Good morning! Here is your news briefing for Monday March 23, 2020
THE DAILY SIGNAL
Mar 23, 2020
Good morning from Washington, where America’s homeland security chief says that although a national lockdown because of COVID-19 may be in the cards, that time hasn’t come. Each of us can help prevent the death toll that one study predicts, Dr. Kevin Pham writes. On the podcast, a nurse dispenses timely advice. Plus: keeping businesses and employees afloat, the importance of border security and free economies, and how faith strengthens us. On this date in 1775, at the Second Virginia Convention, delegate Patrick Henry makes his famous ”give me liberty or give me death” speech.
Millions of Americans dead, thousands more waiting to die for want of medical equipment in short supply, and all because a few blithe revelers wanted to go to the bar. That’s the takeaway from a new study by Imperial College London.
“We have 15 days to slow the spread, so there’s a number of measures we’re asking the American public to take,” says acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.
Nations with greater levels of economic freedom are clearly better positioned to ensure better outcomes given their superior overall capacity “to prevent, detect, and respond to significant disease outbreaks.”
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”CARL JUNG
Good morning,
Internal documents obtained by The Epoch Times show that the Chinese regime continues to underreport the number of new CCP virus infections.
The documents, which include reports from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, show for example that the city recorded 91 new patients on March 14. On that day, however, China’s National Health Commission reported only four cases.
The Chinese Communist Party is continuing to target the United States as part of an increasingly antagonistic disinformation campaign, to cover its own mishandling of the pandemic—now confirmed to have infected nearly 330,000 globally. Read more
There were only rumors of a possible $1 trillion economic stimulus package on March 12 when U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urgently warned the Senate Budget Committee that federal spending and debt are on an “unsustainable” path. Read more
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that as businesses continue to close and people lose their jobs over the CCP virus lockdown affecting parts of the United States, a family of four could receive $3,000 as well as unemployment insurance following the passage of a new stimulus package. Read more
One industry that’s rolling on throughout the closures and social-distancing measures is trucking. For years, the unsung road warriors have delivered essential goods… Read more
A federal judge has put a House Democrat lawsuit seeking access to President Donald Trump’s tax returns on hold after an appeals court agreed to rehear a different case that raises similar legal issues to the case at hand. Read more
As the pandemic caused by the Chinese Communist Party forces college and university lectures online, left-wing academics in the United States are apparently nervous about the possibility that what they are teaching may be publicized by “right-wing sites,” Campus Reform reports. Read more
One Belt, One Road … One Virus
By Brian CatesAs the entire world has struggled to cope with the fallout from the CCP virus, all eyes have remained fixed on Italy, where the virus is reaping its most awful toll. Deaths in Italy from the virus have now surpassed the official count claimed by the Communist authorities of China. Read more
Private Sector Thrives, Government Regulations Hurt, Capitalism Is Valuable in a Crisis
By Nicole RussellThey’re not pretty but they work. We’re bottling up some 65% alcohol for disinfecting. Any essential service individual or organization who needs some, reach out, we’ll have 1,000+ bottles for tomorrow, on us. Read more
Assessing JPMorgan’s Legal Predicaments
By Heide B. Malhotra
(May 16, 2013)JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global financial services firm, is highly regarded. Yet, during the past years, this company has faced numerous lawsuits from public and private sector entities, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and paid heavy fines. Read more
President Donald Trump suggested that the Chinese regime is to blame for the viral pandemic that has now appeared in more than 150 countries globally.
Sending Dow futures plummeting (Fox News). Democrats apparently object to the package also helping businesses, the people who create jobs (Washington Times). From Senator Mitch McConnell: “I want everybody to fully understand if we aren’t able to act tomorrow, it will because of our colleagues on the other side continuing to dither when the country expects us to come together and address this problem” (The Hill). Even Romney is shocked by the Democrats. At least early on, a number of outlets who might normally protect Democrats made it clear which party blocked the bill (Hot Air). From Alexandra DeSanctis: I do not ever want to hear another word attacking Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus from a single person who defends or excuses Dems blocking this bill tonight (Twitter). From Ben Shapiro: So just to get this straight, the new Democratic objection to the bipartisan bill — Schumer called it bipartisan on Saturday night — is that it helps companies too much. Companies that will be defunct within the month, driving a 30% unemployment rate, without loan packages (Twitter). From Kimberly Strassel: To play politics now is height of irresponsibility. Pelosi owns this. Again, Ds were part of the Senate crafting—were on board. Now caving to progressive wing—again. At peril of economy (Twitter).
2.
Old Drug May Be Answer for Treatment of Coronavirus
From one New York story: The feds have given the state 70,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine, 10,000 doses of zithromax and 750,000 doses of chloroquine. Testing will kick off Tuesday, Cuomo said. “The president is optimistic about these drugs and we are all optimistic that it could work,” the governor said at a press conference. “I’ve spoken with a number of health officials and there is a good basis to believe that they could work” (Daily News). A Florida restaurant owner said he almost died before hydroxychloroquine saved his life (NY Post). Kevin McCullough explains the studies have proven hydroxychloroquine works, and it is “a cheap, inexpensive-to-produce, readily available anti-viral that was created in 1934, used widely in 1945, and known to be effective against viruses since the 1970s” (Townhall). From the Wall Street Journal: A flash of potential good news from the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic: A treatment is showing promise. Doctors in France, South Korea and the U.S. are using an antimalarial drug known as hydroxychloroquine with success. We are physicians treating patients with Covid-19, and the therapy appears to be making a difference. It isn’t a silver bullet, but if deployed quickly and strategically the drug could potentially help bend the pandemic’s “hockey stick” curve (WSJ). Meanwhile, a look at how things have gotten better in other places around the world, a possible blueprint for the U.S. (New Yorker). Jazz Shaw looks at the many medical experts who don’t see this going away without more pain (Hot Air).
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3.
Ten States Now Have 500 or More Cases
With new York leading the nation with nearly 17,000 (National Review). And the city is considering drastic steps to stop the virus from spreading further (NY Times). Philadelphia is the latest to issue a “stay at home” order (Philadelphia Inquirer). A Dallas County Judge ordered residents to “shelter-in-place” beginning today (CBS Dallas). Top New Jersey Health Official: We’re all going to get it (NY Post). Congressman Ben McAdams had to be hospitalized (NY Post). Harvey Weinstein has coronavirus (Page Six). A 12-year-old girl in Georgia has the virus, is fighting for her life and they don’t know where she got it (CNN). In Italy, they are finding being male is as high of a risk factor as being old (NY Times). Funerals have been forced to go online (NY Post). Sense of smell appears to be a telling indicator of the coronavirus (NY Times).
4.
Canada Pulls Out of 2020 Olympics
They want them postponed for a year (NY Post). The IOC is considering a delay (MSN).
5.
CNN Blames “Humans” for Coronavirus
With this climate-change style sentence: …changes to human behavior — the destruction of natural habitats, coupled with the huge number of fast-moving people now on Earth — has enabled diseases that were once locked away in nature to cross into people fast (CNN). An analysis of the story notes “CNN is carrying communist China’s water by deflecting blame from them and pretending that we are all equally at fault. Nowhere is the Chinese cover-up of the virus confirmed by the U.S. intelligence community mentioned” (The Federalist).
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6.
Biden to Offer Coronavirus Shadow-Briefings
From John Sexton: This strikes me as a bad idea for the country though it will probably be popular with the resistance which long ago patented the phrase “not my president” and the idea of setting up a shadow government (Hot Air). The New York Times is worried Biden isn’t getting enough attention during the pandemic (NY Times). Biden, who recently touted himself as a uniter, is attacking Trump for not stopping the virus (MSN).
7.
Economy Continues to Take a Hit
Some believe unemployment could reach 30 percent (MarketWatch). From James Pethokoukis: I don’t know what the right amount of quarantine time is. But a liquidation of the US economy also has health consequences, both long and short. We can’t pretend there are no trade-offs (Twitter). Those who lost work face money issues and a health insurance crisis (NY Post). One man was forced to close his business after just two days (NY Post). Many New York restaurants are closing, even refusing to stay for takeout orders (NY Post).
8.
China Still at Center of Controversy
Another look at how the country let this fire burn (City-Journal). From another story: Seven million people, many infected, left Wuhan and started seeding outbreaks around the world during the first three weeks of January while the Chinese government was busy assuring everyone that there was no cause for alarm (Hot Air). Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai did not like Axios questioning him on why they expelled reporters (Axios). From a story noting there are 21 million fewer people in China with cell coverage: “The digitization level is very high in China. People can’t survive without a cellphone,” Tang Jingyuan, a U.S.-based China affairs commentator, told The Epoch Times on March 21. “Dealing with the government for pensions and social security, buying train tickets, shopping … no matter what people want to do, they are required to use cellphones (Epoch Times).
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— Negotiations sputtered in the Senate on Sunday over an enormous stimulus bill to keep the economy afloat, threatening at times to devolve into all-out partisan warfare even as a desperate nation sought relief. Read more here.
— Futures for U.S. stocks fell sharply at the start of trading Sunday as investors watch to see if Congress can agree on a huge rescue package to try to stem the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Futures for the S&P 500 fell by 5%, triggering a halt in futures trading. Read more here.
— President Donald Trump says he’s ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ship mobile hospital centers to the hard-hit states of Washington, California and New York.
— Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky becomes the first U.S. Senator to test positive for coronavirus. Read more here.
Rand Paul the first U.S. Senator to test positive for coronavirus. Image via AP.
— Volunteers with sewing machines are making homemade surgical masks for one New York hospital system that has run short, and Trump suggested that health care workers try to sanitize disposable masks. Read more here.
— German Chancellor Angela Merkel will go into self-quarantine at home after a doctor who gave her a vaccination tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more here.
— The International Olympic Committee will look at postponing the Tokyo Olympics during four weeks of talks amid mounting criticism by athletes and sports officials during the coronavirus pandemic. The games are set to open on July 24. Read more here.
— State officials announced 244 new positive coronavirus cases Sunday, bringing the total to more than 1,000. One new death was reported, making the total 13, according to the Florida Department of Health. Read more here.
—New COVID-19 testing sites at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens are opening. Read more here. The Jacksonville site at TIAA Bank Field, Lot J, opened Saturday and tested more than 280 people on the first day, per the Department of Health.
— As of Sunday night, there are more than 18,000 hospital beds available statewide, including nearly 1,700 adult intensive care unit beds, per the Department of Health
Top thought
“The disorienting thing is you can’t compare this to anything” via Katherine Miller of BuzzFeed — “One of the more surreal aspects of this is that everything defies comparison. There’s no one-to-one in living memory in American life: a self-imposed stop to the economy and a soft, countrywide quarantine. There’s no fixed point toward which we’re supposed to be enduring, except to stay away to reduce the systemic strain of COVID-19 on people and hospitals. What compares?”
>>>Miller imagines a party in the future — “A crowd reunited, in too small a space, inside an open business, on a summer night — think that good New York-in-the-movies lighting, black and gold, with something with synths playing. This is nothing I am even likely to carry off, but that’s been floating through my head in idle moments as the fixed, if ephemeral point.”
Situational awareness
Tweet, tweet:
—@EugeneGU: The H1N1 swine flu pandemic that infected up to 1.4 billion people and killed up to 575,000 originated in factory farmed pigs in the United States. Yet nobody ever calls it the “American Pig Flu.” Let’s stop calling the coronavirus the “Chinese Virus.” We’re all in this together.
—@OliverDarcy: Again, not the most important issue in the world, but is there a reason that the President and our nation’s top officials are not practicing social distancing as a contagious virus infects people across the country, including at least one in the White House?
—@kristin__wilson: Sen. Lindsey Graham, not happy with Rand Paul: ‘I don’t know when he got tested but the point is … everybody in the Senate needs to know exactly when he was tested and what did he do so we can figure out how much exposure we had.”
—@APAndrewTaylor: There is a truism about Congress that you have to have the bad meeting before you have the good meeting. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what happens today when the big four convene
—@JakeSherman: If you’re surprised Congress is struggling with this deal, I imagine you’ve not watched Congress at all in the last 12 or so years.
—@ByHeatherLong: Many Americans’ biggest worry right now is how to pay their rent or mortgage — due April 1. Gov checks won’t begin arriving until April 6 (if then) Median rent = $1,600 Median mortgage = $1,400
Tweet, tweet:
—@Aaron_Leib: Please, @GovRonDeSantis, practice what you’re preaching and start holding news conferences remotely. You’re putting my colleagues — not to mention yourself — at risk.
—@CoreyGJohnson: What’s profound about the Lake Worth exchange is that the governing philosophy of Pam and Michael has taken root virtually everywhere on the local, state and federal level. And that so few Omaris exist to push back.
Tweet, tweet:
—@ChrisNocco: Get up, out of your pajamas, go for a walk if you can, connect with God, and get moving around your house. #mentalhealth is just as important as physical health.
—@PGuzzoTimes: Daughter has virtual dance lesson tomorrow. Son has virtual karate. All four kids have virtual school this week. I have a wife who is teaching virtually. @TB_Times has virtual meeting spaces. And one of my kids has a virtual play date this week. This is all so bizarre.
—@StephHayes: Lol to home workouts that ask for 20 diagonal walking lunges as if there are not ottomans and walls and shoes and cats everywhere.
—@Jared_Wade: Drinking alone last week — depressing — anti-social — I “have a problem” Drinking alone today at 11 a.m. — conscientious — courageous — saving your nana’s life
—@MearKat00: Remember when the biggest crisis was the lack of Popeye’s Chicken Sandwiches?
—@WillWeatherford: I am reminded on this Sunday morning that the Bible says over 365 times to “fear not,” “do not be afraid,” “do not be anxious” etc. — Maybe God was trying to make a point! Fear can be paralyzing. My prayer today is that we will not live in fear.
Tweet, tweet:
Days until
Walt Disney World/Universal scheduled to reopen — 8; Quibi launches — 17; Easter — 20; Florida Schools reopen (maybe) — 23; First quarter campaign reports due — 23; Last day of federal candidate qualifying — 30; NFL Draft — 31; Mother’s Day — 48; Last day of state candidate qualifying — 77; “Top Gun: Maverick” premieres — 95; Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee begins — 111; Federal taxes due — 114; Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” premieres — 115; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo start (maybe) — 123; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 148; Republican National Convention begins in Charlotte — 154; First presidential debate in Indiana — 190; First vice presidential debate at the University of Utah — 198; Second presidential debate scheduled at the University of Michigan — 206; Third presidential debate at Belmont — 213; 2020 General Election — 225; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 239; “No Time to Die” premieres — 247.
Corona nation
“Joe Biden attacks Donald Trump’s coronavirus response as inadequate, hits him for lack of transparency” via Matt Viser of The Washington Post — Biden criticized Trump over his administration’s response to the novel coronavirus, blaming him for the country’s testing shortage and accusing him of a lack of transparency. “In times of crisis, the American people deserve a president who tells them the truth and takes responsibility. Unfortunately, Trump has not been that president,” Biden told reporters on a 30-minute conference call that began shortly after Trump left the lectern in the White House briefing room.
Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump for his foot-dragging on coronavirus response. Image via AP.
“No deal on vast coronavirus stimulus bill as negotiations sputter on Capitol Hill” via Erica Werner, Seung Min Kim, Rachael Bade and Jeff Stein of The Washington Post — The sheer magnitude of the potential calamity kept lawmakers at the bargaining table as negotiators on both sides said they must deliver to slow the financial landslide that is disrupting millions of businesses and households by the day. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (delayed an initial procedural vote on a $1.8 trillion bill as it became clear it would fail due to Democratic opposition, moving the vote from midafternoon to evening to allow more time for talks. Democrats alleged McConnell’s bill is tilted too far in favor of corporations and doesn’t include much oversight for $500 billion in loans and guarantees.
“How the coronavirus became an American catastrophe” via Alexis Madrigal and Robinson Meyer of The Atlantic — How many people are sick with the coronavirus in the United States, and when did they get sick? These are crucial questions to answer, but they have never been answered well. Archived data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the government dramatically misunderstood what was happening in America as the outbreak began. On the last day of February, the CDC reported 15 Americanshad tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“FEMA said masks are being shipped but declines to be specific” via Rishika Dugyala of POLITICO — Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Peter Gaynor said Sunday that masks are currently being shipped to states, particularly hot spots like New York City and California — an announcement that comes as health care workers grow increasingly desperate for critical medical gear. However, Gaynor was unable to give more detail on when the masks would arrive or provide specific numbers. “They have been distributed. They’ve been distributed over the past couple of weeks. They’re shipping today. They’ll ship tomorrow,” he said on ABC’s “This Week.”
“’Get yourself home’: Thousands of Americans stranded abroad as money, patience run out” via Michael E. Miller, Samantha Schmidt and Lori Aratani — As their money, medications, and patience run out, Americans have watched in mounting frustration as other countries have quickly evacuated their citizens. Feeling abandoned by their government, thousands have turned to social media for help and solace. Their sense of panic deepened on Thursday when the State Department announced American citizens overseas should return to the United States immediately “unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.” The announcement, coupled with the initial lack of a plan to help Americans come home, has drawn criticism from lawmakers whose inboxes are filling with emails from furious constituents trapped overseas.
“Trump hypes unproven coronavirus drugs as top science officials manage expectations” via Alice Miranda Ollstein of POLITICO — Trump called himself a “big fan” of an unproven coronavirus treatment Friday and repeatedly contradicted his own top health officials on how much is known about the drug’s potential to help at least some patients affected by the pandemic. “It is very effective. It is a strong drug,” Trump declared at a long, sprawling televised briefing, referring to a malaria drug that is in the early stages of being tested against COVID-19. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci and other White House Task Force members appeared visibly uncomfortable as Trump repeatedly hailed the drug’s promise.
“Used to meeting challenges with bluster in force, Trump confronts a crisis unlike any before” via Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times — Trump’s performance on the national stage in recent weeks has put on display the traits that Democrats and some Republicans consider so jarring — the profound need for personal praise, the propensity to blame others, the lack of human empathy, the penchant for rewriting history, the disregard for expertise, the distortion of facts, the impatience with scrutiny or criticism. For years, skeptics expressed concern about how he would handle a genuine crisis threatening the nation, and now they know.
Coronavirus is one problem that Donald Trump can’t bluster away. Image via AP.
“The media must stop live-broadcasting Trump’s dangerous, destructive coronavirus briefings” via Margaret Sullivan of The Washington Post — More and more each day, Trump is using his daily briefings as a substitute for the campaign rallies that have been forced into extinction by the spread of the novel coronavirus. These White House sessions — ostensibly meant to give the public critical and truthful information about this frightening crisis — are, in fact, working against that end. Instead, they have become a daily stage for Trump to play his greatest hits to captive audience members. They come in search of life-or-death information, but here’s what they get from him instead: self-aggrandizement; media-bashing; exaggeration and outright lies.
“Desperate and angry state leaders push back on Trump administration claims of mass mask shipments” via Alice Miranda Ollstein of POLITICO — Governors, mayors and front-line health care workers confronting rising numbers of critically ill coronavirus patients said they had not received meaningful amounts of federal aid, including the shipments of desperately needed masks and other emergency equipment that administration officials say they have already dispatched. “We are desperate,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told ABC. “We’ve had a big ask into the strategic stockpile in the White House. They’ve given us a fraction of our ask.” A lack of personal protective equipment puts medical personnel at a higher risk of becoming infected or placed in quarantine, exacerbating hospitals’ existing staff shortages.
“Mike Pence tests negative for COVID-19” — In a tweet Saturday evening, Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller announced that the Vice President and Second Lady Karen Pence have tested negative.
“Marco Rubio drafts $300 billion plan to keep workers employed during coronavirus pandemic” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — Republican Sen. Rubio’s plan to provide $300 billion in emergency loans to small businesses — loans that will be forgiven if businesses keep their workers employed during the coronavirus pandemic — is included in draft legislation of a massive coronavirus relief bill that could pass the U.S. Senate as early as Monday. Rubio, along Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, were put in charge of a small business emergency economic relief plan by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Rubio’s ideas, which have been in the works for weeks as the coronavirus threat grew, were officially unveiled on Thursday evening.
“Anthony Fauci was ready for this. America was not.” via Ellen McCarthy and Ben Terris of The Washington Post — As recently as a few weeks ago, it might have seemed as if the gravest threat facing the country was the fact that reality had split along partisan lines, creating unresolvable disagreements about what was happening in America and why. Now a public-health catastrophe has remade our reality and pushed Fauci into the spotlight as a figure that might have seemed impossible less than a month ago: a government expert with an unwelcome message who is nonetheless regarded as a truth-teller, if not a godsend, by the president, Democratic leaders and media figures alike. Surviving may require a single set of facts; and Fauci — a slight, bespectacled man with a Brooklyn accent and sympathetic eyebrows — has them.
Anthony Fauci has been preparing for coronavirus for much of his career. Image via AP.
“Democrats promised a door-knocking army in 2020. The pandemic has changed their plans.” via Kara Voght of Mother Jones — In 2020, Democrats were going to knock on a lot of doors. Since the summer of 2019, the Democratic National Committee has trained more than 600 college students on the best methods for door-knocking, phone-banking, and party recruitment. In particular, the party focused on “relational organizing” — face-to-face conversations that typically leverage one’s own social network to develop long-term, community-building relationships. The initiative, called Organizing Corps, aimed to put 1,200 students — primarily from communities of color — on the ground in eight swing states well in advance of the general election.
Corona Florida
“Florida lagged behind dozens of states on coronavirus restrictions” via Kathleen McGrory and Neil Bedi of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis was part of an early wave of state executives to order the closure of bars and nightclubs Tuesday, bringing the revelry to a halt on St. Patrick’s Day. But he was slower than at least 35 other governors to suspend in-person dining at restaurants and behind at least 22 in closing gyms and fitness studios. DeSantis took both steps Friday afternoon. Governors in four of the six largest states — New York, California, Pennsylvania and Illinois — had gone as far as to issue statewide directives closing all nonessential businesses and telling residents to stay home. Only Florida and Texas had not.
Ron DeSantis is experiencing blowback for his coronavirus response.
“As drive-through testing ramps up, DeSantis reassures public” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Federally-backed drive-through testing programs underway in Broward County and Jacksonville, being beta-tested in Miami, and soon to begin in Orange County sent DeSantis to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium Sunday to assure Floridians that they should be fine, if they take precautions. DeSantis appeared at the stadium parking lot with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez, DEM Director Jared Moskowitz and others to offer details on how the drive-through testing would work there, to provide limited updates on the new coronavirus outbreak, and to reassure Floridians that strong commitments to personal hygiene and social distancing should keep them safe. Moskowitz used the occasion to chastise people for not social distancing, particularly spring break revelers. He also cautioned that even if something is open, “it doesn’t mean you have to go to it.”
Assignment editors — DeSantis will hold a news conference at The Villages Mobile Testing Site. It starts at 10 a.m. in The Villages Polo Club, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd.
“DeSantis issues executive order delaying nonessential, elective medical procedures” via the Pensacola News Journal — The order prohibits all hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; office surgery centers; dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices; and other health care practitioners’ offices in the state from providing “any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or nonemergency procedure or surgery” that, if delayed, would not place a patient’s health at risk or worsen life-threatening medical condition. “Accordingly, all health care practitioners licensed in the State of Florida, including dentists, shall immediately cease performing these elective services,” according to the order. “As articulated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommendation, examples of procedures to delay may include, but are not limited to, some endoscopy, most cataract and lens surgeries, non-urgent spine and orthopedic procedures, and cosmetic procedures.”
“DeSantis administration: no shelter-in-place order on the horizon — yet” via Jacob ogles of Florida Politics — In a phone conversation with state lawmakers, Jared Moskowitz, director of the Division Emergency Management, said DeSantis has looked closely at similar orders that were issued in California and New York. But there’s a progression that would likely occur before a “stay-home” order was issued here. The Governor would likely order only essential businesses could open and put in place a statewide curfew before considering such a step. “At the moment, there is nothing to announce or on the horizon,” Moskowitz said.
“Will spring breakers become super-spreaders?” via Gary Fineout, Alexandra Glorioso and Ben Schreckinger of POLITICO — As Florida officials move to expel the hundreds of thousands of spring breakers who ignored calls for social distancing, public-health specialists are nervously wondering what will happen once the party’s over. For much of this week, revelers continued to cram four and five to a hotel room, swarm beaches over hundreds of miles of coastline, and then gather shoulder-to-shoulder in bars and clubs — almost a model process for spreading contagious diseases. Now, with their campuses likely shuttered, most spring breakers will return to hometowns across the country where any exposure to coronavirus could set off a contagion, public-health experts warned.
Spring breakers could become coronavirus supercarriers.
“New research suggests heat, humidity could put a damper on coronavirus” via Jim Waymer of FLORIDA TODAY — Could Florida’s heat and humidity stop the new coronavirus dead in its tracks, or at least slow its spread significantly? Scientists say there is hope, fueled by some recent research, but it’s hard to say with a new virus. How strong a grip coronavirus gets on Florida and other hot and humid climates will depend on the balance between how fast the virus spreads against any tempering effects of heat and humidity, scientists say. But it also depends on whether such conditions indeed hamper this specific virus, as they do influenza viruses.
“Virus crushing tourism industry” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Like a bolt of lightning, government-imposed restrictions have decimated the region’s tourism industry, leading to sweeping room cancellations and hotel closures statewide. Key South Florida visitors have been cut off as cruise lines suspended service for 30 to 60 days, and airlines drastically slashed their domestic and international flights. Late Friday, another blow was delivered to hoteliers in Miami-Dade County: most hotels, motels, hostels, temporary vacation, and short term rentals and other forms of lodging must shut their doors by 11:59 p.m.
“Because of coronavirus, Tampa Bay prepares for home schooling” via the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board — As Florida’s closed public schools ramp up for distance learning — home schooling, really — because of the coronavirus, the jokes are already making the rounds on social media: “So … Home schooling going well. Two students suspended for fighting, and one teacher fired for drinking on the job.” But the challenge is serious. Until at least April 15, Tampa Bay’s vast school districts will have to teach all students remotely. It won’t be easy.
Corona local
“How did Miami city leaders get coronavirus tests? ‘Continuity of government’” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has become a national face of everyday life with coronavirus, telling national interviewers he came down with COVID-19 despite not suffering any symptoms. Which raises the question: How did the mayor of Miami manage to get a COVID-19 test without suffering any symptoms? Like NBA players and entertainers, elected and appointed leaders in Miami have formed their own subset of prominent people with COVID-19 scares who managed to secure quick test results amid statewide rationing of lab materials needed to detect the deadly virus.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was able to get a coronavirus test, despite their relative rarity.
“Jacksonville state attorney calls for release of more inmates to avoid COVID-19 spreading” via Andrew Pantazi of The Florida Times-Union — The Jacksonville State Attorney’s Office, in a memo shared with the Times-Union by a defense attorney, has called for significant reductions in the jail population in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties through a number of new policies. The policies, drafted by Chief Assistant State Attorney L.E. Hutton, call for offering plea deals that avoid jail time, releasing some pretrial inmates and not filing charges in nonviolent “marginal cases.” Hutton’s memo emphasized these are “temporary strategies to limit the spread of this Virus.”
“Anti-vaxx politicians under fire as coronavirus spreads” via Politico — David Zuckerman, the lieutenant governor of Vermont, is an eccentric longtime figure in state politics — a ponytail-sporting organic farmer and Bernie Sanders protégé who has proudly fought against government-mandated vaccinations. But the arrival of the coronavirus has suddenly put Zuckerman on the defensive in his campaign for governor this year: Amid the worsening pandemic, one of his top Democratic opponents is calling out his anti-vaxxer views as dangerous, and attempting to make them politically toxic.
“Florida official recommends blow dryer at your face to combat coronavirus don’t do that” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — An Okeechobee County Commissioner offered now-debunked advice to people worried about contracting the novel coronavirus: Kill it with a blow dryer. Commissioner Bryant Culpepper explained the junk remedy he learned from the One America News Network claiming the coronavirus cannot live at temperatures higher than 136 degrees. “I said how you would get the temperature up to 136 degrees? The answer was you use a blow dryer. You hold a blow dryer up to your face, and you inhale through your nose, and it kills all the viruses in your nose,” Bryant said during a meeting of the Okeechobee County Commissioners. To be clear, health officials do not support this preventive method.
“Lake Worth Beach Commissioner says he lost cool, but stands by comments on city’s handling of COVID-19” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Omari Hardy is apologizing for his tone following a Thursday night Commission meeting where Hardy ended up in a shouting match with the Mayor and City Manager. “This is a banana republic is what you’re turning this place into with your so-called leadership,” Hardy yelled at Mayor Pam Triolo at one point during the heated exchange in remarks highlighted by the Palm Beach Post. The back-and-forth stemmed from the city’s handling of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. In recent weeks, Commissioner Hardy had pushed his colleagues to take additional action aimed at protecting the public from the virus’s spread. After his calls for an emergency meeting on the issue, the Commission gathered Thursday night.
Omari Hardy apologizes for losing his cool.
“Fourth TSA worker at Orlando International Airport tests positive for COVID-19” via Lisa Maria Garza of the Orlando Sentinel — The Transportation Security Administration said the employee, a screening officer, last worked March 16 at the airport’s East Checkpoint. “The individual is quarantined and resting at home,” the agency said in a statement. “TSA employees who work the same shift and may have come in contact with the officer who tested positive during the past 14 days have been alerted about the situation so that they can take action as appropriate.” On Friday, the agency reported two workers tested positive for the virus.
“With hundreds of seniors living close together, who is protecting South Florida retirement communities?” via Andrew Boryga of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — On a typical day at the sprawling Pembroke Pines Century Village retirement community, Marilyn Engel might enjoy the sauna or 18-hole golf course — or perhaps even catch a show at the 1,000-seat theater. But these aren’t normal times, and Engel, 85, isn’t enjoying retirement as usual. As the new coronavirus spreads through South Florida, people over 65, such as Engel, are among the most at-risk populations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Wednesday, state health officials said 19 long-term care facilities in Florida have either a suspected or confirmed case of the virus. One case killed a 77-year-old man. “I’m worried like everyone else,” Engel said. “We know when it started, but we don’t know when it will end.”
“Fort Lauderdale Whole Foods worker tests positive for coronavirus” via Mario Ariza of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The infection marks the first known case of a grocery store employee contracting the virus in Broward County. Representatives for Whole Foods confirmed that the employee tested positive, though it is unclear when the person was tested for the virus, how they were exposed, or whether they worked at the Fort Lauderdale location for any length of time while exhibiting symptoms or otherwise contagious. The diagnosed employee is in quarantine, representatives from Whole Foods said in an email. The Fort Lauderdale store, at 2000 N. Federal Highway, was subjected to “an additional cleaning and disinfection, on top of our current enhanced sanitation measures,” according to Whole Foods representatives.
“‘I just need a place to lay my head.’ Motel closures may displace Miami’s poor” via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald — Ian Prestridge lost his chef’s job when the coronavirus shut down restaurants. He’s been staying at the Rainbow Inn, a shabby motel along Okeechobee Road in Hialeah that costs $50 a night. Prestridge is unsure where he’ll go if the Rainbow Inn closes under new county restrictions on lodging. He’s willing to stay, even if the Rainbow shuts off the electricity. “I’ll stay here with no AC,” said Prestridge, 21. “I just need a place to lay my head.” As Miami-Dade County began restricting hotel stays on Saturday, advocates for low-income residents and the homeless worry that there will soon be a dire housing crunch at a time when sheltering in one place is crucial for stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
“Miami’s homeless shelter gets emergency cleaning after ill men spark coronavirus fears” via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald — Miami’s main homeless shelter underwent an emergency cleaning after two men staying there fell ill, and one was tested for the coronavirus, officials said. The Homeless Assistance Center, 1550 North Miami Ave, underwent the cleaning Sunday evening as the two men were moved to nearby apartments, rented by the county’s homeless trust, to be quarantined. The test on the man is still pending, according to the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. “Residents and employees at Chapman continue to practice social distancing, engage in COVID-19 education, and utilize hand sanitizer which is available throughout the campus,” Ron Book, the head of the Homeless Trust, said. “Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be referred to Jackson Health for testing.”
“Case of the disappearing coronavirus case in Leon: Florida DOH revises count as data shifts” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — For a couple of days last week, Leon County had its first coronavirus death, which also bore the somber distinction of being the first COVID-19 related death in Florida of someone from another state. The report of her death at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare came the same night two other cases were reported. But by Saturday afternoon, the Georgia woman’s death was scrubbed from the Department of Health’sinteractive dashboard map, a sign of the shifting tracking policies implemented by the state.
More local
“Andrew Gillum hotel room incident: Miami Beach police reviewing apparent record leak” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Miami Beach Police Department is conducting an internal review into whether records in the Gillum hotel room incident were leaked through unofficial channels. Police reports first surfaced not through Miami Beach police but the Twitter feed of Candace Owens, a conservative commentator. The reports, later obtained by news outlets, detailed a police call to a South Beach hotel where Gillum was found inebriated and in the company of a reputed male escort who had overdosed. Several baggies of suspected meth were found in the room.
“Is Gillum’s political career over? The Florida insiders think so.” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — A police call earlier this month to a Miami Beach hotel room involving methamphetamine and a passed-out man brought to a crashing halt the once-promising political career of Gillum. Can Gillum come back from this episode? It’s unlikely, Florida’s political class said. A survey of 160 Florida Insiders about Gillum’s future and 127 — 80 percent — said they don’t expect Gillum to ever run for office again. “The Andrew Gillum story is a sad one,” one independent said. “None of us, other than Gillum and the parties involved, know what happened in that hotel room. But it is clear that Gillum is not the person he represented himself to be to the voters.”
Andrew Gillum’s political career may be over. Image via AP.
“Tampa Mayor readies for stay-at-home order, slams federal response to coronavirus pandemic” via Anastasia Dawson of the Tampa Bay Times — Mayor Jane Castor warned residents to brace for an impending “stay-at-home order” in the coming days. If DeSantis doesn’t issue a statewide order, then one may come from Hillsborough County leaders. Hillsborough County has yet to see the rapid spikes in COVID-19 coronavirus cases that have paralyzed other parts of the country, Castor said, but that’s only because the community has yet to offer large-scale testing to the public. The mayor said she felt confident that DeSantis and his administration is “doing what it can at this time.” But she doesn’t feel the same about the federal response. “This is the highest level of unpreparedness from the federal government that I have ever seen in any type of an emergency.”
“Pinellas County erred in sending message urging people to shelter in place” via Mark Puente of the Tampa Bay Times — Electronic messages sent Friday evening by Pinellas County government to residents urging them to shelter in place were sent in error, county administrator Barry Burton said. The message from Alert Pinellas told residents to “shelter in place, which means residents should avoid traveling for nonessential purposes.” Burton did not know about the message recommendation until the Tampa Bay Timescalled him Friday evening. The messages get sent to phones and email addresses. “It’s a wording issue,” Burton said. “I don’t want people to overreact. We are urging people to avoid contact with others as much as possible.” A new message would be sent to residents, Burton added, saying that all other parts of the message were correct.
“Coronavirus shouldn’t mean job losses in Pinellas, Pasco schools” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — School district employees in Pinellas and Pasco counties shouldn’t worry about losing their paychecks in the near future — even if they have positions that don’t translate into the new distance learning environment. Officials from both districts said they have no plans to lay off any workers as long as their revenue adheres to their 2019-20 budgets. And so far, the Florida Department of Education has made assurances that the money, based on past year’s taxes, will come as expected. “All school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten, K-12, career and technical centers and state college programs will receive their full allocation of 2019-2020 funding,” the department stated in a March 20 question and answer memo.
“St. Augustine Distillery produces free hand sanitizer” via Sheldon Garner of The Florida Times-Union — People who have been hunting for hand sanitizer in vain amid the coronavirus spread have another alternative: the St. Augustine Distillery. Friday the distillery began giving away one bottle per person of hand sanitizer that the business produced itself to help with the crisis. The distillery hopes to raise money for a park project for youth with donations from people who take a bottle of sanitizer. Those who can afford to are encouraged to donate. Supplies are expected to be limited on Friday, but more should be available on Saturday as well, said General Manager Matt Stevens. So far, the distillery has been making the product by hand, but staff are exploring options for producing the sanitizer on a larger scale to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Stevens said.
“Coronavirus and mental health: Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey opens discussion” via CD Davidson-Hiers of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee Mayor Dailey wants to talk about mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. Friday morning, Dailey met with Dr. Jay Reeve at City Hall to discuss what families can do to stay anchored. Reeve is CEO of Apalachee Center, a local mental health institution on Capital Circle Northeast. Florida has declared a state of emergency, schools are shuttered, restaurant dining rooms have closed, and people are losing their jobs as the coronavirus spreads throughout the U.S. “There is a conversation that needs to be had — and we’re going to start it today,” Dailey said. “Mental health plays a significant role in our overall health.
“In self-isolation, a Tampa neighborhood is more alive than ever” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — We are closed, canceled, hunkered down, self-isolating. And yet the streets of my neighborhood are more alive than ever. These are two very different ways that human nature is playing out in the coronavirus pandemic. Riverside Heights, just northwest of downtown Tampa, was already a vibrant place before the coronavirus changed life as we know it. But in the past week — as schoolchildren were told to stay home, as workers were told to go home and as life as usual shut down for the foreseeable future — these streets have become a rolling parade from morning to night, another measure of time suspended, a wheel of strangers in motion brought together as neighbors by COVID-19.
“As coronavirus spreads across Volusia, so does help” via Eileen Zaffiro-Kean — Streaming through the black cloud of coronavirus hanging over Volusia County are rays of kindness, generosity and compassion. The Daytona Beach Housing Authority is brokering rent reductions for 2,000 people receiving government housing assistance who are suddenly unemployed or struggling through a plummet in pay … New Smyrna Beach Mayor Russ Owen has quickly created a donation program for all the service workers in his southeast Volusia city. By Thursday, he had already raised nearly $6,000 by giving all of his mayoral salary. Volunteers from Calvary Christian Center in Ormond Beach are driving into the area’s poorest neighborhoods this week to give away prepackaged food to kids who can’t get to the 20 schools launching a free lunch program.
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Russ Owen quickly developed a donation program for service workers in Volusia County.
“Got hand sanitizer? Crestview distillery does — and it’s free” via Erin Franczak of the Northwest Florida Daily News — “BYOB” has a new meaning for this local distillery. With the shortage of hand sanitizer, Timber Creek Distillery created their own brand based on the World Health Organization’s formula. The Local Crestview business took it one step further by giving out their product for free. Community members are encouraged to bring empty bottles and visit the distillery located on Lake Ella Road in groups of 10 or less, said Camden Ford, President of Timber Creek Distillery. “It feels good to help try to give back,” said Ford. Ford said he wanted to help community members have access to the product after stores were unable to keep up with the demand.
“Virus mutes happy hours in senior haven, but golf goes on” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — Up until a few days ago, residents of The Villages retirement community went about their busy lives filled with spirited happy hours and incessant socializing at what some dub “Disney World for adults.” There were the hundreds of clubs to attend — French lessons, Carolina shag dancing, lightsaber fencing — pickleball tournaments to play and Pilates classes to take at this Republican stronghold built on former cow pastures in central Florida. “This place is Republicanville, and too many people believe what the president is saying, and they were out in the streets and out in the squares,” said Alan Stone, as he sat in one of The Villages’ ever-present golf carts outside a supermarket, waiting for his wife. “They don’t realize that they’re playing with death.”
The human toll
“High anxiety: for many, coronavirus a mental health nightmare” via Kate Santich of the Orlando Sentinel — The growing COVID-19 pandemic is not just a public health emergency or economic implosion. Increasingly, it’s a mental health nightmare as people become isolated from their daily social networks and the region’s limited resources to help them become overwhelmed. Already, Florida hospital emergency rooms have seen an influx of panicked people with symptoms of extreme anxiety, and some crisis helplines are being flooded with callers. “During hurricanes, we typically see higher levels of people in need … but we know that will be over in a day, maybe a few days. With this, it’s the unknown that is causing the most anxiety. Unfortunately, from a mental health standpoint, I think it’s likely to get worse,” said Babette Hankey, CEO of Aspire Health Partners, Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of mental health care and substance abuse treatment.
“For the homeless, coronavirus is a new menace in a perilous life” via Hannah Dreier of The Washington Post — With the coronavirus now embedded in every part of the United States and expanding rapidly, it has begun spreading among one of the most vulnerable populations of all, the more than half a million Americans who are homeless. Many of these people are sick, many are elderly, some are purposely staying in the shadows because of their immigration status, and a third have serious mental illness such as schizophrenia and paranoia that can make reasoning with them difficult. They are mostly uninformed about the virus, and, because of their living conditions, are seen as crucial links in the spread of a pathogen that has the potential to overwhelm the country’s hospital capacity.
Lessons
There are lessons to be learned from two places that saw the new coronavirus before we did and that have had success in controlling its spread. Hong Kong and Singapore detected their first cases in late January, and the number of cases escalated rapidly, “reports Atul Gawande of The New Yorker,
Here are their key tactics, drawn from official documents and discussions I’ve had with health care leaders in each place.
Singapore can offer some lessons on controlling coronavirus spread.
All health care workers are expected to wear regular surgical masks for all patient interactions, to use gloves and proper hand hygiene, and to disinfect all surfaces in between patient consults. Patients with suspicious or exposures are separated from the rest of the patient population. Social distancing is practiced within clinics and hospitals.
What’s equally interesting is what they don’t do.
The use of N95 masks, face-protectors, goggles, and gowns are reserved for procedures where respiratory secretions can be aerosolized (for example, intubating a patient for anesthesia) and for known or suspected cases of COVID-19. Their quarantine policies are more nuanced, too. What happens when someone unexpectedly tests positive — say, a hospital co-worker or a patient in a primary-care office or an emergency room? They don’t shut the place down or put everyone under home quarantine. They do their best to trace every contact and then quarantine only those who had close contact with the infected person.
In Hong Kong, “close contact” means fifteen minutes at a distance of fewer than six feet and without the use of a surgical mask; in Singapore, thirty minutes.
More corona
“Virus rebels from France to Florida flout lockdown practices” via The Associated Press — From France to Florida to Australia, kitesurfers, college students, and others crowd the beaches. DeSantis closed all of the state’s beaches after images of rowdy spring break college crowds appeared on TV for days amid the rising global death toll, which surpassed 13,000 on Sunday. The virus rebels tend to range from restless teens to wealthy adults who can travel to their getaway homes. After Florida’s Governor shut down the state’s famed beaches, some businesses were still trying to draw in tourists, including Clearwater Mega Bite Shark Boat, a 40-foot vessel with a bow-shaped like a shark’s snout that cruises the Gulf of Mexico. Only four people signed up for a Saturday trip.
“Costume Designers Guild sewing masks for health care facilities” via Carolyn Giardina of The Hollywood Reporter — In response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has overwhelmed the health care industry and resulted in some hospitals coming up short of protective masks for its workers, the costume design industry has come forward to help in a crucial way. IATSE’s Theatre Wardrobe Locals, the Hollywood Costumers Local and Costume Designers Guild are leading an effort through which its members will sew protective masks for immediate distribution to health care facilities. The effort addresses the enormous shortage of masks, gloves and additional protective gear.
“Israeli mom’s rant about coronavirus lockdown with kids goes viral” via Yaron Steinbuch of the New York Post — An Israeli mother of four has unleashed a hilarious — but relatable — rant on video about having her kids home all day, yelling that “if we don’t die from the coronavirus, we’ll die of distance learning.” Shiri Koenigsberg Levy, 41, a special-ed teacher, has been holed up with Raz, 15, May, 13, Nir, 10, and Guy, 8, in their home in Ashkelon, a city that has come under rocket fire from Gaza. After just two days, things haven’t been going very smoothly, as she very loudly relates from the tranquil confines of her car. “Listen, this won’t work! This home schooling is really impossible. It’s not normal!” Levy yells in Hebrew.
“Publix, Target, Dollar General offer ‘senior shopping hours’” via Jennifer Sangalang — Amid coronavirus concerns, Publix aims to be that place “where shopping is a pleasure.” Publix announced “senior shopping hours.” Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19. The company issued a statement Thursday: “Publix is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7 to 8 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over. This change in hours will begin Tuesday, March 24, and continue until further notice. Publix Pharmacy will also be open at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to serve our senior population.”
“Disney World’s whirlwind month as life changes from the coronavirus pandemic” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — On March 4, the first-ever Mickey Mouse ride opened at Disney World giving its loyal fans who visit again and again something new to fawn over and debate. The newness hadn’t faded from Rise of the Resistance, the most technologically advanced Disney ride to date. This was the Disney World pre-coronavirus. Within weeks, one of the most powerful companies in the world seemed unexpectedly vulnerable, and the popular Orlando parks became eerily empty like a scene from apocalyptic movies as they shut down for the rest of the month.
“The one undoubtable positive to come of the coronavirus: a new appreciation of teachers” via Teresa Vargas of The Washington Post — If I had to home-school my children under different circumstances, it might be fun, energizing even. But quarantine-forced home schooling is not some planned adventure. It is the parenting equivalent of that “Naked and Afraid” show, in which people are suddenly dropped into the wild, exposed from their necks to their toes, and expected to survive using only their wits and creativity. The result: Many of us can’t wait for this reality show to end. The other result: Many of us have thought more about our children’s teachers in the past three days than we have in the past three months. Mostly, though, I wondered when those incredibly patient, hardworking teachers might finally take my children back.
“José Andrés says ‘people have to eat,’ so his shuttered restaurants are now community kitchens” via Tim Carman of The Washington Post — Zaytinya was closed, one of hundreds of restaurants and bars across the city affected by the D.C. government’s order to stop all dine-in service. José Andrés understands the importance of these recommendations. They can save lives. But he also understands people need to be fed, especially those households that have relied on (now closed) public schools to feed their children or don’t have the means to stockpile their pantries for weeks on end, as the coronavirus strangles a service industry that employs millions of hourly American workers. So Andrés, the face of ThinkFoodGroup and the man who leads a small army of chefs and volunteers in humanitarian efforts around the globe, has decided to forge ahead and do what he always does: Feed the people.
“Opera singer Plácido Domingo has coronavirus” via The Associated Press — Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo said Sunday that he’s infected with the coronavirus. The 79-year-old Domingo said in a post on his personal Facebook account Sunday that “I feel it is my moral duty to announce to you that I have tested positive.” The tenor says he and his family are in self-isolation and that he is feeling well despite having fever and a cough. “I beg everyone to be extremely careful, follow the basic guidelines by washing your hands frequently, keeping at least a 6-foot distance from others, doing everything you can to stop the virus from spreading, and please above all stay home if you can!” he said.
“Coronavirus: USGA allowing a relaxation of golf’s rules during the current crisis” via Garry Smits of The Florida Times-Union — If you’re determined to play golf during the coronavirus shutdown of most other activities — and you’re a stickler for the rules of golf — the United States Golf Association wants to be flexible when it comes to recording rounds for handicap purposes or in friendly games where the competitors don’t want to lose too much of the spirit of the rules to the reality of the times. Of course, if you and your buddies take mulligans off the tee, roll the ball in the fairway, flip it casually to the ground after hitting into a hazard, and gratefully accept 4-foot “gimmee” putts, no need to change anything.
“Coronavirus upended their Florida weddings, but life and love go on” via Jack Evans of the Tampa Bay Times — In the old world, there was to be a wedding at Largo Central Park Friday. Robert Crandall would have worn his suit, and Elise Crosby would have worn her dress. The tables would have been decked with blue glass and candles and the centerpieces Crosby made by hand in the couple’s living room. Sixty of their friends and family would have watched as they vowed to be honest, to be affectionate, to meet the other more than halfway. It won’t happen. Not on March 27, anyway. Crandall and Crosby knew that as soon as they heard health officials declare the coronavirus a pandemic last week. They didn’t want to be the reason someone got sick.
With everyone home, delivery driver status elevated” via Kimberly Miller of The Palm Beach Post — Food delivery drivers have always been peddlers of convenience, but in coronavirus-land, their status has elevated with each ratchet of restrictions. No longer speed dial afterthoughts, they are cavalrymen with thermal bags — lifelines for restaurants, facilitators of social distancing, and unlikely liberators from tedium in an unprecedented lockdown on life. On Friday, DeSantis issued an executive ordershuttering all restaurants with seating for more than 10 people, but allowed them to stay open for delivery services. Delivery drivers were explicitly mentioned in the order, saying they “shall be allowed access” to the restaurants.
“PGA Tour players practicing, playing left-handed, working out and helping charity during shutdown” via Garry Smits of The Florida Times-Union — Billy Horschel is chewing up miles on his Peleton and issuing challenges to other PGA Tour players. Rory McIlroy, denied a chance to defend his Players Championship title two weeks ago, is posting workout videos as tips for fans. We also now know that among his many other gifts, Greg Norman can operate heavy construction equipment. And Tiger Woods offered help, through his foundation, to parents who now have home-schooled children. The PGA Tour is shut down, two tournaments into a 10-week hiatus, with more cancellations likely to come.
One good thing
As the coronavirus throws America — and the world — into uncertainty, some people are beginning to respond with hope and good cheer.
And that means Christmas.
Wrapped around a tree trunk in Colorado, fashioned into a heart in Alabama and hung high over Main Street in a New Hampshire town, holiday lights are going back up. As the coronavirus spreads, the displays are providing a bit of emotional and actual brightness. And they’re especially easy to enjoy while social distancing.
“We live out in the country, but I know you can see them from the highway,” Julie Check from Eastman, Wisconsin, told The Associated Press. “Anything I can do to make people happy right now, I’m going to try to do.”
The movement can be traced back to Twitter and other social media platforms, starting with a Colorado man who tweeted that his mom thought people should put Christmas lights in their windows “to remind each other there is still life and light” while they stay home to avoid the virus.
Rosemary Peterson was the mom in question. She made an offhand suggestion after making the wrenching decision to indefinitely postpone the funeral for her sister, Marlene.
“We know we are not alone. Many are giving up events, experiences, celebrations, and milestones,” she said. “So, in the midst of a lot of darkness, I thought we could all use some light.”
Her son floated the idea on social media and was surprised when the tweet went viral.
D.C. matters
“Marco Rubio, Michael Waltz want to reduce American dependence on China for pharmaceuticals” via Kevin Derby of the Florida Daily — This week, two Republicans in the Florida delegation — U.S. Sen. Rubio and U.S. Rep. Waltz — introduced a proposal to reduce America’s dependence on China for pharmaceuticals. Rubio and Waltz are championing the “Strengthening America’s Supply Chain and National Security Act.” The bill will have the U.S. Defense Department study how dependent it is on foreign drugs and determine if it represents a security threat. The bill would also have drugmakers to provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with information on how dependent they are on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from other countries.
“Rick Scott wants a stockpile of medical equipment, so we don’t have to buy from China” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Sen. Scott filed new legislation he hopes limits the supply of Chinese medical equipment. The Naples Republican said such a move was necessary to protect U.S. health care workers and ensure use of American-made goods. Specifically, the “American-Made Protection for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Act” would make sure the U.S. builds up its own supply of personal protective equipment. “It is unacceptable that we are running a shortage of PPE for our nation’s health care workers and first responders as they work to combat the Coronavirus and any future outbreaks,” he said. Testing has been slow in Florida largely because of a shortage of materials, according to DeSantis.
Rick Scott calls for stockpiling medical supplies to reduce our dependence on China.
“Lobbyists pile on to get wins for clients into coronavirus stimulus package” via Brody Mullins and Ted Mann of The Wall Street Journal — From Boeing Co. to Verizon Communications, scores of U.S. companies and industries are furiously lobbying Congress to add measures to the Trump administration’s massive stimulus package to deal with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, some of which address issues that long predate the outbreak. Lobbyists for restaurants are pressing Congress to include new caps on the transaction fees that stores must pay credit-card companies like Visa Inc. and Mastercard Inc. on consumer purchases. The health-insurance lobby has asked lawmakers to add a proposal that would limit how much hospitals and doctors can charge patients for testing and treatment of coronavirus.
Spotted — Brian Ballard as part of the hiring wave in “Coronavirus response legislation spurs hiring spree on K Street” via Bloomberg’s Megan Wilson. Ballard Partners just inked a new deal with NanoPure, a company that makes “nanotechnology solutions that safely eliminate bacteria, viruses and mold everywhere they exist,” according to its website. The firm will lobby on “environmental safety in response to the COVID-19 virus.”
“’It’s pretty bad’: Mario Diaz-Balart, Ben McAdams detail their struggles with COVID-19” via Evan Semones of POLITICO — “It’s a tricky bug because just when I thought I was over it or I was pretty close to getting over it, the fever will come back,” the Florida Republican said during his first on-camera interview on NBC’s “Nightly News.” Diaz-Belart, 58, recalled the symptoms he said “hit him like a ton of bricks” last Saturday after he voted on a coronavirus response bill on the House floor, describing a headache that quickly developed into a fever and cough. “Now luckily, I have not had an issue breathing, so I’ve never had a scary moment but obviously very, very unpleasant with headaches, with coughing, and with a pretty intense fever — all coming at the same time it seems,” he recounted.
“Vern Buchanan billboard offers tips for avoiding coronavirus” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Alongside tips such as frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowds, the sign has a picture of Buchanan, with a message from the Sarasota Republican. “Together we WILL get through this,” the billboard reads. Campaign manager Max Goodman thought it was important to have “a public service billboard reminding people on what they need to be doing to help keep themselves and those around them safe.” The billboard on U.S. 41 just north of University Parkway between Sarasota and Bradenton greets motorists during a tense time.
“Nations’ capital trying to keep crowds from cherry blossoms” via Ashraf Khalil and Jacquelyn Martin of the Associated Press — As signature cherry blossom trees go through peak bloom in the nation’s capital, officials in the District of Columbia are resorting to mass street closures to keep large crowds away in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Public officials are publicly pleading for low turnout and one prominent local chef has launched the #StayHomeCherryBlossomsChallenge to make low visitation numbers into some sort of community goal. Health officials have said limiting public gatherings and keeping a distance of about 6 feet from others would help stop the spread of the disease which has sickened about 300,000 worldwide.
Coronavirus is putting a damper on one of Washington’s most popular sights. Image via AP.
Statewide
“DeSantis says Florida’s pregnant First Lady is keeping safe amid coronavirus crisis” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — While DeSantis has been holding constant news conferences and issuing a torrent of executive orders to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, he — along with every other Floridian — has his family’s health to consider. Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, is pregnant with the couple’s third child, which they announced in late September via a tweeted photo of their family holding an ultrasound image. It’s unclear when her exact due date is, but she has not made a public appearance in weeks. Earlier this week, Gov. DeSantis said that she is “doing great.”
“Jimmy Patronis calls for budget experts to assess coronavirus impact” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — CFO Patronis asked DeSantis and legislative leaders Friday to convene the state’s budget experts to determine the possible impacts of the coronavirus on the state’s economy. The Revenue Estimating Conference meets periodically to evaluate money drawn in from taxes and other revenue sources. Patronis asked the conference to convene early to “assess the economic realities of the COVID-19 virus and associated response effort.” Patronis’ Department of Financial Services (DFS) is responsible for assuring the state’s budget does not run in the red. “We all share in a constitutional obligation to ensure the state can raise sufficient revenues to finance the appropriations prerogatives of the Legislature,” he wrote.
“Democrats dominated Twitter engagement this Legislative Session” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Democrats were among the most vocal on Twitter this Legislative Session, according to an analysis by the marketing company Moore. Six of the 10 most active lawmakers on Twitter this Session were Democrats, including the top five. Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Central Florida Democrat, was the far away winner with 3,275 tweets over the 66-day Legislative Session, which concluded Thursday. Those tweets earned Eskamani nearly 48 million impressions. Her top spot dwarfed everyone else, landing in the Top 10. Rep. Carlos Smith, who also represents parts of Central Florida, came in second with 851 tweets reaching 11.7 million impressions.
“From schoolteacher to elected leader: Bill Montford’s time in Legislature draws to a close” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — After Democratic state Sen. Montford delivered a 15-minute farewell address to the Florida Senate recently, his colleagues spent an hour telling stories of his 10-year legislative career. It’s a traditional send-off the Senate provides when a member is term-limited. Montford’s term officially is over the day of the November general election, but it practically ended with his vote Thursday on the annual state budget, his last legislative act as the 2020 session came to a close. Reaction to farewell speeches typically are sentimental tributes, often mixed with inside remembrances of mostly-forgotten policy battles.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Slater Bayliss, Christopher Chaney, Steve Schale, Stephen Shiver, Sarah Suskey, Jeffrey Woodburn, The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners: RSM US
Angela Bonds, French Brown, Marc Dunbar, Martha Edenfield, Chris Moya, Jennifer Ungru, Dean Mead: ICF
Mary Goldsmith: RSM US
Local
“Coronavirus hasn’t disrupted campus construction as FAMU launches roof repair at Lee Hall” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat — Contractors this week began work on a nearly $600,000 roof repair project at Lee Hall on Florida A&M University’s campus. The project is the latest in construction activity on campus, which so far hasn’t been interrupted by the shutdown or disruption in other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At FAMU, new construction continues on the Center for Access and Student Success on Wahnish Way, the 700-bed FAMU Towers residence hall and new dining hall on the south end of campus, and an amphitheater, just south of Lee Hall. Alan Robertson, CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration, said one concern is electrical equipment and wiring for the new dining hall.
2020
“Biden blasts Trump’s coronavirus response in new digital ad” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former Vice President Biden, now the almost certain presumptive nominee for the Democratic presidential nomination, is targeting his campaign at Trump’s handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic. In a more than minute-long digital ad, Biden’s campaign shows a side-by-side comparison of the two men answering similar questions about how to calm the American people as uncertainty and fear looms over the COVID-19 virus. The video ad then alternates between portions of Trump’s response and Biden’s, highlighting a stark contrast in the two men’s messaging.
“’He just needs more of everything’: Biden campaign faces retool after primary surge” via Scott Bland and Elena Schneider of POLITICO — Before the three weeks that miraculously brought Biden to the cusp of the Democratic presidential nomination, his campaign was limping along — and Biden knows it. “The press kept saying Biden has no money, and they were right,” the former Vice President said during Sunday’s Democratic debate with Sanders. “Biden had no money.” Lying in wait is Trump’s reelection campaign, which has been preparing for the general election for years and already has more than $94 million socked away in its bank account. The Republican National Committee has also built a significant financial advantage over the Democratic National Committee that even a big windfall from billionaire Mike Bloomberg can’t erase.
“Biden to begin vetting VP shortlist ‘in a matter of weeks’” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO — Biden, who indicated he had consulted with his former boss, President Barack Obama, didn’t mention any names. But he said nothing to dispel the speculation that he’s considering the three Senators who ran against him for President — Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren. “Background checks matter. They have to be prepared,” Biden said, adding that he wants to ensure that “there’s not going to be any snafu” with his selection. Biden needs “someone who is comfortable with where I am” on policy. He doesn’t want someone with “a restricted view of the United States and its required influence in the world” and wants to make sure his pick is not “at odds with my attitude toward health care or education.”
“‘I’m so sorry I worked for this guy’: Ex-staffers react to Michael Bloomberg reversal on field organizers” via The New York Times — Bloomberg abandoned plans to form a new super PAC for the presidential race and employ his campaign organizers through November, instead opting to give $18 million to the Democratic National Committee for the party’s battleground states program and disband the army of field workers he had assembled across the country. The reversal — which came on the same day that election authorities reported he had spent more than $900 million on his campaign — prompted an outcry from former staff members.
New ad
American Bridge:
More from the trail
“Can Florida hold elections in the coronavirus era?” via Steve Contorno, Allison Ross and Langston Taylor of the Tampa Bay Times — Experts and advocates are warning that a massive number of voters across the country could be shut out of the election during this outbreak if Congress and states don’t take action. Florida’s August primary election and November general election may seem far off, but local officials say any emergency changes to voting need to happen soon or there won’t be enough time to prepare. Some counties also want the flexibility to set up voting centers — large voting sites spread across the county where anyone can vote, regardless of where they live in the county.
Top opinion
“Coronavirus is killing us in Florida, Gov. DeSantis. Act like you give a damn” via the Miami Herald editorial board — DeSantis, who despite trying to appear large and in charge in front the microphone and TV cameras delivering coronavirus updates, has been a timid leader in the face of the growing scourge — and growing number of deaths — from the disease in his state. By Saturday, the number of confirmed cases had exceeded 700. At least two more people had died to bring the state total to at least 12. The Governor announced that he was thinking about isolation shelters for people with confirmed COVID-19 or symptoms. Again, no details, no idea when it could happen. Like we said, timid. DeSantis thinks he’s doing a heckuva job. He’s not.
Opinions
“Choosing a president under a state of siege” via Jon Meacham in The Washington Post — In the 1880s, the British writer and statesman James Bryce observed that the American president has “a position of immense dignity, an unrivaled platform from which to impress his ideas (if he has any) upon the people.” His influence can, therefore, be nearly total. “As he has the ear of the country,” Bryce wrote, “he can force upon its attention questions which Congress may be neglecting, and if he be a man of constructive ideas and definite aims, he may guide and inspire its political thought.” Our incumbent’s only definite aim is to justify his actions (and early inaction) and rile up his base in pursuit of reelection.
“Republicans like me built this moment. Then we looked the other way.” via Stuart Stevens for The Washington Post — Don’t just blame Trump. Blame me — and all the other Republicans who aided and abetted and, yes, benefited from protecting a political party that has become dangerous to America. Some of us knew better. But we built this moment. And then we looked the other way. Many of us heard a warning sound we chose to ignore, like that rattle in your car you hear, but figure will go away. Now we’re broken down, with plenty of time to think about what should have been done. Long before Trump, the Republican Party adopted as a critical article of faith that more government was bad. Now we are in a crisis that can be solved only by massive government intervention. That’s awkward.
“Mayors Jerry Demings and Buddy Dyer: Confront coronavirus together, by staying apart” for the Orlando Sentinel — A month ago, very few Americans had heard anything about the coronavirus. But things have drastically changed. We find ourselves dealing with a pandemic of unprecedented proportion, and it is affecting all of us and our everyday lives. Currently, our neighbors are worried about their children, loved ones, health, financial stability, jobs, businesses and futures. Much is unknown about this virus; however, what we do know is that in times of crisis, our neighbors respond to meet the needs of our community. We have done so on numerous occasions. While we don’t fully understand how this virus is going to impact many aspects of our lives, we know that it will take collaboration between government, the private sector and residents.
“Tourism bailouts should help workers and economy more than CEOs and stockholders” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — This country is in a bad way right now. Federal action is probably justified. But any bailout bucks better darn-well go to the front-line workers who need it — not the CEOs and stockholders. See, I’m no expert on the automotive industry. When Washington put together an $80 billion bailout package for Detroit in 2009, I let people who knew that business sound off. But as a longtime Florida writer, I do know tourism. And I know the people who toil away cleaning hotel rooms, carting luggage and catering to the whims of families from Shreveport to Sheboygan struggle financially during good times. Right now, it’s a full-on panic.
“As Florida hunkers down, Marion Hammer launches tone-deaf attacks” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Saturday afternoon, NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer sent out screed bashing Senate President Bill Galvano for backing a bill that would close the gun-show “loophole” for private gun sales, even though the 2020 Legislative Session is over and the bill’s 15 minutes in the spotlight was more than two months ago. As restaurants are shutting down, beaches are closing and jobs are disappearing, she thought now was good time to gloat about a months-old victory. It was already clear timeliness isn’t one of her virtues. Apparently, tact isn’t either.
Today’s Sunrise
Florida’s unemployment office is facing an unprecedented surge. Hundreds of thousands of people already lost their jobs in the hotel and restaurant industries and Florida has the stingiest unemployment benefits in the country.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— Gov. DeSantis travels to South Florida to open a new coronavirus testing facility at Hard Rock Stadium.
— Moskowitz, head of Florida’s emergency management agency, has some harsh words for people who insist on partying in large groups during a pandemic.
— Two state Senators — Janet Cruz and Lori Berman — ask why it took so long for the state to begin its response to the coronavirus. They’re also expressing some doubts about the performance of Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, who runs the state health department.
— Today’s the day the Governor had planned to appoint two new justices to the Florida Supreme Court — but that’s not going to happen quite yet.
— And the stories of two Florida Men who produced very different (and very illegal) ways to deal with coronavirus.
“Missing the NCAA tournament? CBS Sports will be playing its greatest hits.” via Matt Bonesteel of The Washington Post — If things hadn’t gone completely haywire over the past couple of weeks, we would be hearing this song over and over and over again right about now and wouldn’t have minded it one bit: The NCAA tournament isn’t happening this year because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, but CBS will give everyone a March Madness fix over the next two weekends by televising classic NCAA tournament games in their entirety.
Missing NCAA sports? CBS has you covered. Image via AP.
“ESPN’s Remote Ops rapidly expands its innovative home studio network” via Diane Lamb of ESPN Front Row — ESPN’s remote operations team has long led the sports industry in providing remote home studios — innovative IP-based camera systems that are remotely controlled from Bristol, Connecticut — for commentators without easy access to a studio. The constantly evolving workplace norms due to COVID-19 have led to an accelerated demand for installation as ESPN continues to focus on the health and safety of its employees while remaining mindful of its mission to serve sports fans.
Happy birthday
Belated best wishes to Paul Mitchell of The Southern Group, top fundraiser Gretchen Picotte, Jason Unger of GrayRobinson, and Alan Williams of Meenan, P.A. Celebrating today is Sen. Kelli Stargel.
“Badly strained ties between the United States and China are deteriorating further with the two sides hurling harsh accusations and bitter name-calling over responsibility for the spread of the novel coronavirus.” AP News
Many on both sides are critical of the Chinese government:
“China spread misinformation and censored non-state sanctioned information, even after the outbreak became widespread. The Public Security Bureau punished doctors, including the now deceased Li Wenliang, when they tried to share news about the coronavirus with the medical community… Finally, the Chinese government rejected international cooperation early on during the outbreak. Having American and WHO experts on the ground during the early weeks of the outbreak would have provided critical information on the epidemiology and the molecular virology of the virus, both necessary for developing a vaccine for COVID-19.” Linda Zhang, American Enterprise Institute
“Many of China’s claims are easily refuted. China did not stop the virus from spreading; Beijing’s negligence allowed the outbreak to go global. China is not donating but selling ventilators, face masks, and other goods to Italy and Spain… While China charges the world for its assistance, it is, in fact, Trump’s United States that has already promised to provide up to $100 million of aid to China and other countries affected by the pandemic. And yet, despite all of this, more than a few Western thought leaders have aped Chinese falsehoods to critique Trump’s apparent failures and praise Xi’s purported successes…
“It’s evidently in Xi’s interest to play up Trump’s missteps and cast China as superior. And although it’s understandable that American thinkers want to criticize Trump’s poor response to the crisis, this does not excuse their being duped into spreading outright falsehoods and gifting China’s appalling authoritarian regime—the same one that recently revoked press credentials for numerous American journalists—praise of which it is certainly not deserving. Our ideological arbiters, as they critique Trump, must engage more thoughtfully with the facts to avoid swallowing and spreading Chinese propaganda.” Charles Dunst, Slate
“In the winter of 2002–2003, the deadly SARS coronavirus exploded out of China’s ‘wet-blood’ wildlife markets. SARS infected over 8,000 people worldwide and killed almost 800. Yet post-crisis, China laxly enforced bans on the offending markets, only to permit them to flourish soon thereafter. Today’s COVID-19 is the deadly and avoidable legacy of China’s recklessness…
“Over the years, the self-appointed rulers of China have escaped not just domestic, but international liability for their wrongdoing. Over the years, their thefts of intellectual property, wrongful trade practices, ruthless domestic oppression, support of rogue regimes, proliferation of nuclear technology, and unlawful conduct in the South China Sea have been excused or effectively ignored… Prevention and simple justice require that Beijing accept consequences facing any other wrongdoer — including an end to dangerous practices and extending at least partial compensation to those so grievously harmed outside China.” Lewis Libby and Logan A. Rank, National Review
“Is this a time for blame? Yes, it is. Accounting for responsibility when a disaster happens—particularly one likely to devastate entire countries, leaving thousands dead—is not beside the point, particularly as Chinese officials move to take advantage of the crisis and launch a disinformation campaign claiming that the U.S. Army introduced the virus…
“After the crisis, whenever after is, the relationship with China cannot and should not go back to normal. Nothing, in any case, will go back to normal after the sheer scale of destruction becomes clear. Of course, the rest of the world will have to live with the Chinese leadership as long as it remains in power. But this pandemic should, finally, disabuse us of any remaining hope that the Chinese regime could be a responsible global actor. It is not, and it will not become one.” Shadi Hamid, The Atlantic
It’s worth stressing that “we do not blame the Chinese people for the fact that a novel coronavirus cropped up in Wuhan. We blame the government in Beijing for making the problem dramatically worse by trying to cover it up, for its ridiculous efforts to try to shift blame for the epidemic onto the United States and others, and for its ongoing attempts to veil its own shameful incompetence by expelling journalists from the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal… This epidemic will subside. But we will not forget Beijing’s irresponsibility, nor its cowardice and dishonesty in the early days of the outbreak.” The Editors, National Review
“The Chinese people are heroes in this story. Chinese doctors, researchers and journalists risked their lives and even died fighting the virus and warning the world… Our beef is not with the Chinese people; our problem is with the CCP — its internal repression, its external aggression, and its malign influence in free and open societies… we should avoid generalizations, clearly distinguish between the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and take care not to alienate ethnically Chinese citizens at home.” Josh Rogin, Washington Post
Other opinions below.
From the Left
“Before condemning the decision of Chinese officials in early January to dismiss the threat of a looming epidemic, remember that at that time the coronavirus was not reported to have caused any deaths. Contrast this with, say, the United States today: Despite having had a free flow of information for weeks and witnessed thousands of deaths in China as evidence, parts of America’s political establishment — including at the White House — have pushed a disinformation campaign to downplay the risk.” Ian Johnson, New York Times“Even though American laboratories are beginning to produce larger quantities of Covid-19 tests, they are behind China’s capacity to do so and are unlikely to be able to provide much medical aid to other countries in the short term. In contrast, the Jack Ma Foundation has sent 500,000 testing kits and 1 million masks to the U.S., which will be distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…“Elsewhere in the world, China’s ability to provide much-needed medical aid stood in contrast to the lack of help from Western nations struggling with the virus themselves… The Jack Ma Foundation also announced that it would send ‘20,000 testing kits, 100,000 masks and 1,000 protective suits and face shields’ to every country in Africa.” Joe Penney, The Intercept“Historically, the international community would have looked to the United States for leadership, and we would have been out front, establishing standards, best practices for containment, working out common approaches to travel, identifying medical shortfalls, sharing information on vaccine development and trials and developing stimulus packages…“[Today] China is working with others and acting like a global leader and we are not. Others will likely forget that a lack of Chinese transparency early on (not to mention a system that punishes reporting bad news) almost certainly added to the severity of the pandemic globally. But there’s no denying that China is now cooperating with countries to contain the spread… We should be concerned that, after the pandemic, the Chinese may further act to fill the vacuum of world leadership. Their actions won’t just harm U.S. interests but also will threaten human rights values and open societies more generally.” Dennis Ross, Washington Post
From the Right
“The world’s dependence on China should be responsibly reduced… Decades of open borders, unceasing intercontinental travel, study abroad, just-in-time inventory systems, and the like have created unexpected vulnerabilities in populations and economies thanks to unfettered openness. To worry about such weaknesses is not to adopt a Luddite reactionary stance, but to try and salvage the bases of the post-World War II global economic architecture… Washington must ensure that China does not capture the global semiconductor chip-making industry, which is a priority for Beijing. To surrender the crown jewel of the digital economy would put America in a position of permanent dependence vis-à-vis China.” Michael Auslin, RealClearPolitics“China supplies more than 90 percent of antibiotics used [in the US]. It also produces many other drugs and biologics that Americans depend on, including heparin, HIV/AIDS medications, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease… It’s one thing to depend on China for cheap T-shirts and sneakers. It’s another to depend on a brutal communist dictatorship for life-saving drugs and the communications infrastructure that will undergird the 21st-century economy…“The Chinese government’s complicity in the coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity for the United States to reevaluate its economic ties to Beijing and develop alternative supply chains for medicines and critical technology. China’s lies about a virus have us hurtling toward a recession. It is time to immunize our economy and national security from our dependence on a deceitful regime.” Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post“As the dust settles, the United States should be taking a hard look at streamlining our federal and state regulatory framework, tax structure, and all other outstanding obstacles in order to encourage U.S. businesses to come back home. If, once this crisis is over, we do not have at least a blueprint for rebuilding America’s manufacturing base and restoring our ability to provide critical supplies to the country regardless of the actions of our adversary, a decisive opportunity will have been squandered.” Andrew A. Michta, American Interest
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1 big thing: Who’s hurting most
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
If you think your new reality is inconvenient and stressful, here’s some perspective: Tens of millions of people are trying to stave off the coronavirus without reliable access to basic needs like shelter, food or health care.
Why it matters: The people who were already vulnerable in a strong economy are facing severe hardship as jobs evaporate overnight and safety net services are strained to the max.
Low-income workers: Hourly-wage workers in retail, food service, janitorial jobs, and even preschool teachers often live paycheck-to-paycheck — and their incredibly slim margins are about to be obliterated.
53 million Americans — 44% of U.S. workers — are making a median of $10.22 an hour, or about $24,000 a year.
About half of low-wage workers are sole earners for their families, per Brookings Institution fellow Martha Ross.
Older residents in rural areas:Rural residents tend to be older and less likely to have paid sick leave or access to health care services.
Single parents: They’re shouldering the burden of work (if they still have it) and childcare on their own.
Parents of children with special needs: Children with physical, emotional and intellectual disabilities often rely on therapy and services provided through public school systems, the majority of which have closed for weeks.
Poor families: Children are at the mercy of their circumstances and, without school to offer routine and reliable meals, can take on the anxiety they see in the adults around them.
The mentally ill and immunocompromised: This group of patients have a host of complicated pre-existing conditions that often go untreated due to lack of access to care or social stigma.
Inmates: Social distancing is hard to achieve in overcrowded jails without putting everyone on lockdown or solitary confinement, Axios’ Stef Kight reports.
Visits by family, friends and attorneys to people in federal prisons have been halted and several states have paused visitation.
Hand sanitizer is often considered contraband because it can contain alcohol.
Yesterday’s briefing. Photo: Eric Bardat/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump and some of his senior officials are losing patience with the doctors’ orders, Axios’ Jonathan Swan reports.
Amid dire predictions for jobs and the economy, the White House is beginning to send signals to business that there’s light at the end of the tunnel — that the squeeze from nationwide social distancing won’t be endless.
Trump tweetedat 10 minutes to midnight: “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD [which began a week ago, March 16], WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”
Vice President Pence, who heads the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force, had signaled the change in tone earlier when he said the CDC will issue guidance today allowing people exposed to the coronavirus to return to work sooner by wearing a mask for a certain length of time.
Why it matters: Taken together, Trump’s tweet and Pence’s comment supply the strongest public signals we’ve seen that the administration is looking for ways to get people out in the world again to fire up the economy — perhaps much sooner than Dr. Fauci would like.
Trump is responding both to his own instincts and to messages that key outside allies have been sending for days.
Between the lines: Senior Trump officials, including the president himself, have only limited patience for keeping the economy shut down. They are watching stocks tumble and unemployment skyrocket.
What’s next: At the end of the 15-day period, there will likely be a serious clash between the public health experts — who will almost certainly favor a longer period of nationwide social distancing and quarantining — versus the president and his economic and political aides, who are anxious to restart the economy.
Axios Markets editorDion Rabouin has a confession for his readers this morning: “I’m sorry my newsletter is depressing.”
“I wanted to write something bright and hopeful about our current situation this morning to counter all the doom and gloom I’ve written over the past two weeks,” Dion writes from New York.
“But there is nothing bright and hopeful to say.”
Here’s Dion’s first-person take:
The state of play: Congress’ failure last night to pass a major stimulus program illustrates once again how dysfunctional our government has become and how at risk the world is for catastrophe.
Threat level: Lawmakers had a setback yesterday in their speedy passage of a rescue proposal that is now worth nearly $2 trillion.The Senate adjourned until noon today. (Snapshot of the bill’s contents.)
St. Louis Fed president James Bullard warned in a Bloomberg interview yesterday that U.S. unemployment could rise to 30% and GDP (overall, not growth) could decline by 50% in the second quarter.
“Millions of people are going to lose their jobs,” Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari said on “60 Minutes.”
What’s happening: Wall Street traders and money managers are scrambling for cash like nothing I’ve ever seen before, fire selling even safe assets like U.S. and German government bonds, and economists are throwing out and rewriting their economic projections on a near daily basis.
The National Association for Business Economics even scrapped its first quarter projection altogether, noting that “the effects of the pandemic are currently making a timely and accurate forecast impossible.”
Small business owners seem more scared than the stock traders.
I spent the past week talking to restaurant and bar owners who are literally in tears because they are certain that the businesses they’ve spent their lives building are about to be torn apart.
The last word: From a Slack conversation I had with Axios Pro Rata editor Dan Primack on Wednesday.
Me: “You know this is gonna be way worse than everyone realizes, right? That’s the thing I realized today. Way worse.”
Dan: “oh yeah. worst of my lifetime. by a lot.”
Sign up for Dion’s daily newsletter, Axios Markets.
4. Pics du jour: Shutdown Sunday
Photo: Rodolfo Buhrer/Reuters
Above: In Curitiba, Brazil, Catholic priest Reginaldo Manzotti conducts a Mass, broadcast live on television, with photos of the faithful attached to the pews.
Below (two photos): At an empty Washington National Cathedral, the Very Rev. Dean Randy Hollerith holds a webcast Mass.
The Cathedral suspended in-person worship for at least two Sundays, which is the longest preplanned closure in its 108-year history — not counting a closure of several weeks after the 2011 earthquake. (Episcopal News Service)
Photos: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
5. 🇨🇳 Captivating interview
Photo: “Axios on HBO”
On last night’s “Axios on HBO,” Jonathan Swan had a rare — and at times intense — interview with China’s ambassador to the U.S., Cui Tiankai.
At one point, the ambassador defended last week’s expulsion from Beijing of journalists from the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal:
Swan: “I read that column in the Wall Street Journal, and it didn’t seem to me that there was anything that would violate a law in it.”
Ambassador: “That article was very insulting on the entire Chinese nation.”
Swan: “I’m sure people will disagree, Mr. Ambassador. … The question is whether it’s a good idea to expel reporters because of something you disagree with.”
Ambassador: “Maybe the first question you have to ask, whether it’s a good idea to write such an article at all.“
Uber is asking the U.S. government to include independent contractors in its economic stimulus plans, according to a letter being sent this morning by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to President Trump, scoops Axios’ Dan Primack.
Why it matters: Many of the proposals floated for a relief bill that Congress is assembling have included new protections and benefits for employees, but that category excludes millions of “gig economy” drivers and delivery people.
The coronavirus, upending our world as we know it, is also changing how we consume energy and address climate change, Axios’ Amy Harder writes in her “Harder Line” column.
What’s happening now: The outbreak is fueling collapsing oil prices and decreasing carbon emissions around the world, though the latter isn’t likely to last.
What’s coming up: Our new remote lifestyles could help companies realize some business trips aren’t needed once this all ends, but climate change will also have trouble coming to the forefront politically in a post-pandemic world.
Data: College Reaction; Note: Margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points; Chart: Axios Visuals
More than half of college students say either they or their friends have gone to bars, parties, restaurants or other social gatherings in the last week, Axios’ Neal Rothschild writes from data from a new College Reaction poll.
Why it matters: The findings underscore how messages from political leaders and health authorities about the critical importance of social distancing to slow the spread of the virus haven’t taken hold with younger Americans.
The International Olympic Committee acknowledged for the first time yesterday that it may have to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games — an outcome that once felt impossible but now, amid mounting external pressure, feels inevitable, writes Axios Sports editor Kendall Baker.
Two countries are out: In separate statements last night, Canada and Australia both said they will not send Olympic or Paralympic athletes to the Games if they’re held this summer.
The state of play: Since the first modern Olympics in 1896, the Games have been canceled three times because of world wars (1916, 1940, 1944) but never postponed.
Sign up for Kendall’s daily newsletter, Axios Sports.
10. 1 smile to go
Photo: Bill Greenslade via AP
This rainbow appeared off the virtually empty beach in Santa Monica, Calif.
Mike Allen
📬 Be safe, be careful.Pleasetell a friendabout Axios AM/PM.
Democrats blocked legislation from moving forward, saying that it did not do enough to shore up the health-care system and help ordinary Americans, but talks between the sides continued.
By Erica Werner, Seung Min Kim, Rachael Bade and Jeff Stein ● Read more »
Many officials complain that President Trump does not have a coherent or ready plan to confront a crisis that could soon push the nation’s health-care system to the brink of collapse.
As Biden’s campaign stalls amid crisis, some Bernie Sanders supporters are looking for evidence that the former vice president will blow it, giving the senator from Vermont one more chance to win.
Election 2020 | Analysis ● By David Weigel ● Read more »
President Trump is taking direction from federal government technocrats and the Washington political class as part of his administration’s campaign to neutralize the coronavirus pandemic, a stunning turn for a politician who built his brand on contempt for elite expertise.
Senate Democrats Sunday blocked a critical economic relief package worth more than $2 trillion, stalling plans to pass the bill by Monday and send it to the House.
Joe Biden sided with Senate Democrats for scuttling Republican plans to pass a more than $2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package for the House to consider Monday.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a supply chain disruption at supermarkets and pharmacies across the country, revealing what Americans will immediately buy off the shelves in times of a health crisis.
Vice President Mike Pence announced Sunday that about a quarter of a million people have been tested for the coronavirus so far, and many more tests will soon become available.
The United States is entering a precarious few weeks in the fight against the coronavirus. New York City’s medical system is on the brink of collapse as the number of patients with the COVID-19 virus requiring intensive care is overwhelming system capacity. While it may be possible to channel scarce resources to the city to increase capacity, that becomes much more difficult if other hot spots such as San Francisco and Seattle follow a similar fate. Then we could be talking about a nationwide collapse of the medical system.
The farming industry is warning that immigrant visa restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic could mean a loss in farm labor sharp enough to hurt its ability to get many items to grocery store shelves.
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Nationwide, there are more than 33,000 cases and 400 deaths as the U.S. overtook Germany as the country with the fourth-highest number of cases, according to the Associated Press on Monday.
Officials called for volunteers to step up and serve their communities on Sunday as nearly 300 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths were announced in Illinois.
With 296 more cases than Saturday, there are now at least 1,049 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Illinois, including an infant, said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker sparked a Twitter spat with President Donald Trump Sunday morning after the governor claimed that the lack of federal action has made it harder and costlier for Illinois to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
The flare-up began after Pritzker told CNN’s “State of the Union with Jake Tapper” that the White House should issue a nationwide shelter-in-place order as the number of cases soar, and complained that the lack of federal initiative has forced Illinois to pay more for crucial supplies as they compete with other states.
The U.S. Census Bureau confirmed it will count the student population from now-shuttered dormitories, but some officials in large college towns remain concerned that campus closures because of the coronavirus could result in undercounting. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, college students were already considered a hard-to-count population in each decennial census.
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, we all have had many questions about the disease, how to go about daily life, and how to responsibly work to minimize the risk to ourselves and others. Each day — each hour — brings new questions. We took a few of the most recent concerns from Tribune readers and the newsroom, and posed this newest round to Dr. Todd Nega, an infectious disease physician with NorthShore University HealthSystem.
COVID-19 has hit Chicago’s dining and hospitality Industry particularly hard, leaving a huge part of the city’s culture and economy scrambling to adjust to a no dining-in rule. Fortunately, restaurants and bars were spared in Gov. J.B. Pritzer’s shelter-in-place order Friday — they are still open for pickup and delivery, and now breweries can make deliveries too, after the Illinois Liquor Control Commission ruling Friday. Thirsty and/or hungry Chicagoans responded in turn.
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Senate Democrats voted unanimously against starting debate on a $1.8 trillion coronavirus aid package on Sunday, forcing lawmakers back to the drawing board as they look to reach a deal and try to combat the spread of the virus and as it continues to wreak havoc across the U.S.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had hoped to pass the monstrous legislation today, but any hopes of doing that were dashed when the Senate fell far short of hitting the 60-vote threshold in a 47-47 tally. The four congressional leaders met earlier Sunday with the hopes of striking a deal. Instead the opposite happened as McConnell was forced to push back his planned 3 p.m. vote to kick off debate by three hours, leading to the failed vote.
As Jordain Carney reports, Democratic senators said that the GOP bill included several “non-starters” and walked back areas of agreement, including expanding unemployment insurance, they thought they had reached with Republicans. This led to the entire Senate Democratic caucus voting against the package that would give relief to businesses and individual Americans.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) pointed to the lack of “protections for workers” and said that it did not do enough to help the healthcare industry.
“The legislation has many problems,” Schumer said on the Senate floor after the vote. “At the top of the list, it included a large corporate bailout with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight. Also very troubling, the bill had significant shortfalls of money that our hospitals, states, cities and medical workers desperately needed. This is a public health crisis. It is inexplicable to skimp on funding to address the pandemic.”
Sunday evening’s vote left McConnell furious as he lambasted Senate Democrats for delaying relief for businesses and the multitude of industries being affected by the virus. Shortly before the vote, U.S. stock futures tumbled to open trading in response to the latest developments over the spread of the virus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell more than 900 points, or 5 percent, to hit their “limit down” level, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures were also down around 5 percent (CNBC).
“The notion that we have time to play games here with the American economy and the American people is utterly absurd,” McConnell said, referring to the market futures. “The American people expect us to act tomorrow, and I want everybody to fully understand if we aren’t able to act tomorrow, it will be because of our colleagues on the other side continuing to dither when the country expects us to come together and address this problem.”
“I would say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, step up,” McConnell added.
The GOP leader also panned Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for their decision “to play Russian roulette with the market,” especially after Schumer objected to McConnell holding a re-vote on the procedural motion this morning at 9:45 a.m. — 15 minutes after the markets open. The Senate will now convene at noon and hold the re-vote shortly after.
Republicans also argued that Democrats erred by voting against starting debate as the bill being considered was a “shell bill,” a placeholder that the text of the stimulus legislation would have been swapped into and by no means the final product as a final agreement between McConnell, Schumer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin remains at large.
The Washington Post: Senate falls far short of votes needed to advance coronavirus bill as clash between Republicans and Democrats intensifies.
The Hill: Coronavirus stimulus talks hit setback as crisis deepens.
Mnuchin met separately with the Senate leaders on Sunday night. His meeting with Schumer was their fourth of the day. On his way out of the Democratic leader’s office, Mnuchin told reporters after the final discussion that the sides are “this close,” pinching his thumb and index fingers together. Mnuchin and Eric Ueland, the White House director of legislative affairs, are expected to be back on Capitol Hill to resume talks at 9 a.m (Roll Call).
In the House, Pelosi made clear on Sunday that House Democrats will write their own bill to address the fallout from the virus after the vote on Sunday went down in the Senate (Politico).
The Sunday Shows: Mnuchin: Tentative coronavirus package will include an average of $3,000 to a family of four.
The Hill: Blame game heats up as Senate motion fails.
Hours ahead of the failed vote, the virus hit close to home when Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) became the first senator to test positive for COVID-19. The Kentucky Republican has not experienced any symptoms and was tested out of an abundance of caution after extensive travel and events. He was unaware of direct contact with anyone with a confirmed case.
Paul was on Capitol Hill to vote on Wednesday, having voted against the House-passed bill last week to give more than $100 billion to boost testing for the virus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers. He also was the lone Senate Republican to vote against phase one legislation to authorize $8.3 billion for an initial response to the coronavirus.
More recently, Paul was among the Senate Republicans to take part in lunches on Thursday and Friday with senators. According to CNN’s Phil Mattingly, multiple senators even saw Paul in the Senate gym and the Senate swimming pool on Sunday morning.
After Paul’s news emerged, Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) began self-quarantining on the advice of the congressional physician’s office. This led to five Senate Republicans not being available at Sunday’s vote due to the virus, as Sens. Rick Scott (Fla.) and Cory Gardner (Colo.) were already self-quarantining. The only other senator to miss Sunday’s vote was Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who held a campaign event at 7 p.m. instead and was in Vermont.
Paul, a doctor, is one of three lawmakers to test positive, along with Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Ben McAdams (D-Utah).
According to the latest statistics, there are 35,224 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. The death toll sits at 471.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans depend on income earned on Airbnb. Federal economic relief must include Airbnb hosts. Learn more.
LEADING THE DAY
CORONAVIRUS & STATES: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) pushed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) and other city leaders to further curb those flouting the social distancing recommendations, giving them 24 hours to come up with a plan to do so as the city and state have become a hotbed for the virus.
Cuomo has already ordered all nonessential businesses to shutter temporarily and had impressed upon citizens the importance of remaining in their homes. However, some New Yorkers, most of whom are younger individuals, have been seen gathering in public places, including in parks and for pickup basketball, leading to Cuomo’s warning for the city. Cuomo gave de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson 24 hours to submit a plan and “correct this situation.”
“It has to stop, and it has to stop now,” Cuomo said. “This is not a joke” (The Wall Street Journal).
The warning came as the number of positive cases continues to rise at a steady rate. According to Cuomo at his Sunday press conference, the state has 15,168 confirmed cases of the virus, or 5 percent of the worldwide cases, and 114 deaths (The New York Times). The number of positive cases was up by 4,812 cases from Saturday. As of this morning, there are 10,764 confirmed cases in New York City.
The New York Times: Coronavirus in New York City: Region is now an epicenter of the pandemic.
Cuomo and de Blasio continued to warn about the scarcity of medical supplies on Sunday, with the mayor saying that “people will die” if President Trump does not act. However, the administration remained steadfast that New York and other states hit hard by the pandemic, including California and Washington, will get everything they need.
“The resources that are being marshaled are going to be clearly directed to those hotspots that need it most. And clearly, that’s California, Washington state, and obviously, New York is the most hard hit,”Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “So not only is New York trying to get resources themselves, but we’re going to be pouring it in from the federal government.”
At Sunday’s press conference at the White House, the president announced that the National Guard has been activated in New York, California and Washington and that the federal government would provide additional resources to help those states combat the coronavirus. Trump said that various additional medical supplies would be shipped to those states in the coming days, while troops would help construct additional medical facilities at specified sites in each state.
New York will receive four federal medical stations with 1,000 hospital beds, while California will receive eight medical stations with 2,000 beds and Washington will receive several stations and 1,000 beds (The Hill).
The Washington Post: Governors and mayors in growing uproar over Trump’s lagging coronavirus response.
Elsewhere, states continued to issue stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Among them were Ohio, Louisiana and Delaware, which join a host of states and big cities in doing so.
“We haven’t faced an enemy like we are facing today in 102 years,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said in a statement. “We are at war. In the time of war, we have to make sacrifices, and I thank all of you for all you are doing, all you are refraining from doing.”
According to Reuters, roughly 1 out of 4 Americans is currently under a shelter-in-place directive or something similar.
Los Angeles Times: Despite coronavirus rules, beaches are still crowded. Santa Monica is now closing them.
The Associated Press: Virus mutes happy hours in senior haven, but golf goes on.
Time: Washington D.C. trying to keep crowds from cherry blossoms over COVID-19.
IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES
CORONAVIRUS & INTERNATIONAL: Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte took his latest step to combat the virus over the weekend and further tightened the lockdown of the country, ordering all businesses to close until April 3, save for those producing goods as part of the nation’s supply chain.
The crackdown came as the number of confirmed cases and deaths continued to rise across the nation. As of Sunday afternoon, more than 59,000 cases and 5,476 deaths were confirmed.
″We are facing the most serious crisis that the country has experienced since World War II,″ Conte said, adding that “only production activities deemed vital for national production will be allowed” (The Associated Press).
According to Reuters, supermarkets, pharmacies, postal services and banks will remain open, along with essential public services such as transportation.
However, some are cautiously optimistic that the worst could be behind them as a country and that the trendline will move in a positive direction in the coming weeks. Angelo Borrelli, the head of Italy’s Civil Protection Agency, noted that the increases had narrowed from recent days, while Giulio Gallera, health chief for the northern Lombardy region around Milan, said that the increase in new patients in the area on Sunday was about half of Saturday’s increase.
’’We hope that this trend can be confirmed in the coming days. We should not lower our guard,” Borrelli said (Yahoo! Finance).
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel went into self-isolation on Sunday after learning that her doctor tested positive for the virus. Merkel’s office said in a statement that she went into isolation immediately after learning that the doctor who gave her a pneumonia vaccination on Friday was infected, and that she will be tested repeatedly in the coming days (The New York Times).
As the United Kingdom celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called upon Britons to not visit their mothers for tea or lunch and, instead, to video chat with them.
Just like in parts of the U.S., British doctors pleaded for an increase in protective equipment to help combat the virus and warned that front-line hospital workers could die if the rise in equipment is not met (The Associated Press).
Across the globe, there are more than 341,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 14,765 deaths as of this morning.
CNN: Spain to extend coronavirus state of emergency as deaths soar.
The Associated Press: Jordan goes on virus lockdown as Iran’s death toll mounts.
However, despite the doom and gloom in the U.S., there were signs of positivity across the Pacific as Wuhan, the Chinese city that birthed the pandemic, did not report a single new or suspected case of the virus for a fourth consecutive day. Meanwhile, South Korea reported its lowest number of new cases of the virus on Monday since the country’s peak on Feb. 29 (Reuters).
OPINION
A scarcity of life-saving resources during COVID-19 pandemic, by Monica Schoch-Spana, opinion contributor, The Hill. https://bit.ly/2xVS51f
How social distancing could ultimately teach us how to be less lonely, by Arthur C. Brooks, columnist, The Washington Post. https://wapo.st/2J9v2CI
WHERE AND WHEN
The House meets for a pro forma session at 11:30 a.m. and may return to work this week.
The Senate will convene at noon.
The president will have lunch with Vice President Pence at 12:30 p.m., and both will take part in a press briefing alongside the coronavirus task force at 5:30 p.m.
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➔ Politics & Campaigns: Former Vice President Joe Biden says he plans to start vetting potential running mates “in a matter of weeks” and is looking at a shortlist “in excess of six or seven people,” who he has said will be female. Biden made the remarks in a telefundraiser with donors on Sunday (Politico). Biden also said that he will begin broadcasting regular briefings about the coronavirus pandemic from his home in Delaware. According to the former VP, his campaign is installing a “new high-speed line” in his home and turning a recreation room into a television studio so he can broadcast from home at a time when government officials are asking people to stay indoors (The Hill).
➔ Virus slayer: Columbia University’s David Ho, 67, is focusing his pioneering research drawn from battling HIV/AIDS on finding a vaccine and potential antibody treatment to combat COVID-19. His aim, along with a scientific team, is to create a single pill that could treat the new coronavirus and future contagions. “Surely there will be another one,” he says. “This is the third outbreak in two decades” (Bloomberg Businessweek).
➔ Sports: The Summer Olympics in Tokyo this summer were thrown into further question on Sunday as Canada and Australia announced that it would not send its athletes to the games if they are not postponed for a full year. The nations joined a growing list of countries to push for a postponement, Canada becoming the first to threaten not sending its athletes to the games (ESPN). Adding fuel to the fire, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged Monday that the Olympics could be delayed. “If it’s difficult to proceed, then we must think about the athletes first and consider postponing,” Abe told Parliament. The International Olympic Committee is expected to announce a path forward in four weeks. The games are slated to start on July 24 (NBC News).
THE CLOSER
And finally … With the vast majority of Americans practicing social distancing, some families are looking to get by with a little help from their newly-adopted furry friends.
According to The Washington Post, the demand for pets has skyrocketed as more Americans have become homebound, with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue saying that on a normal Sunday it would usually find homes for 15 rescue pups at an adoption event. These days, there’s a waiting list of 40 people looking for a new doggo to care for (up from 10).
“And we had 30 adoptions in three hours at that event alone,” said Mirah A. Horowitz, the group’s executive director.
And it’s not just dogs (and cats). Individuals have also adopted fish and rabbits.
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POLITICO PLAYBOOK
POLITICO Playbook: A $1.6 trillion game of chicken
DRIVING THE DAY
WHATEVER YOU THINK OF SENATE DEMOCRATS’ decision to vote en masse Sunday night against the coronavirus bill they helped negotiate, whatever you think of Senate Majority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL’S stewardship of this process thus far, here’s where it’s ended up: The final particulars of this bill were being worked out by the Treasury secretary and Senate Minority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER into the wee hours of this morning in the Capitol.
AGAIN, that’s STEVEN MNUCHIN — a former Democrat in the Trump administration — negotiating with the Senate Democratic leader late into the night and early into this morning. They spoke a number of times Sunday, according to Schumer’s office, including at 10:49 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
SCHUMER, speaking to reporters at 12:20 a.m.: “There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight — you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, [personal protective equipment], masks — all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.
“SO WE’RE WORKING hard to make them better, and we are making progress. We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.” John Bresnahan and Marianne LeVine on Dem opposition
THIS SITUATION IS SO ODD, and the consequences so dire, that it’s difficult to draw broad-based conclusions. But a few things stand out:
MNUCHIN told reporters last week this bill would be done today. He set an artificial deadline, presumably to show urgency and to indicate the players were aware of the gravity of the situation. That’s why markets were expecting it, and perhaps what sent the Dow and S&P futures down so quickly. Artificial deadlines are the devil in congressional politics.
MCCONNELL brushed aside requests last week to hold “four corner” negotiations between himself, SCHUMER, Speaker NANCY PELOSI and House Minority Leader KEVIN MCCARTHY. Instead, he held bipartisan talks with senators for a few days. But the deal ultimately needed PELOSI’S signoff. So Pelosi flew back to Washington for talks, Democrats were unhappy with the bill, and it went down. Then MCCONNELL blamed PELOSI for staging a late-game intervention — although it was only late because she wasn’t invited to the first part of the game. Sunday’s cloture vote — which MCCONNELL scheduled with the apparent hope that he could peel off some Democrats — then failed.
MCCONNELL AND OTHER REPUBLICANS seemed to make a series of calculations here. They bet that since they allowed PELOSI’S Phase Two bill to pass without negotiation, Democrats should give Republicans the same courtesy. They bet that the crisis would be so urgent and Democrats’ desire to leave so overwhelming that they wouldn’t cause problems. That was also not right.
THIS ENTIRE SITUATION IS COMPLICATED by the fact that the Senate Republicans have only 48 votes — five of their members are in quarantine, and more might join. A 48-Republican, 47-Democrat Senate is hard to manage for McConnell.
BUT, the market is set to drop quite precipitously at the opening this morning, which Republicans are going to hang around Democrats’ necks.
CAN THEY GET A DEAL TODAY? Sure. Will they? Maybe. Can it fall apart? Yep.
FYSA — SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-Vt.), who grew angry with CNN’s MANU RAJU last week when he asked about his presidential campaign — Sanders said he was “dealing with a f—ing global crisis” — missed Sunday’s key procedural vote in the Senate. He held a virtual campaign town hall with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).
BREAKING OVERNIGHT — “A U.S. Secret Service employee has tested positive for COVID-19,” per a USSS spox. “The employee is currently in quarantine. The agency will continue to monitor the employee’s condition.”
REPORTING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE: President DONALD TRUMP is growing sympathetic to the idea, promoted by the WSJ ed board last week, that closing down big chunks of the economy causes more harm than good. (Jonathan Swan of Axios has heard the same.) This comes after a big NYT article that gives you the exact opposite view — that public health experts believe we need more drastic measures to stop this virus.
— TRUMP just before midnight: “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”
— REUTERS: “Lockdowns not enough to defeat coronavirus: WHO’s Ryan”: “‘What we really need to focus on is finding those who are sick, those who have the virus, and isolate them, find their contacts and isolate them,’ Mike Ryan said in an interview on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. ‘The danger right now with the lockdowns … if we don’t put in place the strong public health measures now, when those movement restrictions and lockdowns are lifted, the danger is the disease will jump back up.’”
Good Monday morning. Please join us at 9 a.m. for a virtual briefing to talk about Washington’s response to the coronavirus. Register
THE MARKETS — WSJ: “Stocks and Oil Fall as Coronavirus Cases Surge,” by Joanne Chiu: “U.S. stock-index futures, global stocks and oil prices fell in Asian trading hours on Monday, rattled by the coronavirus pandemic and delay in Washington over an economic rescue package. …
“S&P 500 futures fell nearly 4% in afternoon trading in Hong Kong, after briefly falling further to hit the maximum 5% loss allowed in a single session. That suggested U.S. shares would face further pressure on Monday. Last week the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 indexes registered their worst weeks since October 2008.” WSJ
IN EUROPE … WAPO,by Loveday Morris, Bill Booth and Luisa Beck: “A team of firefighters and volunteers turned a 15,000-square-foot convention center hall in Vienna into a new 880-bed coronavirus hospital over the course of a weekend. Soldiers in Germany, France and Spain have been deployed to help build similar temporary facilities for thousands of patients. Across Europe, tens of thousands of nurses and doctors are being graduated early or called back from retirement.
“As coronavirus cases surge in the biggest infectious disease crisis to hit European hospitals in a century, officials and health-care workers are scrambling to keep national health systems above water. The grim harbinger of how bad things could get lies right in Europe’s midst, as Italy’s death toll leaps by hundreds each day. Doctors there are struggling to keep more than 2,800 people in intensive care alive, an effort that requires staff, beds and a constant supply of protective equipment.”
—GERMANY is banning meetings of more than two people.
TOP TALKER … SCIENCE MAGAZINEinterview with ANTHONY FAUCI —Q: “What about the travel restrictions? President Trump keeps saying that the travel ban for China, which began 2 February, had a big impact [on slowing the spread of the virus to the United States] and that he wishes China would have told us three to four months earlier and that they were ‘very secretive.’ [China did not immediately reveal the discovery of a new coronavirus in late December, but by 10 January, Chinese researchers made the sequence of the virus public.] It just doesn’t comport with facts.”
A: “I know, but what do you want me to do? I mean, seriously Jon, let’s get real, what do you want me to do?” … Q: “You have not said China virus.” [Trump frequently calls the cause of the spreading illness, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a ‘China virus’ or a ‘Chinese virus.’] A: “Ever.” Q: “And you never will, will you?” A: “No.”
CNN’S PHIL MATTINGLY and LAUREN FOX: “Democratic senators move to force Trump’s hand to ramp up medical equipment production”: “Sens. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Brian Schatz of Hawaii are introducing a bill Monday to require the President to fully use the Defense Production Act to ensure the country has the crucial medical equipment it needs. Not only does the bill require the production of key equipment like ventilators and masks, the bill also requires the federal government to take control of the supply chain for that material.”
BIG PICTURE … DAVID SIDERS: “‘Extraordinary change’: How coronavirus is rewiring the Republican and Democratic parties”: “The 2008 financial crisis reshaped American politics, birthing a politics of outrage in the Tea Party on the right and an enduring strain of progressive populism on the left. The coronavirus is already on a similar trajectory, triggering massive prospective bailouts and other policy proposals that stand to rewire the Republican and Democratic parties for a generation — or longer.
“Last week, Republicans joined Democrats — and in some cases got in front of them — in calling for direct payments to Americans to help cope with the economic fallout from the pandemic. The Trump administration, after laboring for years to repeal Obamacare, said it was considering creating a special enrollment period for the program due to the coronavirus. When Donald Trump himself suggested the government could take equity stakes in private companies that receive federal aid, it was a Democratic governor, Colorado’s Jared Polis, who accused the president of being a socialist.
“The immediate effects of the pandemic on blurring the parties’ ideological distinctions have been acute — and the virus’ toll still remains far from reaching its peak.” POLITICO
— NYT A1, with a News Analysis bug: “‘Wartime President’? Trump Rewrites History in an Election Year,”by Annie Karni, Maggie Haberman and Reid Epstein: “With the economy faltering and the political landscape unsettled as the coronavirus death toll climbs, a stark and unavoidable question now confronts President Trump and his advisers: Can he save his campaign for re-election when so much is suddenly going so wrong?
“After three years of Republicans’ championing signs of financial prosperity that were to be Mr. Trump’s chief re-election argument, the president has never needed a new message to voters as he does now, not to mention luck. At this point, the president has one clear option for how to proceed politically, and is hoping that an array of factors will break his way.
“The option, which he has brazenly pushed in recent days, is to cast himself as a ‘wartime president’ who looks in charge of a nation under siege while his likely Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., is largely out of sight hunkered down in Delaware. This gambit, however, requires a rewriting of history — Mr. Trump’s muted approach to the virus early on — and it’s far from clear if many voters will accept the idea of him as a wartime leader.”
JOE BIDEN is also expected to deliver remarks on the coronavirus this morning. WaPo’s Matt Viser tweeted that Biden told donors “the recreation room at his home in Wilmington, Del, has been converted to a TV studio, and he’ll be giving a presentation tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.” NYT on Biden’s visibility challenge
DOWN BALLOT — “Coronavirus upends the battle for the House,” by Sarah Ferris and Ally Mutnick: “The impeachment furor that consumed Washington for nearly a year has dissipated amid a far more urgent political storm: the coronavirus outbreak. Any trace of President Donald Trump’s impeachment has vanished from Capitol Hill, cable news and the campaign trail. And long gone is the pervasive sense of anxiety that once gripped vulnerable Democrats after their votes to impeach Trump, which they feared could cost them their seats and possibly control of the House.
“Instead, the battle for Congress is more likely to be redefined by a highly infectious and mysterious virus that has spread into every state, pulverized the economy and thrust lawmakers into a crisis-governing mode unseen since the Great Depression.
“‘It’s always about, ‘What meeting are you going to on the virus?’ or, ‘What are you going to do on the virus bill?’’ said Arizona Rep. Tom O’Halleran, one of the many Democrats in Trump-won districts who had been initially reluctant to pursue the president’s impeachment. ‘I’ve been through a few decades, and I haven’t seen anything like this,’ O’Halleran said of the outbreak, adding that the flood of phone calls he once got on impeachment have subsided.” POLITICO
TRUMP’S MONDAY — The president will have lunch with VP Mike Pence at 12:30 p.m. in the private dining room.
— THE CORONAVIRUS task force will hold a briefing at 5:30 p.m. today — after the U.S. markets close.
PLAYBOOK READS
YIKES — “U.S. Jobless Rate May Soar to 30%, Fed’s Bullard Says,” by Bloomberg’s Steve Matthews: “Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard predicted the U.S. unemployment rate may hit 30% in the second quarter because of shutdowns to combat the coronavirus, with an unprecedented 50% drop in gross domestic product.
“Bullard called for a powerful fiscal response to replace the $2.5 trillion in lost income that quarter to ensure a strong eventual U.S. recovery, adding the Fed would be poised to do more to ensure markets function during a period of high volatility.
“‘Everything is on the table’ for the Fed as far as additional lending programs, Bullard said in a telephone interview Sunday from St. Louis.” Bloomberg
ABOUT THOSE MASKS — “Trump Bets Business Will Answer Call to Fight Virus, but Strategy Bewilders Firms,” by NYT’s David Sanger, Ana Swanson and Maggie Haberman: “President Trump’s refusal to invoke the Defense Production Act to commandeer resources for the federal government is based on a bet that he can cajole the nation’s biggest manufacturers and tech firms to come together in a market-driven, if chaotic, consortium that will deliver critical equipment — from masks to ventilators — in time to abate a national crisis.
“Over the past five days, after weeks of minimizing the virus and dismissing calls to organize a national response, administration officials have been pulling executives into the White House Situation Room, and connecting them by phone, in a desperate effort to unlock existing supplies and ramp up new production. …
“In interviews with participants in the process, from business executives to government officials, there is still widespread confusion about how much and what exactly each firm is supposed to produce. Corporate executives say they face a bewildering number of requests from dozens of nations around the world, along with governors and mayors around the country, for scarce supplies. The White House has not said who will set the priority list for deliveries. And it is not clear that any of it will arrive in time for the cities and the states that are hit the hardest, including New York.” NYT
IN OTHER NEWS — “Pompeo Arrives in Kabul on a Diplomatic Rescue Mission,” by WSJ’s Dion Nissenbaum: “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Kabul on Monday on an unannounced trip to Afghanistan, where he will be working to bridge a political impasse that has undermined U.S. efforts to pull all its troops out of the country.
“Mr. Pompeo is expected to meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his chief political rival, Abdullah Abdullah, who is attempting to set up a parallel government in Kabul.
“The rift has undercut a fragile U.S. deal with the Taliban aimed at ending America’s long war in Afghanistan.” WSJ
MEDIAWATCH … NYT’S BEN SMITH: “Rupert Murdoch Put His Son in Charge of Fox. It Was a Dangerous Mistake”: “Critics sometimes compare Fox, in its loyalty to Trump, to ‘state TV,’ but that description is off. State TV implies command and control. The most-watched news channel in America has become, since the fall of its powerful founder, Roger Ailes, much more like the Trump White House: a family business where it’s not entirely clear who is in charge.”
IN MEMORIAM — LARRY RASKY, via Natasha Korecki:“It was just after Super Tuesday, and Joe Biden had just pulled off the seemingly impossible, transforming a near-dead campaign to romp across 14 states. Watching his old boss’ moribund campaign roar back to life as the returns rolled in, Biden’s longtime friend and confidant Larry Rasky picked up the phone and laughed before he even started speaking. ‘I’ve worked for Joe Biden for 30 years,’ Rasky said in an interview with POLITICO then. ‘Seven days ago we won our first primary. Seven days later, he’s the presumptive Democratic nominee. There never has been anything like it.’ Rasky called it one of the greatest feats he’d seen in his lifetime. But he won’t get to see how the story ends.
“On Sunday, he died suddenly at the age of 69, the cause undetermined. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and son Will. A legend in Boston political circles, Rasky worked on political campaigns for decades, employed by a roster of politicians ranging from former President Jimmy Carter to John Kerry to former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn. Rasky had worked on both of Biden’s previous presidential bids and most recently served as treasurer on a pro-Biden super PAC, Unite the Country. ‘Larry was Boston through and through,’ Biden said in a statement Sunday. ‘Outspoken — as anyone who sought his counsel can attest — but also gregarious, sharp and generous in spirit.’” POLITICO
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — WHITE HOUSE ARRIVAL LOUNGE:Tyler Ann McGuffee has been detailed to the White House as an adviser/assistant to Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force’s response coordinator. McGuffee most recently was at HHS, where she served as director of drug pricing reform, and also worked on health care policy for then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
TRANSITIONS — Sabrina Singh isjoining Kamala Harris’ Fearless for the People PAC as comms director and senior adviser, overseeing all political communications. She previously worked for Mike Bloomberg’s and Cory Booker’s presidential campaigns. … The Trump campaign is adding Whitney Robertson as assistant press secretary and Charli Huddleston as associate director of media affairs. Robertson previously was press secretary for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Huddleston previously was press secretary for the House Oversight GOP.
WEEKEND WEDDING — Alexandra Glorioso, a Florida health correspondent for POLITICO, and Lawrence Mower, a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, got married Friday at a small chapel attached to the Leon County Clerk’s office between coronavirus assignments. Both cover the state government and live in Tallahassee with their puppy, Lily. They met at a bar a few days after he moved to town in January 2018. Their original wedding, scheduled for Saturday in Savannah, Ga., was canceled due to the pandemic. Pic
WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Sari Bourne Kaplan, corporate counsel at Genentech and a Hillary Clinton alum, and Matt Kaplan, head of public policy at Instacart and a Clinton and Obama alum, welcomed Mackenzie Arielle Kaplan last week. She came in at 6 lbs, 4 oz and 18.7 inches. Pic
BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Paul Neaville, founding partner at the Markham Group. How he thinks the Trump presidency is going: “We are not exactly aligned politically, HOWEVER right now I am rooting for President Trump and Congress to come together and save our economy and save lives. The past few weeks have gotten more and more surreal and it underscores the importance of our government in our lives. For the foreseeable future, I’m on Team America (or Team Humanity).” Playbook Q&A
BIRTHDAYS: Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) is 72 … Ryan Grim, The Intercept’s D.C. bureau chief, is 42 … former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is 68 … Johnny DeStefano, principal at Utility Strategic Advisors, is 41 … Michael Caputo … Economist cartoonist Kevin Kallaugher is 65 … Suzanne Turner … Evan Keller is 25 … Dawn Selak, director for strategic comms at the Aerospace Industries Association … Kim Hunter … Debbi Mayster … Alec Gerlach … Maggie Gage, head of U.S. government relation at MetLife (h/t Jon Haber) … Maria Garcia … Adam Mowder, multiplatform editor at WaPo … Anila Alexander … Ian Koski is 4-0 … Cole Rojewski … Mike Berman of Citadel (h/t wife Kat Dimenstein) …
… Mike Franc, Hoover Institution’s director of D.C. programs, is 63 … Shane Seaver … Lauren Hancock. … Austin Mayor Steve Adler is 64 … McKinsey’s Tara Maller … Nita Chaudhary … Stephanie Cuevas … Ken Brooke … L.A. Times’ Maya Lau … Michael Strautmanis is 51 … Joanna London of APCO Worldwide’s D.C. office … AFL-CIO’s Drew Waxman … Keturah Hetrick … Joshua Marcuse … Rob Terra … Deloitte’s Ashley McCabe … Amelia Blackwood … Nick Sinatra … Erika Mansourian … Boeing’s Shaun Lara … Noah Chestnut … Peter Vallone Jr. … Lynn Krogh Casale … Terry Neal … Adam Zagorin … former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso is 64 … Ruth Elizabeth Leonard … Justine Dougherty
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him,” (James 1:12, ESV).
By Shane Vander Hart on Mar 22, 2020 05:04 pm
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage therapy establishments, medical spas, and swimming pools closed through 3/31/20. Read in browser »
Launched in 2006, Caffeinated Thoughts reports news and shares commentary about culture, current events, faith and state and national politics from a Christian and conservative point of view.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus won his 2017 election with China’s backing. Tedros is now providing cover for China’s propaganda campaign denying responsibility for the outbreak. Tedros praised China’s “transparency” and said China’s response to the virus was a model for other nations, though China tried to cover …
President Donald Trump has will have lunch with Vice President Mike Pence, the leader of the Coronavirus Task Force, on Sunday. There are no other public events, but there is a scheduled Coronavirus Task Force briefing and the president has frequently participated in those briefings. Keep up with Trump on …
Members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force hold a briefing Sunday to update the media and the nation. President Donald Trump often participates in these briefings. The briefing is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. EST. Live Stream of White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing Content created by Conservative Daily …
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that his state is set to begin clinical trials this week for a malaria drug that President Donald Trump has touted as a possible treatment for coronavirus. “The president is optimistic about these drugs, and we are all optimistic that it could work,” …
Old Saying: “Give them an inch and they will take a mile.” House Democrat whip: Coronavirus a ‘tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision’ Big Government (the Deep State) claims to care about its subjects (We The People). This is obviously false. If government cared about is, it …
GOP South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s EARN IT Act is a bipartisan effort to protect children online. But tech experts said the act would violate Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and has the ability to “end the internet as we know it.” “The EARN IT Act could actually …
Abortion supporters lashed out after Ohio ordered abortion providers to shut down in light of the coronavirus. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sent Friday letters to the Women’s Med Center in Dayton, Ohio and Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio’s Cincinnati Surgery Center ordering the abortion clinics to stop providing any …
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a coronavirus test that can detect the virus within 45 minutes, the company that makes the tests announced on Saturday. The FDA approved the test, created by Cepheid, a California-based medical device company, through Emergency Use Authorization, a process the …
Former Vice President Joe Biden is retrofitting his Delaware home to set up virtual briefings that will allow the presidential candidate to pushback against what he says are President Donald Trump’s lies about coronavirus. Biden’s house is being outfitted with technology allowing him to conduct tele-press conferences and interviews while …
Responding to a lawsuit from Carter Page, lawyers for the Democratic National Committee claimed in a court filing this week that the “gist” of the Steele dossier is accurate. Page sued the DNC and two of its outside attorneys on Jan. 30, accusing them of spreading false information collected by …
When Rahm Emanuel uttered the highly un-American and cynical statement that the Democrat party should “never let a crisis go to waste”, most thinking Americans cringed, fearing what the Obama radicals would take advantage of next, in order to further empower big government in general, and themselves in particular. During …
It is new, but not entirely. The coronavirus upending the world right now is so similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus of 2002–03 that virologists opted to simply call it SARS-CoV-2. Yet there seem to be some crucial differences between the virus that caused an epidemic 17 …
As Week One of the Grand American Quarantine Experiment was winding down when the weekend approached, the number of calls that I began receiving from friends who are not used to isolation picked up the pace considerably. The effort that people were making to check in on one another gave me hope for humanity, which has been in shorter supply than COVID-19 testing kits lately. Admittedly, I was bemused by the fact that people we’re checking in on me, as quarantine is my daily life. One of my cousins called on Sunday morning and asked how I was and I replied, “Thanks for checking, but you realize that nothing about my life has changed, right?”
I thoroughly enjoyed joining a virtual happy hour with colleagues on Friday and some of my cousins and I are planning one for this week. In an odd way, I’ve been more sociable in the past week than I normally would be.
Yeah, the world has gotten that weird.
Honestly though, if last week was any indication, some of my friends may need to begin some virtual happy hour action at breakfast time just to avoid needing to be scraped off of the walls. We may need to do some social distance hiking, the weather is finely right for it here. We can walk six feet apart — the desert is big — and not share any trailmix.
This should be interesting.
Wake me when it’s March 30th.
Cocaine Mitch Is Not Amused
The Senate worked over the weekend to pass more coronavirus relief, all to no avail because the Democrats thought it was more important to spend Sunday barking election-year talking points about “corporations” than actually helping the American people. It was a truly despicable display of partisanship from the side of the aisle that loves to finger-wag at Mitch McConnell about being inactive and an obstructionist.
McConnell was none-too pleased. Some seasoned Capitol Hill reporters said that it was as “angry” as they have ever seen him. McConnell took to the Senate floor to castigate the Democrats and it is well worth a watch. Hopefully, the Dems will grow up enough to day to actually accomplish something.
I Love That He Never Lets Up
POTUS hit Twitter on Sunday to lash out at the MSM once again and it was glorious. Naturally, there was whining. The press has been even worse than usual during all of this lying over and over again about how the president is handling things. They are deserving of all of the scorn he heaps upon them.
Donald J. Trump
✔@realDonaldTrump
I watch and listen to the Fake News, CNN, MSDNC, ABC, NBC, CBS, some of FOX (desperately & foolishly pleading to be politically correct), the @nytimes, & the @washingtonpost, and all I see is hatred of me at any cost. Don’t they understand that they are destroying themselves?
While our spaces are temporarily closed, we’re sharing Smithsonian work that might offer calm, brightness or inspiration. This is Thomas Moran’s “Rainbow over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone” (1900) in our @americanart‘s collection. https://s.si.edu/3debtqt#MuseumFromHome
Happy Monday. We hope you had a more relaxing weekend than your U.S. senators did, cooped up on Capitol Hill trying to hash out an eye-poppingly expensive coronavirus stimulus bill. We’ve got the latest on that effort and much more for you to chew on today.
Reminder: You’re receiving this version of The Morning Dispatch as a paying member. To read the full version and the rest of our work, please join us.
Quick Hits: Today’s Top Stories
As of Sunday night, there are now 33,276 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States (a 133.5 percent increase since Thursday night) and 417 deaths (a 103.4 percent increase since Thursday night).
The Trump administration has postponed Tax Day from April 15 to July 15.
The United States-Mexico border has been closed to all nonessential travel.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state to stop the spread of coronavirus on Friday. Ohio and Louisiana’s governors issues similar orders on Sunday.
Goldman Sachs projections show the United States GDP may shrink by as much as 24 percent in the second quarter.
Walmart is planning on hiring 150,000 new workers and increasing employee bonuses, coordinating with restaurants and other companies that have laid off employees or cut back on their hours to hire workers newly in need of employment.
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, tested negative for coronavirus after a member of the vice president’s staff was diagnosed with the virus.
Emirates, the world’s biggest international airline, announced that it will be canceling most of its flights for the time being. The airline had initially announced a complete suspension of flights, but will continue flights to a few countries, including U.S., the U.K., Japan, Australia and Canada, after requests from the nations’ governments.
As much of America continued to shelter at home this weekend, the U.S. Capitol was the site of a flurry of activity. The Senate scrambled to find bipartisan support for a $1.8 trillion stimulus package, but those efforts ran aground Sunday afternoon after Democratic leaders dug in their heels.
By and large, both parties agree that a mammoth jolt of federal spending is in order to shore up a teetering stock market and bring relief to Americans who have been forced from work by America’s social distancing efforts. But the parties remain apart on key issues: Democrats insist the GOP package’s $500 billion packet of emergency loans should come with more strings attached, including assurances that firms receiving aid not lay off workers, and contain better oversight to prevent the Trump administration from simply dispensing cash to favored industries. Meanwhile, Republicans have accused Democrats of trying to lard up the stimulus with tangentially related spending, like beefing up election security and forgiving up to $10,000 of every American’s federal student loan debt. (The government has already stopped charging interest on federal student loans.)
Jeb Bush on How Crisis Can Lead More People to Value Competency
We’ve spilled much proverbial ink detailing the federal government’s response to COVID-19 in recent editions of TheMorning Dispatch—and we’ll continue to do so—but in many ways, states and municipalities are on the frontlines of this crisis. Shutting down mass gatherings, closing schools, enacting shelter-in-place ordinances—as David recently pointed out in a piece for the site, the relevant legal authority here rests with governors.
And governors across the country—from Mike DeWine in Ohio and Gavin Newsom in California, to Larry Hogan in Maryland and Andrew Cuomo in New York—have been stepping up to the plate, making difficult decisions that impede their states’ economies to protect their most vulnerable citizens.
Jeb Bush is no longer a governor, but he led Florida through nine hurricanes from 1999 to 2007, so he’s no stranger to dealing with a crisis. The Dispatch caught up with the former governor over the weekend to get his thoughts on the pandemic and gubernatorial leadership more broadly.
Bankruptcy filings in the United States have been steadily declining since 2011 after reaching a peak of nearly 1.6 million in the wake of the 2008 crash. But all that may be about to change.
Sarah, our Houston native, talked to David Jones, chief bankruptcy judge of the Southern District of Texas, about what was happening in his courthouse this week.
What is happening with your current caseload right now?
“If you look at it from a volume perspective, things have actually gone down. As you can probably imagine, people are trying not to file new cases and I will assume that lenders are being accommodating. And of the hearings that are currently scheduled, people are asking for continuances. So the only thing that we are really hearing are emergencies.
In many ways, the face of the U.S. government’s response to coronavirus is Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. In appearance after appearance, in a wide variety of media, Dr. Fauci delivers factual information in a calm, dispassionate fashion. In recent days, gave two particularly notable interviews: one with Peter Nicholas of The Atlantic, and another, with Jon Cohen of Science. Fauci discussed his work routine, his personal preparedness and the work of the coronavirus task force. He praised certain aspects of President Trump’s handling of the crisis but acknowledged differences of opinion and the challenges of appearing at press briefings when the president says things that aren’t true. Fauci offered a “no comment” when asked about Trump’s “deep State Department” dig, said he would never use the phrase “China virus,” and described how he deals with Trump’s misstatements of fact. “I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down. OK, he said it. Let’s try and get it corrected for the next time.”
Giving us some much-needed non-pandemic news, last week Tom Brady shocked the football world by signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham published a piece exploring how the iconic New England Patriot ended up leaving his long-time team and what motivated him to bolt to Tampa.
Something Fun
This video was a good reminder that social distancing doesn’t necessarily mean social isolation!
Your Morning Dispatchers somtimes tire of David pumping out sterling missives that make this newsletter thing look easy. Alas, he’s written another such Sunday French Press, focusing on the line people of faith are called to walk in times of peril between the two failings of pointless self-sacrifice and cowardice. Read it here.
And if you missed Jonah’s Friday G-File, there’s still time to rectify that! As America gears up to argue about whether, in Trump’s words, our social-distancing cure is worse than the disease, Jonah expounds upon an under-remarked point: that whatever its economic drawbacks, our mass societal effort to fight the virus has at least shown many Americans, far from the Rand-fetishizing brutally individualist fetishizers of productivity we’re sometimes scorned to be, to be capable of a sort of collective moral heroism.
Or, hey, maybe you’re tired of reading by now? You’re in luck: Jonah also has a new episode of The Remnantup for your listening pleasure. In it, he talks to psychologist Dr. Michele Gelfand about “tight” and “loose” theories of culture: Why do places like Japan and Singapore seem to be in lockstep while the U.S. is so freewheeling? How should we tighten up, culturally, as a response to COVID? You won’t want to miss it.
Let Us Know
We’re finding more and more that too much time spent social distancing can do odd things to a brain. What’s the most paranoid thing you’ve found yourself doing because of the coronavirus?
Kemberlee Kaye: “Our three-year-old’s pre-K will begin one hour of virtual classes today. A video conference with a bunch of three-year-olds where they’ll do crafts, sing songs, a little science lesson, and recite their bible verses. It’s going to be one amazingly wild cluster.”
Mary Chastain: “Fuzzy documented the news we need. Overall, people are good and caring.”
Leslie Eastman: “The article “Evidence over Hysteria” shows that Americans are ready for real answers to the crisis, showing that they will digest data-heavy articles and daily press briefings to get them.”
Stacey Matthews: “I scored a 27 pack of Scott toilet tissue this morning so I’m feeling pretty good about that situation. Thankful and praying for the truckers who are helping keep America’s stores stocked with the essentials.”
David Gerstman: “Leslie blogged about the paper written and published by Aaron Ginn on the coronavirus threat that was later taken down by Medium. While I was impressed with Ginn’s paper (which I first saw due to a tweet from Brit Hume) it was later rather forcefully debunked by a prof at the University of Washington Carl Bergstrom. Hume later tweeted the rebuttal, writing “This thread is a little heated but the author is certainly qualified. Worth reading.” But to go back to the question posed in the title, Should statistical analysis allegedly understanding coronavirus risk have been taken down by Medium? I agree with Leslie, “While Ginn’s analysis may be flawed, both discussions should be allowed to stand. The scale or response to the Wuhan Coronavirus is worthy of a robust debate. Medium was wrong to take down Ginn’s analysis in an opaque manner. It would have been a lot more effective to have a qualified expert to write a debunking.”
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The Invisible Enemy
In a press conference last night, President Trump declared that he’s now a wartime president and we’re fighting a war against an “invisible enemy.” He also said, “We’re enduring a great national trial, and we will prove that we can meet the moment … No American is alone as long as we are united.”
According to an ABC/Ipsos poll, three out of four Americans’ lives have been affected by the coronavirus, whether its canceling vacation, avoiding restaurants, or not attending religious services. Only last week it was just one out of four who said the same. Another important stat — in a press conference yesterday, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said that 9 out of 10 people with symptoms do not have the virus.
More from ABC News:
“In the new poll, 55% of Americans approve of the president’s management of the crisis, compared to 43% who disapprove. Trump’s approval on this issue is up from last week, when the numbers were nearly reversed. Only 43% approved of Trump’s handling of the pandemic and 54% disapproved in last week’s poll.”
One thing the pandemic has brought to light in the U.S. is the regulatory obstacles in the healthcare industry. While states, like Texas, have waived some regulations in order to respond to the pandemic, the “inflexible, bureaucratic FDA” has regulations holding up depots of much-needed supplies. From an opinion piece from Tom Rogan in Washington Examiner:
“At this very moment, stockpiles of masks, hand sanitizer, and other supplies are sitting in warehouses waiting for FDA inspectors to get around to them. Where other nations are expediting these deliveries, trusting proven suppliers in their deliveries, the FDA has resorted to its favorite fetish: bureaucratic lethargy. The problem here is not simply that the FDA is insisting that its box-checking comes before exigent needs of public health, but also that the agency doesn’t have enough inspectors to get the job done quickly.
…
And get this — some of what the supplier is delivering is supposed to be gifted to a hospital. But even in that case, the FDA has warned that the supplies cannot even be unpacked until an inspector arrives. If they are broken down before then, even if only to expedite delivery once the inspector’s approval is given, fines are threatened to follow.
It’s a joke.”
In yesterday evening’s press conference, President Trump was asked if supplies that have been certified by the European Union will get a waiver by the FDA. The President said they’re looking at that but it might not be needed.
More coronavirus news:
A list of some of the ridiculous handouts corporations are trying to get into the stimulus package (Matt Stoller via Twitter and on The Federalist). It was reported on Sunday evening that the Senate wasn’t able to pass a shell bill for a coronavirus stimulus bill (The Hill).
Rand Paul is first senator to test positive for coronavirus (CNN)
Veterans running for office put pandemic plight before politics (Washington Examiner)
Election limbo as coronavirus outbreak upends US primaries (AP)
Gutfeld: We will always prevail together (Fox News)
Where Is Fauci?
Despite the White House being extremely open during this crisis and holding press conferences nearly every day, many reporters are trying to make Dr. Fauci’s absence from one or two into some secret message. Even “Where Is Fauci?” was trending on Twitter.
Dr. Fauci reminds me of old school doctors who are brutally honest about the good and the bad. Stern and realistic without invoking fear. I thought this was an interesting exchange in a recent interview he did with The Atlantic:
“Nicholas: How does Trump compare with other presidents with whom you’ve worked?
Fauci: He has a very unique style. But the thing that encourages me is that every time I’ve asked him to do something—cut out China travel, or go to the mitigation guidelines—he’s always ultimately listened to what I’ve said. When I’ve said, I really think we should do this, he’s never said no and overruled my recommendation. No matter what his style is, when it comes to the core of what gets done, thankfully, he has listened to me.
Nicholas: Are you taking steps to protect yourself and avoid infection?
Fauci: As best I can, yes. There are risks that some people need to take, because when it comes to the public health and the safety of the American people, sometimes you really have got to take some risks for yourself. Not everybody can shelter in place. But I try to do my best. I wash my hands 100 times a day. I don’t ever shake hands with anybody. And when I’m talking to somebody, I try to stay six feet away from them. So I am doing that. When I am not here [at work]—I’m going about 20 hours a day—I try to do my best.”
On the speculation about Dr. Fauci’s whereabouts, author Brad Thor tweeted, “I hope at home, with his 79-year-old feet propped up, an enormous dish of his favorite comfort food on his lap, and a fabulous B&W movie on TV. We all need to remember that taking an occasional break is okay.”
What I’m Reading This Week
This week I’m tossing in a bit of escapism with a fun read from Sophie Kinsella, My Not So Perfect Life. From the description:
“Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle – from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she’s desperate to make her dad proud.
Then, just as she’s finding her feet – not to mention a possible new romance – the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away – until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.”
A Case of the Mondays
When a daughter comes home early from college (Twitter)
Neil Diamond (and doggo friend) performs “Sweet Caroline” for today’s times (Twitter)
All of the movies being released on demand instead of in theaters (BuzzFeed)
First Lady Melania Trump has some great advice during our period of self-distancing and self-quarantine:
“Consider taking advantage of time working from home to connect with your loved ones via email or FaceTime, spend time w family, or work on your well-being by reading a book or spending time on a hobby.”
“While things are different this year, and the focus is to keep each other safe & healthy, don’t forget to celebrate special events & occasions.”
Additionally, Ivanka Trump posted this adorable photo:
Mondays with Melania is a weekly feature that highlights what the First Lady is doing and wearing.
Note: By using some of the links above, Bright may be compensated through the Amazon Affiliate program and Magic Links. However, none of this content is sponsored and all opinions are our own.
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
A Chinese newspaper headline from last year makes the connection, “Italy aims to develop closer trade ties with China through Belt and Road.” Read More…
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
The coronavirus crisis has not only shaped a better president in Trump, but awakened a sleeping giant: a unified America. Read More…
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
President Trump is now a wartime president. If he succeeds at winning the next round, our economy will bounce back stronger than ever. Read More…
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
Capitalism leaves the U.S. better positioned to take on the coronavirus and win. Thank goodness we have a president who believes in it. Read More…
Are gun stores essential during a pandemic?
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
In California, the Alameda County sheriff insisted that guns are not essential, and a San Francisco Bay Area gun store was forced to back down. Read more…
Whistling past the coronavirus graveyard
Mar 23, 2020 01:00 am
It’s hard not to notice something more indigenous to Americans than to most of the world: Using humor to fight something that’s deadly serious. Read more…
Over the past week, the White House released Coronavirus Guidelines for America, encouraging Americans to follow state and local guidelines for slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, back in Washington, D.C., members of the White House Press continue their patter of being owned by President Trump during Cononavirus press briefings. Here are s … Read more
By Jonathan Ashbach
Perhaps the overwhelming majority would happily endure indefinite isolation and sacrifices of freedom to prevent a fairly bad pandemic from getting somewhat worse. But I doubt it. Full article
By Madeline Osburn
When asked about a missing Chinese journalist who documented the early outbreak in Wuhan, the Chinese Ambassador said he did not know of him, despite hearing his name a month prior. Full article
By Christopher Bedford
Just beyond — and in the midst of — the public health and financial liquidity crises is the expansive and potentially devastating solvency crisis. Full article
By Margot Cleveland
Rather than inquire about the FDA studies of anti-virals shown to have promise against coronavirus, the press proved itself yet again more interested in scoring points than in reporting. Full article
By Helen Raleigh
To understand Communist China’s cover up and delay, all you have to do is to go through the timeline of the early weeks of the coronavirus outbreak. Full article
By Paul Kupiec
Instead of bailouts, Congress should create new safety net programs that largely recover the cash relief from the same households and businesses that receive taxpayer support. Full article
By Ben Weingarten
The far more consequential story is Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s participation in richly profiting from the U.S.-China policy for which she has lobbied for 40 years. Full article
By Vik Khanna
Many of the claims being made about how the Wuhan virus is the plague for our times are founded on remarkably weak data sets that are intentionally manipulated to foment fear. Full article
By Dan Carpenter
The ideal time to prepare for the coronavirus has passed. Still, this thing is a long way from over, and if you’re wondering if anything can still be done now, the answer is ‘yes.’ Full article
By Christopher Jacobs
Medicare and Medicaid deregulation represents real progress against the virus, but also raises the broader question of why it required an imminent threat to public health to effect common-sense changes. Full article
By Cheryl Magness
In the months to come, there are no better songs to sing than hymns that teach eternal truths. Spend some time with Paul Gerhardt’s poetry, and you’ll sing some of the best. Full article
By Helen Raleigh
I asked my parents if they are worried about the pandemic, and they told me they had been through much worse in their lives. They aren’t freaking out about the coronavirus like we are because they have seen it all. Full article
By Chrissy Clark
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Sunday became the first United States senator to test positive for the Wuhan virus, commonly known as coronavirus. Full article
By David Marcus
It’s only been a week and already quarantine is getting pretty old. Full article
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When Joe Biden went to mingle with Michigan factory workers two weeks ago ahead of the big primary day, he wasn’t expecting to be confronted by a guy like Jerry Wayne. Democrats generally do well when talking to “union guys” as most unions adore the Big Labor left. But Wayne isn’t just a union guy. He’s also a Constitutionalist, and his love for America’s freedoms supersedes his employment status.
His reasonable question truly triggered the former Vice President to the point Biden said Wayne was “full of sh*t.” The incident was covered broadly, even on progressive mainstream media, but it didn’t hurt the Democratic frontrunner as he won Michigan easily. Here’s the video of the incident:
But Wayne isn’t just a guy who asked a question. He is “blessed,” as he often puts it, to now have a voice through which he can speak out and help people see the importance of defending our freedoms. He was very clear that does not intend to fade into the news cycle in the future and that we’re hopefully going to be seeing a lot more of him soon.
On Conversations with Jeff, a GK Podcast Network show by Jeff Dornik, Wayne talked about much more than just the incident. He described his history and the importance of debate in the public forum, something he believes is sorely lacking in American society today. People are so busy talking at each other that they’re not taking the opportunity to talk with each other.
This is a great interview with Jerry Wayne by Jeff Dornik. America needs voices that go beyond the pundits and paid spokesmen. We need conversations between real people about the important issues facing us today. Watch this video.
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Life is crazy right now. For many of my friends and family, 2020 in general has been nuts. And then comes COVID-19, literally shutting down practically the entire world. People are getting sick. Economies are imploding. Jobs are being lost. People are freaking out, not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring.
It’s understandable to be concerned. It’s practical to be stressed, trying to figure out how we’ll get through this forced time at home not being able to work. Life is crazy, and no one really knows what is going on.
Here’s the thing to remember, however: Now is the time to be a light shining the darkness of this lost and fallen world. We have “a reason for the hope that is in (us).” (1 Peter 3:15) We are to conduct ourselves differently than those that are lost.
One of those ways we are to conduct ourselves is not to freak out during this chaos. Why? Because we understand that God is in control. Jesus discussed this very issue in Matthew 6:25-34:
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
This should be a huge encouragement to us, especially with what we are experiencing today. Many of us don’t know where our next paycheck is going to come from. We don’t know whether stores will be stocked with food next time we go, or even whether we’ll be able to go to the store tomorrow. Our nation is facing an unprecedented time of potentially requiring every single person to stay home. There’s so much up in the air right now, it’s easy to lose hope.
But we, as Christians, have to remember that God is sovereign and He is in control. So we have nothing to freak out about.
Obviously, let’s be prepared. Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Take proper precautions. But then after that: Simply trust God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
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Millions of Americans are on edge over the Wuhan Coronavirus, subsequent economic downturn, and political responses to both that include “stay at home” mandates for many areas. Unofficial domestic terrorist group Antifa has some members promising to turn violent as a result.
Andy Ngo, Editor-at-Large for The Post Millennial, has been the tip of the spear in outing Antifa for months. He follows their moves and, perhaps more importantly, their Twitter accounts to discern their plans and expose their radical ideology. The group claims to be against fascism but has demonstrated the use of fascist tactics to promote their agenda. Now, that agenda may include turning violent:
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, some American antifa accounts are promising violence. pic.twitter.com/g2gEd69yDe
“Salish Sea Black Flag” is Jaymie Jamison aka Nicholas James Armstrong (the #AntifaTerrorist who has been Stalking, Assaulting and Harassing me for the last year).
Jaymie is an EXTREMELY Violent Individual and I have zero doubt “They” plan to Riot and use Violence Against ppl. pic.twitter.com/FhPTtu1rIG
— The Muslim Republican (@RealSaleemJuma) March 22, 2020
Though the group is generally associated with the radical left, they have turned many Democrats against them with their violent ways. Now, they’re trying to be apolitical with a contradictory push for anarchy and totalitarianism… a forced freedom, so to speak. But their primary goal seems to be to seed chaos in America through violent dissent and street-based intimidation.
This response to calls for shutdowns across the country runs counter to their calls for anarchy but aligns with the authoritarian angle. As long as it’s other people who are under the thumb of the government, they seem to be okay with it. But once the threat turns on them, they are quick to push for violence.
There is plenty to be concerned about without having to worry about Antifa antagonizing an already-delicate equilibrium in America. But as terrorist groups often do, they see the fear and discontent as opportunities for their group to advance.
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has effectively cut off access to the unalienable human right of self preservation by shutting down the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The message on the portal for the New Jersey National Instant Criminal Background Check System reads in part:
“On Saturday March 21, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced he is putting New Jersey in lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus. Per Executive Order 107, he is ordering the residents of New Jersey to stay home, directing all non-essential retail businesses closed to the public. At this time, the order includes New Jersey Firearms State Licensed Dealers. The New Jersey State Police NICS Unit is directing the vendor of the NICS Online Application (NICUSA) to turn off the NICS Online Services for submitting NICS transactions by eliminating the “Request Form” button, effective 9:00pm EST, Saturday, March 21, 2020. You will still have the ability to view the message board and the status of previously submitted transactions. This “Request Form” feature will remain off until further order by Governor Murphy.”
[Emphasis added]
Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets streamed the announcement on his channel this afternoon. Everyone should note that this kind of draconian move will only deprive the innocent of their means of self-defense.
With the additional layer of control of ‘universal’ background checks, no one aside from criminals will be able to obtain any kind of gun, empowering criminals and the government at the expense of the subjects of New Jersey.
The bottom line: This is why we reject liberty control
This is a prime example of why the pro-liberty right resists government control over liberty and private property. Instantaneously with the flip of a virtual switch, the basic human right of self-defense has been cut off for the people New Jersey at the whim of the governor.
The government has been busy releasing criminals, while at the same time depriving the innocent of a means to defend against them. The liberty grabber left often parrots frequently encountered emotional lies on ever increasing ‘common sense’ restrictions on freedom as though anyone would reject that which is couched as being ‘common sense’.
We’re in a crisis situation with law enforcement stretched to the breaking point. Everyone is their own first responder. So, while they endanger the public with one action, they are depriving the people of their means to protect themselves with another.
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If we leave Hollywood to do what it always does when it comes to virtue signaling, chances are they’ll continue to embarrass themselves. But what’s the fun in that when we have opportunities to take jabs at them regularly? A recent video of Tinseltown’s brightest led by Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot singing John Lennon’s Imagine went viral on social media. It was intended to be hopeful, which always struck me as odd considering the line that many leftists, including Gadot, love to highlight is, “Imaging there’s no heaven.”
A song that tells people to pretend religion, heaven, and our Creator are somehow bad things that should be imagined away should never be considered hopeful, but since the song’s 1971 release it has been a rallying cry for atheists around the world. Here’s the video for the record, though I don’t recommend watching it.
Actor and rare Hollywood conservative Nick Searcy came up with the perfect response to the hopeless heathens of Tinseltown. His version of Imagine is one for the ages, lambasting the left’s virtue signaling and supporting President Trump in these trying times.
— Nick Searcy, INTERNATIONAL FILM & TELEVISION STAR (@yesnicksearcy) March 23, 2020
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It should have been 100%. Every Senator on Capitol Hill should have been able to recognize the dire straits America finds itself in with the Wuhan Coronavirus causing economic havoc and putting millions of Americans at great risk. Unfortunately, it’s 2020 and partisanship supersedes the needs of the American people, at least in the eyes of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party she controls.
“We’ll see what happens,” President Donald Trump told reporters after the vote. “I think we’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated. We have to help the worker, we have to save the companies.”
It really shouldn’t be complicated at all. Democrats are using their favorite boogeyman to justify blocking the bill, claiming “corporations” are being given too much of the $2 trillion bill. What they pretend to not see is that this particular corporate bailout, which is very similar to past bailouts supported by both parties, is a much-needed infusion that will help regular Americans protect their jobs as well as their 401Ks. But Pelosi is banking on her mainstream media puppets to spin it as if the rich are being made richer by the plan. This is a bald-faced lie.
“The markets are already reacting to this outrageous nonsense,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “We’re fiddling here. We’re fiddling with the emotions of the American people, fiddling with the markets.”
The sad reality is that Democrats are well-aware this will do more damage to the economy. In fact, they’re banking on it. They are using this bill as leverage to pack in their own pet projects, most of which have absolutely nothing to do with the coronavirus or the economy. They believe they can pull the wool over the eyes of the American people through their mainstream media propaganda wing. All the while, Americans are suffering. Now is not the time for partisanship, but that’s exactly what Democrats are doing.
One source thinks D leadership decided crisis provided big opportunity to pack goodies into bill, so bipartisan process/momentum broke down. Economists believe there is no time for a partisan standoff. But here we are. D’s counting on media cover & “corporations” talking point.
There is no room for games. An economic collapse is coming. In many ways, it’s already hear. We have no idea what the long-term effects of the de facto shutdown of the economy will be because most Americans are focused on how to get through the next couple of months. Democrats have an opportunity to help unite this nation. Instead, they are willing to destroy lives for the sake of political gain.
This action must be remembered. Even when we’re starting to recover from the coronavirus, it’s imperative that Americans are aware of the political games Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats are playing right now. Mainstream media isn’t going to do it, so it’s incumbent on everyone who reads this article to share it with as many people as possible. This political maneuver cannot go unpunished.
Do NOT let mainstream media run cover for Pelosi and the Democrats. This is an unambiguously devastating move by the left that puts their political ambitions above the dire needs of the American people. This betrayal must never be forgotten.
Do NOT let mainstream media run cover for Pelosi and the Democrats.
This is an unambiguously devastating move by the left that puts their political ambitions above the dire needs of the American people.
Join fellow patriots as we form a grassroots movement to advance the cause of conservatism. We have two priorities until election day: Stopping Democrats and supporting strong conservative candidates. We currently have 7500+ patriots with us in a very short time. If you are interested, please join us to receive updates.
We often use Twitter as a way of telling a story from the perspective of regular Americans as well as social influencers. But there are times when reactions are so heinous, we decide not to even publish them. It’s not out of a need to protect idiots from their own thoughts being exposed to the masses. It’s out of a sense of integrity that some perspectives simply must not be dignified by any exposure at all.
Such is the case with the many hideous reactions to Senator Rand Paul’s announcement that he has tested positive for the Wuhan Coronavirus. It’s sad and potentially deadly news as it dignifies the first case in the upper chamber of Congress. It also means other Senators are going to self-quarantine based on exposure to an infected Senator. But above all else, it means someone has contracted a potentially deadly disease, and that’s never a circumstance that should be celebrated.
He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time. Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.
Nevertheless, there were plenty of leftists celebrating on social media. The depravity of some Americans wishing sickness and death on another American is beyond the pale. Even news that sexual predator Harvey Weinstein has tested positive shouldn’t be celebrated. Whatever one feels about the disgraced Hollywood mogul, we must remember that he’s been in contact with other people who are now at risk as a result.
Now is not the time for partisanship. We must unite as a nation to fight this crisis. It isn’t just a health scare. There are so many potential disasters that are coming from this. Economic turmoil is already happening. The opportunity for government officials to subvert our rights and seize more power both during and after the coronavirus pandemic should terrify everyone. Then, there’s the emotional toil this is taking on a nation and the whole world; things will not go back to “normal” anytime soon. Perhaps things never will. We cannot give into our basest sensibilities, nor can we make this a political play.
The partisanship at work regarding the coronavirus is disgusting. If we can’t come together to fight this common foe, we are lost as a nation.
We need protection and healing as a nation. This crisis is bigger than anything we’ve faced in modern history. Politics must be set aside. In our polarized political world, we must come together or the damage may be too great for our nation to bear.
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Just a few years ago, Harvey Weinstein was a rich and powerful member of the Hollywood elite. He made things happen in Tinseltown until it was revealed he had abused his power for decades as a sexual predator taking advantage of hungry starlets trying to make their way through the perverse movie industry.
Now, the former mogul is in jail and has just learned more bad news about his fate. He has tested positive for the Wuhan Coronavirus and has been quarantined, according to Breitbart News.
The Hollywood trade publication reported Sunday that “an Empire State law enforcement official” confirmed to them that Weinstein tested positive for the Chinese virus mere days after being transferred to the Wende Correctional Facility from Rikers Island in New York City.
The convicted rapist was sentenced to 23 years in prison earlier this month following his conviction on two sex charges.
Wende Correctional Facility is used to screen inmates prior to being transferred to their long-term homes at another federal prison. It was during his health screening that Weinstein’s condition was discovered. He is the second inmate to have contracted the disease, though it is believed he was infected prior to being taken to the facility.
Reactions on social media were just as one would expect with talk of karma and unwell-wishes. But a point was made by several who are wondering why a convicted racist was tested and is being treated when there are many law-abiding citizens who are symptomatic but unable to receive either.
Harvey Weinstein tests positive for Coronavirus.
I have a friend who’s pregnant & has symptoms. She tested negative for Flu & Strep but can’t get a test for coronavirus
BUT HARVEY WEINSTEIN GOT A TEST?!?
They should have isolated him but why waste a precious test on him?!?https://t.co/VVIRMmke2u
Harvey Weinstein has coronavirus. Some people are saying this is “karma.” Well if this global pandemic is just karma’s way of getting Harvey Weinstein, I’d like to suggest that karma take a more surgical approach to these matters in the future.
Few if any will be sympathetic for the sexual predator. Some will even be upset that justice is not being served if Harvey Weinstein is isolated for an extended period of time or succumbs to the illness before serving his sentence.
American Conservative Movement
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There’s a subculture surrounding crossword puzzles that is so large, so passionate, many Americans would be shocked at how intense it is. It also happens to be one of the most diverse; doing crosswords is a pastime that is popular with all generations, races, and sexual preferences.
But that’s not enough to the left. There’s one area of the crossword puzzle world that is still too dominated by old Caucasian males: Editors. And within this subculture there is a push by many to expand not only the number of young, non-Caucasian, non-males contributing and editing crosswords to major publications across the country. Why? Because wherever diversity is low and an industry is dominated by old Caucasian males, the left sees reason to change it.
Parity only works in one direction, though. You don’t see protests calling for more Caucasian bossa nova performers or demands for the NBA to have more players of Asian descent. In fact, Caucasians performing bossa nova would like be accused of cultural appropriation rather than celebrated for adding to diversity. That’s the nature of Cultural Marxism; things that are generally dominated by Caucasians and/or males are open for calls to parity while anything dominating by other groups are off-limits to white men.
An article in The Atlantic did an uncanny job of proving the point they weren’t trying to make while somehow highlighting it all in leftist outrage. The article titled The Hidden Bigotry of Crosswords made the case that there is already much more diversity in the industry than there was just a few years ago, yet still made the case that the diversification had not gone far enough. The author is clearly well-versed in the subculture and an active participant. The article notes how attempts to infuse cultural diversity have been making strides, yet it was all still framed as “hidden bigotry.”
Therein lies the problem with virtue-signalling against an industry. It is never enough. Unless and until old Caucasian men are no longer the dominant demographic among crossword puzzle editors, the longstanding and proud subculture will not be anything other than bigoted at the top as far as the left is concerned. This highlights a reality of modern progressivism. They aren’t looking for equality. They’re looking for dominance. They aren’t trying to be representative. They’re trying to swing the pendulum as far in the other direction as possible.
Bigotry is present in literally every aspect of life in the eyes of many on the left. Sadly, they don’t see the bigotry they promote with their attempts to diversify. They want everything to be a safe space for everyone other than old straight Caucasian males.
American Conservative Movement
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AMERICAN SPECTATOR
NBC
From NBC’s Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Carrie Dann and Melissa Holzberg
FIRST READ: Americans’ faith in our institutions is dismal. It’ll probably make recovery from a crisis even harder.
As the country grappled with the new realities of the coronavirus crisis over the weekend, the headlines probably weren’t all that reassuring for Americans looking for relief from Washington.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images
The Senate failed to pass a massive stimulus bill as Republicans and Democrats warred about whether the legislation favored corporations over regular workers…. The Washington Post reported that U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing urgent warnings about the virus’s impact in January and February, even as the White House was playing down the threat…. Governors and mayors continued to speak out about what many see as an inadequate federal response, as medical professionals pleaded for more protective equipment…. And Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul became the first U.S. senator to test positive for the virus — but took heat for going to the Senate gym while awaiting his test results.
It’s all raising real questions about whether Washington can meet this moment.
And it’s a reminder that Americans’ faith in their government – and the other institutions that frame our society – has already been eroding.
That’s been consistently tracked by Gallup, which has asked Americans about their confidence in the country’s major institutions since the 1970s.
As of last year, less than half of Americans said they had a great deal or a lot of faith in the presidency (38 percent), the Supreme Court (38 percent), Congress (11 percent), big business (23 percent), newspapers (23 percent), TV news (18 percent), organized religion (36 percent), and banks (30 percent.)
What’s more, confidence in each of those institutions is significantly down since 2001 – perhaps the last time that the country faced a moment that called so urgently for national unity.
In moments of national emergency, political leaders ask for collective sacrifice, unity and trust. But how does that go when trust in them is already so low?
And what does that mean for the ability of our democracy to keep functioning normally, from the Census to the 2020 election?
The latest on the stimulus negotiations on Capitol Hill
Negotiators have been working through the night after the Senate failed to move the next massive phase of coronavirus relief forward late yesterday.
That vote, which needed 60 backers to succeed, failed 47-47 — with all Democrats united in opposition. Democrats have argued that the stimulus package didn’t contain enough help for workers and offered too little oversight of bailout money for big business.
According to our Hill team, a visibly angry Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell originally tried to set another vote for this morning at 9:45am ET, shortly after markets open, in an attempt to put additional pressure on Democrats to either advance the stimulus package or risk taking blame for another stock plunge.
But after objections from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the Senate now won’t gavel in until noon ET, with a potential re-vote after that.
However, there’s still the chance of a breakthrough. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Schumer spoke twice last night around midnight, per our Hill team – and they’re set to meet again at 9am ET this morning.
If a deal is reached, there won’t be the need for the procedural re-vote in the early afternoon.
Fauci on Trump: “I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down”
Don’t miss this candid interview with Anthony Fauci in Science – when the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases voiced what sure sounded like frustration with the president’s public statements about the coronavirus.
Here are some of the key excerpts:
Q: You’ve been in press conferences where things are happening that you disagree with, is that fair to say?
A: Well, I don’t disagree in the substance. It is expressed in a way that I would not express it, because it could lead to some misunderstanding about what the facts are about a given subject.
And
Q: Most everyone thinks that you’re doing a remarkable job, but you’re standing there as the representative of truth and facts but things are being said that aren’t true and aren’t factual.
A: The way it happened is that after he made that statement [suggesting China could have revealed the discovery of a new coronavirus three to four months earlier], I told the appropriate people, it doesn’t comport, because two or three months earlier would have been September. The next time they sit down with him and talk about what he’s going to say, they will say, by the way, Mr. President, be careful about this and don’t say that. But I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push him down. OK, he said it. Let’s try and get it corrected for the next time.
And
Q. You stood nearby while President Trump was in the Rose Garden shaking hands with people. You’re a doctor. You must have had a reaction like, Sir, please don’t do that.
A: Yes, I say that to the task force. I say that to the staff. We should not be doing that. Not only that–we should be physically separating a bit more on those press conferences. To his credit, the Vice President [Mike Pence] is really pushing for physical separation of the task force [during meetings]. … The situation on stage [for the press briefings] is a bit more problematic. I keep saying, is there any way we can get a virtual press conference. Thus far, no. But when you’re dealing with the White House, sometimes you have to say things 1,2,3,4 times, and then it happens. So I’m going to keep pushing.
And
Q: You have not said China virus.
A: Ever.
Q. And you never will, will you?
A: No.
DATA DOWNLOAD: The numbers you need to know today
34,943: The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States, per the most recent data from NBC News and health officials. (That’s 21,928 more than Friday morning.)
446: The number of deaths in the United States from the virus so far. (That’s 261 more than Friday morning).
About 239,000: The number of coronavirus TESTS that have been administered in the United States so far, according to researchers at The COVID Tracking Project. (That’s about 127,000 more than Friday morning.)
Nearly 54 million: That’s the number of American children who are no longer able to go to school due to closures during the crisis.
TWEET OF THE DAY: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2020 VISION: Digging into the FEC reports
Amid the coronavirus news, Friday night’s FEC deadline didn’t generate the headlines it would under normal circumstances. But NBC’s Ben Kamisar did a deep dive over the weekend.
Here are the three big things we learned from the new filings:
1. Bloomberg’s (almost) billion
As we get closer to discovering the true price of Michael Bloomberg’s failed presidential bid (he’ll have to file one more FEC report in April), the numbers we do know keep getting more astronomical.
Bloomberg’s campaign spent a total of $875.4 million through February ($466.6 million of that spent in February ALONE), and he seeded his campaign with even more money that hadn’t been spent yet through the end of that month.
Bloomberg won a total of just 51 pledged delegates out of a total of almost 4,000 up for grabs in the Democratic nominating contest.
2. The Warren mystery donor revealed
Once an anti-super PAC evangelist, Elizabeth Warren’s decision to tacitly welcome support from a super PAC (she argued she didn’t want to be at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the field) drew some big headlines. And since the support for that group (Persist PAC) coalesced so quickly, it did not have to disclose its donors until Warren had already dropped out.
Now, we know the source of virtually all the money that Persist PAC spent: Karla Jurvetson, a Silicon Valley megadonor who contributed $14.6 million of the $15.1 million Persist PAC raised.
3. Biden, Sanders ended February in strong financial shape
We’ve known for years that Bernie Sanders built a financial juggernaut, one that has the power to sustain him as long as he wants to run (and one from which he can raise big money for coronavirus research). After raising a massive $47.7 million in February, Sanders stormed into March with almost $18.7 million banked away.
But while Joe Biden’s fundraising lagged behind many of his rivals over the past year, he ended February in strong financial shape (and he likely only got stronger as he’s grown his significant delegate lead over Sanders). Despite ratcheting up the spending in February, Biden raised $5 million more than he spent that month. That wasn’t the case in January or the last six months of 2019, when Biden spent more than he raised.
Also: On the final day of the month — which was also the day of his game-changing win in the South Carolina primary — Biden raised 28 percent of his itemized total receipts (from donors totaling more than $200) — almost $3 million.
THE LID: Not out of proportion
Don’t miss the pod from Friday, when we looked at why the proportional allocation of delegates will make it difficult for Bernie Sanders to catch Joe Biden.
Remembering Larry Edgeworth
Here at NBC News, we lost a member of the NBC family to the coronavirus last week. Larry Edgeworth, a sound engineer who worked at the network for more than 25 years, passed away on Thursday from complications after testing positive for Covid-19.
As one of us said yesterday, “He was known as a kind, generous man and a true professional. It’s a reminder that behind these statistics are real people.”
We’re keeping Larry’s family in our thoughts and sending our condolences to them and every family who has lost a loved one during this crisis.
Congress failed to agree on a multi-trillion dollar bailout bill to provide relief to American workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, nearly a third of Americans are ordered to stay home. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.
Watch Video +
Senate fails to reach deal on coronavirus stimulus package
Watch Video +
Doctors and nurses fear going to work without protective equipment
Watch Video +
Pandemic has businesses and hourly workers on edge: “I’m scared”
Read Story +
U.S. surgeon general on federal government’s efforts to distribute medical supplies
Watch Video +
Coronavirus scams claim to offer vaccines, treatment and testing
The rush to impose sweeping restrictions on public and commercial life across the entire economy should be more carefully evaluated.
By Heather Mac Donald Spectator USA
March 22, 2020
To follow our continuous coverage by City Journal writers on the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on New York, the United States, and the world, click here.
With a limited supply of personnel, New York City’s hospitals may soon face a deluge of Covid-19 patients; a simple reform could help.
By Seth Barron City Journal Online
March 20, 2020
“[While] the federal government can effectively print money to finance deficit spending on huge stimulus and bailout packages, our state and local budgets must be balanced. It’s painfully obvious that all those budgets will have to be cut, and by a lot.”
By E.J. McMahon New York Post
March 21, 2020
Seth Barron and Nicole Gelinas discuss the coronavirus outbreak in New York City, the drastic measures being taken to control its spread, and the consequences of an economic slowdown for the city and state budget, the MTA, and New York residents.
“We need to be aggressive in delivering financial relief as quickly as possible. But there is a much easier way to provide relief that will prove more effective at getting help to those who need it: send cash and let borrowers continue to pay their loans.”
By Beth Akers Economics21
March 20, 2020
Criminal-justice activists are narrowing the bounds of academic inquiry.
By Rafael A. Mangual City Journal Online
March 21, 2020
Manhattan Institute is a think tank whose mission is to develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility.
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REALCLEARPOLITICS
03/23/2020
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Carl Cannon’s Morning Note
Podium Pitfalls; Biden and Young Voters; Shilts’ Shining Example
By Carl M. Cannon on Mar 23, 2020 08:27 am
Good morning. It’s Monday, March 23, 2020. Thirty-seven years ago today, the San Francisco Chronicle ran a bracing story based on a study done by two local medical researchers, Dr. Andrew R. Moss of San Francisco General Hospital and Dr. Michael Gorman of the UC-San Francisco. The report concluded that one out of 333 single men over the age of 15 in the city’s Castro district had been diagnosed with AIDS. Factoring out heterosexual men and the long delay in reporting diagnoses of the then-fatal virus suggested that 1 in 100 gay men in that area already had the disease and that a person having 20 sexual partners in a year — not unusual at that time in the Castro — stood a 1-in-10 chance of have sex with a man already afflicted with AIDS.
The odds shot up astronomically when researchers considered the larger numbers of infected but asymptomatic men. The author of that piece, and of the influential book that followed four years later, was Randy Shilts. I met Randy while I worked at the San Jose Mercury News and followed his work, as did everyone in the Bay Area. He had his critics, and still does, but judging the body of his work is not difficult for me: Randy was a damned fine reporter. His work enlightened readers — even those who resisted the facts he unearthed — and it saved lives.
The current pandemic has me thinking about journalism at the dawn of the AIDS crisis, which I’ll discuss at length in a moment. First I’d point you to RealClearPolitics’ front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion pieces spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters and contributors, including the following:
* * *
At the Podium, Trump Campaigns … for Joe Biden. A.B. Stoddard writes that the 2020 race may seem to be on hold amid the COVID-19 crisis, but that the president is gift-wrapping quotes for his opponent to use in attack ads.
Think Joe Biden Has a Young Voter Problem? Think Again. Bill Scher breaks down polling data showing that the presumptive nominee’s supposed vulnerability has been overstated.
Trump’s Faith-Based Pivot: Anti-Viral Rx Would Be “Gift From God.” Phil Wegmann explores the president’s uncharacteristic heavenly petition over the weekend.
‘Woke’ Capitalism and the Impact of Coronavirus. In a follow-up to last month’s look at the latest survey from RealClear Opinion Research, I consider how the crisis will affect U.S. consumers’ purchasing habits.
Trump Passes Up Chance to Even Score With Burr. The president didn’t mention the senator’s stock-sale problem at a press briefing, to the surprise of many, Phil reports.
If You’re Mad at Burr, You’re Missing the Point. John Tamny argues that the outraged are yelling at symptoms, not problems.
RCP Takeaway Podcast. The latest discussion with Andy Walworth, Tom Bevan, A.B. Stoddard and myself can be heard here.
Going Viral: The Daily News Takes a Back Seat. Frank Miele reflects on the examples of “human cussedness” overshadowed, or even overlooked, by the 24/7 coverage of COVID-19.
Cut Politicians’ Pay Amid Coronavirus Shutdown. Brian Wesbury argues that since our leaders are ordering steps that harm the economy, they should share in the resulting hardship.
Come Home, America. We’re at War. In RealClearPolicy, Richard M. Reinsch II warns that the COVID-19 aftermath could cause principles of a free and responsible society to recede.
Three Takeaways From a New Coronavirus Study. Ross Pomeroy has the details in RealClearScience.
Helen Prejean Hails the U.N.’s Anti-Death Penalty Stance. The Women’s History Month series continue with this 1998 speech by the famed opponent of capital punishment.
* * *
Born in Davenport, Iowa, and raised in Aurora, Ill., Randy Martin Shilts hitchhiked his way out of the Midwest to the West Coast after high school. He attended Portland Community College where he came out as gay, an experience he likened to an epiphany, which he later described this way: “I am right and society is wrong.”
He was talking explicitly about the prevailing view that there was something wrong with homosexuals. Shilts was arguing — and this is a widely accepted view today even among most social conservatives — that there is something wrong with a society that doesn’t accept people as they are. It was a line that also foreshadowed Shilts’ doggedness as a reporter. He trained for that calling at the University of Oregon, where he majored in journalism while getting straight A’s, becoming managing editor of the school newspaper, and running for student body president. He didn’t win that election, but he ended up serving in the student Senate after campaigning on the catchy slogan “Come Out for Shilts.”
Although he graduated at the top of his class, no job offers materialized from mainstream news outlets. Shilts moved to San Francisco, where he supported himself by freelancing, mostly for The Advocate. After being resold and re-staffed, the gay magazine had relocated from Los Angeles to the Bay Area. On this date in 1977, the editors announced that they had hired Shilts to report full time on the gay community, while pointedly mentioning that no other West Coast news outlet was doing the same. From there, Shilts went to KQED-TV before landing at the San Francisco Chronicle in mid-1981. Although lacking the experience that would normally have qualified him for a job at the Chron, he worked like hell, had an infectious personality, and was a gay man in an increasingly gay city — one with no other openly gay reporters. It turned out to be a perfect fit at a time when the gay community in general, and San Francisco in particular, was starting to feel the effects of a health crisis that would become a deadly plague.
The first acknowledgment in any publication of the as-yet-unnamed disease came on May 18, 1981, in The New York Native, a gay-themed newspaper. Written by a gay physician named Larry D. Mass, the piece quoted Centers for Disease Control officials minimizing the scare. It was headlined “Disease Rumors Largely Unfounded.”
Mass’ story was carefully worded to the point that the caveat “largely” in the headline almost seems in hindsight like an inadvertent tipoff. Something was happening that was compromising the health of gay men, but nobody was sure what it was. Mass’ had dutifully called his sources at CDC, but even as he was writing that story, the earth was shifting.
In late April, New York University dermatologist and virologist Alvin Friedman-Kien had discovered an outbreak among young gay men of an extremely rare cancer called Kaposi sarcoma. He called an old friend, fellow dermatologist Marcus Conant, who had a private practice in San Francisco. The following morning, at a monthly conference for doctors based at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, Conant asked if anyone had come across Kaposi sarcoma. “I’ve got a case of KS in a gay man over at St. Francisco Hospital right now,” replied a doctor named Jim Groundwater.
That patient was a 37-year-old former ballet dancer named Ken Horne. “My life is falling apart,” Horne had lamented to his doctor. But Groundwater didn’t know how to cure him. No one in the world’s medical community even knew what the affliction truly was.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, Michael S. Gottlieb, a UCLA professor of immunology, had come across of cluster of patients with alarming symptoms. Not just KS, but also fluctuating fevers, weight loss, low white blood cells, fungus infections, and lungs filled with an exceedingly rare protozoa called pneumocystis. Three such patients were admitted by Gottlieb to UCLA’s hospital. It was as if their immune systems had cratered, leaving them vulnerable to infections from microscopic invaders these doctors had only seen before in textbooks.
After one of the three patients died on May 3, 1981, Gottlieb feared something big — and quite terrible — was happening. He called the New England Journal of Medicine and told an editor there that he thought something worse than Legionnaire’s Disease was on the loose. He was told that the fastest the journal could go public with such news was three months, so the editor suggested he consider publishing in the CDC’s weekly newsletter, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The MMWR wasn’t as prestigious, but it was widely read — and it had a very short lead time. And Gottlieb knew a CDC infectious disease expert stationed in Los Angeles, a doctor named Wayne Shandera.
Gottlieb called Shandera and suggested he ask around. Immediately, Shandera found a patient with similar symptoms and a similar profile at a hospital in Santa Monica. On Sunday, May 17, while Larry Mass’ reassuring story was preparing to go to print, Gottlieb and Shandera were collaborating on the first official warning that a new sexually transmitted disease was capable of triggering a new type of lethal pneumonia.
Their MMWR article appeared on Friday, June 5, 1981. The following day, the San Francisco Chronicle ran the first story in the media confirming the existence of what would ultimately be called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (and later HIV). The unbylined story, which ran on Page 4, wasn’t written by Randy Shilts — he wouldn’t join the newspaper until the summer — it was written by legendary Chronicle science writer David Perlman. It began this way: “A mysterious outbreak of a sometimes fatal pneumonia among gay men has occurred in San Francisco and several other major cities, it was revealed yesterday.”
On July 3, the New York Times ran a piece by medical writer Lawrence Altman, a former CDC doctor himself, headlined “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals.” That story also ran inside the paper. On July 27, Larry Mass returned to the topic in a front page piece in the Native, but it seemed to many on the front lines that the country was putting politics ahead of health.
Gay activists in San Francisco fought closing the city’s bathhouses. Christian conservatives brayed on about God’s wrath. Most politicians hesitated talking about it publicly. With the exception of Shilts and a few others, the press didn’t distinguish itself, either. In his book, “And the Band Played On,” Randy Shilts contrasted how the federal government and the media roused themselves to immediate action after seven Americans were killed by someone who tampered with Tylenol in Chicago area stores.
“The crisis showed how the government could spring into action, issue warnings, change regulations and spend money, lost of money, when they thought the lives of Americans were at stake,” Shilts wrote. “By comparison, 634 Americans had been stricken by AIDS by October 5, 1982. Of these 260 were dead. There was no rush to spend money, mobilize public health officials, or issue regulations that might save lives.”
California Congressman Henry Waxman agreed with this critique while fighting for more federal money for treatment and research. “There is no doubt in my mind,” Waxman said at the time, “that if the same disease had appeared among Americans of Norwegian descent, or among tennis players, rather than among gay males, the responses of the government and the medical community would have been different.”
It wasn’t clear to me at the time what tennis players or Norwegians had do to with anything, but I wondered why the elite media weren’t more on the job. (The Village Voice actually attacked Dr. Altman for his July 3 piece in the Times.) Randy focused on that, too.
“The institution that is supposed to be the public’s watchdog, the news media, had gasped a collective yawn over the story of dead and dying homosexuals,” he wrote. “In New York City, where half the AIDS cases resided, The New York Times had written only three stories about the epidemic in 1981 and three more stories in all of 1982. None made the front page. Indeed, one could have lived in New York, or in most of the United States for that matter, and not even have been aware from the daily newspapers that an epidemic was happening, even while government doctors themselves were predicting that the scourge would wipe out the lives of tens of thousands.”
In the end, AIDS killed a lot more people than that. The World Health Organization estimates that since 1981, AIDS has claimed 32 million lives, including 700,000 Americans. One of them was Randy Shilts, who died in 1994 while putting the finishing touches on “Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military.”
It was a definitive work published just as President Clinton was fashioning his “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise. America has moved beyond that now, but Randy’s last book had a message that remains relevant. It’s an essential lesson, really, if we want to come through this current pandemic with our society intact. What Randy found in his research was that during wartime, those engaged in combat don’t much care about the sexual orientation of their comrades. They care who will fight, who is resourceful, who is cooperative, who is brave.
The troops in the trenches know they are in this together. Kind of like how Americans are today, as we face our own pandemic, and our own demons.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In light of the worldwide coronavirus crisis, U.S. policymakers and media outlets are finally taking to heart warnings about America’s dangerous dependence on China for medicines that Committee on the Present Danger: China (CPDC) member Rosemary Gibson has been sounding for two years. In the course of a powerful “Virtual Threat Briefing” about coronavirus-2019 sponsored by the Committee yesterday, the co-author of China Rx: Exposing the Risks of America’s Dependence on China for Medicine explained how the Chinese Communist Party has used predatory trade practices and has exploited the single-minded focus of American pharmaceutical manufacturers on short-term profits to cause the “collapse” of our indigenous production of generic drugs and the active ingredients for most prescription medications.
Fred Fleitz, the president of the Center for Security Policy, told Newsmax TV on Thursday that the U.S. must make “some very serious demands on China” regarding the spread of the coronavirus and future trade between the two countries.
The Chinese Communist Party is doubling down on its effort to deflect blame for the global pandemic that began in Wuhan late last year. The CCP has immense resources for planting and disseminating falsehoods like the charge that the virus actually was brought there by US Army personnel participating in military games in that city in October.
Unfortunately, China’s Communists can count on American partisans to help them amplify their propaganda. Take, for example, New York Timescolumnist Paul Krugman who recently dubbed the so-called COVID-19 outbreak the “Trump Pandemic.”
The Communists in China and their friends aren’t just lying about the provenance of this virus. They’re concealing its current status in China. For example, the Party insists not one member of its military has been infected. Really?
A new moniker is making the rounds: “The CCP Virus.”
Works for me.
This is Frank Gaffney.
BEN WEINGARTEN, Founder and CEO of ChangeUp Media LLC, Senior Contributor at The Federalist, Senior Fellow at the London Center for Policy Research:
Ilhan Omar’s surprising praise of President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus
Legislation the Democrats have been trying to push during the coronavirus pandemic
A very good friend of mine told me a story the other day that should have stunned me, but knowing the times in which we live … it didn’t. My friend is conservative, in the mainstream sense of that word. He’s like millions of other Americans – not a big… CONTINUE Read More »
Bernard Goldberg, the television news reporter and author of Bias, a New York Times number one bestseller about how the media distort the news, is widely seen as one of the most original writers and thinkers in broadcast journalism. He has covered stories all over the world for CBS News and has won 13 Emmy awards for excellence in journalism. He won six Emmys at CBS, and seven at HBO, where he now reports for the widely acclaimed broadcast Real Sports. [Read More…]
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On today’s menu: a day-by-day, month-by-month breakdown of China’s coronavirus coverup and the irreparable damage it has caused around the globe.
The Timeline of a Viral Ticking Time Bomb
The story of the coronavirus pandemic is still being written. But at this early date, we can see all kinds of moments where different decisions could have lessened the severity of the outbreak we are currently enduring. You have probably heard variations of, “Chinese authorities denied that the virus could be transferred from human to human until it was too late.” What you have probably not heard is how emphatically, loudly, and repeatedly the Chinese government insisted human transmission was impossible, long after doctors in Wuhan had concluded human transmission was ongoing — and how the World Health Organization assented to that conclusion, despite the suspicions of other outside health experts.
The U.S. government’s response to this threat was clearly not nearly enough, and not enacted anywhere near quickly enough. Most European governments weren’t prepared either. Few governments around the world were or are prepared for the scale of the … READ MORE
“Makes an original and compelling case for nationalism . . . A fascinating, erudite—and much-needed—defense of a hallowed idea unfairly under current attack.” — Victor Davis Hanson
BIDEN: Former Vice President Joe Biden, speaking at a tele-fundraiser, said he would start the vice presidential vetting process “in a matter of weeks.” Biden: “I think there will be a group that is in excess of six or seven people that I look at … They have to be prepared … once I pick someone, God willing if I’m the nominee, that there’s not going to be any SNAFU.” (release) The American Federation of Teachers endorsed Biden. (release)
TEXAS: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has “postponed the May 26 primary runoff election to July 14, citing concerns about the coronavirus,” his office announced Friday. The decision will prolong the Senate runoff between 2018 TX-31 nominee MJ Hegar (D) and state Sen. Royce West (D), as well as House runoffs between lobbyist Josh Winegarner (R) and former White House doctor Ronny Jackson (R) in TX-13; former Rep. Pete Sessions (R) and businesswoman Renee Swann (R) in TX-17; 2018 TX-02 candidate Kathaleen Wall (R) and Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls (R) in TX-22; Navy veteran Tony Gonzales (R) and Air Force veteran Raul Reyes (R) in TX-23; and Air Force veteran Kim Olson (D) and Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District board member Candace Valenzuela (D) in TX-24. (Dallas Morning News)
BATTLE FOR THE SENATE: The NRSC outraised the DSCC in February, bringing in $11.2 million while the DSCC raised $8.9 million. The NRSC spent $6 million and ended the period with $30.4 million on hand. The DSCC spent $8.7 million and held $20 million on hand. (FEC/FEC)
RACE FOR THE HOUSE: The DCCC outraised the NRCC in February, $17.1 million to $15.1 million. In January, the NRCC outraised the DCCC for the first time this cycle, $12.6 million to $12.1 million. The DCCC spent $6.7 million last month and has $72.5 million cash on hand, while the NRCC spent $6.8 million and reported $45 million cash on hand. (FEC/FEC)
FUNDRAISING: The RNC raised $26.2 million in February, spending $25.4 million, and entered March with $76.8 million cash on hand. (FEC) On Friday, the DNC reported raising $12 million, spending $7.8 million, and entered March with $14.1 million on hand. (FEC)
KY SEN: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s campaign launched its first TV buy of 2020, releasing a spot that claims 2018 KY-06 nominee Amy McGrath (D) is using the pandemic for political gain. McGrath “started by attacking” McConnell “for leaving Washington on March 12 to attend a ceremonial event in Louisville” instead of addressing the coronavirus pandemic, keeping up a steady barrage of radio and TV ads. (Louisville Courier-Journal)
UT-04: Rep. Ben McAdams (D) was admitted to a Utah hospital on Friday for complications from coronavirus. McAdams, 45, tested positive for the virus last week and hoped to be released from the hospital “soon” after he was taken off oxygen treatment Sunday night. (release)
MT GOV: Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-AL) expanded his lead in fundraising, surpassing $2 million for the cycle. He raised “$390,000 from donors” in the first quarter of 2020 and coupled that with a $500,000 personal loan, bringing “his total for the campaign to nearly $2.3 million.” State Attorney General Tim Fox (R) reported raising about $680,000 in total, “including $113,500 this year.” State Sen. Al Olszewski (R) “has raised $270,500, including $41,500 this year—although almost half his money has come from his own pocket.” On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney (D) and businesswoman Whitney Williams (D) “are pretty much even in the fundraising chase: Cooney has taken in $697,000, including $245,000 so far this year, and Williams has a total of $671,000, including $186,000 this year.” (KTVH)
Even as it seems increasingly unlikely he’ll win the nomination, Bernie Sanders’ pre-established digital infrastructure is serving him well. With so many people stuck inside, his Facebook Live videos over the past week have earned about one million views on average, compared to half that for the first half of March. That spike has extended to Twitch, where his coronavirus “fireside chat” earned the highest peak viewership of all his streams; a conversation about the epidemic last night featuring Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib was third by that metric. As the content of the livestreams has shifted from campaign rallies to crisis-response, more people are tuning in than ever. — Mini Racker
Fresh Brewed Buzz
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA 11), “who has been hospitalized with pneumonia after fracturing a rib in a running accident, is in critical condition” after being downgraded from serious but stable condition. (Bay Area News Group)
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) “tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and is being quarantined, his office announced Sunday.” (USA Today)
“Larry Rasky, a longtime confidant of … Biden and chairman and chief executive of Boston-based public relations firm Rasky Partners, died Sunday morning.” Rasky was treasurer of Unite the Country PAC. (Boston Globe)
Georgia state Sen. Nikema Williams (D), who also chairs the state Democratic Party, “posted on Facebook that she tested positive for COVID-19 … At least one member came to the Capitol while symptomatic, now the legislature is in self-quarantine.” (GPB)
In Arkansas, “voters will begin going to the polls Tuesday to cast early votes in the state’s primary runoffs. The situation is unprecedented. The Arkansas Constitution provides no mechanism for postponing the election, which is taking place during a pandemic that has infected … 118 in Arkansas.” (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund “now brims with more than $361.3 million that neither” President Trump “nor … Biden has any designs on using. Could Congress raid the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and direct it to people most in need of COVID-19 relief? Yes … although such action would require Congress to change federal law.” (Center For Public Integrity)
With Trump and Speaker Nancy Pelosi “barely on speaking terms” … Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin “and Pelosi’s relationship is central to staving off economic collapse. … Their conversations last week led to an agreement … meant to blunt the virus’s impact. That deal took work: One day, the former Goldman Sachs executive and the avatar of San Francisco liberalism spoke 20 times.” (The Atlantic)
“The White House Correspondents’ Association announced Sunday that they will postpone the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner amid the novel coronavirus outbreak,” which was originally scheduled for April 25. (CNN)
Former First Lady of Rhode Island, Virginia Coates Chafee, died on Saturday of natural causes at age 93. (Providence Journal)
Rooster’s Crow
The House is in at 11:30 a.m. for a pro forma session. The Senate is in at noon.
Trump has no public events.
Swizzle Challenge
Thomas Jefferson was the country’s first-known speleologist.
No one won Friday’s challenge. Here’s our challenge: who was the first president to attend a baseball game?
No man is indispensable. Hard to replace in the short term? Perhaps. But in wartime undermining the commander-in-chief to the media can be a firing… Read more…
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reportedly promotes what China wants him to promote. At the Illustrated Primer website, Yaacov… Read more…
US liberals and the WHO have been crying about how racist the US and Trump are for calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Coronavirus” or “Wuhan Flu.” Well… Read more…
On Sunday night President Donald Trump posted this tweet: President Trump: WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END… Read more…
Fore! Back in 2009 when the Swine Flu – H1N1 influenza was sweeping across the country Obama went golfing. Funny how the media never brings… Read more…
You don’t see this much honesty in The New York Times these days… The New York Times butchered Democrats for blocking the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus… Read more…
Good news — if you live in Wuhan. If you live anywhere else, you’re screwed. The Chinese government lifted the lockdown in Wuhan this weekend…. Read more…
Ben McAdams Twitter avatar Democrat Rep Ben McAdams (UT) announced last week that he tested positive for the Coronavirus after he returned to Utah from… Read more…
Mitch McConnell Senate Democrats on Sunday blocked phase 3 of the Coronavirus economic stimulus bill. 60 votes were needed for this bill. All Democrats, and… Read more…
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@DaybreakInsider
Negotiations on an economic stimulus measure that had hit about $1.8 trillion by Sunday — and probably climbing — were set to continue Monday morning, top Senate and White officials said late Sunday night. Read More…
Despite congressional leaders’ position that Congress does not need to consider remote voting in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the diagnosis of Sen. Rand Paul with COVID-19 has kept the topic alive at the highest levels — including at the White House. Read More…
Sen. Rand Paul is under quarantine after testing positive for the new coronavirus but is “feeling fine,” the Kentucky Republican’s office announced Sunday on Twitter. Read More…
The second-largest nurses’ union called Friday for more emergency supplies and COVID-19 tests, as health care providers continue to express concerns about their ability to provide care on the front lines. Read More…
California Democratic Rep. Mark DeSaulnier is in critical condition after being hospitalized for pneumonia, his office announced Saturday. DeSaulnier was admitted to the hospital earlier this week due to complications of pneumonia from a rib fracture, which he suffered after falling during a run. Read More…
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday he would push back the state’s primary runoffs from May 26 until July 14, joining a growing number of states postponing elections due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read More…
The Census Bureau announced Friday it will push back many of its efforts connected to the 2020 census and dip into a $2 billion contingency fund to keep the count on track after being diverted by the coronavirus pandemic. Read More…
Heard on the Hill caught up with Rep. Stephanie Murphy, an avid runner who has been self-quarantining after coming into contact with a fellow member of Congress who was diagnosed with COVID-19. Read More…
Lionel
The bill is Congress’ third effort to blunt the economic toll.
“To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the wildfires continued.”
“I’ll be joining the millions of Americans who are self-isolating.”
“In the end, based on circumstances in China, it probably wouldn’t have had made a big difference.”
“Cancellation is not on the agenda.”
“We are now at a new stage.”
March 23 2020
On today’s menu: a day-by-day, month-by-month breakdown of China’s coronavirus coverup and the irreparable damage it has caused around the globe.
“Makes an original and compelling case for nationalism . . . A fascinating, erudite—and much-needed—defense of a hallowed idea unfairly under current attack.” — Victor Davis Hanson
Episode 197: Shutdowns and Shut-Ins 
Why Florida May Become… 
19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 10036, USA
