Biden is spot on, there. Trump is supposed to be leading. Right now, he's hiding from the pandemic, trying to pretend it's over. And that's the thing prolonging it.
What stands out for me is how cold Trump can be. It's as if he lacks empathy or compassion when it comes to other people. The rise in new cases in coronavirus have people worried. What does Trump do? Sign an executive order protecting statues?
I got the same feeling that Pence lacks compassion and was more interested in putting a political spin on things than in people when he said the US had flattened the curve.
Pence falsely claims the US 'flattened the curve' the day after it broke its single-day record for new COVID-19 cases
Pence, who once said the US's coronavirus outbreak would be "behind us" by Memorial Day, described the nation's testing and prevention efforts as "a national accomplishment" and expressed optimism while acknowledging a "precipitous" increase in cases in the South.
Less than 24 hours before Pence's appearance on Friday, the US reported more than 39,000 new COVID-19 cases, a record single-day increase.
Pence attributed the rise in reported cases to increased testing. "We want the American people to understand that it's almost inarguable that more testing is generating more cases," Pence said.
Tell that to the people in hospitals in Texas. Try telling that to Governor Abbott. Trump had threatened to stop paying for testing in Texas at places the federal government had been giving tests. I guess maybe Abbott called him because now Trump's backtracked, or maybe someone told him Texas has 36 electoral votes. . . .
I am a little annoyed with myself at putting as much faith in this government as I did when I invested in the stock market after it crashed. I was expecting that there might be a second wave this fall. I certainly was not expecting big rises in cases in the South that rattled the stock market. I "made" a lot of money at first when people felt confident about an economic recovery. I "lost" it later. I can only blame myself for not recognizing things could easily go off the rails under this administration in a month or two.
For example, I thought the administration would handle the problem with homeowners better. Stupid me, I bought stock in a company that was heavily invested in residential mortgages, thinking people would not be evicted and the feds would also protect the banks and institutions losing income because of fewer mortgages being paid on time. They did write some protections for the homeowners, set to expire at the end of this month; but from what I can see, nothing is being done to protect the people who own the mortgages. They are still on the hook to pay what they owe to others unless they can get forbearances. I can afford to lose what I invested if it comes to that; but it doesn't look promising to me if that sector of the economy collapses.
I was also expecting the demand for oil to rise some as the economy recovered. It seems I was wrong. Again, I can afford to lose that money I put into stocks if those companies go bankrupt. What concerns me more is the number of people whose jobs may disappear. What are they going to do?
I see Governor Abbott finally realized that keeping bars open in Texas might not have been such a good idea. It wasn't really good for business after all.
Texas shuts down bars as hospitalizations surpass 5,000
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott shut down bars in Texas again on Friday and scaled back restaurant dining, the most dramatic reversals yet as confirmed coronavirus cases surge to record levels after the state embarked on one of America’s fastest reopenings.
The abrupt closures began just days after Abbott described shutting down business as a last resort, and reflect how urgently Texas is scrambling to contain what is now one of the nation’s biggest hotspots. In the last four days alone, Texas has reported more than 23,000 confirmed new cases, and Friday surpassed 5,000 hospitalizations for the first time — a threefold increase from a month ago.
“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Abbott said. “The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health.”
Abbott is finally using his brain. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones if he's finally seen the light. Trump and Pence can keep saying more testing is why there are more cases. Governor Abbott seems fed up with their rhetoric and realizes they're lying. Yes, keeping bars open really could lead to more cases. It could affect jobs and the economy of the state and the whole nation. Congratulations to Governor Abbott for not doubling down when he knows he made a mistake by trying to support Trump who talks but seldom provides real leadership. There is hope for the Republican Party!
Trump really isn't much of a leader. People in Duval County, Florida, do not want the Republican convention there. Why alienate the voters in Florida like that? Florida's governor may be waking up too -- I see the bars are being closed there too.
Poll shows Duval voters oppose RNC coming to Jacksonville, worry about coronavirus impact
A majority of Duval voters do not want the Republican National Convention in their city this Summer, according to a new poll.
The RABA Research poll commissioned by Republican Voters Against Trump found 49% of those surveyed did not support Jacksonville hosting President Donald Trump’s nomination speech in August. Only 39% said they supported it.
Further, 57% said they were concerned the convention would spur a new COVID-19 outbreak while only 43% said they weren’t worried.
Given more information about the convention including both pros — that it will fill hotels and boost the economy — and cons — that it will cost the city millions, risk new infections and potentially put first responders at COVID-19 risk — 39% said they supported the convention with 52% opposing it.
Trump may want a big convention with people packed in without masks so they can cheer louder, but what kind of leader operates like that? It would not surprise me if Governor DeSantis changes his mind about the Republican convention. He changed his mind about bars!
