 6,900 reviewers Highlights: The bar set is Amazon's No. 1 bestseller when it comes to barware tool sets. It includes a 24-oz martini shaker with built in strainer, double size measurement tool, bar spoon, 10-inch muddler and more. It's made of stainless steel for a sleek design and features a mirror finish. This is the lowest price it’s ever been listed on Amazon.
Rating : 4.9-star average rating, more than 13,000 reviewers
: 4.9-star average rating, more than 13,000 reviewers Highlights: If you’re looking to invest in a new piece of enameled cast iron, this 3.5-quart sauteuse oven is on sale for a limited time. With a dome-shaped lid that locks in flavor, this versatile piece of Le Creuset is ideal one-pot meals including those that require stovetop slow-braising and oven roasting.
Rating : 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,300 reviewers
: 4.6-star average rating, more than 1,300 reviewers Highlights: From cereal and salad to pasta or Pho Ramen, anything you serve up in these 30-inch bowls will look perfectly presented. The dishwasher and microwave-safe set of six white bowls have a chic flared edge for an understated modern touch. This is the lowest price these bowls have been listed online.
Save on kitchen appliances
While you peruse the above cookware, Amazon Prime Day also offers slashed prices on kitchen appliances from air fryers and Instant Pots to smart ovens, blenders and coffee makers. If you’re in the market for a new rice cooker, microwave or toaster, check out the noteworthy kitchen appliances we’ve compiled.
Kitchen appliance sales
Kitchen appliance brand deals
AmazonBasics : 45 percent off AmazonBasics Microwave bundle with Echo Dot (3rd Gen)
: AmazonBasics Microwave bundle with Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Chefman : 40 percent off Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker
: Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker Cuisinart: 60 percent off Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer
Rating : 4.3-star average rating, more than 200 reviewers
: 4.3-star average rating, more than 200 reviewers Highlights: This compact electric grill features smoke-shield technology and is great for cooking indoors. It also includes non-stick cooking plates, five-temperature settings and extra-large heating elements for dispersed and consistent heating. This deal puts the grill at its lowest price ever.
Rating : 4.7-star average rating, more than 7,450 reviewers
: 4.7-star average rating, more than 7,450 reviewers Highlights: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is Amazon's No. 1 bestseller when it comes to air fryers. It works as a pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker, roaster, air fryer and more. Additionally, it can feed up to eight people and you can throw its removable parts into the dishwasher for convenience. This is the lowest price it’s ever been listed on Amazon.
Rating : 4.6-star average rating, more than 6,800 reviewers
: 4.6-star average rating, more than 6,800 reviewers Highlights: For the ultimate in meal-prep convenience, control and monitor your air fryer while on the go from your smart devices with this Wi-Fi-enabled model. With over 100 recipes and 11 one-touch presets, enjoy meals cooked faster than a conventional oven. This is the lowest price it’s been listed on Amazon.
Save on home appliances
Amazon Prime Day is also a great time to save on fans, air purifiers, vacuums and more. To find the best home appliance deals, check out our roundup of items below.
Home appliance sales
Home appliance brand deals
JBL : 30 percent off JBL Boombox Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
: JBL Boombox Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker Samsung: 40 percent off Samsung AirDresser Cabinet Steamer
Rating : 4.5-star average rating, more than 14,300 reviewers
: 4.5-star average rating, more than 14,300 reviewers Highlights: This upright vacuum includes a HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal to catch dust and other air particulates without letting them escape back into the air. It's lightweight and includes swivel steering for you to easily vacuum around furniture and other obstacles. For convenience, the vacuum includes a Lift Away feature so you can detach the canister and clean hard-to-reach areas.
Rating : 4.6-star average rating, more than 3,000 reviewers
: 4.6-star average rating, more than 3,000 reviewers Highlights: This smart plug, featured in our smart home devices guide, can be used to turn on your lights or plug-in devices via the Kasa app or through voice commands. It works with Amazon Alexa, google Assistant and Microsoft Cortona. You can also set timer or countdown schedules to automatically turn off humidifiers, fans and other electronics for convenience.
Rating : 4.3-star average rating, more than 20 reviewers
: 4.3-star average rating, more than 20 reviewers Highlights: Roomba vacuums are popular among NBC News Shopping and this model features a three-stage cleaning system and auto-adjust its cleaning head with multi-surface brushes for cleaning carpet or hard floors. For convenience, you can schedule it to clean your home through the iRobot Home app or voice controls via Google Assistant or Alexa. Plus, it includes smart sensors for dirt detection and more effective cleaning and can run for up to 90 minutes when charged.
More shopping guides and recommendations
Catch up on the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations and download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak