Woke up this morning hoping to read that Donald Trump had resigned..
No such luck, but hope springs eternal, and today is another day to hope.
18
Why wasn't this National Emergency declared Thursday instead of Friday together with the travel ban? How much money was lost in that 10% stock market meltdown? An extra day for hospitals and States to organize testing, prevention and care for the infected sick? Looks to me that new management is required.
8
You mean the Trumpvirus.
You see, Republicans called the Affordable Care Act "Obamacare," despite the fact that it was created by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation in 1989, and first implemented at the state level by Republican governor Mitt Romney.
Since they love playing games so much with names, COVID-19 will hereby be known as DONVID-19 or Trumpvirus.
25
Love how Pelosi and AOC made Trump fold.
5
Maybe Trump could get Theranos to provide Coronavirus testkits.
11
“No,” he replied, “I don’t take responsibility at all”.
-Donald J. Trump 3/13/2020
14
Pelosi - the only adult in the room! Thank God!
9
The republicans are fixing to murder the poor to seize absolute power and name trump dictator for life.
2
And where is Mitch McConnell in all this??? That coward. Just keep his head down. Party of trump.
8
The so despicable, corrupt, inept, president America ever had!
Are you going to vote him in again?
9
Wait...THREE GOP senators self-quarantine. Quick - call for a vote! Impeachment? Incompetence? Irresponsible?
4
Invoke the 25th Nancy! Get these people out of there before more people die.
5
There are three groups that thrive on hysteria and panic. Politicians, the media and market traders. Coronavirus has been with us for decades, the cause of flu and the common cold. This version, COVID19, is a permutation but still has the same footprint. Fever, aches and mostly respiratory problems. The worst cases are in Italy and China. Both have twice the smokers and more pollution than the U.S. In China, lung cancer is at epidemic levels. Little wonder why a respiratory disease is so devastating to them and not to countries with lesser respiratory problems. Wash your hands and don't touch your face are helpful. But, don't smoke! That's more the culprit than anything. If you don't smoke and don't have other compromising medical issues, your chance of severe sickness from COVID19 is the same as influenza. But, the politicians, media and traders don't want to hear facts like that!
3
Influenza is not a coronavirus, and this is a novel coronavirus that is deadly.
9
So was Trump wrong in declaring national emergency?
5
So you have it all figured out and the governments of the world—including Trump declaring a state of emergency—the CDC and everyone else have it backwards?
8
Since 2010, influenza has been responsible for 61,000 deaths annually. Coronavirus has killed about 5,000 people. Most coronavirus victims were elderly and had pre-exisitng conditions. The media has played a great role in spreading fear to not only attack President Trump, but to also boost their own viewership. In reaction to this fear- sports, schools and other places where people gather have had to cancel their special events. All of this is known. However, the tens of millions of people that support these events and live paycheck-by-paycheck, are now out of work. These unscrupulous journalists and their political affiliates don't care because they will still receive a paycheck when our hard workers don't have jobs and a way to support their families. Instead of educating people and keeping things in perspective, these unscrupulous journalists have become another horrible virus whose actions have been devastating to the working class and is destroying the infrastructure of the American economy.
9
So it’s ok if people die if they are old or had preexisting conditions?
21
Trump has done a fine job of doing exactly what you’re accusing the media of doing. You absolutely live in a separate reality. From calling it a democratic hoax, to saying it will be gone in a few weeks, to blaming everyone but himself a caricature of a human disguised as a president has done all he can to keep everyone underprepared for this.
27
@Common Sense
Oh for heaven’s sake, give it a rest!
20
This is all Obama's fault, isn't it? That would be nothing new for this president, his cohorts and his supporters.
Oh! It's already happening. I didn't do anything wrong; I was following rules that were handed to me. He' is the president and he has already he can do anything he wants because he's president. What has changed?
13
@Glenn Thomas
Following rules...
But then he was able to UNDO so many things Obama and others put in place! He stretches everything beyond a lie! What an utterly unbelievable horrible self serving- only - only - only guy! Into prison with him!
11
Mike Pence's performance was one for the ages. I've never seen anything like that before. I hope I never see it again.
261
@Julie W. What did he do? I missed the presser.
1
@SP It was truly revolting. He essentially spent 10 minutes saying how amazing Trump is and how is solely responsible for what happened far too late in the day.
32
@SP he told the exact opposite of the truth, and was so proud of it!
26
I cannot imagine any past President or democratic Presidential candidate do a better job at managing through this pandemic than President Trump. He has swiftly taken the appropriate actions and included both the government and private sector in providing solutions. While there are only a few thousand of know cases in the US there are clearly millions of US citizens (2% of the population) since January 15th that have had or have the novel coronavirus. Actions taken will reduce the spike of those requiring hospitalization so that the US capacity of hospital beds can absorb the demand.
1
@RCS Swiftly? The only discussion is whether Trump was weeks behind or months behind.
Which step taken today should not have been taken in January?
Do we really need to note once again that South Korea does more testing every day than we have done in total?
12
@RCS I'm sorry, but this is just an absurd proposition. A Democratic president would not have slashed CDC budgets and alienated allies, nor would s/he have failed to be at the forefront of a global response when the novel virus was beginning its spread. This administration has burned so many bridges over the past few years that it has set up the conditions for such a dismal and self-serving response.
16
President Trump is doing a great job attempting to protect Americans from Covid-19 while ignoring the usual politically motivated attacks from the Democrats and their ally the fake news msm. He makes the hard decisions to protect Americans regardless of the political cost. It would have been much better for Democrats to work with the President instead of using this as a campaign charade. They have prayed for something like this for 3 years and are now joyfully using it to gain politically.
2
Lol ya the bill and everything it's all Trump and the house democrats are just fake news.
8
March on, march on. To the precipice.
9
@ Dave, everything you stated is factually false.
11
Dear NYT:
An historical comparison is apt at this point: President Obama did not declare a national emergency on October 23, 2009 -- as President Trump did today -- until 1,000 Americans had died from the Swine Flu.
This is a fact. See https://apnews.com/7815807bd48e44e48f7baa74e9ce9581
That Obama-era contagion ultimately infected nearly 61 million people in the US & caused 12,469 deaths.
The difference between then and now is that Republicans by & large rallied around President Obama in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus; Democrats and their media allies have failed to unify and instead have relentlessly attacked President Trump personally in order to damage his chances for re-election.
4
Nothing changes, the Republicans are as paranoid as ever about the upcoming election. Stuff the current situation.
10
@Jorge - Actually, literally every Repub congressman voted against the Obama stimulus bill which contained $900 million for swine flu preparedness, and then roundly criticized him for having the audacity to go golfing. Remember that? When Repubs used to equate golfing with dereliction of duty? No, of course you don’t. Down the memory hole with that inconvenient bit of hypocrisy.
32
@Jorge
No, the problem isn't the dems aren't rallying around Trump, the problem is that Trump viewed this as a "hoax" and is just now taking it seriously. Per NPR fact check, the first swine flu case was id'd on 4/15/2009; the government declared a health emergency on 4/26/2009, before there were any deaths, and a test was approved two days later. At that point, WHO had not even declared it a pandemic -- this didn't happen until June 2009. And, FWIW, it's likely that this flu is more contagious and more deadly than the swine flu was.
15
All of Trump’s lying and the protection he’s received from his spineless minions have destroyed my trust in our government. It’s gone. The White House is a black hole.
5
so how much of this 50 billion dollars of disaster relief is going to be funneled toward vanity projects with imaginary relevance like "a wall to keep out diseased migrants"?
5
So the Speaker if the House passes a corona virus aid package on Friday but REPUBLICAN senate leader McConnell shut down the Senate on Thursday. Ladies, gentlemen and everybody else...what’s it going to take?
6
Thank goodness it was just a Democrat media hoax for all that time. Only now it’s an emergency.
Imagine how bad it would be if had been a real threat all along!!
2
Regan, the host of “Trish Regan Primetime,” said Democrats and the “liberal media” were using the coronavirus to “destroy the president.”
She blamed the stock market declines on Donald Trump’s rivals, calling it “another attempt to impeach the president.” While she spoke, the headline “Coronavirus Impeachment Scam” appeared next to her.
Fox Business show hosted by Trish Regan is going on hiatus following controversial comments she made on the air Monday about the coronavirus.
6
Trump, he’s playing Pin The Tail On The Donkey
2
The only person who is looking out for all Americans is Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Today she put together an enormous spending bill that will give Americans paid sick leave, paid family leave and many more things that will be desperately needed in the coming days. She rejected Trumps inadequate spending plan that was mostly for business loans and tax cuts and instead pushed through a spending package that will help all Americans deal with the hardships that this crisis will bring.
9
Without his massive rallies to boost his fragile ego, President Trump is clearly lost in the wilderness. The glaring void in leadership would be deeply disturbing in normal times. During a pandemic, it threatens our sense of security, our lives, and our future.
To quote Jack Nicholson’s character from Easy Rider, “This used to be a great country.”
6
The strong leadership is necessary in such an emergency. It is good that Trump and Pelosi reached deal on a relief package. People welcome the phenomenon that the stock rose. But the difficult problem starts from now. People fear the coronavirus so much that a lot of events and social activities have been cancelled. They don’t know how far they should fear this disease. If they scare the disease extremely, their economy and society would die. The stock would decline again. It is the role of the leader to make clear standard which activities are safe and which activities are dangerous.
I am disconcerted by the references in his speech today to the amount of power it now gives him--declaring a national emergency. It lets him do whatever he wants, he said, and other stuff along those lines. Some of us have, all along, been more than a little worried that the emergency law was much too broad, especially in light of the dislike this man has for our system of democracy, the Constitution, our rights. Closer to home, almost everything he has already done vis-à-vis the pandemic has been detrimental, dishonest, self-interested. The declaration of emergency will help the career pandemic professionals do their job better (though he has already fired all of them who were part of the NSC). But this man doesn't need any more powers himself. He just needs to get the heck out of the way and shut up.
6
Are we taking bets on whether Donald Trump has coronavirus? With all these world leaders coming down with it or people around them having it, I feel like there is no way he doesn't also have it, given his complete lack of understanding of the seriousness of what is happening.
3
Some whistleblower needs to come forward and explain the debacle around testing. Who made the decision not to ramp up testing weeks ago? Was this about keeping disease rates hidden from the public? How many lives were lost due to this decision?
6
The stock mkt reacted to Pelosi’s initiative, not Trump’s continued nonsense.
5
to fight the coronavirus right now is not just a matter of money and to think mr trump could do what he should with it could be worse than giving it to a little child, he may end up planning to build another wall against the virus
this is a matter of getting a leadership to work together to find a real solution
1
Beyond the lies and the obfuscations and the obvious patent stupidity of this deranged ‘president’ and his sycophantic cohort, what’s missing here is a sense of belonging, that we’re all in this together, that despite the missteps at the outset, progress is being made. None of that. Trump, the churlish boor, leaves Americans feeling vacuous, longing, empty, angry and insulted. He gropes for blame, struggles to comprehend but never does, and acts like an extraterrestrial who just landed from the dark side of Neptune. He is the worst person to have in this job. I wish he’d resign, move away, and leave the job to someone with a brain, a heart, a soul, and some compassion. God help us.
7
Wal Mart saves all of us from the virus by allowing testing on a portion of their parking lots and the market rallies. WHEW! I feel better already.
3
Such utterly foolishness and selflishness. Don't people understand that panic shopping will in fact cause a shortage??? People in Texas are buying all the bottled water as though the faucets are going to suddenly and inexplicably stop working. And of course, restaurants and bakeries are having to throw mountains of food away because people think it's unsafe to enter a bakery, but not a CostCo. Pure idiocy. Maybe we deserve to be culled. The Greatest Generation would nod their heads in shame at what a feckless people we've become. Pathetic.
3
"The chief executives of Walmart, Target and Walgreens all said they had agreed to make facilities available for testing." Congratz to these companies.. looking out for the people.
1
The sycophancy is terrifying.
Pence
"This day should be an inspiration to every American"
Surgeon General
"Speaking of being at risk when the president.. he sleeps less than I do and he is healthier than I am"
Pence
"Throughout this process Mr President you've put the health of America first"
Old balding guy in glasses with flag pin and red tie
"This tax holiday is a bold move, a very bold move and this has always been a bold president"
Azar
"You bought us valuable time by taking that strong action Mr President"
Pence
"... the unprecedented action.."
Azar
"Thank God he took that action..."
Pence
"Once again because of that unprecedented action..."
Azar
"It was unprecedented action"
Pence
"You took decisive action"
Azar
"You were brave. It was unprecedented. You protected the American public"
South Asian looking lady who stands behind Trump at these announcements, when asked about ventilator lack
"And that's why the president has taken such bold and decisive action" (No answer about the lack of ventilators)
Folks, please note the repeated slogans and shared words that is too repetitive to not be planned
Bold
Decisive
Unprecedented
Action
How does Trump repeatedly get people to act like they are in a Pyongyang therapy session for the dear leader? How does he get this uniform manner of compliance reminiscent of the cabinet meetings where everybody took turns in grovelling and thanking him? And he looks on with a blithe expression of complacent entitlement.
Ideas anyone?
12
Those of us who live in Europe realize that the numbers put up by the European Center for disease control : https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases , do not match the numbers put up on the CDC website. The U.S. needs to have taken their collective heads out of the sand, two months ago. Europe is NOT the origin, no matter how this administration chooses to view the data.
3
Obviously, the buck stops with Yamiche Alcindor.
I admit I detest Donald Trump. I now loathe him for his misogynistic use of ‘nasty’ with just one too many women.
Wherever he goes in the afterlife, I will happily go to the other place, even if I’ll need a fan and ice water.
The man is a heel.
4
Wall Street and the banks (all five of them) just got 1.5 billion dollars. Their greed has caused the lax corona virus response, and they get the reward! Despicable!
2
I don't do "responsibility." It's for suckers. That's what Rev. Pence is for. I do "credit," especially when I don't deserve it.
4
So now we find out that 3 guests at Mar-A-Lago tested positive for Covid19, the most recent sat at Trump's table for dinner. It is starting to sound like Trump's winter WH is a Covid19 incubator. The chances of Trump and Pence being infected keep growing. And after all the hand shaking and microphone grabbing at today's presser the odd of the entire Covid19 task force being infected just became a real possibility. You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried.
3
"National emergency, two very big words." Beyond the 8 and 9 letters, I wonder what else he makes of this! Rex Tillerson was right! What a f m!
6
The following is the most frightening comment that I have read today, from Norway. Here in Seattle somebody has already been diagnosed with the virus in almost every single community with which we are associated. And almost nobody here has been tested yet. Norway has done everything right and our own White House has done everything wrong. The Times link follows:
"You Americans have it up side down. The virus is there. Breeding. Living. Spreading. And you are well beyond testing. Just accept that it will spread and infect millions of people and hope that your leaders will be courageous enough to prioritize life over money and politics. Though I fear they will not. And they are already late.
In Norway we are in total lockdown. And with 5.2 mill people we have all ready tested more people than the USA 350 millions. And now we stop testing for symptoms and prioritize those who get severely sick. Our schools are closed. Restaurants, bars, hairdresser and gym are closed. Air traffic halted. People are working from home. Kids don’t play in the street/snow. Everyone is taking strict precautions. And still our number of infected are rising.
Your time is running out. And your White House are playing Russian roulette with your life."
https://nyti.ms/3b5Quob#permid=105805698
6
I thought the two biggest words for Donald were “I’m Sorry”
2
nancy pelosi would have made a great president.
4
Let’s see if President McConnell approves....
1
Of course he took credit. That’s what narcissists do!
3
Nancy Pelosi for President - now! She’s the only adult in the room.
21
Wall Street is truly delusional.
8
Did I miss something at the news conference?
I don’t recall that the major news outlets were called upon for questions.
No ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, NY Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times or NPR.
10
@Jim Sherwin
Fox is right-wing state propaganda, hardly a news outlet.
If Trump won't take question from them, I guess we are left to the Moonies - the Washington Times - to ask how the heat leader manages to remain 239 lbs. and 6' 3" in defiance of all pictures to the contrary,
4
If ever America needed a Bernie Sanders kind of President, the time is now.
3
Trump blatantly lied when called out in the Rose Garden by PBS’s Yamiche Alcindor on the administration’s decision to disband the White House Pandemic office. Then he tried to blame it on Anthony Fauci, standing with his arms crossed the entire time, looking bewildered, who then said, somewhat inaudibly, that he (Dr Fauci) had no idea why Trump was asking him that question. Unreal.
“No, I do not take responsibility”. Was Trump’s reply to a question about the “failings” comment regarding lack of testing kits which Dr Fauci testified to Congress yesterday.
What?!
Trump is not only a discrace, he’s also a criminal. These video clips need to be played over and over and over until November. Buy every available ad spot on fox news, sporting events, and put it on repeat. Where is Michael Bloomberg’s ad dollars when you really need them?
Meanwhile, Presidential medal recipient, mental toxic waste dump, and overweight pill addiction expert Rush Limbaugh and basically every Fox News viewer thinks this is all a hoax and scheme cooked up by Democrats and the deep state and store shelves are empty everywhere. It is really hitting the fan people.
I am genunely terrified but also fascinated to see how this all plays out. This is either the beginning of the end for Trump or it’s the beginning of the end for us all. Buckle up, it’s going to be a very bumpy ride from here.
32
@RE Ohio - wow ! You are spot on!
4
I've got two very big words:
Vote Democrat.
25
Hey, if we stop testing, then I guess it stops spreading, right?
13
Next steps: Make rights to paid sick leave and free testing for diseases permanent.
8
So, my daughter an ICU nurse... On the front lines of this new reality... in upstate ny wearing the same mask through a 12 hour
Shift has no answers ....
But yet we are paying unless civil service
7
The speech by Pence was like "the emporer's new clothes". How many times did he extol Donald?
14
The speech by Pence was like "the emporer's new clothes". How many times did he extol Donald?
5
What are the Russians doing right? How has Putin kept the virus out of Russia? Why isn’t Jared consulting with Putin?
7
Be prepared when Trump tries to call off the upcoming election with some type of “a health emergency” as an excuse. Trump and the republicans will certainly use the CoVID-19 virus if they think it will call off the election in November. They know Trump is incompetent but are willing to do anything to keep this unfit disaster of a person in the Whitehouse and them in power.
A plan needs to be in place, starting now, in case Trump decrees the 2020 election has to be called off. We need a system where Americans can vote no matter the circumstances. We need to start an election plan right now. Because we all know Trump and republicans enablers will lie and cheat anyway that’s possible to stay in power!
November is only 8 months away and we have to be prepared for anything with this corrupt administration.
15
Everything that Trump is doing now should have been done at least three weeks ago. But he is not the only politician who has been living in denial...just the biggest...and most damaging in his colossal dereliction. The genie is now out of the bottle...big time..and there is now telling where this is going to take us. Can not the die hard Trumpsters now finally see their hero for what he is? Can they not see how singularly unfit he was for this office? Will it take a million dead before they finally awaken from their three year long sleep?
12
These comments are my group therapy. Thank you!
11
I am a United States citizen living in Seoul, and to the best of my knowledge neither the virus nor the amazing response of the Republic of Korea’s government and private sector assets recognize scientific, invaluable, and timely information as fake news; that tragically dubious distinction belongs to the resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and his sycophantic crew.
18
Where are the tests we've been promised for weeks? Where are the tests? We've been offered tests by WHO, we've been offered tests by a Chinese billionaire, even. Where are the tests?
15
There is a deep irony here in that the very first piece of legislation that Trump has completed to put some muscle into the mitigation aspect of the coronavirus threat needed the help of Democrats and Nancy Pelosi.
This piece of legislation has little to do with containment and testing, which are still huge problems that Trump has so far failed to address much less solve. It has to do with dealing with the after-effects of people getting the virus as well as avoiding it. In other words mitigating the effects of the virus.
Of course McConnell is going to hate this bill because it was put together without his input. Whether he will file it in his trashcan is yet to be determined, but he will do that at the risk of enraging Trump, since this bill was put together between Democrats and the White House without GOP input.
Now the GOP wants to kill the bill by insisting that there be an anti-abortion clause.
13
I always knew that eventually we and our children will be paying the bill for Trump/Republican climate denying populism.....
I just never imagined we will pay the price NOW for the Trump virus/hoax populism, lack of leadership and just plain bad decision.
10
I did enjoy Trump trying to dance around Nancy's tune.
7
Once again, Nancy Pelosi gets stuff done.
19
Nancy Pelosi saves the day, again.
15
We often and, rightly so, grieve the loss of leadership during this Trumpian Era. But before our eyes we have with us among the finest and most effective of politicians, Speaker Pelosi. I am absolutely in awe of her character, wisdom, and abilities. Think about what she has just accomplished for us, the American people, the hard working back bone of a democratic republic. She gives me hope that this nation of ours will awaken to what is right and just and what has been so wrong these last three plus years. Thank you, our Nancy, the keeper of the House.
19
It’s a good thing that Democrats and Republicans have come together to provide some kind of stimulus to common citizens in the present crisis in addition to helping business people more. That’s what the government in power does in any part of the world.
More than coronavirus, panic buying is creating all sorts of problems. In Ann Arbor, MI paper towels, hand sanitizers and toilet paper rolls have disappeared in no time.
Not only panic buying and piling up unnecessary stocks causes huge inconvenience to the people but also ends up in making big credit card payments for no reason.
We simply can’t distinguish between a normal person affected by common cold, cough and the one affected by coronavirus. How can we take any precautions not to be impacted by coronavirus ? How long can we sit at home ?
The precautions suggested like not touching face etc are not at all practical. Automatically our face gets touched quite unknowingly at least once in a day and so are other things, which we are not supposed to do.
Anyway in Hyderabad everything is normal and nothing has changed practically other than media scare. Hope the present normalcy here will continue for some more time.
1
@Sivaram Pochiraju
3 cases in Kolkata today.
1
With all the concern over contamination hand washing etc. May I suggest we adopt the Bow to exchange greetings or to show respect? It is a non-contact way and can range from informal/casual to very formal depending on the situation. My self, I like to include "Namaste" when greeting those I know well.
8
So I suppose Fox and Friends along with Hannity approve these almost too late measures?
Imagine the outcry if Bush II had delayed any actions after the attacks on 9/11 for weeks as the ineffective Trump has with Covid-19.
But, Trump will go on the stump, again, and brag about how grand he was in his leadership during this crisis.
Yesiree. I feel much better and more safe than I did a month ago. Not.
15
Lots of people know that Trump has stiffed his contractors, his charity, veterans, etc. I sure hope Trump doesn’t stiff the hardworking Americans who desperately need this National Emergency aid. He’s more concerned with the announcement than the follow-through, and that can’t be allowed to happen this time.
15
Watched Trump today give his announcement. Handshakes?? What a poor example. And not even looking at the camera, reading woodenly from his notes. I am alarmed by this ship without a reliable captain at the helm. Thank God for the grownups!! Thank you to the doctors and nurses, the researchers who are at the frontlines. God bless us, everyone.
16
The virus will add at least one trillion to the US deficit in 2020. By the time the dust settles, nobody will be talking about debt anymore. And am I the only one who finds it incredible that the chattering class on the business news is wondering "will we have a recession?". Are your serious? This time next month 30 million Americans will be out of work and stuck at home!
9
You would never know there's a health emergency from the way Trump and the other speakers behaved during the announcement. Everyone touched the podium, about half touched the microphone, and several shook Trump's hand! Didn't anybody brief these guys on how to set a good example?
17
The President can't do a thing of substance without Madame Speaker Pelosi.
This is a wonderful control on Emperor Caligula Trump.
Speaker Pelosi will take well considered, thoughtful and deliberate steps to protect families and individuals, and the businesses they work for.
She will not be taken with Trump's profit giveaways to his donor class or their corrupting forces in the Republic.
No large company or industry should be bailed out without a convertible (to equity) debt credit line from the government.
The taxpayers should receive the upside from investors in corporations that would otherwise go bankrupt. This much is clear.
This policy firewalls economic destruction without corporate giveaways. This protects jobs as a condition to receive convertible debt, and reduces budget stabilizers and deficits.
Oil prices are falling because Saudi Arabia is producing above demand to punish Russia. Why does the US care about that?
The Trump administration's decision to support the price of oil by buying petroleum in the strategic reserve is non-sensible, now that the US is an oil exporter.
This is crony capitalism at its worst.
Trump must go to allow the United States of America and her allies to flourish.
18
When it was the time to actually issue an executive order to bypass unnecessary regulation that inhibits response to a genuine emergency, trump once again folded like water-logged cardboard.
10
Ever since the end of President Obama’s term in Jan, 2017, Speaker Pelosi is the sole Towering Leader & Stateswoman of the American people. When Trump disgracefully pulled out of the Paris Agreement, it was Rep.Nancy Pelosi, then not even Speaker, who led a US Congress Team to Paris to reassure the World of US unwavering commitment to combat Climate Change. Even President Obama’s signature Obamacare legacy was shepherded through the House only by Speaker Pelosi with a razor thin majority of 220-215. Speaker Pelosi stands tall as a magnificent enduring icon of American Integrity, American Character, American Determination, American Fearlessness, American Goodness. Sadly, the US Media is wholly wrapped up in headlining Donald Trump’s Lies & Deceit while ignoring the Towering Moral Leadership of Speaker Pelosi. Yet History will surely record Speaker Pelosi’s legacy of Service to the American people in golden letters.
22
In my lifetime I have seen presidents address national emergencies: Kennedy over the Cuban missile crisis, Johnson and then Nixon over the Vietnam war, Ford over the Watergate scandal, Carter, Reagan, Bush I and so on, right up to Bush II and Obama over the financial meltdown in 2008. Never, ever did any of these presidents garnish their speech with gratuitous adjectives characterizing their action, such as Trump did today: "decisive" etc., or take the opportunity to put blame on their predecessors or anyone else, or bring up others to praise themselves as Trump did today with VP Pence. Just the most disgusting thing I have ever witnessed in American political history.
34
@TOM I have read and memorized the statute Trump proclaimed.
When did he start reading?
2
According to our state Department of Health website, 6,659 people have been tested in Washington, with 568 confirmed cases. There have been 10 retirement/nursing facilities with cases now - and this is our most vulnerable population. Hospitals on the coast are worried about running out of supplies. The Governor of Oregon is begging for testing kits. Our schools just closed for 6 weeks. All public events are essentially being shut down. The economic impact of this is going to be exceedingly grim. What struck me though is Trump saying he had no responsibility for any of the problems - I guess the old saying "The Buck Stops Here" certainly doesn't apply to Donald Trump.
15
In this regime, the buck stops anywhere but the Resolute Desk!
1
Diverting 8 billion from the pentagon to the wall instead of spending it on dealing with viruses and hackers, and the effects of climate change which cannot be fixed in a month or a year, indicate trump's misplaced priorities for more than three years now.
15
Testing, or more accurately the lack thereof, is still a major problem. Atlanta Public Schools are closed starting Monday. My daughter came home from her last day today and wanted to take a nap. At dinner, she was coughing and sneezing and had a 101 fever. I was going to take her in to the doctor tomorrow, but her pediatrician’s office sent out an email tonight to all of the patients in the practice advising that they do not have ANY COVID-19 test kits. In addition, our local children’s hospitals are not testing children unless they are admitted to the hospital for complications.
If people cannot get tested even if they are exhibiting symptoms, the reported number of cases is grossly understated.
25
@Kristi Sorry to hear of your kid's illness.Sounds terrifying with the virus lurking in the shadows...hopefully it is something her young immune system will fight off but the lack of test kits is just astounding! This is what happens when con men tell us the government is our enemy and should be starved and drowned in a bathtub. I have a young relative with Type 1 Diabetes. My heart is in my mouth.
13
This is very upsetting. She should be tested right away.
6
Kristi, I just read your message about your daughter and want to let you know that people on the other side of the world feel and understand your fear and pain. You are not alone! You and your daughter will get through this. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.
3
I just completed reading the book The Splendid and the Vile, about Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister during the blitz of London. All I can say is leadership makes all the difference. Moral courage, empathy, ability to delegate to others what you yourself can’t manage and putting out confident and knowledgeable messages citizens so they know how the situation is being managed, what to do and what to expect.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case with this crisis. Politics, politics and more politics, with hardly any thoughts to reassure or inform, but blame, finger pointing, understating and minimizing a dangerous situation that has the potential to cause harm. Maybe a sharpie map will be produced next to show how the virus is being contained. A fitting end to this story.
22
@aearthman
Now I am going to read that book. Thanks.
Churchill had something that Trump totally lacks. Courage. Oh, and reading. Churchill did some outrageous things - but he had courage, and had studied history.
7
Trump has had very close contact with 2 Brazilians with the novel Corona.So he goes on national TV to shake hands..touch microphones..breathe on multiple people. Then complain that he has no responsibility. He claims to not have been tested and to top that off he won't commit to being tested.
He is a one man duplicitous viral mess.
40
If Donald John Trump can declare a national emergency, he can declare martial law. And he can suspend 2020 elections for the sake of the people!
Far fetched?
One state just suspended its primary.
Recall Mayor Rudy Giuliani wanted to suspend NYC mayor elections post 9/11 because only HE could manage the city and it was too dangerous to hold elections.
DJT has always wanted dictatorial powers and now he has a reason to take them.
22
@Me
Correct. People are being complacent about this.
9
This should have been in overdrive by the first week of February, not the middle of March
21
And to think this makes Mike Pence look like the adult in the room.
Oh. America.
15
At least he didn't throw paper towels at the virus.
20
don't like to criticize anyone holding the office but it seems a little covienient to not make sure tests are available, your taskforce will not be transparent, and then say the situation is getting better (guess what we all know it is the opposite), that reporters are asking nasty questions and you are not responsible = appalling Mr President
18
Wow. No wonder Fox News hates Pelosi. And why Trump never wants to talk to her. Pelosi kicks Trump's behind every time. Trump was sure doing the quick step today trying to dance around Pelosi's tune.
23
I suspect that the FEMA money that this Declaration frees up has been reduced to some extent by Trump’s Wall “emergency.”
11
No one mentioned how sick Trump sounded declaring national emergency? But then again, Canada's Trudeau's wife is sick but he is perfectly fine and don't need testing. Brazil's Bolsonaro was positive but his son said 2nd test is negative.
Democratic leaders all turn into Kim Jong-un in national emergency.
5
who gets Jack Ma's generosity? a million masks, 500000 test kits? trump couldn't bring himself to acknowledge this--no surprise, why are we normalizing him? thanks Jack, very humane
16
Yes, thank you Jack!
Yesterday in Galveston thousands boarded a Carnival cruise ship for Mexico. Those interviewed stated they thought this virus scare was media hysteria and far overblown.
Cruise ships are floating incubators for infectious diseases.
Delta just shut off all flights to and from Europe. Maybe a moratorium on cruises too.
12
The fact that Carnival is still sailing at this time tells you everything you need to know about that company.
3
I believe Trump has an economic interest in the cruise industry, just like not including the UK and Ireland in the travel ban because of his resorts.
2
Trump is living that nightmare we all have about our worst day at work.
6
‘I Don’t Take Responsibility At All’: Trump Passes Buck On Coronavirus Testing Mess[HuffPost]
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-coronavirus-national-emergency_n_5e6ba653c5b6bd8156f65d1a
The warning signs of Malignant Narcissism :
1. Success At Any Cost. A close inspection of past relationships may show a failure to treat people kindly for the promise of a grandiose, yet superficial success. Beware of flaunted expenses, especially if there are a lack of people to share in the enjoyment.
2. Narcissists may be hyper-sexual, often in relation to power and control. Incest is frequently reported as well as a lack of regard for partner and boundaries.
3. Incessant Blaming. Lack of personal responsibility is a key sign. Often a narcissist will play ‘the victim’ even when he/she has hurt someone else.
4. Violence. Since their ego is so fragile to begin with, any criticism received feels like an attack. They fight back much harder than what is doled out. Someone who uses violence frequently, demonstrates lack of impulse control and may also have multiple addictions.
5. Manipulation. Pitting people against one another for the ultimate goal of loyalty is often used by narcissists. In this case, loyalty often means isolation..
Is there anyone who expected "The President of the United States" to take responsibility for the pandemic? Or should I say, is there anyone who expected "Donald Trump" to take responsibility for the pandemic?
17
Why is it called a pandemic when it doesn't qualify at any level. The incidents in China and South Korea are declining despite the fact that there's no vaccine. There are over eight thousand incidents of flu but far far far fewer Coronavirus incidents. Most 'expert' opinion states that you just stay home for few days until symptoms subside. What's the big deal here? It seems like just an uninformed panic attack.
The big deal is that some of us actually care about those who are over 65 or are immune suppressed.
11
As you did not seem to read experts' scientific take on the actual problems with this virus, it hits the elderly and sick much harder than a regular flu, and they are much more likely to die from it. Younger, healthier people carry it, may not even get sick, but over 60, with a preexisting condition or is deadly. Diabetes seems to be enough of a preexisting condition to weaken the body's defenses in the elderly to succumb to the coronavirus.
It is terrible idea to spread your uninformed gut reaction to the general public without knowing what you are talking about.
9
@planetwest
"The CDC defines a pandemic as "an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people"
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/pandemic-what-it-is-and-how-it-affects-you/
You are completely wrong.
10
America—the only developed country that is motivated to provide healthcare and workers’ guarantees with a global pandemic. So proud to be from the US, the greatest country to ever exist.
2
In all developed countries, save the US, all citizens, even homeless people, are protected by universal health care, and all workers have a right to paid sick leave. Your pride is not warranted, to put it in a civil manner.
11
We aren’t developed any more. We are a flawed democracy, with little diplomacy and many uninsured.
12
That is laughable. Pretty much the US and our science defying narcissistic leadership had the worst response in the developed world. Denial and ridiculing were in for months, without doing anything. As cases will climb exponentially and so will the dearhrate, you might want to reevaluate your thoughts on this....
7
Flabbergasted! The president of the US says he is not responsible for something that was done by his admin. Who is running the executive branch? Who is making the decisions?
15
We should not believe that his agreeing to the package means he cares for or has any empathy for peoples' needs. He cares only about being re-elected. As unfit to be president as he was 3 years ago, he is worse now. We must vote to ensure he is not re-elected
18
Meanwhile, the US has one of the lowest infection and mortality rates because of Trump's quick action in banning visitors from China at the outset. And now that the center has moved to the EU, he is trying to do the same. Meanwhile the Dems are just politicizing it and using taxpayer monies, as usual, to get votes handing out "freebies" using your taxes and then telling the saps how "generous" they were during the epidemic and how tight fisted Trump was. The usual Dem tactics.
1
No, it has one of the lowest infection rates because we aren’t testing for it. If you don’t look for it, you don’t find it.
Do you know how exponential growth works? Wait two weeks and find out.
28
@Jgarbuz
"The death rate from the new coronavirus is higher in the US so far than anywhere else in the world."
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-death-rate-by-country-2020-3%3famp
Try again.
10
The only reason the US has a low infection rate is because there is a pathetic shortage of test kits. The Ohio governor expects a 100,000 cases in his state.
7
it's like Homer simpson is running the country from his resorts and couch and tv remote and cell phone.
also surprised nobody is talking about the fast food industry.. thousands of people a week coming from who knows where and people you never see handling your food.some people even hand over there phones to get scanned for coupons etc.
something to think about folks.
13
I wondered that myself. Why isn’t MacDonald’s shutting down? They are putting their employees and the public at risk.
3
Trumps official campaign slogan is now "I don't take responsibility for anything"
21
@mikenola
".. for anything, unless I think it will help ME."
7
Speaker Nancy Pelosi: She exemplifies what true leadership,looks and sounds.What others truly lack in times of crisis.
16
I remember a time when the world looked to the U.S. for leadership and technical competence. The pandemic has certainly highlighted how unscientific and disorganized the country has become. It really doesn’t seem to be a cohesive nation - it’s more a powerful group of rich people making decisions to benefit themselves (public health for the rich).
22
@Lisa
Truly sad to watch.
2
I remember a time when the world looked to the U.S. for leadership and technical competence. The pandemic has certainly highlighted how unscientific and disorganized the country has become. It really doesn’t seem to be a cohesive nation - it’s more a powerful group of rich people making decisions to benefit themselves (public health for the rich).
7
"The United States is facing the prospect that those numbers could grow exponentially, as they did in China, Italy, South Korea and other countries."
That's exactly what we've been experiencing. It's not a prospect, although it might have remained just that had we rolled out adequate testing measures early enough. Even today's announced testing protocol excludes those who are asymptomatic, despite the fact that they too can be contagious if they're infected.
7
At least some utilities are stepping forward...
Quote below is from Duke Energy
quote
As a provider of an essential service, we are determined to continue delivering the reliable power you need while helping to protect the health and well-being of our community. Since some customers may be facing unusual financial hardships, we are suspending disconnections for nonpayment effective immediately. This applies to all home and business accounts in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina.
unquote
Hope that helps a bit.
13
What are the details in this $50 billion national emergency funding. Have read various articles on this topic and what and who will be the benefactors for this relief package. One is the longer this Pandemic goes on the more monies that can be made of of it. Similar to selling 12 rolls of toilet paper on Amazon for $69.99, pharmaceuticals are looking also to 'invest' in this and have thru lobbying Sharon Lerner of the Intercept has a great article on this, a good informative read on this topic.
9
You are right Kerm.
Just looking at the corporate talking heads standing happily next to Trump, all very aware of the benefits that National Emergency would create for greedy American corporations.
Americans and especially the Evangelical and Christian just have to look at all the money corporations were able to steal from FEMA during national
emergency declarations. The disasters in Puerto Rico, Louisiana as almost every criminal corporation stole money by the billions. Money that was supposed to be for people suffering and Trump was of course in the center of it all and directed all that money to his corrupt friends.
And again the same thing did happen now when it was indeed Trump again who did not want the worldwide accepted test kits made in Germany being used in the USA as he wanted instead that money to go to his corrupt buddies who in return would move money toward his campaign and in his pocket.
Why are Americans not recognizing this repetitive scheme, not benefiting its average citizens, but only its corrupt leaders and corporations.
Evangelicals and Christians are most guilty to the many people suffering for only one reason, they have put all their religious power behind Trump,
who in return promised them judicial control over all of America’s religious and non religious citizens.
Come on America, wake up, what happened to your sense of independence and freedom of all religions.
8
China is now blaming America for the coronavirus. It is time to stop relying on them for gowns, masks and other medical supplies to fight this virus. They were supposed to send these items but decided to not comply. We are very capable of making as good if not superior in quality products. This should be the push we need to get started on American manufacturing. Made in America should now be our motto.
7
@KMW
One conspiracy theorist in China made that assertion.
"Comply?" Their manufacturers sell to whom they want to sell. How do we make a foreign company in a sovereign country "comply" with our demands? Imagine your outrage if the Chinese government ordered an American company to "comply" with their demands.
Get real.
6
My schools district in NC has declared it will stay open until they have a confirmed case of the virus. My state currently possesses 270 testing kits, that is all. We have no idea how many people are sick. By the time schools closed, my state will be overrun.
This is a perfect storm of inept leaders and woefully unprepared safety nets that will lead to the most devastating national catastrophe since 9/11. This is an event that will define a generation: my generation. We will come out of it unscathed, look to our elders and the ruins of the economy and healthcare system, and say “this is the country you have given us? This isn’t good enough. We won’t let this happen ever happen again.”
You wanted us to solve the problems you created. It’s too late, but we’ll try our best.
5
Schools in my community are closed for 3 weeks as of today. Rapidly changing situation with quite a bit of hardship for working parents and small businesses starting now.
3
This press conference was nothing more than a temporary shot in the arm to shoot the stock market up a few points on a Friday. Google already came out and said they have no website ready, it’s actually a subsidiary company making it, it’s in the trial phase, and only going to be available in the Bay Area with plans to expand it “in the future”. This was a dog and pony show to make sure markets didn’t crash today. These next few weeks are going to be miserable.
17
Thank goodness he did not say that we are going to build a wall between the US and the rest of the world to help contain the virus.
I am just waiting for him to start blaming the rest of the world - China and Mexico in particular - for the virus.
6
Now we just need to extend this deal to include what we all need: universal healthcare now!
14
So painful to watch Trump parade CEOs and Pence at the emergency declaration this afternoon. In full view, we witnessed him still minimizing the hard fact that tens of thousands of Americans are about to die, mainly because Trump liked his "numbers where they are." That was two weeks ago, two lost weeks that he doesn't take any responsibility for. This, Dear America, is a high crime and misdemeanor. Two months before then, he could have truly looked at China for lessons learned. He could have done the same with WHO's expertise. But, no. Trump and his minions said we'll go our own way. Trump endangered our national security by saying this was a hoax and the media was panicking the nation. No responsibility to be sure, but many deaths to come.
19
I understand that Trump has not decided to sign the relief bill. I suggest that the states buy testing kits from outside the country because the US does not have kits! According to Trump kit development is being farmed out!
6
It really is just about watching the Dow and buying at Costco.
3
Thank you a Nancy Pelosi for your strong leadership at this stressful time and for putting Americans first on your agenda.
42
Well, what's a "regular"chap to believe!! a week, or so ago, our president proclaimed that coronavirus was a left wing hoax. Today he proclaims it a national disaster. So what are we regular, and disposable people to believe...?
24
I love how people keep saying it’s not that bad, it tends to kill older people with health problems. Like what, we shouldn’t care about that? Are they not important people too?
5
The biggest national emergency we have sits in the White House. And the two “big words” which define it are Donald Trump.
36
@gbdoc
For sure, but we have a cure for that, regrettably it won't be used until Election Day, November next, but what a cure it is; it works in less than 24 hours, dispatching the Trump pathogen permanently, with no possibility of reinfection.
Its got a name, this cure, it's called "We the People".
5
The stock market surge at the end of the day was calculated in advance by the Trump administration and Wall Street. Most of Wall Street is Republican. Republican politicians together with Wall Street schemed to flood the market with stock purchases at the precise time Trump delivered his remarks. It means nothing in the long term. What is happening with COVID-19 goes far beyond a financial crisis. The U.S. and world economies are structurally shutting down. Transportation, amusement, food service, everything. The stock market will inevitably follow. There will be no long term recovery in prices until there is a vaccine.
11
You credit Wall Street with too much intelligence. After Trump's Wednesday night speech the market crashed ten percent
3
February 11, 2020, Aspen Institute rountable discussion of the Covid-19 threat with Drs. Fauci and Messonier of CDC and Ron Klain, former ‘czar’ of U.S. ebola response during Obama administration: “It’s not a question of ‘if,’ it’s a question of ‘how bad is it going to be.’” Klain observed that once community exposure and transmission begin driving the number of cases of the disease, travel bans are largely ineffective - particularly if you only ban entry of foreign nationals. “The virus doesn’t know what passport you’re carrying.”
February 25, 2020, “Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree” Rush Limbaugh: “The coronavirus hoax is being weaponized to bring down President Trump.... I want to tell you the truth. I’m dead right on this. The coronavirus is the common cold.”
February 28, 2020, President Donald Trump: “It’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle, it will go away.”
March 11, 2020, President Donald Trump: “We have a million tests out now... it’ll go away very quickly.”
Concerted efforts to truthfully inform the public and to prevent and prepare for the epidemic spread of Covid-19 infection likely would have saved many lives and prevented the market panic that resulted from the Trump administration’s belated, confused and obviously desperate efforts to chase the Covid-19 horse weeks after it had already raced out of the barn.
There’s just no two ways about it. This is a failure of leadership of epic proportions. And it’s all on one man.
34
President Trump:
You open your mouth on Wednesday, monotonously utter nonsense, and then the stock market plummets to 1987 crash levels.
You open your mouth today, make sense, and the market rebounds.
Think about it, sir. Your actions have real consequences in the world.
Do you get it yet?
9
Google is denying that they have agreed to build a covid19 website for Trump. The article needs an update to call out this lie.
21
@Google Denial
When he promises we can keep our doctors, I'll worry.
1
@AACNY
"When he promises we can keep our doctors, I'll worry."
You people have lost your minds. No worries otherwise, huh? 16,000 lies and counting, and you're still not over our first black president. A pandemic that is likely to kill who knows how many Americans, and you're still not over our first black president. This administration that has grotesquely bungled every aspect of its response to the pandemic. Who knows how many Americans will needlessly die because of their incompetence, dishonesty and selfishness. And all you can do is maunder on and on about our first black president. You have a sickness and it isn't the virus.
5
This time is why I — in Tucson, Arizona — pay to subscribe to the Times. It tells the truth my government hedges.
22
Does Trump know how much it costs to store this speculative oil he purchased
12
Wow the government did the bare minimum and ppl here are falling all over themselves to congratulate their favorite Party leader.
11
Like I mentioned two weeks ago, self-isolation is the best medicine for Covid-19. Not testing. Not hospitalization. Not internet cures. Just simple social isolation. Don't be a moron and use time off from work to have a dozen people over for drinks or set off on a road trip with friends. Isolate!
Times readers are still clamoring for "Tests, tests, tests!" when really it does not matter whether you are positive or negative. The result does not change your situation, and you should be isolating whether you are positive or negative anyway. Positive or negative, hospital emergency departments do not want to see you with just a fever and cough unless you are desperately short of breath.
Times readers have also been silent on the pratfalls of national medical systems in Europe. It turns out that national medical systems and extensive social service constructs add little to individual welfare when a pandemic spreads via social contact. It will be interesting to see who is lauded when our "evil" bioscience and pharmaceutical companies come up with a vaccine ahead of everyone else (only the Swiss or Germans would have a chance of beating us in vaccine development). When everyone is desperate, suddenly our "capitalist pig" system built on rapid transition, evolution, innovation, and production seems a bit better than Italy's or Great Britain's anemic national health services.
2
Australian researchers have made strong progress already in vaccine development.
4
Development of medicines and vaccinations is a different issue to universal health coverage. You conflate the two. You use a straw man argument when you say" It will be interesting to see who is lauded when our "evil" bioscience and pharmaceutical companies come up with a vaccine ahead of everyone else". Who says any kind of science is "evil"? Only far right climate change denialists. You present your imaginary opponent's alleged position in a way that serves your own disposition and in a way that makes it easy to be dismissive in a very specious way.
As far as medical discoveries go it is hard to beat penicillin which revolutionised medicine and helped the allies win WW2 by healing wound infections
Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin,
Pathologist Howard Florey discovered Fleming’s research and expanded on it, working with a biochemist named Ernst Boris Chain, who had fled Germany. British biochemist Norman Heatley further developed the work, vigorously growing and purifying penicillin.
Florey was from my Australian home town, Adelaide. Fleming was Scottish. Chain was from Germany and Heatley was English.
America must be given credit however, for the mass production of penicillin that prevented an STI pandemic after the war.
You put the words "capitalist pig" and "evil" in quotation marks without identifying who used the words or in why exact context they used them.
You muddle development of medicines with the issue of overcharging for them.
7
So how come South Korea mastered the epidemic so quickly with massive testing? And in the US you ain't seen nothing yet.
3
Better to declare a national emergency (such big words!) than continue to lie to the America people that “all is well.” Thankfully Trump and his little Republican lemmings caved to Nancy Pelosi. At least with her as Speakers the poor have a fighting chance.
18
Well they did the bare minimum for the poor. 2/3 of an already inadequate income is not going to be enough.
4
Well, Mr Big Words, we don't need more oil. We need more test kits, testing centers and for you to sign the bill!!
13
Germophobe POTUS shook hands with the business heads at that “national emergency” announcement today. Has this been reported?
Handshakes spread the virus ... Why disregard WHO instructions to keep a safe “social distance”...?
Why did the “yes” men surrounding POTUS not refuse the handshake.. and why did the health science folks say and do nothing when they saw this? This very public failure to act seemingly puts Trump’s ego ahead of public safety... shame on them all for setting a bad and dangerous example of how not to behave.
9
@Dan
He first claimed to be a germaphobe in response to the Steele Dossier. He clearly is not. So what was he covering up?
Will we someday see evidence that the infamous tape does exist after all? It is hard to imagine Putin's myrmidons not collecting compromising data on him as that is their normal
practice. Donald is very naive. He would be the ideal customer in a third world tourist trap like say Kuta Beach in Bali- a place we Aussies know well; where they swarm on you to get your hair plaited -faux Rastafarian style.
That would be a challenge - plaiting a welcome mat on somebody's orange head.
4
"Mr. Trump, who has been accused of downplaying the crisis . . ."
Whaddya mean "has been accused"? The sentence should read
"Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly downplayed the crisis and continues to do so . . ."
31
Our President is doing so great he decided to fly to Mar-a-lago on Air-Force One last weekend (on our dime) so he could play golf and host parties. He is working so hard and doing so good he needed a well deserved break.
So happy to hear that the public health experts, CEO of Wallgreens, CVS, Wallmart, etc. are on the team ready to keep to America great. Of course you can use our parking lot, and it is so convenient to the products you need in our stores. We pay our employees so little that towns and villages can't afford things like community centers, or local health clinics anymore.
A lot of people sharing that microphone up there today, telling each other how great they are, and how somebody else was responsible for the lack of testing (didn't somebody say they like the numbers where they are?). Sure hope one of them is not a carrier.
In all sincerity, the federal response to this pandemic is being led by a pathological liar, and I do not pray that he fails.
26
Pelosi manages the shake some actual governing out of this lousy excuse for an administration. What a powerhouse she is!
33
Chronology of lies and incompetence
January 22: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. It’s going to be just fine.”
February 2: “We pretty much shut it down coming in from China.”
February 24: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA… Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”
February 25: “CDC and my Administration are doing a GREAT job of handling Coronavirus.”
February 25: “I think that's a problem that’s going to go away… They have studied it. They know very much. In fact, we’re very close to a vaccine.”
February 26: “The 15 (cases in the US) within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero.”
February 26: “We're going very substantially down, not up.”
February 27: “One day it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.”
February 28: “We're ordering a lot of supplies. We're ordering a lot of, uh, elements that frankly we wouldn't be ordering unless it was something like this. But we're ordering a lot of different elements of medical.”
March 2: “You take a solid flu vaccine, you don't think that could have an impact, or much of an impact, on corona?”
March 2: “A lot of things are happening, a lot of very exciting things are happening and they’re happening very rapidly.”
March 4: “If we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work — some of them go to work, but they get better.”
34
Trump: "I don't take responsibility at all"
His new 2020 campaign slogan.
35
@Malinoismom
I want a hat (not red) that has the words “I don’t take responsibility at all” fully legible. I want to wear that hat.
Daily. Till this era ends. Till we smarten up.
3
I was wondering if the Trumpies, standing behind the Donald during the press conference, were going to nod their heads off. What an embarrassing spectacle!
28
Trump: "I don't take responsibility at all"
His new 2020 campaign slogan.
14
Good thing Trump got everything under control weeks ago by assigning Mike Pence to this problem and being up front with American people on Fox News. Confidence in the Administration should be at an all time high. Right?
16
@Greg. Bien sûr ! And there’s a tooth fairy as well.
2
See? That wasn't so hard, was it? And people feel better, and stocks go up ... just work together!
3
Trump does not take responsibility.
Trump takes credit.
30
Major kudos to two gutsy reporters: Kristen Welker and Yamiche Alcindor. They never back down from the rude bully no matter how much he tries to insult and dismiss them.
46
@ElleJ
yes, both those women ROCK!
without the free press, where would we be? thank you to all the much maligned journalists who work hard to keep us informed, in spite of such shameful abuse from the president.
9
Everyday more and more people keep dying from Covid-19 where I live, and everyday I’m hearing how a colleague or a colleague of a colleague or friend or neighbor has tested positive. It’s gotten to the point where I dread hearing any more news of this new reality, but nothing filled me with more doom and dread than Trump’s slurring speech. He’s never been a source of reassurance and strength, but he’s become the biggest public menace for this country and the world, bigger than Covid-19, which really can’t be called a “foreign virus” anymore.
17
For those who want truthful information, forget Trump, his crazy cabinet and the rest of the republicans. Go directly to your State Department of Health or the CDC. As a primary healthcare provider I found the information there more complete and honest. Don't listen to your supposed leader.
23
Oh, I see. Medicare for All is OK if it’s only for giant corporations and billionaires investors in the stock market. Wall Street rallies when the Trump and the Republicans do a total about face and resuscitate Big Government to save them from themselves. The rest of us can be left to drown and perish in this swamp of duplicity, lies, corruption, and neglect. Bernie’s Revolution can’t come soon enough!
21
@Enough Already :
Except that Corporate Welfare is also heartily endorsed by the moderate Democrats. Always Compromise to give the wealthy more money for nothing.
5
I'm sure that come November Majority Leader Pelosi and president-elect Biden will work well together, and former president Trump can devote his full time to working with his criminal defense team.
39
Too little. Too slow. Too inadequate. And too late.
It goes where it goes and will do what it will do, and what it does best, unthinkingly, automatically, because it’s a biological machine, and we are standing in its bullseye.
Believe. Disbelieve. Ignore. Pretend. Wallow. And wallow in his hatred.
Truth is truth. Lies are lies. And he is himself.
And we’re stuck with it all for at least another year, if not longer.
9
Americans might ask why Donald Trump on Mar 6, 2020 Trump initially sought only $2 billion in emergency funding. However, to Donald Trump's credit, he did task Jared Kushner in tackling this pandemic. Jared the asked Karlie Kloss's father, who IS a doctor, to ask his Facebook group for coronavirus recommendations.
22
@Son Of Liberty
What more could the President of the United States do?
Liberals simply are not fair.
2
Straight out of Not the Onion news: the guy in charge of the president’s speeches on coronavirus is crowdsourcing his info via his brother’s father-in-law’s Facebook friends.
3
Oh I feel so much better already
2
“I am officially declaring a national emergency, two very big words,” Mr. Trump said, adding, “I’m urging every state to set up emergency operations centers effective immediately.”
And what does McConnell do?
He allows Senators to go home for a 3 day weekend.
I'm at a loss for words.
20
He literally declared the virus a “hoax” perpetuated by the fake news media on Fox News. Now it’s a national emergency. I’d like to hear the press secretary address this discrepancy, but she doesn’t address the press. She does appear on Fox News though, where on any given day this virus is either a hoax not worthy of one’s attention, or a demonstration of Trump’s expertise, leadership, and authority in masterfully working to contain a serious and deadly threat. Much better than that of any predecessor. Depends on the style of clothes they’re going to dress the emperor with each day I guess.
246
@Mickey
There is Zero trust in our government to do the right thing or tell the truth. It is bad enough on a good day. When a crisis is underway, it is extremely disturbing.
This crisis is putting a spotlight on the Trump / FOX news lies and propaganda. People would have to be extremely naive to not see what is happening
12
@Mickey I've been trying to figure out 45s game plan since this virus began, and what I found most interesting is how little his actions line up with what I would expect of him. That is until today
In his ramblings he dropped bits and pieces of information that point to wildly different strategy that's been underway. Indeed, it explained why this declaration was delivered so late.
(1) Pooling the resources of key private sector players
(2) offering testing kits on a scale too large for an admin that had up to this point seemed incompetent
(3) software that soon could be rolled out nationwide
If this was done so quickly, then why wasn't it done sooner...
*(4) purchased massive amount of crude oil
Russia v Saudi price war.....okay. Maybe trying to help Saudi out
*(5) they expect China to start opening back up soon
Then I remembered. China's almost overnight drop in oil demand had caused oil to take a larger drop in price then 08/09.
With other countries fighting the virus, the market can not handle the top 2 oil consumers in a state of complete quarantine????
Has the administration been having the US slowly ween off oil? Was that oil purchase meant to buy us just a little more time?
Are we trying to hold out long enough and hold up the market long enough to switch places with China?
If we had began testing from the beginning, would the market have dropped further as infected climbed highter?
Would Americans still maintain the same demand level?
2
@Mickey If Glorious Leader says the sky is red on Tuesday, then the sky is red and has always been red. If Glorious Leader says the sky is green on Thursday, then the sky is green and has always been green and has never been red.
9
Now we know what it actually takes to cut through all the red tape: An emergency declaration.
5
As a physician and parent, I am at an absolute loss as to why Mayor DeBlasio insists on keeping NYC schools open. Schools throughout the metropolitan NY area have closed. Schools in Bergen County, NJ are closed until further notice. Los Angeles, Ca announced that they will be closing. Although there is still much to be learned about Covid 19, we know that social distancing is one way of limiting the spread. Students sit close to one another in class rooms and in some schools line up right on top of one another. Furthermore, the schools lack necessary hygiene products. Notices have been sent to families by schools throughout the city asking for donations of soap, gel sanitizers such as Purell and disinfectant. Why would anyone buy it for the schools when in such sparse supply and needed at home. Does every school have adequate PPE for all staff? I am sure not. He is obviously not as concerned about everyone’s wellbeing as he states. One student, teacher or staff fatality will be devastating if it could have been avoided. It is time for Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zucker to mandate that NYC schools close regardless of their abilities for on line learning. A means of dealing with the hardship the closure may create for some families will be figured out.
19
@MetroNYPhysician
Perhaps Cuomo, DiBlasio et al are trying to set up some way to feed homeless kids, or those whose homes do not, or cannot provide adequate meals. It has been known for quite a while that free school lunches are often the only reliable meal available to many NYC kids.
Years ago I saw a young boy on the street near the Battery Park bldg. where I worked. I asked him why he wasn't in school; he said he lived in a shelter; he didn't know where his school was. I took him to a cafeteria and told him to order whatever he wanted. He was really hungry; I asked the waitress to pack a substantial lunch for him to take away. I still remember that frail thin little boy.
2
Every person in the Rose Garden picture is white, and only one is a woman. I work for a healthcare organization and half or more of the employees are women, caregivers and nurses to managers and executives... and they are all very, very good at what they do.
Why is Trump's White House not using the talents and skills of more women in leadership roles? Leadership skills are what Trump's White House sorely needs, not just now but for the last three years... perhaps he'd be doing better with more diverse guidance and support.
Even with a "super genius" (who had a very smart uncle, too) 'in charge', the nation can use all the talent it can find right now. It's great that Trump and the Congress have come to an agreement and are spending large amounts of money on many very helpful things.
It would be a whole lot greater if it was taking place 4, 5, or 6 weeks ago instead of now. No amount of money is going to make up the edge lost to the wasted time Trump was denying there was or would ever be a problem... right up to last week, even.
Too little, too late - and "It's not may fault!" Sorry Trump, even without the sign on the desk, the place where 'The Buck Stops' is your office.
16
trump and the republicans think women should be barefoot, pregnant, size 2, and have breast implants...if not those things then they, women, should have a couple billion dollars to ensure their opinion is worth something..
and even knowing that women still vote for him...go figure
3
@Jim Brokaw :
Sorry you feel that way, but that is what America voted for, what America stands for, and what all real Americans desire.
@gratis
yeah NO! While the majority of America may have sat out the last election, they won't this one.
2
Gig workers, freelancers? Contract workers?
The numbers of which have grown exponentially over a decade, saving companies billions in payroll. I didn't see anything in this deal that helps them out.
Many do not have health insurance, and if they do it has a high deductible. Not being employees means they are not eligible for unemployment benefit and they are not paid for sick days. It brings back the specter of 2008, people losing homes, being evicted, becoming homeless and worse. Many have still not recovered or only just. Where is the vision, the courage that is needed in these extraordinary times to help everyone for the good of the future of the country?
24
most full time gig workers do it because they don't want to be employees. they dont want the company taking out taxes etc.,.contractors typically chose to be contactors..for the same reasons....you don't get it both ways. be an employee and be eligible for UE and have half if your SS or be a gig worker and shoulder the full cost of your own SS and take the risk of not having work on any given day
it is your choice
@angel98 As they did in 2008 when 7 million Americans lost their homes after losing their jobs along with tens of millions of other Americans? The recession lasted for years. This should only be months. Banks will wait a couple months for a payment. Our economy is strong and will regain growth quickly when this passes.
Apparently we don’t count. If we lose everything, people, that will affect your stock and your 401k.
1
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said in response to a reporter’s question on Friday about what Fauci called the 'failing' of the test for coronavirus. Not---there were some hurdles but we fixed them expeditiously. No, the failing continued because trump did nothing to fix it until way too late.
We know that trump takes no responsibility, but nice that trump confirmed it---the buck doesn't stop with him. With that, trump, get out of the way so we can have a real leader!
33
My oh my, how the coronavirus has mutated in Washington. What was a "hoax" just a short time ago is now a national emergency. Unfortunately no laughing matter.
27
“This will pass, this will pass through, and we will be even stronger for it,” the president said.
Except for the people who die, for their loved ones, for people who lose their jobs, for businesses that fail...
Trump has lived a very sheltered life, the quintessence of privilege.
23
Money is fine as long as it is used to relieve the suffering of people but it does not buy back the lost time we have spent listening to Donald Trump tell us there was no problem and how great he is.
18
@just Robert
and, could Pence just dispense with the sycophantic blah, blah, blah about how great our president is?! We're a little busy, Mike! Get to the part about how there are so many test kits sent out ... no one can seem to find them, but we know they were sent because Mike said so in the last press conference (dance of the white men in suits, with apologies to the two white women).
ah, sorry for the snark. I want to be better than that but I'm nervous.
3
The best quote of the day is where trump declares he's not responsible.
So much for a guy who ran on the concept that only he could fix it.
May all this be the beginning of the end to the trump reign of terror.
37
@wihikr
Do you think Trump lost even one voter?
We have had founding fathers for close to 240 years, so I think it’s time for “sustaining mothers” or whatever more suitable moniker is conjured. Among the dozens of towering women in our country’s history who deserve this honor, I first nominate Nancy Pelosi.
Not since FDR has one person’s steely resolve saved this republic. Perhaps that’s the miracle of America. Whenever it is threatened, whether external or self-inflicted, a true hero emerges
29
The fact that the markets rocketed by about 9% today actually indicates that it was not so much the virus itself but Trump's inept, confused and self-centred handling of it that cashed the market.
23
This doesn’t do anything to address the plight of contract workers that’s coming. Just in my life, there is significant impact right now. Touring musicians, engineers, crew, bus drivers, bus companies, backline companies, rental houses and many more; all of these people and business are losing work and money at an unprecedented scale.
17
Anyone who has a job connected to travel in any way is going to be in a lot of trouble. I’m getting cancellations & going to be hurting for income in about 2 weeks.
3
Singapore had everyone in the country with the virus plus everyone they had been with tested a month ago. Germany had tests for every citizen and was testing thousands. But the so-called greatest medical system and greatest Republican politicians, couldn’t manage but 85 tests. The American people are being lied to by this Republican Administration and Republican Senate.
35
Get all your complaining out now, folks. This is going to be a long bumpy ride, and Trump's not going anywhere.
7
@AACNY
Rather he never gets anywhere.
Whether he is voted out is or not is not up to him, but no doubt he would pull a stunt to scam the election. He is like that. I am punting on a state of emergency in relation to COVID19. He will do something cultish. So perhaps I agree with you.
2
Correct.
He is also not taking any responsibility either.
Keep ‘Merica Great — Be Irresponsible as President!
1
I am going to swim against the tide and offer my fellow Americans some happy thoughts (for the rest of the world, feel free to play along---this applies to you too):
Eat, drink and be merry. Well, perhaps that's a little too overblown, but at least gather together with a friend or three, break open a bottle of the good stuff, and relax, converse and just enjoy each others company. And, yes, if the local bars and restaurants are closed, do it at home.
If you keep a safe, social distance---maintain a 4-6 foot buffer between you and the others---there's no reason why people should not continue to socialize. It helps us to remember what all the fuss is about; that we are here for each other. Right?
But doo it now. Do it this weekend. Do it soon.
At the rate things are going, even the pure pleasure of each other's company may be denied us for...a long, long time to come. Next weekend may be too late.
7
The Trump Administration had a real chance to get ahead of the curve but Trump took his eye off the ball, dawdled and now has put a spin on the lost ball. Too much winning!
Follow Franklin Roosevelt..."We have noting to fear but fear itself....." and Winston Churchill..."Keep Calm and Carry On.." Our grandparents knew where it was at.
4
Biden, and also Sanders and Pelosi, did a great job modeling for Trump how to be Presidential and lead in areas of real action in their responses to the crisis, in contrast to Trump’s disastrous Oval Office comments. Trump’s actions and statements today are finally a step in the right direction, though still rife with self aggrandizement and total lack of personal accountability by Trump, and sycophantic history revisions by genuine healthcare leaders like Anthony F. who are desperately trying to sufficiently placate Trump on superficial nonsense in order to remain in positions where than can effect real substantive action on priorities they have been begging for all along.
6
Want to know what it's like to be under attack? Well, this is it. Bombs may not be falling but casualties and victims are falling just the same. Disruption of plans and lives lost and changed forever, not based on political system or the Gods we worship, or the way we conduct commerce. This war will be waged house by house, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city. We are all first responders now and there are No enemies in far away lands to engage and destroy. This war will take the honorable and the coward alike and many of our oldest and most experienced and valuable. Don't look to the Government to come like the action heroes of movies. Look to your neighbors and family and the strangers with you by chance and fate. Now is your time.
8
Words matter, especially in a disaster.
By declaring an "Emergency" the president has stoked panic throughout the country.
Just look at the near-riots breaking out at Costco as justifiably freaked out folks scramble to hoard supplies for the "emergency".
If he had simply instead used the word "disaster" the message would have been completely different.
On Wednesday, Trump broke the stock market.
Today, he broke the country!
2
He seemed so concerned that people who have no effects of virus should not be tested. Ok! Then turns around the next minute and says yeah I’m going to get the test. So what message does that send to people?
4
Given the CDC information regarding the time course of the pandemic; and given the CDC recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the course of the upcoming year; and given (hopefully) the prudence of the populace, it is quite possible that the crowd present for the swearing in of the 46th President of the United Staes in January 2021 will be smaller than the crowd present for the inauguration of the 45th.
There will be no need for a ranting Press Secretary. Why do I not doubt that 45 will be crowing about it on the way out, oblivious as to the reason.
1
NYC schools should be equipped with Zoom in order to allow those who can stay home and follow the class can do so safely. But we rather spend our tax dollars on religious schools by calling them Charter school, instead of doing the smart thing.
The fact that the head of the CDC, when questioned by the Congressional members, said "unlike SK or other countries, we are not equipped to deal with a situation like this" (am paraphrasing), is entirely outrageous. Every citizen should be asking: "why are we blowing trillions around the world killing others, destroying countries, when we are NOT even equipped at home to protect us from a deadly virus.
Finally, who would I have wanted in charge right now? Elizabeth Warren or Obama.
13
@RNS Yes, the See No Evil virus prophylactic was one of many entertaining aspects of today's infomercial as news conference. Shop Walmart! Shop target! They did however forget to mention their store hours and website specials. But I expect part II will be airing soon enough, and allow the sponsors ample airtime to correct this glaring oversight. I heard the President is very excited and has personally requested that the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders be reunited to perform as the warmup act for the sequel.
8
I wasn’t frightened until tonight. I am of a tender age (read that as high risk), I have asthma and I am widowed. I went to the grocery store tonight to pick up a few things. The store shelves were mostly empty; very little meant, almost no fruits or vegetables.
The store manager told me they are cutting back their hours. This is a large regional chain, mind you. He also indicated there would be store closures.
So whether I can get tested if I develop symptoms may be secondary to whether I have food and gasoline.
Who is managing this strategically in a country this large? A state of emergency has been declared, now what as people panic.
22
Patients with the new coronavirus keep the pathogen in their respiratory tract for as long as 37 days, a new study found, suggesting they could remain infectious for many weeks.
In yet another sign of how difficult the pandemic may be to contain, doctors in China detected the virus’s RNA in respiratory samples from survivors for a median of 20 days after they became infected, they wrote in an article published in the Lancet medical journal.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-12/coronavirus-can-live-in-patients-for-five-weeks-after-contagion
11
Even if the administration steps up and takes decisive action to halt the spread of the virus (while delivering wide-reaching aid to keep people above water in the meantime), we're still heading for a dramatic recession. The entire global economy is grinding to a halt. Travel and tourism are practically nonexistent, families are now forced to find childcare, and massive layoffs are leaving millions suddenly jobless.
All I can say is, I can't wait to graduate and become financially self-reliant following what promises to be the most significant global upheaval in decades.
7
@casualCranium Not sure how old you are. But if you see yourself on the cusp of becoming financially self reliant, and are a healthy young adult who can contribute to a retirement account, you are in the catbird seat. Those who are elderly, immunocompromised, and living on a fixed income will be taking the big hit here. Your critique is well intentioned, but embarrassingly immature. Perhaps you could volunteer to help those less fortunate than you?
2
If you're never tested for the coronavirus you can never be included in the statistics of those who have had the coronavirus, currently have the coronavirus, have died of the coronavirus, or have recovered from the coronavirus.
Could that be an underlying reason to not have tests available for anyone to be tested?
Could that be a reason for someone or a group of people to attempt to suppress efforts to broadly test large groups of people in order to conceal real statistical data about the real-time status of a coronavirus outbreak?
You cannot be blamed for something if you can successfully conceal information that would prove that it's your fault.
What kind of a person or group of people would do such a thing?
Are they merely trying to slow down the process at least until a specific date?
The first Tuesday in November, perhaps?
27
It would be nice if SOME piece of emergency legislation -- federal or state -- included something that dealt with all the panic buying and hoarding going on. Seniors are told to stay home and take care of themselves, yet find themselves spending more and more time going store to store to forage among empty shelves for household necessities.
I needed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide for a medical reason. I don't know how many places I had to go to over the course of a couple of days to find it (including a couple places that were listed online as having it, but didn't when I went there). People who can't find sanitizers or wipes or toilet paper apparently go buy cartloads of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
22
@ellienyc I can relate; I am a senior who lives alone (no family at all) with five cats. Store clerks say customers are rude and selfish and just grab things off the shelf like Christmas. This country is totally devoid of civilization from the top down. There are nice people here but they are overshadowed by bullies. There is no nationwide system of organization in an emergency and this epidemic will show the dire need for UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE, which if implemented correctly would have an organization in place BEFORE emergencies!
3
"In an email on Friday, the Trump Victory committee said that one of roughly 1,000 donors who attended a fundraising event with Mr. Trump at the estate last Sunday had tested positive. A Republican National Committee official said the donor never came in contact with the president."
"The donor who tested positive never came in contact with the president."
Good grief. What an incredible state. Doesn't anyone in the Trump camp read or listen to the experts in how this virus can be transmitted? Who knows what that person touched or did at that 1000+ event. Besides, Trump stated that even though he WAS in contact with a diplomat earlier in the week, he didn't need to be tested because he was not exhibiting any symptoms.
It seems no one in this Administration is following any of the guidelines suggested, especially the one about engaging in large groups of individuals.
Trump continues to act irresponsibly as if he is immune to this virus, which he still calls a disease.
36
No, they don’t read nor keep up. The ignorance is astounding.
1
The corona virus is not a money issue. Throwing 40 billion or a trillion at it does not mean success. It is about leadership and knowing what is important. Money is a fig leaf that tries to cover up the president's inept handling of this situation.
It can not hide the fact that for many months Trump has been in denial about the virus spreading around the world thinking that it would just pass us by. It is about a president that denies scientific wisdom then declares an emergency then thinking that by doing so he has shown leadership.
Without the implementation of national tests and leadership from the top, local governments like Seattle which has copied the practice of setting up an automobile clinic to fill in the slack. Time is precious when confronting a virus and when it is lost in the political bloviations of a leader it is a tragic loss.
24
Waiving interest on student loans is a great idea but has nothing to do with this emergency.
24
I'll believe there's actually a deal between Pelosi and the White House to do something to actually HELP Americans when I see Trump sign the Bill, and not before. He's "agreed" to deals before with the Democrats, only to backstab them and any Republicans who supported the deal they thought they had all agreed to! You can't trust Trump, period.
25
If you watched the press conference, you saw multiple people touch and retouch the podium and the microphone adjusting and readjusting the height. In the audience, the press shared one or two hand mics and again passed it from one person to another. If anyone was infected in at this event, it was shared multiple times over.
41
Didn’t read this article just looking to make a suggestion about education if we have to close schools, and we do, Since we have no sports the TV networks can fill the time with educational programming so computers are not an issue..... This should be a relief for stations having to fill countless hours and a great way to educate from the youngest to the oldest.. It solves the not everyone has a computer issue
12
The national emergency has been declared. More containment of the virus is needed. Next, we have marshal law.
Be prepared, more is on the way.
9
In an earlier article it was stated republicans
had “won” concessions from Democrats in regards to what the people in our country could receive if they got Covid -19. Isn’t that a great relief to us all? Just imagine how assured the people who voted for you feel. The other countries seem to be so much more caring. Where our politicians are arguing about how little they can do. We might be better off going on a plane to Europe and picking a country who knows what they are doing. GOP has just shown us they will never have our interest in mind.
17
We should stop griping about Mr Trump who was appointed over the will of the majority as our President. If there is a reason to squawk it is with our long outdated electoral system and those who use it as a means to their ends.
The men who run our political sideshow are responsible for the cost in human lives now being counted across our nation. They are the incompetant state level Legislators and Governors as well as the Senate and House legislators in the Federal government
We the people bear the responsibilty for this mess and only we the people can change it.
If we are to survive, let alone regain world leadership, everyone must vote to remove the men and women who are dragging our nation down.
14
Feels like new bail out is for Cruise, Inc. For the record? I hate the cruise industry who along with most airlines, duck taxes. And here we are aging. I have a feeling the CEOs do not ride the same.
6
“I am officially declaring a national emergency, two very big words,” Mr. Trump said, adding, “I’m urging every state to set up emergency operations centers effective immediately.”
Two take aways here.
First, two very big words. One has three syllables, the other has even more.
Secondly, by urging every state to set up emergency operations, he's ensuring the the buck stops down there, somewhere.
Here are tow more very big words. Incompetent. Disaster.
32
Where is Putin in all of this?
11
Somewhere smiling.
3
Reporter: “You said you don’t take responsibility [for the epidemic], but you did disband the White House pandemic office [in 2018]. What responsibility you take for that?”
Trump: “It is a nasty question! And when you say me, I didn’t do it.”
Reporter: “It’s your administration.”
Trump: “Perhaps my administration. I don’t know anything about it!”
Reporter: “You don’t know about the reorganization that happened at the National Security Council?”
Trump: “You say we did that. I don’t know anything about it!”
75
@I Gadfly
Is that true? Wow. Speechless
4
Trump does not know anything about anything except Trump!
3
@I Gadfly
a member of congress released a copy of the letter he sent to Donald Trump about 2 years ago, warning of the dangers of eliminating the pandemic office. he did know about it. he's lying again.
5
The National Emergency is Donald J. Trump
54
Thanks Republicans. For nothing.
28
A "National Emergency" declared...on a left-wing hoax??
And bolstered by fake news?
I'm confused.
49
You have to keep up with the Trump cult’s lies. They’re now trying to claim they never called the actual virus a hoax; but that the “hoax” is that Donald Trump isn’t doing an awesome job. Lying is Trump and his supporters’ only marketable skill.
4
Let us hope Trump and the traitorous republicans who enable him and kept him in office - i hope they lay awake at night wondering if it is their fault their elderly mothers, fathers, and family with compromised immune systems get corina virus.
Who is making money off the “US corona test”? Why couldnt we use the WHO version like all other countries. This is the Trump Pandemic! He is the Typhoid Mary of our century!
37
Typhoid Trump.
1
I am not impressed.
13
Didn’t dear leader say last week that we could all get tested if we needed one?
And KelleyAnn told us the virus was contained.
They wouldn’t be lying to us Would they?
The president was shaking hands and standing really close to people at the press conference. Was that social distancing? He wouldn’t do something stupid again like looking directly at the sun during an eclipse, would he? He is a very stable genius. Probably could’ve taught at MIT like his uncle
27
Nancy grabs the steering wheel and dares Republicans to vote against it. LOL
43
Amiche Alcindor NPR White House Correspondent called out our President and of course he treats her with impunity as if she was asking a treasonable question.
Trump proves he is a still a Bully when it comes to women, especially black, intelligent women doing their job.
I believe his rambling that Obama's is at fault while he is of no blame is the sign of a coward.
Bravo Ms. Alcindor!
64
Has anyone thought of allowing an adjustment of minimum required distributions from pension accounts which are now well below year-end levels?
6
@Richard
Wasn’t that done at the outset of the Great Recession?
2
I suppose that’s good for people who have pensions. Which is not most of us.
2
Thank you, Nancy Pelosi.
49
Trump was lying about the Google Website.
Google was quick to correct the president, issuing a statement via a Twitter account. The site is actually being built by Verily, a subsidiary of Alphabet, which is Google’s parent company. The website is being designed for people who seek testing in the San Francisco Bay area, not nationwide.
https://www.politicususa.com/2020/03/13/google-contradicts-trump-after-he-claims-company-is-building-nationwide-coronavirus-screening-website.html
33
Wow, cannot believe it!
Trump wants his payroll tax cut and Pelosi told him it costs more than then the other common sense measures. A payroll credit only helps if you on the payroll. His base is uneducated white men. They aren’t salary cubicle jobs, they have jobs that pay hourly. America is closed right we are waiting on those 4 million tests promised. So no hours, no money, then no food. Pelosi is trying to help these idiots, Trumps base are the ones living paycheck to paycheck. Their kids are the ones that qualify for free lunch, use food stamps, are most likely to be laid off ( can’t work from home) and no insurance. So more unemployment would be great, they need testing to be free (if we ever get some). Their kids are home and they now need 3 meals instead of 2, that food pantry is going to be a great idea shortly. And if you have to self quarantine and it’s looking we all will, getting Paid Sick Pay would help.
Buts it’s more important to hate Pelosi, Trumps base are the ones living paycheck to paycheck. So life is about to get really tough really fast.
31
This will not be enough. 2/3 of your paycheck when it takes all of it to survive just when you have more expenses will not cut it. Do they ever talk to an actual working poor person before they come up with these ideas?
7
@W
Trump did not support extending unemployment benefits for those whose jobs were sent to Mexico and Vietnam. Trump did not support Clinton's offer of job retraining and travel to where education and jobs existed. The unemployed workers voted for Trump. Fortunately for them, Pelosi and Democrats actually care about them and their kids.
1
Don’t bail out the cruise industry. The ships are not built or registered in the United States and over 95 percent of the crews are not U S citizens. Who are we bailing out besides the owners and stock holders.
62
Not to mention that cruise ship companies don’t pay US taxes—none.
16
For anyone who does not support Bernie Sanders' Medicare-for-All ..... how's your for profit health system working for ya?
34
Yo, Chip, my health Insurance is working very well, thanks for asking!
1
Remember that when the uninsured person next to you coughs on you.
1
hate to bust everyones' bubble here, but the deal they thought they had just fell apart as trump says he opposes it. seems we can never count on trump to do anything that will actually benefit anyone but himself.
13
@Steve “I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which will be voted on in the House this evening. This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers. I have directed....“. That’s the tweet.
2
@Edgar
both cnbc and reuters were reporting that it had hit a snag after he said that would not support the bill so apparently he's changed his alleged mind yet again.
3
National Emergency Power in the hands of DT ? Don’t think on that too long.
22
"No, I don't take responsibility at all."
I guess we know where the buck stops ...
42
I haven't been able to find out where this promised $15 billion dollars relief is coming from and when. Does anyone know?
7
As far as I am concerned, the hero in this bungled Trump-GOP health care epidemic mess is Dr. Anthony Fauci (age 79).
I marvel at Dr. Fauci's gift for clear, direct communication and his patience and professionalism after being thrust into this national health care crisis (which this country should have been prepared for). I am so impressed how he steps in calmly to correct Trump's misinformation and confusing mixed messages, which Trump free associated to the public in front of a microphone.
Pence, Trump's appointed COVID-19 Czar, looks like he has no idea what he is doing and appears nervous he might say something to displease dear leader, Mr. Trump, who seems to understanding of nothing related to the epidemic and does not even care.
The Republican Party has intentionally produced a clown show for several elections now, because its big donors want nothing more than to reduce their taxes and trash business regulations, which they believe can best be accomplished by wrecking the federal government. This is done not by revolution and overthrowing the government, but by staffing top positions with incompetents, right-wing and religious zealots, and those working only for their own wealth and/or corporate power.
Most maddening is why the worse Trump and his incompetent wreckers do in any situation, the more his base supports, defends, and adores him?
Trump, the GOP, Fox, and Rush lie
And people die
29
Again, Trump blames others and congratulates himself. If the response policies were inadequate, is it not because for the past four year the U.S. had no competent government, just a bunch of clowns masquerading as public officials ? That is IF the response policies were inadequate. Trump simply fiddled with reality, Nero style.
Some say COVID-19 (its correct name by the way ...) will be Trump's Katrina. What a shame the American people will have had to go through this to realize the mistake they made in 2016. Once more, a Democrat will have to clean up a Republican mess ...
18
It must be difficult for President Trump to continue day after day with the constant barbs directed against him. I think under the most difficult of circumstances, he is doing a fine job. He has had a number of press conferences to keep us informed of the coronavirus.
Those who are the most critical never liked or voted for President Trump. Could the administration have done more? Any administration could always have done more during crises. Hopefully in the coming days, we will see more testing kits, ventilators, and any other medical supplies for those who need them to relieve America of this virus. President Trump will provide more assistance and money if need be to fight this pandemic. I think he has acted very presidential but then I like our president and support his efforts.
2
@KMW
You are looking at a large failure, as Dr. Fauci told Congress. "We are failing."
6
Far less difficult than it is for Americans of intelligence, morals and common sense who reasonably opposed Donald Trump’s open sewer of an administration from the start, to go on day day, enduring his disastrously failed presidency and the moaning of his shrinking cult about how unfair it all is to him.
4
@KMW
Just once, really, only once look outside your box into the world and there you see what other nations are doing. Just once. Please. Would you?
4
Trump IS the national emergency.
24
Even the conservative David Brooks calls Trump exactly what he is, in fact: a sociopath. (PBS NewsHour)
34
“Trump Declares a National Emergency.”
Trump is a national emergency!
18
There's the Dem's politically-lethal attack ad right there...
"I don't take responsibility at all..."
President Donald J. Trump, March 13, 2020.
22
That press conference had “Dear Leader” all over it.
I wanted to gag with all of the praise for Trump while he preened. Yuck!
Sadly, we’re behind almost every other country in our response to this crisis.
Can you believe it? The United States of America is lagging behind the world.
Thanks Trump
32
When I reached the point of wanting to throw things at the television set, I turned off Trump's speech. The definition of fascism as created by Mussolini is the wedding of government and corporate interests. If we ever needed the perfect example of the takeover of this country by fascist interests it is the picture of Trump spouting self-congratulatory bovine droppings while handing off responsibility for testing to a bunch of corporate CEOs from the pharmaceutical industry that has been ripping off Americans for years.
31
This complete and utter debacle was caused by the people who complained that the package proposed by the Democrats to help alleviate some of the undo hardship that many will experience would be too expensive. And the same people thought it would be a great idea to shut down travel to Europe, dealing out economy a huge blow. It feels like we’re on Candid Camera.
8
The president says, "I don't take responsibility." How long has he been in office? When will he ever take responsibility for anything that he and his adminstration have bungled. Italy... ITALY...is doing more testing than we are. There is no excuse for this. it is clearly the administration's fault. We need data to mount a proper response to the pandemic, and without testing we have no data. Where is the 25th amendment when the country needs it?
22
The buck does not stop here.
7
Twelve very big words:
Trump is a much greater danger to this country than this virus.
41
As a hospital medicine physician, mother, and vulnerable human, I certainly hope that the U.S. will be successful in squelching the scourge of coronavirus and preventing the crises that have occurred in other hot spots around the globe. If we are, however, it will be in spite of, and not because of, the Trump administration’s efforts up to this point. Credit will belong to the states, municipalities, public health departments, medical centers, businesses, and individuals who have already taken action to prevent spread, supported judicious use of testing and health care resources, and taken measures to isolate and treat affected people, often at great cost to themselves.
31
The lack of total transparency regarding testing feels eerily familiar to those of who lived through another great Republican epidemic; the first years of AIDS.
We didn’t worry too much because it affected a specific population; “Gay Man’s Disease”. No worries about COVID-19, this is mostly an “Old People’s Flu”. There is always a disposable population in every epidemic that Republicans don’t really care about.
35
@denise
I remember the deaths of gifted creative individuals in SF, LA and NYC. My daughter sat with one young gay man, a friend from work. She held his hand; he was near death and he thought she was his mother. Reagan closed Community Health Centers in CA; then he refused Federal funding for the treatment of AIDS when he was President.
1
Thankfully, we have Speaker Pelosi to save us from a Mad Max ending.
25
President Pelosi has my vote. She’s a true leader.
6
“I don’t take responsibility at all.”
Donald Trump, 3-13-2020
Sums up this failed presidency perfectly.
40
We could fill a book with how many times he has said he accepts no responsibility. And blames people from other administrations. Maybe if he had worked at WH instead of golfing he would take this matter more seriously.
4
Trump after the reckoning:
So here is the devil, a
very big guy, a very smart guy. He is very, very red and has great horns, tremendous horns and he will say a few things now, very good.
10
@Mixilplix
Implying that Donald is the devil is naughty of you; but I defend you. Many evangelicals have said God has sent Trump to be the president. I have seen it many times in various news source blogs. God bless our president comments; frequently allowed. Since that unprovable type of stuff is permitted am I allowed to express the opinion that the adulterous serial groping pathological liar night be the antichrist as predicted in the Bible? If evangelicals are allowed to believe he is sent by God, surely I have the right to use the same Biblical source to believe the opposite.
Antichrist
noun
noun: Antichrist
(in some Christian teachings) a personal opponent of Christ expected to appear before the end of the world.
"the battle between Christ and the Antichrist"
a person or force seen as opposing Christ or the Christian Church.
plural noun: Antichrists
"St Paul really did have to fear for his life at the hands of an Antichrist named Nero"
a person or thing regarded as supremely evil or as a fundamental enemy or opponent.
The Bible also calls Satan the father of lies. Well we have a president who has told over 16000 provable lies. Maybe he is not the father of lies. Maybe he is merely the creepy uncle of lies.
In any event the lies have been constant and proven.
So I am asserting my Biblical belief that Trump might be the antichrist. Or is it only OK for right wing evangelicals to interpret the Holy Bible?
2
Nancy P: She gets the job done!
29
@Rob You can depend on her. The real deal maker. And a quick salute to her.
5
As an epidemiologist, hearing during the declaration of the National Emergency on coronavirus that Mr Trump 's was directing the administration to spend money on oil for the strategic reserve is really great news, at the same time receiving additional money from Congress for the emergency. Obviously, spending Federal money during the start of the coronavirus National Emergency is an excellent use of the government's time, effort, resources and money to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the oil reserves. Certainly this administration wants to keep the fossil fuel industry profitable above all else.
27
OK Roche we give you a $5 billion contract and you agree to contribute $50 million to our campaign fund.
OK Walmart we give you a $3 billion contract and you agree to contribute $25 million to our campaign fund.
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Another Trump "deal of the century".
43
@Greg
Don’t think Roche will do that. Why? Simply not allowed for a Swiss company.
1
As a hospital medicine physician, mother, and vulnerable human, I certainly hope that this country is successfully in squelching the scourge of coronavirus and preventing the crises that have occurred in other hot spots around the globe. If we do, however, it will be in spite of, not because of, the Trump administration’s efforts up to this point. Credit will belong to the states, municipalities, public health departments, medical centers, businesses, and individuals who have already taken action to prevent spread, support judicious use of testing and health care resources, and taken measures to isolate and treat affected people, often at great cost to themselves and their enterprises.
25
@Alison Cooke MD This is so true. We have a governor who was proactive, empathetic and is working non stop to help all the people of our great state.
7
Typo: successful*
The people declared a national emergency on January 21, 2017. It has continued from that day to this.
30
Congratulations to Speaker Pelosi for her commitment to the commonweal of the people of the United States making this bill happen despite the obstruction.
36
I'll hold off on such effusive praise for President Pelosi until we know exactly how much crazy the vile GOP snuck into the final bill. Forced-birthery and country-killing tax cuts have NOTHING to do with the pandemic.
1
To protect this Nation, the Vice President and majority of Congress need to invoke the 25th Amendment:
Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
17
It is said that nature abhors a vacuum. So do responsible local officials who are now acting independently due to the vacuum that is the Trump administration.
20
It bugs me that the headlines today about the stock market are that they "surged." They made back yesterday's dive, nothing more. We're where were were on Wednesday night. Why is that a "surge"?
23
You are absolutely right, all media follow blindly and uncontested how Wall street wants the press to call the major changes in an out of control stock market.
Of course this is not a surge at very best it should be named a recouping of major losses before.
But Wall street hates everything that reminds readers and viewers and especially individual investors that they have lost enormous amount of money, while the big players, made tons of money on the back of minor individuals.
Of course is it very suspicious that the market today started to improve before even before Trump started to announce a many week late National Emergency as if they had demanded for Trump to make the this at best very ambivalent gesture.
Don’t forget that the people who will profit the most from a National Emergency are the corporations as they have shown in EACH former national emergency.
Don’t rejoice Americans, this emergency won’t help you or all the doctors and nurses who are all fighting this virus, this will again direct billions of dollars toward the very very non caring rich.
Just remember all the money that Fema gave away to kleptomaniacs.
6
@Johan D.
"Of course is it very suspicious that the market today started to improve before even before Trump started to announce a many week late National Emergency ..."
I can't agree. The market came back today because the drop yesterday was irrational. Markets are irrational. Tulipmania, etc., etc.
1
In another model of "Don't do as I do, but do as I say," President Trump blithely ignored the CDC guidelines by gathering a crowd around him of corporate CEOs who will rescue us from his ineptitude and health care experts hoping against hope that his belatedly actions will "flatten the curve" of the spread of the Covid-19 virus, insisting on shaking their hands, and denying he needed to be tested after coming in contact with a number of people who've since tested positive for the virus. "Perfect!"
14
@paul Wortman
Imagine if he has it and has infected people around him he just single handily made the curve go up. He is really a danger to all of us. And I mean directly.
2
On the upside, we may have fewer crooks and corporate CEOs (but I mostly repeat myself) to worry about for it.
2
Someone has commented (I think in the Atlantic) that Trump is stymied and frustrated now because he can't appear in front of hand-picked, adoring rally crowds. The best he can muster now is to appear with a hand-picked group of CEO's and Mike Pence, who will tell him how great he is. Clearly he's frustrated. I'm waiting for him to blow his top even further.
29
I’m pretty sure the WH demanded a number of tax cuts that won’t be helpful to the immediate crisis. The WH stoked the crisis and then used it for partisan blackmail, I’m sure.
4
Thank you powers that be, for Nancy Pelosi. She has our backs and she has our needs at heart. God bless her.
Deliver us from Trump this fall, so we can all do our jobs without worrying that the bottom will fall out from under us.
Forgive us for our arrogance and help us understand how little we really know, but how important that little bit of knowledge can be for our survival.
21
Brilliant!
Pretty clear from the press conference that the delay was to make sure his corporate buddies got first crack at making money off the emergency. Did he seriously direct us to info stealer Google as the website to screen to see if we need a test? The delay was all about trashing government and promoting privatization. One of the few times the market rallied as he spoke....guess why?
9
The last time I heard a praise parade like today's for Trump was for God in my temple - and it was nowhere near as obnoxious. That said, he may have gotten the message that he needs professional help getting this issue under control. (Next, he needs professional help getting himself under control!)
17
How about that?
A national emergency is declared by Donald ("I don’t take responsibility at all") Trump to combat a virus and pandemic that he and his friends at Fox and Medal of Freedom recipient, Rush Limbaugh, denigrated as a "hoax".
21
Great rose garden press conference, just a month late.
9
I have anyways thought that Trump is probably the worst President in the history of the country on so many levels but he has reached a new upper echelon when dealing with this crisis. Congratulations GOP and Trump's base supporters.
18
Clearly Trump doesn’t have a clue about this crisis, the coronavirus, how we got to this stage, the value of testing everyone whether they present with symptoms or not, whether to set a smart example by not crowding at the podium when he obviously was in close contact with a victim at Mar-a-Lago, and what Americans should do to confront this pandemic. When someone close to him becomes ill, perhaps he’ll get it. Until then, he is blind as a bat. Beyond sad. Tragic.
9
I know this is old news because the ratings aren’t there to sell laundry detergent and type 2 diabetes medicine but has there been any thought or action about the safety of those poor kids locked in detention centers at the border?
Why is this never covered?
24
@Ryan
Could be because we live in a corrupt, evangelical, gutless republican kakistocracy.
1
Donald J. Trump IS the national emergency. What else is new?
29
I hope the Congressional "Bill" does what Pence, Google and "Drive Through" testing can't do but what Bernie addresses directly and that is test, treat and isolate homeless, poor and out of work people. Remember, they go to the grociery stores too, touch stuff, are exposed to the elments.
Even if you don't care about their plight as your fellow Americans or as brothers and sisters in the human race or for the religious and spiritual, children of God, maybe you simply recognize that these people are perhaps the most potent vectors as they can not log onto Google or drive by Walton's and they probably haven't even listened to the news or heard much.
We need a national health care system and we need to include everyone. We are all connected and these viruses can live on plastic, metal, fiberglass for periods of many hours.
The Fed and certain stealth aspects of Treasury can prop up the markets but that isn't going to stimulate the economy. They should be sending out checks to anyone who will actually spend it, anyone who is currently spending 60% of their income on the median rent in their area and or anyone with wealth less than $50,000 in savings.
We've gone from Trump and Hanity saying that the Corona Virus is a Democratic Hoax to its a "national emergency."
10
Trump is still more of a danger to America and the world than the corona virus.
35
President Pelosi saves the day.
23
Cool, didn't Germany pledge over $600+ billion? Just sayin...
17
yes, and Italy (my Nation) 25, but we are 60 millions, USA are 300 millions. Trump's 50 billions is the tip for Your patience (only until November, I think). Good luck Great People! I hope everything will be OK for You and us in Italy.
1
@Chrissy
Finally you have a comparison to the outside world for the same „topic“. That is what socialist do over here.. Sad that it came so late - not you personally but.. many others...
SENATORS must pass the house bill that puts “Families First” not corporations first!!! Ordinary Americans need help, not corporations. Corporations have been bailed out over and over while families & middle class have been left to fight over the scraps. This has got to STOP!!!
19
Uh ... first Fox News and President Trump tell us this is a Democratic hoax, then they allow the virus to spread at home for weeks, and now it's a national emergency ... ?
Fortunately, we still have access to what the Trump administration and GOP call "the enemy of the people" to know WHAT the truth of what is going on actually is.
Unfortunately, we put the GOP at the helmet once again, even though we already knew since 9/11 how utterly incompetent they are, when it comes to dealing with huge national crises (and then we're not mentioning Katrina yet), and how they are entirely obsessed with putting party first and America last instead.
How many times must we go on to witness things like this before conservatives will finally understand that there IS no Grand Old Party anymore ... ?
19
"Panic is the "MASSES" worst enemy"
The Cameleon
@Burgess G. Dillard/The Cameleon oh. ok.
Remove him now! What does it take?
He is clearly incompetent! The Constitution has a remedy for this.
Invoke the 25th Amendment, Cabinet members!
I cannot believe we all are at the mercy of the mad King Donald Trump's ego and his cultish followers! Amazing.
23
We need testing kits available, now.
Trump’s incompetence and lies have led to spread of this virus that is more widespread than it should have been.
Trump said last week that anyone who wanted to be tested, could be tested. Trump said plenty of test kits were available. That was all lies. Australia, Korea, and many other countries have responded to this crisis much, much better than Trump has, and they are providing tests for their people, and containing the spread of the virus.
14
There has been an ongoing national emergency since Trump's inauguration.
25
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said in response to a reporter’s question on Friday, “because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules regulations and specifications from a different time.”
Words that will live in infamy.
22
@Daniel "I don't take responsibility. I never take responsibility.
"If it turns out badly, I can tell you who was at fault. If it turns out well, you'll know it was me.
"That's my idea of Presidenting my way thru all this.
"Go to church on Sunday and give thanks."
3
@Daniel and you know how Donald insists on following rules and regulations from a different time.
3
We shouldn’t have to wonder whether our health systems can handle this crisis.
We shouldn’t have to wonder when we’ll have adequate testing to stem the spread of this virus. And we shouldn’t be left worrying about what it means for our friends and family who can’t work right now, for no one knows how long.
That’s why it’s unconscionable that Mitch McConnell isn’t at work right now, attempting to pass emergency legislation to address this public health crisis.
He took off for a long weekend instead of working with his colleagues on the legislation we urgently need.
Mitch’s record on this issue is appalling. He’s consistently voted to cut funding for medical research and immunization programs, and cut funding to the very agencies (CDC and NIH) that we’re relying on to provide vital support during outbreaks like this one.
Just last week, McConnell held up coronavirus funding that would control the cost of vaccines and treatment in order to make sure Big Pharma would still be able to charge exorbitant prices.
McConnell called the emergency legislation going through Congress an “ideological wish list” because it would guarantee paid sick leave to allow sick people to stay home from work—and prevent the further spread of this virus.
It’s no coincidence that Mitch McConnell accepted more money from Big Pharma last cycle than any other member of Congress.
23
"I take no responsibility at all." May this be engraved on his tombstone.
36
@Marty
it was amazing to see Trump take the bait on that question.
9
Yes, I totally agree!
1
How is the Headline not Trump: "I don't take responsibility at all" In the history of our great country has aPresident has not taken responsibility for what happened on his watch.
20
Unbelievable. But what do you expect? Our 4 year old grandson has a million times greater character than Fearless Leader:
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said in response to a reporter’s question on Friday, “because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules regulations and specifications from a different time.”
14
I have family members living in Japan, and from what I gather, they are not panicked like we are here. Sure, there's no hand sanitizers and masks to be had anywhere in Japan, and a fake rumor about toilet paper shortage cause a little binge buying, but no one is stockpiling canned foods there like we are here. People are in total panic mode and emptying store shelves.
While Abe is not much better than Trump, Japan's healthcare system is so much more affordable and covers everyone. No one worries about the bill from testing or treatment. There's a sense that you'll be taken care of in times of need. You know that ain't going to happen here, especially with the orange-headed man in the white house and a bunch of brown nosers by his side.
16
@Momo
If Americans wanted universal health care, they would have had it decades ago. And this sentiment continues as per their support for Biden over Sanders.
Americans don't want health care because they don't want to pay for it.
And now people are complaining that the country doesn't have universal health care because of Trump?
Take a look in the mirror people; that's on you.
8
Was this a Roche and Walmart commercial I just saw?
26
Donald Trump’s failed presidency finally ran out of borrowed time today.
The Trump “presidency” is over.
25
This is not that helpful to low income people. 2/3 of an already inadequate income when we will have more costs not less, yeah that’s not going to fix the problem. And it leaves gig workers and self employed in the cold. More than half my income is gig work. Let’s be generous and say I’ll get 2/3 of 1/2 of my income, that leaves me with about a third of my normal income. That isn’t going to cut it. I cannot afford to stay home if that’s all I’m going to get. I will have to work.
11
It's amazing how fast Boomers can suddenly whip into action when it's something that actually affects them directly. For the generation of sociopaths, it is almost sad how calculate they are.
8
@just Maybe. But in this case, who whipped up what action?
2
@just - Its amazing how young people are too lazy to vote, yet are perpetually amazed when actual voters get their way.
There have been a lot of racist comments and posts on social media lately and I personally feel really offended by them and they should be reported.
Just to put that up there.
14
@anonymous Yes, that may be so. And they offend me, too.
But to be honest, at this moment I'm focused more on THIS story.
2
Following advice by the CDC I traveled to Spain on Wednesday. As of the morning of my travel, the CDC’s advice on Spain was ‘travel as normal but take precautions’. Traveling was admittedly a stupid thing to do, I realize that now.
I spent almost a month’s rent to get home yesterday because of the ban. On arrival, I was very surprised not to have been asked a single question by immigration about where I had visited in the past two weeks. Why wasn’t I screened?
I’m self-isolating and have zero faith in the administration’s ability to handle this crisis. Everyone should do the same if they are lucky enough for it to be an option or them.
446
@Michelle We need to all "handle this crisis" beginning with reducing our exposure. Yes it will be unfun and inconvenient. Thank you for self-isolating. Hope you will hold back on travel from this point forward.
19
@Michelle The exact same thing happened to my wife, except she was there on business for the past ten days. Bought a last minute, very expensive ticket to arrive before the ban took place. Upon arrival at SFO she was asked a single question, “ Have you been to Iran?” That's it. No screening, no testing, they didn’t even ask if she’d been to Italy.
Like you, that reinforced zero faith in the hope that the government has any organized plan in place to deal with this crisis.
34
@Michelle U got off easy. I indirectly know a couple who had to spend over $10k to get home. They had to travel from one country to another then another to get home. Too much to write but they went thru hail.
7
Thank goodness for Nancy Pelosi. She is a national treasure.
45
@caseyjay
Yeah she is. Let's see; months wasted on the Impeachment. Failure to provide the documents to the Senate for the hearings. All this when? As the China epidemic was beginning. She is a disgrace to our system of Government.
4
CA & NY should seize the lead by contacting the WHO and buy the test kits refused by Trump. Do not bet peoples' lives by assuming Trump will deliver on his promise to deliver test kits in the near future.
It is good risk management to contemporaneously arrange for a second source to supply the tests. We will use them. If a better test kit is developed and they become obsolete, we will have acted responsibly and blown a few bucks.
CA & NY should also contact China and Singapore to try to buy ventilators. They may be in oversupply after their successful response to the crisis.
Buying American made products must be subordinate to saving Americans' lives.
Trump- "Dear Leader"- should get a test. He is mostly useless, but we can't risk him infecting Dr. Fauci.
26
If Trump can’t see it in the mirror or feel it in his wallet, he neither understands it or cares to take the time to understand it.
20
They're taking action.
There must be an election coming up.
14
I just got a great idea; why not elect a president who does take responsibility. In fact make it a part of the job description. Imagine any CEO saying that.
20
Leaders are not leading, they're following experts who are guessing and prognosticating and disagreeing.The prolonged confusion, stress and anxiety all are proven to lower natural immunity to illnesses.. What if this virus was always around and, because of a longer living and integrated immunity -compromised population, Carona got a better foothold? What if all this money being thrown at this virus were put towards housing, arts, education, infrastructure and charities ? What if all the disposible plastics, masks and areosols could be turned into good fertile Earth. Like some of THOSE GREATLY PROFITEERING from this self -propagated and promoted dilema , Nature may be having a great laugh at the ignorance of the Leaders and followers on this troubled Earth
1
I read yesterday that the deal was being put on hold by little zygote huggers . Planned Parenthood would be a very sensible place to do the testing. Too sensible?
1
I heard that some countries are paying 'conavirus disruption', it's a good idea, people can use it as best suits their immediate needs to contain, prevent and look after themselves. Saves on bureaucracy cost and saves people from falling through the cracks. Far better than bailing out big business, multi-national corporations, banks who will line their pockets as is their wont.
138
@angel98 I'm sure Donald will be first in line to collect his!
11
@Baruch I am sure he will and many others who don't need it. But if there is no vision, no courage, we will be back in 2008 with people losing mortgaged homes, rental apartments, families being torn apart and worse. Many of whom have not recovered or just, only to be slammed again.
Freelancers, gig workers are particularly vulnerable and there seems no plan to help them out. They are not eligible for unemployment benefits or paid sick days and cannot afford health insurance and if they can it comes with a high deductible.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Billions, trillions of tax-payer money is wasted on wars (c.f. Afghanistan), government wastage, pork barrel projects and favors. This would help every person in the US, which is a positive for the future of the country, not just bankers and big business.
14
@angel98
yes, don't forget restaurant workers. they will also be hit hard. vendors at sporting events(too expensive anyway), those who work at museums, Smithsonian etc.
2
Wow, what a diverse group of CEOs....did they all travel by private jet or commercial airlines? Why didn't a reporter ask them this question?
10
The administration should have learned more from the South Koreans regarding how to properly approach the health crisis.
6
@Rob D The US has almost never learned a lesson from any other country. The country always needs to think it knows best. It has not known best for quite some time, but that pride still burns hot.
3
The Stafford Act enables the Federal Govt to dip into emergency funds which are set aside for more predictable events such as hurricanes. Hurricanes are a big money eater and the season is practically upon us. What's the game plan for that? Which stable genius is in charge of hurricanes this year?
7
trump clearly isn't "the buck stops here" president.
20
@osavus This buck is interested only in the dough. (Used to be the doe, but he's much older now.)
2
Under Trump the US is no longer a decent country, just one led by a boorish incompetent leader and sadly it is reflected in our reputation. I hope decent counties are thumbing their nose at Trump's hair brain embargo and helping Iran in its time of need as well as helping protect neighboring countries. India and Pakistan are next door.
8
Senor Trump just got re-elected after today's press conference.
Game over Dems. You can go home now.
7
Are you saying this with pride? Or with fear?
I’ll take the latter.
3
@JSS
He couldn't even read his script properly and his acting was not improved.
6
That’s smart. The Dems’ house is also your house, and this house is currently on fire.
2
Somebody, clue me in, please: I'm confused. I've heard stories of ppl in New York City finding it hard to get tested. And that there isn't enough test kits for everyone. So, only get tested if you truly suspect you have it or know you've been exposed to someone who has it. Our local family doctor just announced to all his patients he can test for the coronavirus. Just drive up and get tested. So, is testing easily attainable now?
1
@CAustin "Just drive up" and find out.
1
Yeah...umm...the national emergency started November 2016...
47
Sniff. Sniff. Mispronunciations. Oral malfunctions.
Coronavirus is not our only justified fear.
23
Love Speaker Pelosi! She is a ninja.
38
Problem is Trump base doesn't care. I hope they will not be dead in a month.
Rest assured it is no better here in the UK. To most of our press the Boris Johnson government can do no wrong - even when noted experts in the field vehemently disagree. The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, The Daily Telegraph and the Sun cannot bring themselves to anything other than grovelling applause at whatever random decision No. 10 makes. It's like living in North Korea.
This is how Populism always ends - achingly slowly and with a high cost in human lives.
26
@MacHoolahan "Rest assured it is no better here in the UK."
Oh, gee, that just makes me feel so much better.
Thanks for sharing.
2
What of us in the "gig" economy? those who can not file for unemployment, though we are losing clients/work?
will this cover us?
will this protect us?
and what of the pressure to file taxes by 4/15. what if we need to visit with a tax preparer?
12
@Fromjersey - I work in a CPA firm, and we're still seeing clients, and will continue to. I'd call first and see if you can get an appointment at this late date. My firm is not accepting any clients after March 15th. And, you can do some quick calculations to see if you might owe anything. If not, file an extension, which gives you 6 additional months to file. If you owe though, you need to still pay, but can file an extension to file.
3
Great. We are supposed to pay but our incomes vanished. Yeah, that’s going to to wonders for the economy, everyone with a gig job going broke.
4
@Ms. Pea
Thank you for your helpful input.
I due owe. And I need to pay my accountant.
I'm a honest person. I always file, and pay, if needed, on time. Meanwhile, we got the biggest crook in office, who skates pass these things religiously. He's determining the fate and well being of this nation. On so many levels, I am at a loss.
2
There will undoubtedly be new problems that arise in dealing with this pandemic, some not anticipated. This is where we will need the best possible expertise and leadership. We do not have that now and will likely not get it until Trump is removed. He is making zombies out of too many otherwise capable civil servants who try to serve the people while Trump serves himself.
15
Trump does not have the socio-emotional maturity necessary to lead the nation through this crisis. Many Americans are aware of this fact and on some level, he does also. We would much be the off if he resigns and Pence is allowed to muddle on, until the nation can elect a President will the skills necessary to both save and heal the nation.
17
Last week they told us there would be a million tests by today. It’s still not happening, and without knowing why, the promises to fix the situation have zero credibility.
I worked for a company that had a government contract to develop a drug. The contract managers were incredibly detail oriented. They knew exact what we were doing, both good and bad. When there were hitches, they were on it immediately, and I mean every mistake or unexpected turn of events.
This makes me think government folks understand exactly what has gone wrong. The only reasonable explanation for the vague and shifting excuses we are hearing is that the information is known and purposely not being shared.
In a couple of years the truth will come out. I hope I’m alive to read about it.
26
The WSJ and other sources (including ME) have been covering the New York Repo Market, and the stunning, astonishing amount of money (as of now, the Fed has begun to make $175 Billion available) for short term loans with NO idea of how much of that is coming back.
This is DAILY, that this is happening - and its been going on since September 2019.
A one time amount of $50 Billion in emergency spending is the proverbial SOP compared to this machination, overseen DAILY as it is by the President's Plunge Protection Team and the Fed, to prop up this CASINO MARKET, with TERRIBLE fundamentals, that is all speculative.
So for Individual One and his gang to announce this amount?
This is CHICKEN FEED.
MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. MUCH more.
9
@Jake Yes... and then there's the coronavirus to consider, as was done in THIS article.
2
@Jake Do you actually know what this overnight repo market is used for? If not, then just stop spreading the panic and misinformation.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2020/01/28/what-is-the-repo-market-and-why-does-it-matter/
1
Without a pause on mortgages, many many people will lose their houses. Renters and Homeowners alike. I hope that is included in the releif package.
238
@M
I understand what you are saying, but then would it not be fair to give relief to renters as well ?
When the government bails out certain groups of people, and neglects others, that creates problems. I am a homeowner by the way.
10
@M Fingers crossed. It could well turn out to have the same disastrous impact as 2008 from which some have not recovered and others only recently.
It is also a disaster for people who work freelance, gig workers. etc. I am sure there is nothing in the plan for them, considering most are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
I was thinking something along the lines of the Yang plan with a bigger monthly payout may be the best option. A disaster payout every month so at least people can keep their homes, pay bills, look after themselves and their families and not become destitute.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. The banks, big business etc. are being bailed out and no one cries foul, welfare moochers, so why not the American people, the bedrock of the US.
14
@M Probably will not be included as the bankers love low hanging fruit.
3
Do we know yet what's in the agreement that Pelosi is trying to get through? Have they released the actual document yet, or just announced that they've come to an agreement?
3
@Nick It has a lot of good stuff in it, and it will most certainly get hammered into something mediocre by the Senate.
1
President Trump just cannot please some people. He appeared before the public during a press conference and informed us what new developments would be occurring to aid in the coronavirus outbreak. People are criticizing him. If he had not appeared before us, some would say he is not concerned for our safety. He cannot win with those who despise him. Why should he even try.
2
- Why doesn’t this commenter explain why specific criticism of him are wrong?
- He isn’t concerned with “our” safety. He is concerned with his re-election prospects.
7
@KMW
President Trump just cannot disappoint some people.
Daily, he tells lies that are easily refuted. He cannot speak without praising himself and lashing out at the media, foreigners and Democrats, especially President Obama. He takes credit for all good news, yet refuses to accept responsibility for any mistake, misstep, misunderstanding or lapse of judgement. Yet people praise his every statement, and will never question his actions or motives.
If President Trump were to deploy nuclear bombs against allies or even our own US cities, some people would say they deserved it. He cannot lose with those who worship him. Why should he even try to be honest, fair, humble, unbigoted or empathetic? Why?
12
@KMW:
Give me a break. Just some thoughts off the top of my head.
[1] He doesn't take responsibility for this or anything else negative in his administration, yet is somehow takes credit when some goes well.
[2] He blamed others for this debacle, and the process. He's been president for 3+ years but it's still Obama's fault.
[3] He bragged (and lied) about how great a job he has done.
[4] He didn't give details about the "new developments." He didn't give us updates on stats.
[5] He shakes hands with people there at the podium. Several people handling the microphone.
[6] He doesn't "try" to work with people. He bullies people, he calls people names, he acts like a two-year-old.
7
Trump "gave broad new authority to the health secretary, Alex Azar, who he said would now be able to waive regulations, giving doctors and hospitals more flexibility to respond to the virus, including making it easier to treat people remotely."
Every single step required to deliver a rapid response to this pandemic requires cutting through regulatory red tape.
Unbelievable.
4
Or is that just the excuse they used to cover their inaction?
3
Someone needs to quantify how much of the $50 billion will end up in the hands of Trump's corporate supporters. It's just another Trump "deal", right?
32
Unless everything I believe about politics is wrong, Trump lost the election when saying that he was not the person responsible here.
What? He is not responsible but the people in his administration are? Did I hear that right?
Just imagine that line repeated over and over as the number of cases and deaths increases.
452
@Rodrigo Just hours ago: Trump denied there were missteps that some health experts say have aggravated the crisis.
"I don't take responsibility at all," he said, insisting problems that led to slow test-kit distribution were the fault of previous administrations. "We were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules, regulations and specifications from a different time."
24
dear @Rodrigo the buck stops...…. with anyone but Trump. I guess only he CAN"T fix this, after all. And I predict he's getting ready to make Alex Azar his scapegoat (did you notice he didn't bring him up to speak, but Azar forced himself onto the podium to answer a question about hand-wishing?)
Can't wait to see a Bloomberg-produced montage of all of Trump's asinine statements like "it will go from 15 to zero" and, "I don't want the cruise to disembark because it will add to MY numbers", and "it's democratic hoax." Lord help us.
42
When he’s giving orders he’s the Commander-in-Chief (he knows so much more than the generals), but when it comes to accountability he’s never heard of “Captain of the ship”.
35
So I am a long retired Neuroscientist.
I have some skills evaluating nucleotides. I can work with delicate biological material under a dissection microscope. I am prepared to return to work to participate in the resolution of this issue. Perhaps the New York Times community can be a mediator in this process.
17
@Cajal how sad when we invoke for a newspaper to act like an informal government agency because the government is not fulfilling its mandate.
1
Cajal thank you for your offer; I wish I could help with it but I am a retired scientific publisher and have no connections to do so. I remember when the molecular biologist Sydney Brenner described sequencing the human genome as “work for promising old men.” There is a role for older folks with uncommon skills in certain situations, and this may well be one, although sequencing the genome was not (computing power came to the rescue).
1
@Cajal If you are qualified -- truly qualified -- you will never be allowed anywhere near their microscopes without an oath to support whatever findings the White House releases.
1
Well, they got 3 things right:
Speeding up the tests
agreeing to the relief bill
taking advantage of the Putin/Saudi tiff and buying cheap oil for reserves.
The rest was syrupy and without real empathy - and a big retail commercial.
But considering the source, the low bar was met.
13
@Michael Roberts
Buying oil is only meant to support US oil producers. Not what the SPR was intended for.
3
We are staring a major catastrophe in the face.
Enough complaints about our President.
Look around and see that our government leaders are taking action. Today's presidential press conference is one example of how our leaders, government and business are going to work our problem.
Do what they say, forget the President, and stop complaining.
Oh, and wash your hands often, and stay away from other people.
5
@Ed C Man
We will stop our rightful complaining when trump stops LYING and LYING and LYING.
5
@Ed C Man "We are staring a major catastrophe in the face."
You and I, maybe. But the White House knows it's all propaganda from those awful Democrats who cannot accept Donald's omniscience.
1
I trust Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic House to make sure there is funding for the most vulnerable among us.
I trust Trump to make sure he and his family monetize this crisis to their own benefit.
31
Today's "National Emergency" seemed to be a convenient excuse to garner access to $50B as well as an all out and very public "Hail to the Chief" from every corporate CEO who was invited to be part of the "display of unity".
I think I would have less critical of this group if the heads of Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, etc. stated that they would donate the profits made during this pandemic to those who would be the hardest hit and effected financially.
Somehow I see big profits being made by these companies all under the guise of the corornavirus pandemic.
21
Interesting times! Here we have the United States, self-proud bastion of capitalism, the only major developed nation with no socialized health coverage, with administrations from both major parties virtually doing anything except investing in infrastructure and the well being of it's own citizenry, now faced with a threat that could cause hundreds of thousands of fatalities and totally cripple the economy.
And what is the solution that finally agreed upon to help see the country through this difficult time? The very thing that is most often negatively referred to as "socialism".
Would it not be better to invest in the society BEFORE a crisis? That way, you'll be READY when one comes. You know, like they do in 'foreign' places like... Canada... Australia... Norway...
25
Any time Canada wants to step up its military spending and become the world’s policeman, the US will be happy to relinquish that role so that we can afford all the luxuries that other countries routinely enjoy.
1
@MG
Shhhhh. You are way too smart and reasonable.
2
@MDB a big part of the US economy floats on that military spending, which serves much the same purpose as so-called socialist safety nets in other countries, from the factories that build the munitions to the bases where they are stored, to the crews that would deploy them.
2
Just seeing this, is any of the "aid" going to help actual people or is it just a corporate handout?
220
@Monsp it's a transfer of wealth from taxpayers to oligarchs.
15
I wish everybody in the US and the EU all the best in the rough times ahead. It will get a lot worse than it already is. But if we all cooperate and do the right things, we’ll get through this relatively ok. I see you on the other side of this nightmare event !
6
Finally someone somehow got through to Trump that this is not just a problem that he can wish away. I don't know what difference it will make really, but some people might be helped by the sick leave provisions and the money freed up for testing will certainly help. The virus has already had time to get a foothold in the country, so it's really up to us now to stay away from public places and crowds as much as possible and seek help as soon as possible if we show any symptoms. Money can't fix everything. We all need to pay attention to the health authorities and follow their directions. I still won't vote for Trump, but I'm glad that he's finally accepted that this is something he can't cure by blaming Democrats and the media.
6
@Ms. Pea
I doubt that anything has gotten through to him other than how he can win his re-election. Sadly, I am not the only one who thinks he's more concerned about that and he is leading the way (learning from Putin, with encouragement from the GOP) to cancel elections.
3
No, but lack of money will make this so much worse.
1
@Ms. Pea It's good that he's accepting reality a little bit more, but the sick leave bill may get held up in the Senate. Fingers crossed it won't though.
1
When this whole thing is over, I hope we remember that it was Nancy Pelosi holding Trump's feet to the fire that got it done. I admire the class of new Democratic Representatives and the energy they brought to the House in 2018, along with a more "liberal" agenda. Although they were reluctant to hand the Speakership to Ms. Pelosi, I think they are now reminded why she was the best choice. I hope they are watching and seeing the kind of energy, courage and resourcefulness it takes to bring the most to that job, the number three position in authority in our country. Having said all that, thank you Donald Trump for doing the right thing here. This is what we needed to do three weeks ago.
26
Isn’t there something creepy about giving Google your medical information?
7
Most people probably do anyway just by searching online.
It drives me crazy watching all those bobble heads behind him agreeing with everything he says. And Pence is the worse. From day 1 Pence must have been told to bow to the King and heap praise on that madman. Also, whenever Trump spends any of "our" money you just know there will be something in it for him and his greedy family. I'm tired.
27
Trump and his cronies are out to lunch and have been since he took office. He only cares about making money for himself and rich people. He thinks throwing money at the pandemic will cure it. He does not believe in science and continues to spew false information. He is incompetent.
22
It took a woman to get the job done. I nominate Nancy Pelosi for a Nobel Prize.
50
Thank you, Speaker Pelosi. I’m glad you’re leading.
40
Watching this press conference made me feel like I was in N. Korea. Anyone who didn't praise Trump knew they would be placed in front of, if not literally, metaphorically a howitzer to face an execution. Toni Fauci, a person I worked with in the late 70's, early 80's who is one of the clinically smartest most politically savey people I have met, looked like a hostage blinking out a warning "read what I am saying between the lines!"
37
I went to buy bottle water in Costco this afternoon. It is all gone. Then I went to buy milk in Kroger, and it is all gone, too. There are some confirmed cases on Covid-19 in the greater Houston area, but nothing serious enough to sound alarm about it. However, people just keep buying stuff. No one is believing the current administration any more.
President Trump did have at least a month or more to prepare for the coming Covid-19 crisis. Chinese government took draconian measures to lockdown many cities on Jan 23 to stop the virus spreading. It probably took great pain to many of its people and sacrifice of its short term economy. As smart and sharp as Trump is, he should take notes on it. Unfortunately, someone must have given him bad advice.
But November election is a long way to go. Trump has plenty of time to prove himself "electable" again.
4
All politics aside, what is the suffering of Corvid 19? I would like to know as I'm sure I will have it sooner or later.
2
@Mixilplix
Best case, you have what seems like a cold, low fever, no big deal. Medium case: have you ever had the flu? -- add coughing and wicked chest congestion. Worst case, *serious* lung impairment and risk of fatality. Perhaps 20 times more fatal than seasonal flu... to be determined once this plays out longer. But even if you're in the best case group, you are a carrier and can infect others. Not to get gross, but think of it as if you have asymptomatic herpes which you can transmit through a handshake.
2
@DogHouse49
Does tic tac use when kissing reduce the chance of herpes? This is a complex question but please give me a simplex answer.
1
@DogHouse49 Thanks for the good info
1
Hmmm... trump worried about paying for testing.... wants sacrifice.... how about sacrificing the money he stole to build his wall?
19
"Not my Fault" ???? What happened to the Buck Stops Here sign on Truman's desk? Can we get it for the Donald?
23
So the occupant of the White House has declared (at long last) a national emergency.
I'm curious as to how the last national emergency he declared turned out. You know, the one dealing with the "hordes" of migrants on the southern border. Oh, and by the way, I've yet to hear about a massive epidemic of coronavirus among those folks!
5
NOW they’ve concerned about paid sick leave??? Give me a break!
7
My National Emergency will be if they shutter my favorite Pub. Right now it doesn’t seem likely. I don’t want to appear as insensitive, especially after brave people in Wuhan died trying to save lives, but I know deep within my Irish Heart that they would want the best for all of us. Let’s celebrate their lives! Slàinte!
3
Just sanitize the bar surface before you fall flat on your face.
3
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said.
25
As requested:
Now we shall live with hope,
that all is not yet lost,
that pain and death, our hope!
For Trump shall fail us now
and leave this place at last!
5
"I take no responsibility"
-the impeached one.
Do you need to hear more?
28
@Scott Franklin :
Conservatives approve of Trumps policies.
Whatever they are today.
3
from across the pond the ever so conservative Times of London reports...
President Trump’s daughter and senior aides met an Australian minister who has since tested positive for coronavirus as more links between people with the virus and the White House emerged.
Peter Dutton, Australia’s minister for home affairs, attended a meeting of the “Five Eyes” countries about online child exploitation in Washington on March 5.
Ivanka Trump was one of the American officials present and stood next to Mr Dutton while a group photo was taken. Others present included William Barr, the attorney-general, and Kellyanne Conway, one of Mr Trump’s closest advisers.
Mr Dutton, 49, announced today that he was now in hospital being treated for coronavirus. “This morning I woke up with a temperature and sore throat,” he said in a statement. “I immediately contacted the Queensland Department of Health and was subsequently tested for Covid-19. I was advised by Queensland Health this afternoon that the test had returned positive.
“It is the policy of Queensland Health that anyone who tests positive is to be admitted into hospital and I have complied with their advice. I feel fine and will provide an update in due course.”
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/coronavirus-links-to-white-house-emerge-3n3dchjsf
6
By all means Mr. Trump: bail out the shell,oil, hotels, airlines, and cruise line companies. All those poor companies....Here’s an idea: how about helping out middle America for once?
21
@SomewhereOutWest
A variation on the Yang plan? Good idea.
1
@SomewhereOutWest
Because nobody in middle America works for "shell,oil, hotels, airlines, and cruise line companies" right?
1
Oh now you know he couldn’t possibly do that. We can see the US we have known in the rear view mirror. Get ready for soup and bread lines. The middle class is going to be dead on arrival. The chain reaction will be swift and merciless.
2
Special thanks to AliBaba co-founder Jack Ma who today agreed to fund and ship half a million COVID test kits to the United States. Given our own complete lack of preparedness for this pandemic (to date we have produced less than 1/5 that number of kits) these kits will be enormously helpful to us in containing and combating this disease. While our woefully inadequate President still disparagingly refers to this plague as the Chinese disease, it is ironic that it will quite likely be necessary for the US to rely on the truly magnanimous offer of assistance from this Chinese tycoon to get us out of the mess created by our ignorant, bigoted leader
27
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said in response to a reporter’s question on Friday ...”
Well, now, see, he can tell the truth about his three years at the helm.
15
So a national emergency.
What does it really mean? It’s now everywhere and due to Trump not wanting everyone to be tested because it may affect his numbers, what will actually happen,
The horses have bolted & wandered free for the last 2 months.
It’s not funny but millions of Americans voted for Trump, good luck, I really can’t believe that many think he's even remotely competent.
Good god I wouldn’t let him look after my goldfish.
11
Mayor De Blasio: Close the schools and find another way to feed hungry kids and take care of kids of health care workers and emergency workers. You are putting too many people at risk with your stubborn reasoning.
7
@Mme Chauchat -- he reminds me of the Dallas Mayor who only at the last minute cancelled the Parade due tomorrow. The city still allows gatherings up to 500. So, we will have a slightly smaller infection rate? Seriously, some people have their head up you-know-what. Mayor DeBlasio is no exception. Let's face it folks, it is ALWAYS about money.
Many of us have suspected, but now we know: Nancy Pelosi is our nation’s leader who has stepped in to fill the leadership void.
30
It was sickening to watch the press conference this afternoon. Watching Trump shake hands with the business people he invited to participate sent shivers down my spine. A couple of them had the good sense to not shake his hand after he’s been minimizing the Lose contact he’s had with people who’ve either tested positive or been exposed to others who’ve tested positive.
God help us.
10
“The idea of anybody getting it, easily, the way people in other countries are doing it, we are not set up for that,” Dr. Fauci added...
This strikes me as dissembling and disingenuous at the same time. More accurate/truthful than "we are not set up for that" would have been "we DECIDED not to do that".
Then we could continue questioning people like him and get answers to e.g. "Why did you reject the test kit offered by WHO?"
7
"we were given rules regulations and specifications" ... all of a sudden he cares about rules?! Laughable.
16
Trump announces everything is swell and he’s willing to cut payroll taxes and stocks tank. The Democrats force the Republicans to make a deal to help Americans who are struggling with bills, childcare and economic uncertainty and stocks surge. Democrats out rescuing people and the economy once more, watch Trump take the credit though.
15
@Farina -- cutting payroll taxers only puts less money into Medicare and Social Security. But that what is wanted in the first place.
Put student loans that are due on hold? Why? If you do this then also give those a break who have to pay their mortgage and rely on steady income or investments.
Seriously, once again we are the laughing stock of the world. I bet Trump has already taken the test. Didn't his doctor say not to overload him with work? Why would he suggest that if the president is healthy?
2
Trump, give us a break on your non-support of a relief package as sent to you. Time is of the essence here for We The People. You are compromising the health of this entire nation. Can't you see your way to supporting The People instead of yourself. Somebody in the White House explain and convince him of this. The grocer's shelves are empty as are the OTC pharmacy shelves. We are not sure of our futures, and Trump is mucking around with politics re Relief. God in heaven. As someone else says, makes me want to cry and to make lists of everyone I can get to to vote Dem in the fall.
8
it is remarkable that no one on this thread noted the fact that Dr. Birx—an Obama holdover formerly refered to as a "deep stater" by Trump—is running the show and now referred to as a "good friend".
Either that or moderators choose to ignore this detail.
11
“No, I don’t take responsibility at all."
For everyone out there somehow still supporting the "leadership" of Donald Trump.....please look at this man in light of your father, grandfather, husband, brother, pastor, boss, etc, and tell me you'd honestly still respect someone like this in your daily life, totally abdicating all responsibility for serious wrongs, and truly be ok with that.
And then consider that this is the leader of the free world, the steward of 300+ million American lives, whose actions literally mean life or death for your fellow citizens!
The time for partisan allegiances are over. Please top covering for a man who is clearly out of his league for this particular challenge.
46
the only hope is his base comes their senses
1
@shstl
If the teacher of your child has duty of care over your child and something happens to your child;
how would any parent respond if the teacher said "I take no responsibility"
Even if she were not legally to blame she is still responsible for anything that happens to a student in her care.
In this case the coward in chief is in fact responsible and there he is trying to shift the blame to the previous administration.
4
Why was the president shaking hands at this press conference? Oh, yes, this was the same president that gazed at the sun without eye protection during he eclipse.
27
Among the many things I could say about POTUS's press conference this afternoon, the one thing that stands out:
He shook hands with people. If he were really serious about this virus, he wouldn't (and shame on those who shook hands).
25
@Claire
trump could at least be a carrier, having been in close contact with other such. The only question is who tests positive first: trump (assuming he agrees to be tested) or the people he shook hands with today.
19:45 EDT, 3/13
2
It's the president's duty to be tested for the coronavirus. Again Trump is exhibiting appalling irresponsibility, shaking hands with all, while untested. Is this behavior part of his political strategy to demonstrate that the virus isn't really dangerous?
370
My director had the work team meet virtually today even though we were all on the same floor. He held the ZOOM meeting to model the practice of social distancing and to announce we would all be working from home beginning next week. I tuned into Trump’s announcement and was aghast at his behavior and that of his enablers. He’s shaking hands, touching shoulders and sharing the microphone. I can’t believe no one around the podium would speak up. The people leading us out of this pandemic aren’t in front of the cameras.
I am grateful for my boss.
50
@Anne -- Agreed. And, since the test is a simple throat swab, he should do it publicly so people can see that there's nothing to be afraid of. Some people aren't sure what the test consists of and are hesitant about it. By showing the country how easy it is to be tested, Trump could make them more willing to be tested.
29
@Anne More likely, it's his inability to cope with reality.
27
I watched a few minutes of Trump taking questions in the Rose Garden. He lies, he’s evasive, he doesn’t answer the questions. He is completely unprepared and knows very little. He often makes things up.
I remember President Obama answering questions thoughtfully, thoroughly, knowledgeably and articulately. He was a true president, not like the pretender occupying the Oval Office. We sure could use him now.
58
You know that in their private moments, when they’re half asleep, even rabid Trumpists and most of Trump’s remaining staff wishes Obama was still President too.
Wouldn’t surprise me if the same thought also flits sometimes across Trump’s mind, or whatever that thing is.
3
While President Stable Genius was stumbling through his latest teleprompter recital, I went shopping at my local supermarket, intending to get a few items for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. To my amazement, the store was packed with people piling carts high with all sorts of things. Toilet paper and meat sections were stripped bare. I don't think anyone's reassured.
22
Is all this money going to end in the pockets of Trump's friends from the pharmaceutical industry?
14
Please, readers, go watch the video footage of this travesty. Where the President of the United States deflected responsibility for anything that has gone wrong thus far. Literally stated that he does not take responsibility and that he knows nothing about the decision to eliminate the pandemic team from the NSC. Never in my life have I seen a more blatant example of complete and utter lack of leadership. EPIC FAIL! My teenagers are capable of taking more responsibility for their actions than Donald Trump. I am beyond appalled!
45
This is disgusting. He’s only interested in himself.
1
"No, I take no responsibility at all."
That's all you need to take away from this.
For further guidance, contact Walmart, Target or Quest Diagnostics.
29
@MSM Fan "This was all planned by the Democrats. They bred this virus in laboratories for years, just waiting for the next election campaign so they could then release it and blame it all on me. " covfefe !
@MSM Fan
Thank you for this! Excellent!
@kenneth Don't joke. I know people that are saying exactly that.
I have to wonder what the ceos thought of shaking hands with the president while other world leaders have taken to bowing or other non contact gestures to stop the spread of the virus.
12
They were happy to be part of the stable genius’s ploy to get the stock market to gain back some of the lost ground. They all make me sick.
3
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” says the man holding the highest office in the land about a national emergency.
That’s all I need to know.
32
@Elli Trump did not cause the pandemic. His early efforts in limiting China travel have saved us from an enormous crisis as in other countries such as Italy. He is not responsible for the CDC fiasco. He increased their funding and believed the scientists who told him that their test worked.
Maybe you need to know a bit more.
@Dan He was responding to a question about tests being rolled out way too clumsily and slowly, rather than a question about him causing an epidemic. He was in 100% full control of rolling out tests to the American public an he failed miserably. I agree wholeheartedly with Elli.
1
Every citizen should consider the idea of a "social isolation" for themselves. Beginning immediately. This would minimize personal contacts and transmission of COVD-19 across persons.
In a period a little greater than the incubation time, the nation would be able to see where it stands relative to the active cases.
Consider that some with the virus will not show symptoms and feel no need to isolate, and their contacts will be no wiser.
So just keep your distance for a while and see where we stand.
7
@Ed C Man This, along with more tests (the only way to "see where it stands") are the way to go!
Tom Cotton closed his office Team America claiming China manufactured this.
50 BILLION dollars and Cotton is proud of our "private sector".
Well, nobody I know in the private sector is going to get that money. Bush sent out checks. Cotton and his fearless leader are bilking taxpayers handing off our money to their friends in the "private sector". You know the ones, they just got a tax break.
Medicare for all costs less than this bailout. Lets do it.
9
I would like to know if our government officials are required to let the public know if they test positive for Coronavirus or can they keep it on the downlow by staying in extended quarantine and not sharing positive results. And is it worthwhile to be tested before being symptomatic, like it sounds a number of Congressmen have done who’ve had negative results, and like I hear others want the president to do. Just thoughts...
4
Thank You, Speaker Pelosi! You're the adult in the room; the mother and grandmother the American people need to take care of them; the leader we can count on to get something done for all the people and help end the panic over our health, and our job security. So, let's all stay home with our children to keep the Covid-19 virus from spreading and hopefully the tests will finally be there when we need them.
17
@Paul Wortman
Finally a women.. We should have voted for Elizabeth Warren. A woman. Proof
I watched the more than two hours press conference at the White House lawn this afternoon. Trump together with other leaders from the government and they did a pretty good job. They tried to answer all the questions form the international media.CNN and other liberal media shouldn't be so critical about Trump. He was trying to calm down the scary reactions from the public. I think he achieved his purposes. American people should work together with him to live through this unexpected crisis from China. What happened to Xi Jinping? No press conference to have a direct dialogue with the Chinese people? China is a secret society underworld nation. Like Al Capone in Chicago in 1930s.
6
@Tysons123 He said he was not responsible for the failed rollout of testing, blaming the Obama administration indirectly for it. He said he got asked a "nasty question" that was also incredibly important to know the answer to. He said since he has no symptoms there's no need to test him.
He did say some positive things too, fumbling through his speech like a running back with greasy hands. But overall it was pretty much a trainwreck from start to finish. The most important part of it was the fact that he declared a national emergency, which the Times had already reported he would do beforehand.
1
Dear Speaker Pelosi:
Congratulations on reaching a deal to actually help the American people in this difficult time.
But once the votes are taken in the House, please take care to stay safe and healthy. You are third in line to the Presidency, and it appears that there is a good chance Trump and Pence already have the coronavirus.
18
@Joyce The Senate still needs to approve it...............................
However I am hoping and hoping some more that this bill gets passed and signed!
Coronavirus in the Winter Palace in Florida, no big deal. Trump may already be infected, and might get tested, maybe. We have a twin disaster in the making: Trump and Coronavirus. They go almost hand-in-hand.
12
Wait, what? Trump refused to take responsibility for anything? This is shocking, said no-one anywhere.
17
@J He said it after declaring a national emergency that he has a part in making worse. I think it's a little worse this time.
1
I declared Trump a national emergency 3 years ago but no one paid attention. But I persisted. Still no one listened.
Events have supervened and now people are saying....
Good time to be a day trader. Buy on big dip and sell on a huge one day rise.
But do it with good stock, for example Verizon which pays good dividend. If it should fall keep it indefinitely. I’m buying and selling “SPY” and on paper made $3200 in one day. But I’m keeping. It pays a little over 2 percent interest. I realize the Dow etc could drop 10 percent but in the long run... what goes down always rises. It has since 1930s.
1
His narcissism with its grandiosity that we have been enduring could well be the reason he ends up getting the virus. If it happens to him then it is real and he is at a high risk age.
8
Kathleen, if he gets it, do you think he’ll tell the public?? After weeks of calling it a democratic hoax and all that nonsense, if he announced that he’s sick, it contradicts what he’s been saying and makes him look even more foolish. Is that even possible??
1
There is something that at first blush, seems bizarre, then seems evil:
The HUGE 50 billion dollar given to fight this plague- that could kill over a million people here and a lot more worldwide- is only half the worth of Jeff Bezos and of Bill Gates, and over ten billion more than Michael Bloomberg. Any of them could provide a much bigger rescue package and still be left with billions.
And you wonder why Bernie Sanders, win or lose, like him or not, has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of this most unequal society.
9
@Peter Wolf
Correction: I see that Forbes lists Bloomberg as having only about 45 billion. Maybe we should take up a collection.
3
What about some of the most vulnerable people in our society - individuals with disabilities? What will happen if their caregivers fall ill?
6
Meh - collateral damage. Why would the stable genius care?
1
On the paragraph concerning China and the possibility of infecting the U.S., we would be derelict if we completely dismissed this as some right wing lunatic conspiracy. We've been in a silent war with China via cyber intrusions and corporate espionage. China is no stranger to sacrificing its own citizens for Communist Party gain and Wuhan was the perfect litmus tests. I'm no radical bent on far flung theories but the Chinese have been terrible actors and this would be a vehicle that evens the trade issues and economic hits.
1
Trump takes decisive action. Trump makes the hard decisions that need to be made. This is very good, all of these actions are needed and valuable. This is excellent performance.
If it was all being done in early January.
Not now, now it is too little, too late, which is the story of Trump's entire approach to this coronavirus crisis.
Trump has an ongoing, massive, unrestrained fail. Trump needs to shut up, move over and get out of the way, and stay quiet.
8
I am convinced the tests were delayed until companies could profit from them. Moneyed interests in the background. This is an example of toxic capitalism.
29
That, and the fact we have a narcissist president who didn’t want to look bad. He knew that intensive testing would reveal higher numbers of infected Americans.
13
Finally, playing catch up! Many States are way ahead of the curve having already implemented measures to do what they can do to contain the virus, already having declared their own state of emergency. Although having access to testing kits is a bonus, if that pans out as promised.
Only half-measures though, if he refuses to pass the House bill to aid affected people who cannot afford tests or treatment due to no insurance or high deductibles and who will have to keep working just to survive when they are sick. and what about homeless people!
It's still a leaky bucket at best.
3
We were advised the administrators of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland will continue to work in its Central Office during local virus-related school closures? Let’s be good role models and ban large workplace gatherings.
5
No private sector large corporation would put up with a CEO who misinformed, bungled, sent mixed messages, and had to be dragged kicking, screaming, and whining to get him to do anything constructive to address such a very serious crisis affecting people and the economy.
Keep in mind we are the only so-called "advanced" country that does not have universal health insurance coverage for all citizens. And if we keep voting for Republicans, we never will have health insurance for all. (I am in favor of government health insurance for those who want it and let those who like their insurance plan keep it). But everyone must be insured with a quality insurance plan. It is a right, not a privilege only for the well-to-do!
The problem of climate change that brings with it epidemics, pandemics, and all kinds of other disastrous problems was predicted a long time ago. But one political party refuses to address any of these challenges and believes that "planning" is "socialism."
Don't vote Republican until the party puts its vast sums of donor money to supporting politicians who know and care what is needed to keep society, people, living things, democracy, and the planet viable and healthy for future generations.
20
And now there will be so much money to be made: these 50 billion will go to all Trump’s contracting buddies building tents and drive through testing centers, all pharma giants and hospital. I could go on and on. Everything is capitalized on in capitalism. Sad.
20
I thought we already had a national emergency about a wall. Any chance funds will be diverted from that?
17
Alan, I fear just the opposite: that they’ll divert funds from FEMA to the stupid wall. That’s probably why he went along with it so quickly and without commentary. We’ll see...
Donald Trump did not rise to the occasion. That much is certain. He had dumped the team that had responded to the Ebola crisis, and the CDC had slashed funding for monitoring disease emergence in several countries, one of those countries being China. Had the team still been in place, and had the funding not been slashed by the CDC the crisis we are in would have been at least somewhat ameliorated, even with Trump in denial and clueless as to how to handle what was to become a pandemic. The NY Times stepped up today and called for Trump to do what is called for, to declare a national emergency so that we can hope to contain the spread of the virus and treat those infected swiftly. Had the Ebola team been in place, and the funding by the CDC not slashed to monitor emerging diseases, we would have most likely had to spend less than we are going to have to now. We are behind, and are having to play catch-up.
One other thing. Some people have been expressing glee over a tanking stock market and economy. This isn't right. I want Trump gone, but not at the expense of people's life savings and inflicting hardship on those least equipped to handle it. I want Trump to go down to defeat at the ballot box.
10
Finally . . . It’s good to see bipartisanship in times of crisis!
5
Trump is so far behind what is being done at the state and local level that it isn’t even funny. The Republican Governor in Ohio is light years ahead of Trump in addressing the pandemic. Major medical organizations in Cleveland including the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals have already developed their own COVID 19 diagnostic tests. Much more is being done. Then there is Trump standing at the door of an empty barn wondering what happened. Basically, he is ignored and irrelevant.
15
I'm not seeing the existence of a "Payroll tax" decrease, and i hope I do not. This is not going to help anyone, but what it WILL do is to undermine Social Security,. Medicare, and Medicaid, which are already underfunded. The Republicans have been trying to eliminate these programs since Reagan, and we should not let them do this on the back of a medical crisis in stealth fashion.
26
Would somebody please explain why Republicans want to defund Medicare and Social Security? Don’t their constituents avail themselves of these programs? Eliminating or reducing them will hurt republicans as well as Democrats. Yeah, I know congress doesn’t need these programs because they get pensions and lifetime medical care, but the rest of us, not so much. Maybe I’m missing something.
3
@Rob Kaufman True, Republicans rely on the old heavily. Not sure how they get away with this.
We're all in this together. Before we preach politics remember its about the global community. Keep yourself safe and help to keep others safe. That's our part in this. Togetherness.
15
Every day now brings new things to consider and respond to. How to handle unavoidable contacts safely. Not being forgetful about your obligation to protect yourself without cutting corners for whatever reason you can concoct. Keeping separation whenever possible consistently. Fun fun. Protracted safe measures are imperative and they require thought and planning. Do not shirk on your safety.
7
People need to understand a few things about testing.
First, they're never perfect, i.e. they have some rate of false positive and false negative results, hopefully very small but they can result in diagnoses missed or mistakenly made. Per Bayes theorem, the less likely you have CV19, the greater the chance for a false positive result.
There's also a $ cost that may not matter too much for an individual test, but it adds up over millions of tests.
Right now we only have RNA detection based tests for CV19 - the roll out of which has led to the current fiasco.
More rapid point-of-care tests are under development (but months away) and might be useful for triaging in ER's or urgent care clinics. Also, it may be possible to develop blood tests able to detect CV19 RNA in asymptomatic people incubating the disease or already contagious. Serologic tests looking for antibodies are useful to detect past infections, can clear people to work or travel without fear of this infection, and help determine the true magnitude of the epidemic.
Lastly, average laypeople, even those who are smart and well informed, often don't really know when they need a particular test. That's why guidelines recommending referral by a healthcare provider remain appropriate. I would strongly recommend against public non-medical officials telling folks they can get a test if they want one as opposed to when they need one. Like any medical resource it should be used wisely and efficiently.
10
@Michael Tyndall
People are fixated on testing because it provides them with (a) sense of control and (b) a chance to vent their anger.
1
@AACNY
Thanks for the comment. You're right about people's anger and need for some control. But testing is much more than that. It's integral to a coherent and efficient public health response. Resource allocation and the timing of various interventions like school closings and public event cancellations depend on the magnitude and trajectory of the epidemic in various places and times. For lack of data, the guys in charge had to make educated guesses. They saw the disaster spinning out of control in Italy, perhaps only weeks ahead of us, and had to pull the trigger much more widely and perhaps prematurely in many locales here. But probably better to be safe than sorry.
My number one concern now--politically speaking--is that this emergency declaration will drag on and on, and grow, until we get to the elections, and it will turn out that the last elections were the last elections.
27
I’m afraid the House will pass the bill to help people that need unemployment insurance, free testing, nutritional food for their children, etc. and that the Senate will reject it. I can just hear the Republican senators and Trump saying now that a national emergency has been declared, they’ll have money to fund these measures, no need to legislate it. Only, if there’s no legislation, who’s to say where that 40-50 million in emergency funds will end up. Probably in Trump’s cronies (and his) pockets. No accountability again.
32
That FEMA money will mysteriously end up funding the moronic wall.
Where’s Mitch, Lindsey and Rudy?
After all, they have so much to contribute.
It’s also so entertaining to watch them all grovel to Trump.
I wonder how long it will be before subjects have to knell and kiss Donald’s ring?
31
@Doremus Jessup
Linsey was in Mara-Logo and had contact with the guy who has the virus. He will drag himself to kiss his ring and feet and lick his shoes.
A great show in the Rose Garden today. But that's Trump's wheelhouse; putting on a great show.
Substance must come next, which is not his wheelhouse. Shaking hands multiple times with the other old white (mostly) guys doesn't give me confidence he's mastered the fundamentals of what he needs to accomplish.
40
@Bill Lee It wasn't even a great show. He is deteriorating before our eyes. He can barely form a sentence anymore and looks like he might be on a lot of meds. Also he very well may have coronavirus.
I’d really like it if I could watch a press briefing without everyone, president included, congratulating themselves on a “job well done”.
53
The president is fond of claiming that his administration has done something no other administration has done or he has accomplished something no other president has, but today he can proudly, and rightly, say that. In a sort 8 days he has gone from hoax to a national emergency. No one else has done that. Congratulations mr president.
59
@RNS
Until he declared that he was not responsible at all for the testing fiasco. And you congratulate the Liar? For what?
@Welcome Canada I take relief in the fact 53 readers could find the obvious sarcasm in my post.
Reading through some of the comments I start to think that indeed the Trumps infected the Brazilians. It makes far more sense.
33
Give Trump a partial payroll tax cut and pass the bill. Play politics on something else.
1
@tanstaafl -- a payroll tax cut will not help those on unpaid sick leave or the unemployed, now will it?
2
A payroll tax cut is a moronic idea, which, considering the source, is not surprising. But this idea is a ruse to cut Medicare and Social Security. Maybe congress won’t need these programs when they retire, but the rest of us? Stupid and dangerous!
2
@tanstaafl:
Tell that to POTUS. He was, yet again, playing politics by placing blame on predecessors. He said he wouldn't take the blame.
1
Finally he does something. But also didn't take any blame for the nonchalant lying response for several weeks.
To quote the gentleman who was President when I was born: "The Buck Stops Here".
Of course, when Trump here's that phrase, he holds out his hand expecting you to put $1 in it.
36
The options that the National Emergency offer are welcomed and applauded; however, did the announcement really have to be sprinkled with rehearsed adulation, infomercials, and of course, blaming the Democrats? We need to heal physically and morally. This did nothing for the later.
37
In the past. Trump wanted to say what he wanted to say without any notes because he wanted to say what he wanted to say. With the virus, Apparently he read every word, word after word. Apparently he had to focus on the government for his notes. Personally he read that word after word, it sounded like fake news.
14
Farmer Trump closes the barn door after the cows have gotten out. Let's just hope that we can find them and get them back in.
23
The stock market is an out of control brat, entirely beholden to emotion and self-gratification. Sound familiar.
10
Trump went from being not only the most corrupt president in US history to also the most dangerous. He has blood on his hands, as do the Republicans who did not remove him from office when they had the chance. We are all paying the price.
72
Given the need for social distancing, should New York be re-thinking the recent ban on single use plastic bags in retail?
While in the long run the ecological thing is to move toward reusable shopping bags like those that we New Yorkers have all just shifted to. However, given the corona virus concerns, these bags could be a disease vector.
I was just at our local Wegman's market and everyone in line had the reusable bags that they had brought from home. The clerk handled each of those bags with handles, which get used again again between store and home, and then of course touched all the bags and food of the all customers next in line.
Seems like a good way to spread the virus from one home to another via the grocery clerk.
Maybe NY should temporarily allow plastic one-use bags.
17
This is why gloves were invented
@Granny Franny
Gloves only help if the clerk changes them with each new customer (perhaps consuming more plastic than the bags), otherwise it's just the gloves transferring the virus instead of the skin.
That the incumbent Potus hasn’t yet understood the magnitude of this epidemic is blatant clear from his naïve behaviour of still shaking the hands. He did it with at least five of the many, steadily nodding heads, circling him in his press conference during which he declared the National Emergency.
It took half an hour – while the immunologist dr. Anthony Fauci was explaining how the coronavirus infection projection curve could unfurl through USA population – for someone of his entourage to dare suggesting Mr. Trump (unseen to "BOX" viewers) that shaking hands, NOW, was a “bad, very bad” signal to the Nation: and the President then complied to the hint, although visibly grudgingly...
Certainly Google's plan will be a “tremendous” – as the President loves to say umpteen times during the day and on Twitter.
And me too am sure that it will better contain the spread of coronavirus in the United States of America.
7
If trump wanted to really make a difference he would step down and self deport himself and the sycophants surrounding him.
22
Mr. Trump, as I recall, you said that this was all a hoax, dreamed up by the Democrats to help defeat you next November. What happened to change your message to us? I depend on what you tell us.
31
Less than 1/12 of what we spend on defense every year.
22
Look at him thanking people at the microphone as if he were an award winner at the Oscars. Look at him hauling private sector companies up to do the job that government ought to be capable of. He is an embarrassment to every notion of public service and to national integrity.
Get this man out of office and off my computer screen.
77
@K Yates
Those fine-corporate citizens can't get there fast enough when Uncle Sugar finally opens the public pocketbook.
6
Once Trump tests positive for the corona virus how many on his task force will also test positive and have to be quarantined? And Mr. Fauchi, why did you shake his hand?
27
@Dan L this country could do with a stiff shot of socialism right now. Not bad at all. Trust me, I’ve been there.
It’s already here, by the way, if you care to look good enough.
10
"most likely, yeah" ?????
Look, while he may not have many pre-existing problems, he is in the high-risk part of the chart.
And I don't wish illness and suffering on ANYONE.
And quarantining him for 14 days might let the world get back to more normalcy.
14
@jhanzel
He’d still have his cellphone.
@jhanzel If you're talking about quarantining Trump, please for the love of God don't give him access to the internet during that time!
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said in response to a reporter’s question on Friday, “because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules regulations and specifications from a different time.”
In other words, blame it on Obama. First of all, his statement is inaccurate. And even if it were true, you’re the President in the midst of a global crisis - so change the rules. And true to form, he takes no responsibility and conveniently forgets that his first action concerning the virus was to dismiss it as a hoax. Pathetic.
40
@Bob Hawthorne:
Although I liked a few of the questions journalists asked; however, the ideal question would be something along the lines of "Why did you dismiss this medical situation as a hoax." If he denies it, stand up to him. If he tries to move on, someone else ask the same question.
3
@Claire I thought it was a great question though, the one Bob mentions. It got him to actually say bluntly that he doesn't take responsibility for completely botching the virus response. Now let's not all forget it!
democrat's proposals should be implemented :dick larves,unemployment benefits and free testing are able to help containing virus spreading.Trump incompetence, lack of empathy are COVID-19 friendly.
1
This should have happened about 3 weeks ago.
21
"I don’t take responsibility at all”
Of course not, that's what leaders do.
He's such a lousy actor. He can't pretend for five minutes that he cares about public health and safety. His only concerns are his reelection prospects, and making sure Republican donors get their chance to wallow at the public trough.
27
@Rick:
And notice that he shook hands with some members of the group with him. Yeah, he really cares about our safety.
“I am officially declaring a national emergency, two very big words,” he said.
Two very big words? Declaring a national emergency is not something to celebrate. You do not declare it and then brag about your awesome skill.
Emergencies are declared because they actually are. To also declare that 5 million tests will be available but we probably won't need them and that he doesn't want people to get tested is foolish and borderline stupid.
People are dying and suffering, people are panicking and buying up water and bread. This is no time to be glib and self-congratulatory. He takes no responsibility for the failures so far and dumps it on his predecessor. Swine flu is irrelevant. H1N1 is irrelevant. Now is what matters.
He is out of his depth and scared. It's all over his face, body language, and his words. He is not the face of calm and leadership. He is the emblem of dismissive ignorance.
26
“I am officially declaring a national emergency, two very big words,” he said.
Two very big words? Declaring a national emergency is not something to celebrate. You do not declare it and then brag about your awesome skill.
Emergencies are declared because they actually are. To also declare that 5 million tests will be available but we probably won't need them and that he doesn't want people to get tested is foolish and borderline stupid.
People are dying and suffering, people are panicking and buying up water and bread. This is no time to be glib and self-congratulatory. He takes no responsibility for the failures so far and dumps it on his predecessor. Swine flu is irrelevant. H1N1 is irrelevant. Now is what matters.
He is out of his depth and scared. It's all over his face, body language, and his words. He is not the face of calm and leadership. He is the emblem of dismissive ignorance.
4
@Christian
He's mainly afraid for himself, the very definition of 'high risk'.
"Asked if he would be tested, President Trump said, “most likely, yeah,” but not because of his interactions with an infected Brazilian official. “I think I will do it anyway. Fairly soon,” he said."
Good grief. This clown has to lie about everything. I know his lies are banal by now but sometimes I'm still surprised at how brazen he is.
24
President couldn't handle the "nasty" question from Yamiche Alcindor, denying he disbanded the global health security unit. His explanation is pathetic. Who would have thought this would happen? Every intelligent public official and any person paying attention.
Can we get him off the stage and just have Pence speak? I try to focus on important issues on hand but it is unbearable listening to him boast about handling the pandemic and hear this appointees fawn over his (lack of) action. November 3, 2020, can't come fast enough.
19
Mr. Trump has promised he will be tested "very soon."
Translation: when Hades freezes over, when he's no longer under audit, when the Supreme Court forces him to, or when every dieter in America finally manages to not only drop those 20 pounds but keep them off for good. Whichever comes last.
8
The entire Trump circus has already been tested. You can probably bank on it. Donald thinks they are all national treasures and assets.
9
Absolutely true. He simply won’t admit it to MAGA or the press. There’s no way he (the self proclaimed germaphobe) hasn’t been tested after shaking hands and hobnobbing with covid-19 infected people. If he had tested positive (or hadn’t been tested by now) no one would be hovering within 6 feet of him - not even ivanka (who i saw showing him something at his desk right before the the 9 pm announcement the other night).
Trump squandered time that could have been used had he heeded the much more intelligent scientists rather than toadies, lackeys and Fox “News” advisors.
Now that the crisis is upon us he acts-somewhat stupidly such as restricting travel-and too late.
I wish we had real leadership rather than a vain egotistical braggart.
So, he will spend billions of dollars to prop up his business cronies and throw us crumbs such as his statement that not all of us need to be tested.
But, never fear, spring is near and the heat will kill the virus. Trust me, Trump told me so. And he knows more than the scientists. Bigly.
10
He hasn't been tested yet? And all those people at the press conference sharing that lectern and microphone...
Good thing he is the healthiest POTUS ever.
13
World's most famous known germophobe claims to not be worried about deadly virus with no cure, refuses to be tested after being in close contact with infected persons.
Occam's Razor begs to differ.
14
Notice that there were no specifics as to when:
• Trump will get tested
• The drive through tests will operate
• The sanitizers will be back
And,
• Where the $50 B will go
Over all, this was “perfect” press con.
Like that phone call was “perfect.”
23
Asked about the delays Friday, Trump defiantly said: “I don’t take responsibility at all.”
--sums it up
33
Trump who allegedly cheats at golf took a mulligan after Biden and Bernie looked and sounded presidential.
11
Isn’t it “Preparedness 101” that you’re prepared for emergencies BEFORE they happen?? How can DT and Azar say that they’re just now seeing how certain “regulations” and organizational structures at CDC, FDA etc were ‘antiquated’ and not helpful to our current emergency?? Hasn’t it been their job to address all those things BEFORE NOW— what have they been doing these last 3 years, if indeed their priority #1 is our safety??? DT insulted Yamiche Alcindor in the press conference just now and flat out didn’t address her question (he window dressed). So, what other emergencies has DT’s admin not even “realized” yet that we’re not prepared for (even as “realizing” is duh their JOB)?? How much more will his CDC or FDA miss the mark or be sunk in their efforts by his petty ego and Denialism? DT completely tone-deaf, days-late and dollars-short.
16
As a veteran engineer in the process industries, myself and others understand that hastily developed analysis methods and process controls, which have undergone limited testing, present significant risks. The first measure of quality is repeatability. Will a test show the identical result consistently? The second measure of quality is manufacturability. Will all units produced be statistically managed and controlled to a specified tolerance?
If either design, manufacturing, or usability elements of the coronavirus analytical kits have even tiny defects due to a rushed development, that may lead to an unacceptably high rate of 'false positives' or 'false negatives.'
While expediency is required to manage the coronavirus crisis, we are hopeful that quality management processes have been strictly observed. Otherwise, we'll understand that politics and profits were the motivators behind the hastiness to develop coronavirus tests, rather than a sincere concern to control the virus.
15
Drive-thru testing in a crumbling Walmart parking lot.
He sure made America great.
22
bUT hOw WiLL wE PaY fOR IT
1
The Federal tax deduction for state and local taxes will be reduced from $10,000 to $8,000.
3
“Mr. Trump, who has been accused of downplaying the crisis,...”
This is, honestly, journalistic malpractice. The equivalent of “many people are saying”. The president HAS without question downplayed the crisis!
25
Trump should have been shouting “The virus is coming. The virus is coming”. But Biden said the travel ban fro Asia was an overreaction.
Hard to believe anyone had the courage to shake Trump's hand in the Rose Garden.
Or the stunning ignorance of anyone who accepted his handshake, it's likely Trump is a carrier of the virus.
16
"Two very big words"
Incomprehensible incompetence...
31
Is there anyone left out there who believes that Donald Trump is playing with a full deck? Every day he puts us in danger between his paranoia, his lies and his anger. This man is unfit for the job and clearly a present danger to all Americans.
1853
@karen
Truly, this statement should be up in Broadway lights! On the flip-side, experts, professionals, authorities and business leaders are stepping up and making wise decisions by closing down or seriously adjusting. It is an indcator of how many true leaders exist in the US.
Equally, it is a sign how a functional government works, as a team, a unified force, an informed body, unlike what Trump has in his minions.
120
@karen
Like wise, I ask: Does anyone beside me think that maybe all these infected foreign dignitaries that met with Trump cohorts did not bring the virus to Donald, Ivanka, Barr, et al?
Maybe the science-deniers who lead our government are the ones who actually gave them the infection.
100
@Que Viva
The way American medical experts have stood up despite their leader reminds me of the administration specialists who stood up against him in the impeachment hearings. It makes me proud and relieved to know that some people care more about their work than their jobs, or their boss, who would surely exile and fire them after.
155
So now we know what TeeVee show Trump watches while waiting for Hannity and Tucker to start, and after he listens to Windbag all afternoon:
"Mad Money" with Jim Cramer.
Cramer suggested 4 of 5 of Trump's "ideas" on last night's show.
At least Trump could've mentioned him.
3
President: Many elders are not feeling well. Please spare us your gloating over the extraordinary job you have not done. Please stop blaming Obama for your problems of personal inadequacy. Please just be quiet and let us heal/die in peace and with gratitude to the intelligence of people who recognized that we need scientific information, kindness and hope. Please just be quiet.
29
All of mankind must be embarrassed for and by Mike Pence.
20
@Blue in Green
The fawning, syrupy voice. Awful.
1
While Republicans are apparenly pushing back on Democrats wanting to help America’s working class, this is, in part, what Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada told the population:“No one should have to worry about paying rent, buying groceries, or additional childcare because of Covid-19. We will help Canadians financially.”
That must be a communist/socialist plot! (irony on my part)
22
And once again he takes no blame for anything.
17
*****BioMedomic based in RTP in N.C. has a 15 minute test for Corona virus and another test using nasal swabs ,also has very fast results AND these tests can even detect virus in people without symptoms.
BioMedomic have a 1/2million++ kits in China and many EU countries including Italy are using these tests.. All sales have been outside the US.
The FDA even with an emergency request from the company has NOT approved the test!
Please NYT how about an article about how the FDA has access to reliable, cheap and quick testing and its is not allowing these companies to sell the kits here.
Trump and company should be held criminally responsible for their refusal to provide testing and stop the spread of this virus .
21
Trump is grossly negligent (two very big words)!!! He should have done this over a week ago! The genie is already out of the bottle Donnie, and WE will pay the price. Too little too late!
15
But when Trump asked Congress for at least 2.5 billion dollars to fight the virus, House Democrats spent over three weeks getting a bill done.
Didn't Germany pledge 600 billion?
9
Atleast two or three people in that press conference seem sick..!
7
trump..just tell the truth. it's enough already!
6
Good grief, everyone. Just calm down. This is not the end of the world. The panic that the media, and the people in the comment section, are spreading is far worse than the virus. Hording toilet paper? Has everyone gone mad??
@Jimbo
Exponential growth. Two very big words.
Looks like a small problem for a long time. And then, all at once, it’s everywhere.
Reasonable preparation for quarantine is appropriate.
4
God help us. This man is so dangerous.
19
Other than Trump declaring a national emergency the only thing I saw was a lot of head nodding and praise for your president. Nothing seemed specific, just more rhetoric while offering free ad time for CVS and Walgreens. I know there are new steps being taken but it all seemed rather vague and political. This virus is clearly still a partisan issue for Trump, and the blame game still persists.
In short, it seemed like stroking Trump’s ego is still the priority.
657
@Holly -- Meanwhile, compared to the $50 billion Trump is pledging in the form of payroll tax and student loan interest waivers... etc., Germany PM Angela Merkel just pledged $600 billion to make sure the people and the economy come through this intact, and of course their national health care kicked in immediately to take care of everyone's health needs. (No time lost fighting and negotiating with "healthcare insurance" corporations!)
The US Congress can still not agree that "sick pay" should be part of the cost of doing business, as many in the USA have zero paid sick days because "small businesses can't afford to pay for sick days." Nonsense. They should not be in business if they can't pay "living wages" and provide paid sick days and a paid vacation to employees as the the majority of other top 20 nations.
76
@Holly
Yes. It was a sycophantic love fest - each of the Republicans trying to outdo the other in their praise of Trump.
As for the impeached president, he was hardly reassuring, sounding more like he was giving a rally speech in which he praised himself over and over than a serious speech about a global pandemic.
When he went off script (which he read like student reading a note of excuse from his mother) he would drift into garbled, at times incomprehensible tangents.
No one would address why there weren't enough testing kits available - they just wanted to tout what a wonderful job the private sector was doing in getting them ready.
Amazingly, none of the reporters asked why the Trump administration had not taken the offer of the WHO kits which had been available.
And of course there was plenty of implied blame leveled at Obama for the lack of preparedness.
All in all, another day, another circus.
64
@Holly I certainly found that to be the case also. Why did he keep throwing in the cheap shots when people are dying. He just can’t stay on script. The praises the experts were giving him reminded me of his first cabinet meeting that did the same. I guess they needed to soothe his ego due to his rah rah rallies being cancelled till further notice.
45
He's not been tested yet? It's likely another, ahem, untruth.
My bet is that the famously germaphobic Trump gets himself tested at least daily.
21
Wow. Stable Genius went from "no big deal" to "national emergency" in like 2 weeks.
17
My God...What an appallingly childish display. It was actually painful to watch.
22
This drive thru testing nonsense is going to be EPIC. Oh and I can't wait to see the website not like the other websites no this isn't a nasty website, but a perfect website. Poor America poor poor America is afflicted.
8
but why did his voice sound so hoarse?!
10
Where does the 50 billion come from? Does the federal government have that much lying around? It would be helpful if news reports told us, especially when the president is a serial liar.
7
How about the germ-a-phobe in the WH and his family, TEST THEM!
If he's sick then he needs to be taken out of circulation and the constitutions' fall back instituted. If #2 is also sick well then, we gotta problem.
6
@Rick Tornello
If #2 is also sick, then we'll get the speaker of the house.
1
Google collecting our data unchecked, LabCorps and Quest infomercials, Walmart slum parking lots turned into “health centers”—this messy man seems to enjoy living under the delusion that he’s something more than a scammer joke in a shiny suit with an early 2000s necktie.
16
Hey Donnie,
The adage a day late and a dollar short was made for you.
You are so late to leading a federal response to Covid-19 that it's even more embarrassing than usual.
Why don't you go play your 108th round of golfs on your 243rd day away from the White House in 3 years while Americans make due for ourselves. Oh, and this makes your chances in November even slimmer than they were three weeks ago.
Signed,
A Growing Majority of We The People
P.S. - Maybe go shake hands with MAGA at another rally? You certainly don't understand the risks of that since science was never in your skill set. Actually, what is in your skill set? Lying and running every company you've ever been involved in (or country you try to lead) into actual & moral bankruptcy ... that seems your two biggest abilities. So SAD!
17
as I write this, Trump- exposed, yet apparently untested- is slobbering on the mic and standing cheek by jowl, even as he tries to set an example. Unfortunately, he is an abject failure.
23
A national emergency for what was it a week ago? Oh yes a little flu whose numbers would quickly go down. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Stop air travel but not from Great Britain. Where was Ms Trudeau? Oh yes, Great Britain. Hope she got in a game of golf first. Donald Trump is a disgrace to the Office and a disgrace to the country.
22
Can we expect to see apologies from all the Trump supporters who claimed this was all a hoax?
19
@Bill Noren
Surely you know they will applaud him, no matter what he does.
Post truth GOP world kool-aid is very popular.
It's gonna get even weird_er.
1
No mention of paid sick leave by these giants of American industry. Not our incredible Dear Leader.
18
Unbelievable to hear Trump saying that The USA is ahead of everyone about testing! What a lie! South Korea and Australia are testing thousands of people a day. Our tests did not work. Give me a break!
21
Last week: hoax
This week: national emergency
You can't imagine how much I hate this man.
30
I learned something new today at the president's rally on the WH lawn. If you come into contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus, you have nothing to worry about if you haven't seen the picture.
477
@RNS
Did he forget to put on surgical gloves again?
He should carry them in case he gets an impulse to have a tic tac
When he was committing adultery his paramours claim he did not wear condoms.
He is not even an efficient germaphobe. Don't tell me that the germaphobe thing was a lie. At least there we have some consistency. Why would he lie about being a germaphobe- a term he first used to say the Moscow festivities tape could not be true. Since he clearly is not a germaphobe and he invented it for the dossier event, it seems to me that the dossier tape probably is true.
Otherwise why invent a phobia?
35
@RNS
.....and there are good germs on both sides of the virus.
21
@RNS
That's the level of denial and intelligence we're dealing with in this man, he thinks if he can deny having seen a picture then what he's doing in the picture never happened.
He thinks if he takes 100 pictures a day with random people's arms around him, that makes him less likely to contract a highly contagious disease.
It reminds me of that line from Rain Man, he's answering a question from two months ago, the one about how can he say he doesn't know Lev Parnas when there are half a dozen pictures circulating that show them together.
3
Here is an idea: find out who has the virus and cure them.
A tremendous beautiful cure. We are doing really well.
Yes cure people tremendously well; and who is paying for fixing this Democrat hoax started by Crooked Hillary? Mexico will pay for it. The virus exists sporadically - in other words whenever it suits me and only I can fix it. People are saying to me when they get inexplicable access to Trump, (that's me) president of the USA elected in the greatest landslide ever won by minus 3 million votes; they say to Trump sir sir we don't recognise America any more, four more years; make that 8 because the Democrats and never trumpers and the deep state want millions and millions and millions of coal miners to die to bring down Trump (that's me in the third person).
Nobody knows epidemiology better than Trump (me). I was never a fan of foreign viruses, that I can tell you. I hardly knew them.
21
@Bob Guthrie you should be writing for Seth Meyers!! LOVE this!! (Thank you for the levity...it is in short supply these days.)
2
@Matt McCormick
Thanks Matt. I love Seth. 'Strain (Aussie) humour is a bit different to your's though. Bill Maher has good writers as does Trevor Noah. The great Marx Brothers exemplify probably my favourite American humour- then of course Seinfeld. Steve Martin s pretty fantastic too. Americans are the best at show biz- no question.
How could I forget Chris Rock? Yup. I said it.
Great social distancing between Trump and the Walmart CEO--a lovely handshake!!!!! Trump has been exposed to the virus twice and he's still shaking hands!!
8
@Leslie
Warn Macron and Shinzo Abe quick. He has a tendency to cling to their hands during handshakes.
1
The president is not setting an example of good hygiene. He is potentially exposed to the virus (Brazilian President), and therefore should exercise special caution. But he shakes hands, touches the microphone, etc. and thereby potentially exposing others attending this news conference. Please set an example, for once.
7
Just watched Trump shake the guy from Target's hand!!! And he KNOWS he has been exposed to coronavirus. Jeez, what a reassuring sight... NOT.
8
would it kill our president of the US to actually be on time at one of these conferences? what a show-boat.
7
@Dave He craves the attention, and keeping people waiting gives him a sense of power.
"Small minds cannot grasp great ideas; to their narrow comprehension, their purblind vision, nothing seems really great and important but themselves.
James G. Frazer
2
Small matter but Pres Trump was supposed to make an emergency declaration at 3 and was a full half-hour late. Was over 1/2 hour late for a news conference on Wednesday. Symptomatic (?) of a disorganized WH.
14
@David No, he just loves the power to make so many people sit and wait for him.
7
@cary That was my son's thought, too. I think the word "diva" was mentioned.
3
@David
Isn’t it terrible if you think he is late in a national emergency. Not even that timing was serious.. What a ... uhhhh
Another of his knee-jerk decisions. As always too little too late! But better than nothing! I hope FEMA knows what to do!
4
“I don’t take responsibility at all,” President Trump said
18
I’m unclear why so much time and money is being spent on a hoax?
Is Fox News award if this?
5
This news conference is the most pathetic, embarrassing display of incompetence and cover up of past incompetence I have ever seen. Compared to what virtually all other affected countries have done in the past weeks, it is truly embarrassing to be an American and have to see this pathetic display of self-praise and attempts to divert from the obvious failures of the US government in terms of testing and other measures.
We heard all last week that Millions of tests were available, and today they are proudly proclaiming that private testing companies will have a few 100,000's available.
Even with a written script the sociopath currently occupying the White House cannot stop making asides which are completely non-sensical and non-factual.
God help us to survive the remaining months that this nitwit is in the White House...
26
Why is Trump announcing the national emergency in front of a gathering of 50 people? We're talking about a highly infectious virus. What a bad example. WAKE UP!
7
Smoke and mirrors folks. This is all theatrics.
Donald can say, look at me, look at me, I’m great.
Another Trump scam full of false promises and lies.
8
Trump says See your doctor. Millions of Americans can’t afford to see a doctor. What the Dreamers and the illegals? Wouldn’t it be a good idea—for all of us—is everyone could get free testing?
11
@Zejee
Yes, and thank Nancy Pelosi for making it possible. Now, if trump can just make those millions and millions of tests magically appear.
Are we on the path of no return to Socialism, just to help some sick people who need it? This is worse than Covid-19 for those pay-as-you-go Republicans who feel that families, not secular society, should take care of this stuff. The rich ones are not fine with this, I'm sure.
1
@Max Shapiro - Oooh “secular society”... scary. Maybe you’d feel better with a theocracy like Iran?
I know this message won't get published but I am honestly feeling queasy after listening to that press conference. There were so many deplorable points. But one of the worst was towards the end where 3 people responded to a question about the availability of hand sanitizer and what residents should do in the absence of any. The first person, possibly one of the corporate CEOs, brushed off the lack of supplies and stepped away as the questioner was attempting to get clarification. Then Dr Fauci took the helm and said just do the best you can, wash your hands and, if you're not in a location where this is possible, use an alcohol wipe, but if you don't have one (which is clearly what the question was referring to) just do the best you can! And then the icing on the horrendous cake, the 3rd man was incredibly condescending and said to maintain social distancing and refrain from contact. At that point I nearly fell off my chair seeing as this group of "professionals" had been rubbing up against each other and shaking hands for the past 1.5 hours. What in the actual heck?!? Who are these people and why are they in charge and giving us advice?
29
@JK Why would you think your excellent post would not be published? It entirely follows the guidelines.
3
His answers are borderline blather! Not a new thing, yet I continue to be stupefied!
15
So who’s in charge? Azar? Pense? Fauci? Some new guy whose last name starts with a G?
It certainly isn’t Trump.
11
@Bach
curious you left out the woman who is in charge—Dr. Birx an Obama holdover who is bailing out Trump's failed first go at the problem...oh the irony.
Make America Tested Again!
7
Trump IS the national emergency.
34
he is too a national disgrace
1
Now that they will be to accurate diagnose more people, watch as the numbers that he was afraid of start to shoot up.
2
Just wonder how much more damage this man is going to inflict on us? We need a media black out day of this man.
16
The headline should be Trump arrogantly saying “No, I don’t take responsibility.” Why does the Times insist on cleaning up Trump’s messes? This man is ENDANGERING the population.
19
Trump is a national disgrace.
19
Wow...it only took the President two months to get from "hoax" to "national emergency." What a guy.
22
Yes, Mr. President, for you those are two very big words - one is 3 syllables and the other has four! But keep working on it and you'll be up to 5 before you know it!
19
Glad to know the president finally thinks COVID-19 is at least a large a threat as his other declared national emergency, the border wall.
5
The president announces a national emergency. Pot, meet kettle.
11
Makes me want to puke every time these speakers praise Trump for providing leadership to "protect Americans". This is not about the president, but it is about protecting the American public from the pandemic and providing solutions to contain it. Please do not use this as an opportunity to boost his ego?
20
@Nami
Will someone please create Mike Pence and Dr. Birx bobbleheads since most of the time they nodded in approval during the President’s speech.
5
America...you voted him in as your leader!!! Of course the infections are much higher in the US than stated because of restricted amounts of testing. His approach has basically been like a man putting up an umbrella in a hurricane and continually surprised why he is getting soaked. He does not care about the virus...only his precious stock market. How dare the traditional press ie 'fake news' outlets actually tell the truth. The sound I am starting to hear in the background is the winding down of his Presidency. Hopefully the electorate comes to it senses in November and kicks out this woeful President and his band of carpetbaggers.
18
he has already damaged the stock market
1
@Gadea Not his fault...it is everyone else who we must blame, CNN, NYT, Democrats, Joe Biden, Europe, China, Migrants, inner city elites, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Lincoln....just to name a few
Parade of private sector infomercial on this occasion?
No class.
Canada's PM Trudeau made a announcement this morning.
Tough to tackle the virus but at least he has "class" and people listen.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/avoid-global-travel-financial-help-coming-trudeau-says-as-covid-19-shuts-down-parliament-1.4851638
9
As indicated, an illness can endure for about two weeks or more depending on a patients condition. So it seems appropriate that a person be helped financially, fully, for that time instead of receiving an inadequate 5.9 percent payroll tax cut. But even more important is the need for unimpeded health care for those with insurance coverage which was smartly reinforced with the Affordable Care Act as well as the indigent who will learn quickly in practical ways how important it is to have insurance.
5
Canada's PM Trudeau made an announcement this morning from self-isolation home.
A stark contrast to Trump's press conference is Trudeau stressed it's medical and science wisdom we should follow, not political decisions, to combat the virus and he said would listen to medical and science professionals.
For Trump, everything has to be his show.
Parade of CEOs? Why?
37
@uji10jo --- Germany is not relying on the "generosity" of corporations (which by the way contribute only a meger 5% of all federal tax revenue -- compared to nearly 50% federal tax revenue in the 1970's when we had a thriving middle class the envy of Europe.)
Germany's PM Angela Merkel pledged $600 billion to combat the virus and bolster the economy (compared to Trump's $50 billion.) And of course, Germany's national health care kicked in from day one to treat everyone (because they do not put their people at the mercy of insurance corporations that require "proof" and require paperwork approval before treatment.)
5
@uji10jo
And he also stressed how all of our country is in this together, and will work together. I watched his announcement and was very proud to be Canadian today.
4
I’m so glad that this is the one thing that will bi-pass partisanship.
2
Everything Happens For A Reason, CORONAVIRUS IS THE BEST ADVOCATE OF MEDICARE FOR ALL. The timing is not by chance, but by divine planning and design. It comes right on time to practically show the Doubting Thomases Of Democratic Party (and those who're Mouthpieces of Middlemen called Private Health Insurance) why Medicare cannot be "For Some Who Want It", but must be "Medicare For All". One person with Coronavirus without a good health Insurance that carries no deductible or co-payments is a threat to everyone's health. HEALTH IS WEALTH. A HEALTHY NATION IS A WEALTHY NATION. A Chain Is As Strong As It's Weakest Link. Since the doubting Thomases of United States rejected the 78-year old crumpy Political Prophet Of Medicare For All (Bernie Sanders) and abandoned him in a political Wilderness, God Almighty Sends Down Coronavirus So That The Doubting Thomases May See With Their Eyes, Repent and Believe in "Medicare For All".
4
Better late than never, but we are six weeks where we should be, with hundreds of billions in business losses and a severe recession staring us in the face. This delay is having serious consequences. It is a sorry sight to watch some really bright people like Anthony Fauci be used by our pretend leader to excuse his lack of action.
18
I’d love to see someone investigate LabCorp (again, since the Fraud case of 2007). I predict cronyism and government overcharging in times of desperation.
17
Everything Trump is doing now is after the fact.
Even now, I've heard this virus has even reached Bloomington, Indiana, which either means the virus travels very quickly or it has been out and about for some time, as even as Trump was tweeting about how everything was under control.
Considering the Russian and Saudi oil price war, I would say even rural Americans are going to be getting a taste of the black swan for dinner.
9
The cynic in me can't help but notice that Trump's press conference didn't start until almost 3:30 PM Eastern, and the NYSE closing bell rings at 4.
Throwing a couple business leaders a minute or two at the podium (shake their hands afterwards, just for good measure) is apparently all it takes to re-assure, well, who, exactly?
18
@Joel And Trump mentioned something about announcement on Sunday night...to affect Monday's open..
And a "paper" is supposed to come out tonight?
And, would Trump PLEASE release the Democrat's
proposal so we can judge for ourselves?
The GOP is making sure the largest companies in America that pay some of the smallest wages and benefits, can get on this gravy train.
What is the benefit for the workers displaced by the economy shutting down? I didn't hear anything about them other than deferring student loan interest, which students already can do.
5
@Joel To reassure all those in his base who automatically bought shares in Walmart, Walgreen's, CVS, Target etc. Their shares need to go up so that when they continually run short of necessities, they only fall back to where they were today. I'm joking, but only a little bit.
Trump has been in contact with at least 2 people confirmed positive for CoronaVirus. Why isn't he in quarantine? The NYT must call for his isolation immediately!
7
Lots of money to go to corporations, labs, contractors and other concerns. What about we, the people, who will loose income and incur ruinous medical bills? Already 61% of the population cannot meet a $1,000 emergency.
10
mike pence sounds presidential
@John - ok, now THAT'S funny!!!
15
@John In comparison, anyone these days sounds presidential.
Keep calm and carry on and wash your hands!
2
United Corporations of America...
11
Bailouts = socialism
3
@Dan L Welfare for the rich has been time honored tradition in the U.S. for centuries.
7
Fingers crossed that the Trump admin hasn't hollowed out FEMA like it hollowed out the NSA and CDC and EPA and State and White House and DOJ and …..
8