Trump VS COVID-19 Threat

[barbos]

Boris Johnson got infected with COVID-19. Chances of Trump getting infected are not that bad.

 

[Jayjay]

Boris Johnson got infected with COVID-19. Chances of Trump getting infected are not that bad.

I think we'd all benefit if trump was stuck on a ventilator for a few weeks, but most people have no symptoms so I'm not too optimistic.

It's weird that Trump's approval ratings are now on levels not seen since he took power in early 2017. They'll probably continue to go up. He's made of teflon. And even I have to admit that I kind of agree with his point that economy can't be closed forever.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

The economy shouldn’t be closed forever. No one is saying close it forever. But it needs to be partially closed for a couple months. Or it will need to be closed for much longer!

This is like taking antibiotics. You finish it off up front!

 

[Elixir]

Boris Johnson got infected with COVID-19. Chances of Trump getting infected are not that bad.

I think we'd all benefit if trump was stuck on a ventilator for a few weeks, but most people have no symptoms so I'm not too optimistic.

It's weird that Trump's approval ratings are now on levels not seen since he took power in early 2017. They'll probably continue to go up. He's made of teflon. And even I have to admit that I kind of agree with his point that economy can't be closed forever.

FOX News. That's all.
If that dictator-loving propaganda channel shut down, the truth would get out and things would normalize in a heartbeat.

https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalV...urce=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

 

[funinspace]

Boris Johnson got infected with COVID-19. Chances of Trump getting infected are not that bad.

I think we'd all benefit if trump was stuck on a ventilator for a few weeks, but most people have no symptoms so I'm not too optimistic.

It's weird that Trump's approval ratings are now on levels not seen since he took power in early 2017. They'll probably continue to go up. He's made of teflon. And even I have to admit that I kind of agree with his point that economy can't be closed forever.

It really isn't that weird that Clownstick's poll numbers jumped up a bit. In times of crisis' Americans will tend to at least initially rally around the President. GWB's polling is a good example:



GWB's numbers jumped nearly 40 points post 9/11. The fact that FFvC's poll numbers only jumped up only 5 points or so is really pretty damning. He's got 8 months until the elections, and the shit really hasn't hit the fan yet. GWB's numbers were back to where he started 8 months later...

 

[Jokodo]

Boris Johnson got infected with COVID-19. Chances of Trump getting infected are not that bad.

I think we'd all benefit if trump was stuck on a ventilator for a few weeks, but most people have no symptoms so I'm not too optimistic.

It's weird that Trump's approval ratings are now on levels not seen since he took power in early 2017. They'll probably continue to go up. He's made of teflon. And even I have to admit that I kind of agree with his point that economy can't be closed forever.

It's not about him, it's part of the social psychology of crises - stick together, now is not the time to criticize if you don't want to be called out for sedition, etc.

It's the reason Thatcher's approval skyrocketed during the Falkland war, or why economic sanctions rarely if ever help destabilize a regime.

 

[ruby sparks]

British Prime Minister and Health Secretary have Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52060791

 

[repoman]

British Prime Minister and Health Secretary have Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52060791

You can be sure he is getting the most promising antiviral and other medication in sensible dosages.
Also getting CT scans to watch for ground glass opacities. Correct level of rest/exertion.

 

[southernhybrid]

British Prime Minister and Health Secretary have Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52060791

You can be sure he is getting the most promising antiviral and other medication in sensible dosages.
Also getting CT scans to watch for ground glass opacities. Correct level of rest/exertion.

I just saw a brief interview that Boris gave a few minutes ago. He said he was only having mild symptoms and a low grade fever. Unless his symptoms worsen in the next few days, he will probably have an easy recovery.

 

[barbos]

British Prime Minister and Health Secretary have Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52060791

You can be sure he is getting the most promising antiviral and other medication in sensible dosages.
Also getting CT scans to watch for ground glass opacities. Correct level of rest/exertion.

I just saw a brief interview that Boris gave a few minutes ago. He said he was only having mild symptoms and a low grade fever. Unless his symptoms worsen in the next few days, he will probably have an easy recovery.

It always starts with mild symptoms, so there is no way to tell how it will end.

 

[lpetrich]

House prepares to vote on $2 trillion coronavirus bill despite Massie threat - The Washington Post

The House of Representatives prepared to vote Friday on a $2 trillion economic relief package to address fallout from the coronavirus, with scores of lawmakers begrudgingly returning to the Capitol after one GOP member threatened to raise a procedural objection.

With the economy reeling, House leaders had hoped to pass the sweeping measure by a “voice vote” that would not require members to show up in person. Those who wanted to could come to the Capitol to speak in favor of or against the legislation that will send $1,200 payments to many Americans and free up large loans for businesses of every size.

s the House opened at 9 a.m., about two dozen lawmakers were on hand, sitting spread out across the chamber. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) -- whose possible objection forced his colleagues to return to the Capitol -- sat in the second-to-last row, a normal spot for the most conservative members. His intentions were unknown.

Donald J. Trump on Twitter: "Looks like a third rate Grandstander named @RepThomasMassie, a Congressman from, unfortunately, a truly GREAT State, Kentucky, wants to vote against the new Save Our Workers Bill in Congress. He just wants the publicity. He can’t stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous......" / Twitter

Donald J. Trump on Twitter: "...& costly. Workers & small businesses need money now in order to survive. Virus wasn’t their fault. It is “HELL” dealing with the Dems, had to give up some stupid things in order to get the “big picture” done. 90% GREAT! WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!" / Twitter

Rep. Pete King on Twitter: "Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House. Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed. Disgraceful. Irresponsible." / Twitter

Rep. Dusty Johnson on Twitter: "A bipartisan (and socially distanced) flight to DC this morning to vote on Coronavirus economic relief. @RepPeteStauber @RepAngieCraig @BettyMcCollum04 https://t.co/8o48sSvYrW" / Twitter

Jimmy Gomez on Twitter: "Flying back to DC to vote for the stimulus bill. It could pass on a voice vote but some members want to make a statement by potentially asking for an in-person vote. Not all my colleagues can go back for health reasons. So, I’m doing it for them & for my constituents. https://t.co/FytRLD2laZ" / Twitter

Ruben Gallego on Twitter: "Heading to the airport now to vote in DC. am going just like every person that picks our food, works at a hospital, picks up the garbage. I am doing it because it is my fucking job. But I get a comfortable salary, our essential workers should get same. #coronavirus" / Twitter

Jim Langevin on Twitter: "Tomorrow the House is expected to vote on a sweeping coronavirus relief package to help hard-working families, small businesses, & medical professionals on the frontlines. Driving is a safer alternative than flying, so I'm on the road to make sure Rhode Islanders are represented. https://t.co/GrvZyXVVdJ" / Twitter

The House Sergeant at Arms set out strict procedures for Friday’s proceedings in the House, including urging members and staff to maintain a six-foot distance from one another and limiting access to the House chamber to those scheduled to speak at any given time. Members were urged to use the stairs instead of elevators, which at normal times are stuffed with lawmakers rubbing shoulders with one another. The Speaker’s Lobby, the area off the floor where reporters gather in crowds to interview lawmakers, will be shut.

...
As Massie sat in the chamber on Friday, one lawmaker after another, Republican and Democrat, stood up to insist the severity of the crisis required immediate action.

“Congress must act aggressively and work together now,” said Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas).

...
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), from the epicenter of the health crisis in Queens, rose to denounce the bill and the choice lawmakers are being forced to make faced with legislation that she said creates a corporate bailout while also provided needed finds to hospitals and front-line workers.

“Our community’s reality is this country’s future if we don’t do anything. Hospital workers don’t have the necessary equipment,” she said, calling it “shameful, and the option that we have is either to let them suffer with nothing or allow this greed.”

 

[lpetrich]

AOC has some strong words about this bill.

Daniel Medina on Twitter: "@AOC excoriates Senate bill right now on House floor: "What did the senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts...in American history. Shameful."" / Twitter

Garrett Haake on Twitter: "“Our community’s reality is this country’s future if we don’t do something,” @AOC on the floor, talking about NYC & Elmhurst hospital." / Twitter

Katherine Gypson on Twitter: "Speaking now on the House floor: @AOC opens saying 13 people died in Queens overnight of the #coronavirus and criticized the Phase Three bill: "The option we have is to either let them suffer or let this greed leveraged into billions of dollars increasing income inequality gap."" / Twitter

CSPAN on Twitter: ".@RepAOC @AOC: "Our community's reality is this country's future if we don't do anything. Hospital workers do not have protective equipment. We don't have the necessary ventilators. We have to go into this vote eyes wide open..." https://t.co/PaFGc9ncKM" / Twitter

CSPAN on Twitter: ".@RepAOC @AOC: "Our community's reality is this country's future if we don't do anything. Hospital workers do not have protective equipment. We don't have the necessary ventilators. We have to go into this vote eyes wide open..." https://t.co/PaFGc9ncKM" / Twitter -- those strong words from her: either nothing for people in need or a big corporate giveaway with no strings attached

Yamiche Alcindor on Twitter: ".@AOC notes that 13 ppl died in Elmhurst Hospital in NY last night before ripping into $2 trillion bill. "What did the senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts...in American history. Shameful. The greed of that fight is wrong, for crumbs for our families!”" / Twitter

The Hill on Twitter: "Rep. @AOC: "What did the Senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful!" https://t.co/oLJJu6wUlG" / Twitter

AOC is right in what an awkward dilemma that bill poses, and I'm sure that the right wing will jump up and down on her no matter how she votes.

 

[lpetrich]

Justin Amash on Twitter: "Just ten years after the Tea Party movement, Republicans in Congress are defending a $500 billion corporate welfare fund for a select group of large companies." / Twitter
then
Dan Crenshaw on Twitter: "Sloganeering is a convenient mental shortcut, but it’s not the same as actually thinking through the policy.
This is not “corporate welfare” for poorly performing industries. These are great American companies that were told to stop doing business and taking in revenue. https://t.co/7mbqMps67V" / Twitter
then
Justin Amash on Twitter: "Ah, yes. I’d forgotten these are *great* American companies. The millions of American companies facing the same plight that won’t be getting money from this fund must not be great, right? That would explain the different treatment. You’re good at thinking through the policy. https://t.co/b6XQhyRiVL" / Twitter


Jeffrey Stein on Twitter: "NEW: Congress will soon make Steven Mnuchin one of the most powerful cabinet secretaries in modern history
Mnuchin crafted $2T bill that gives him enormous authority -- even amid suspicions from GOP Senators & Trump himself
W/ @jdawsey1 [MENTION=990]CO[/MENTION]stareports https://t.co/3eW58fKOig" / Twitter
noting
Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is at center of Trump’s $2 trillion coronavirus economic rescue plan - The Washington Post

Mnuchin was an ever understated, if occasionally awkward, central player at every step. At critical moments in the negotiations, Mnuchin persuaded McConnell to let him handle talks with Schumer, persuaded Schumer to close the deal and shelve certain requests and, most importantly, persuaded Trump to move as quickly as possible and ignore the gripes of some senators and White House advisers.

Now the treasury secretary must hope the bill he helped author can quickly stabilize a broader economy headed toward calamity, after putting his own credibility with the president on the line to pass it. The 57-year-old former banker, Hollywood financier and campaign money man is poised to emerge from this as one of the most powerful Cabinet members in modern history, with broad discretion over tremendous amounts of funding that is critical to millions of American households and businesses during one of the worst economic crises in generations.

...
Mnuchin’s ascendancy is due in part to his capacity to forge bipartisan agreements, a rare skill in an administration heavily staffed by longtime conservatives with fierce ideological commitments often viewed warily by congressional Democrats.

But even as Mnuchin successfully steered the legislation through the Senate, the process was marked by second-guessing from some of the president’s allies.

So he's what pResident tRump advertised himself as: good at making deals.

 

[repoman]

If BoJo were to say what his medical regimen is there would be a clamor for everyone else to get it.

It will not be public, he may even lie and say he is not being medicated.

This is a twitter thread between doctors

https://twitter.com/csentropy/status/1243349117893357568

 

[lpetrich]

AOC is disgusted that while her constituents are dying, and hospital’s don’t have the necessary equipment, that the senate’s ‘solution’ is to pass the largest corporate bailout in American history : AOC

jigsawmap made a transcript:

I represent one of the hardest hit communities, in the hardest hit city in this country, Queens, New York. 13 dead in a night, in Elmhurst hospital alone. Our communities reality is this country's future if we don't do anything. Hospital workers do not have protective equipment, we don't have the necessary ventilators, but we have to go into this vote eyes wide open. What did the senate majority fight for? One of the biggest largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful. The greed of that fight is wrong. For crumbs for our families. And the option that we have is to either let them suffer with nothing or to allow this greed and billions of dollars which will be leveraged into trillions of dollars to contribute to the largest income inequality gap in our future. There should be shame for what was fought for in this bill, and the choices that we have to make. And I yield.

Ocasio-Cortez blasts coronavirus stimulus package as 'shameful' on House floor | TheHill

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a fellow progressive and an ally of Ocasio-Cortez, took particular issue with the corporate fund. The Vermont senator fought for language in the bill that prohibited corporations from laying off workers or cutting wages, should they receive the aid.

Supporters Of Brazil's Bolsonaro Call For Protests Against Coronavirus Lockdown : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR

Sweden Bans Groups Larger Than 50 In Its First Major Coronavirus Crackdown : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR

While neighboring Denmark was one of the first European countries after Italy to announce it would close all public schools and daycare centers, Sweden's institutions remain open. The country also hasn't followed its Scandinavian neighbors' lead in shutting down bars, restaurants, sports practices or national borders.

Instead, the country's Public Health Agency has issued a series of recommendations. Anyone with symptoms, as well as those over 70, are advised to stay home. People who are able to work from home are encouraged to do so, and authorities recommend against unnecessary travel both inside and outside the country.

Singapore, Coronavirus Model, Threatens Prison For Social Distancing Violators : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR

Among the kinds of behaviors that could land you behind bars: holding any kind of sporting event, exhibition or concert in a public place that includes more than 10 people; or — even if you are holding or attending a sanctioned event — sitting or standing closer than about one meter (about three feet) from your fellow attendees.

The steep penalty is just the latest in a heap of measures adopted in the country of some 6 million people — including aggressive testing and quarantines, even while keeping most schools open.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Okay Ocasio-Cortez, shut the fuck up! We have to address the issue with the economic model we have existing today! In the end, the corporations were going to need to be covered because they are the ones who pay the people. So many corporations don't have large bags of cash hanging around. They work on lines of credit which are heavily dependent on incoming revenues. WIthout that, they are sunk! This is the reality of the world. Want to complain about Amazon like companies not paying taxes or paying/treating employees well, attack that once we get through this.

 

[repoman]

Okay Ocasio-Cortez, shut the fuck up! We have to address the issue with the economic model we have existing today! In the end, the corporations were going to need to be covered because they are the ones who pay the people. So many corporations don't have large bags of cash hanging around. They work on lines of credit which are heavily dependent on incoming revenues. WIthout that, they are sunk! This is the reality of the world. Want to complain about Amazon like companies not paying taxes or paying/treating employees well, attack that once we get through this.

What worries me is the picking of winners and losers, both by specific corruption and by process.

Big companies can easily suck up a lot of money now compared to small businesses. It is efficient and fast to do this, they have a huge staff to just handle this. Small ones are going to have a harder time.

And this is before lobbyists and cronies start to work.

How many small businesses will be screwed?

Very sad.

 

[blastula]

The mitigation cure is better than the disease, according to a new study, as to health and the economy.

New Fed study finds efforts to slow pandemic dont depress the economy - MarketWatch

Far from hurting the economy, what are called nonpharmaceutical interventions — for example, shutting schools, establishing quarantines and restricting business hours — mitigate economic harm as well as reduce mortality, the researchers determined.

 

[lpetrich]

House Passes Coronavirus Relief Package, Sending It To Trump : NPR

This relief package includes direct payments to Americans, an aggressive expansion of unemployment insurance and billions in business loans and aid to hospitals.

The legislation passed by voice vote, squashing an effort from Rep. Tom Massie, R-Ky., to force a recorded vote.

How US governors are fighting coronavirus – and Donald Trump | US news | The Guardian

America’s state governors have found themselves under an intense national spotlight in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The additional scrutiny has also highlighted an evolving dynamic between these chief executives who operate the country’s states and a White House run by a mercurial president whose public statements and policy turns are often impossible to predict.

Coronavirus Hotspots Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago Set For 'Worse Week Next Week,' Surgeon General Warns

Now we know: The conservative devotion to life ends at birth - The Washington Post

After watching so many on the right deny the science of climate change for so many years, I am not remotely surprised to now see so many “conservatives” denying the reality of the novel coronavirus. I am, however, shocked to see that the “pro-life” movement is so willing to sacrifice the lives of the elderly and ailing in a sick attempt to restart the U.S. economy while we are struggling with more coronavirus cases than any other country. Apparently, the right-wing devotion to life ends at birth.

The Republican reaction initially was to write off concern about the virus as a “hoax” designed to embarrass President Trump. There was a brief turn in mid-March, when both Trump and his media boosters began to take the virus a bit more seriously. But now Trump and the right-wing media are coalescing around the theme that “the cure is worse than the disease” — meaning that, after trying social distancing for a week or two, we should all get back to normal and pretend people aren’t dying around us.

Trump's plan to 'open up' the country comes into sight

In fact, the vast majority of voters, at least, do want the economy shut down. More than 80% of voters say that people should continue social distancing for as long as needed, even if it means continued damage to the economy, according to polling released Thursday by Morning Consult.

And the choice is not Trump's to make. State governors, not the federal government, have ordered millions of people to shelter in place and millions of businesses to close. The current White House guidance is far less restrictive than the measures in place in New York, California, and Illinois. It merely recommends avoiding large groups, staying home when feeling ill, and similarly nonintrusive measures.

 

[Elixir]

The mitigation cure is better than the disease, according to a new study, as to health and the economy.

New Fed study finds efforts to slow pandemic dont depress the economy - MarketWatch

Far from hurting the economy, what are called nonpharmaceutical interventions — for example, shutting schools, establishing quarantines and restricting business hours — mitigate economic harm as well as reduce mortality, the researchers determined.

I'm going to nickpick your choice of terms. Let's not confuse mitigation of the spread of the virus, which will only prolong the epidemic and postpone the peak, with suppression of the virus, which will shorten the cycle and reduce the height of the peak. It is suppression that will mitigate economic harm.