Conservative media are ripping Trump

[Facepalm]

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/trump-coronavirus-speech-reaction/?fbclid=IwAR3Pm0fNQJtW3SHVIUXIUZmdOMbSXCENwTfJkWXD q3lbDTKsuxs9pTzXHR8


Good part:

This is a new, more serious tone from him. I sincerely welcome that
Bad parts:

He looked and sounded unwell

I don’t suppose I’m opposed to the European travel restrictions, but it’s much too late for that to do measurable good. They would have made a lot more sense two weeks ago. And exempting Britain from this ban is senseless. It sounded like he’s trying to frame the virus as an external threat. But it’s already here, and it’s rapidly spreading. This seemed more rhetorical than anything else — Trump trying to reinforce his image as a nationalist looking out for American interests

He spoke much more about economic relief than public health concerns

He spent far too much time and effort trying to defend his administration’s response, and no time speaking more directly to people who — encouraged by him and his media coterie — have spent the last few weeks minimizing the seriousness of all this

He said little or nothing about testing, which we are still not able to do. No real talk about social distancing

He did not declare a state of national emergency, which would have helpful policy and legal effects at the state level

He said nothing about the critical-care crisis facing hospitals. I have found that this is a point that is not widely understood by the general public: that even if only a relatively small number of people are ultimately going to die from this virus, it stands to overwhelm our hospitals. This is why it is so very important for everybody to practice social distancing and the rest: to slow the rate of infection, and give our health care system the chance to cope. It is beyond comprehension why he didn’t make this clear to listeners tonight. I’ve had a number of conversations these past few days with people who aren’t following the story closely, and they are entirely unaware of this fact. The president blew an opportunity to explain that to the nation

Watching him, I realized the cost of a president having pissed away his authority these past three years, with his daily juvenile tweets and schoolyard rhetoric. The country needs a president now who can inspire, galvanize, and lead. Tonight I saw a president who looked tired, afraid, and completely unconvincing. He ended by calling for an end to partisanship, and the nation coming together to fight this threat. That’s what any president should do in his position, in a moment of great national crisis. It is difficult to imagine a president with less credibility to make that ask

Real leadership in this crisis is going to have to come from governors, from public health officials, and from institutional leaders. We saw tonight that even when Trump is trying to be on his best behavior, he just doesn’t have much of a clue about the nature of the crisis, or how it can best be fought.


The President of the United States, on live television, reading prepared remarks, told the world that the US was cutting off all trade with Europe for thirty days. But it wasn’t true.

Completely freaking incompetent. No excuse at all. We are in such trouble…

[Facepalm]

continued..

Pres Trump tonight:
- Wrongly told the world trade with Europe was suspended
-apparently wrongly said health insurers are waiving out of pocket for treatment
-exempted UK from travel ban (UK has 460 cases to date) unclear why
-detailed no new domestic public health measures


So, to recap—in the most important speech of his presidency, one running just 12 minutes, Trump misled the public twice:

—trade goods flowing between the US & Europe are *not* subject to the ban

—insurers are *not* waiving copayments for coronavirus treatments. Just testing. https://twitter.com/owermohle/status/1237922717699014658 …

[Facepalm]

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/trumps-coronavirus-address-failed-in-our-biggest-time-of-need


Trump's coronavirus address failed in our biggest time of need
by Quin Hillyer
| March 11, 2020 10:26 PM


President Trump's speech on the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst Oval Office addresses, terrible on both style and specifics. He is completely out of his element in trying to lead during a crisis.

Trump has failed to understand what we face with this coronavirus pandemic, much less communicate it accurately. Just two weeks ago, he was saying that the number of cases in the United States “within a couple of days is going to be down close to zero.” As of this evening, there are more than 1,200 cases in the U.S. and 37 deaths.

Now, Trump is saying the situation is so bad that he is banning all travel from Europe (except the United Kingdom) to the U.S. for at least 30 days. The president even said trade would be suspended, but, within an hour after the speech, the White House, cleaning up the mess, clarified that some trade would be allowed.

Trump did very little to explain the situation further. He did very little to provide context. He did next to nothing to reassure us the federal government has a real plan to see this crisis through to the end. Other than testing without co-pays, Trump did not say anything new about stratagems to handle the crisis better domestically except for things he is doing, or wants done, on the economic front.

What will happen to Americans already in Europe who can’t make it back before the ban goes into effect on Friday? (Even if they are allowed to come back, but quarantined, how will they actually get back if flights are suspended?) Will supply trains for crucial goods be affected even if trade is allowed? He gave no nuance, no reassurance that his administration has thought through the consequences of its actions.

In two weeks, this president went from one extreme to another. On Feb. 26, he was too calm and had no handle on the gravity of the situation. Now, he's engaged in the very panic he warned against.

Meanwhile, Trump's speech delivery was horrible. He spoke too quickly, in a monotone with almost no intonation, looking edgy rather than calm. He provided no inspiration whatsoever, not even of the “hard truth” variety exemplified by Winston Churchill’s “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” speech.

Trump, in both rhetoric and action, looks frightened and confused.

President Trump is way out of his depth. It is a tragedy that he is our supposed leader in such a time of serious challenge.

[Facepalm]

https://www.commentarymagazine.com/noah-rothman/trump-coronavirus-speech-was-a-disaster/


The Speech Was a Disaster
by Noah Rothman
The president addressed the nation last night from the solemn setting of the Oval Office seeking to convey calm and competence. Instead, he projected ineptness.

President Trump’s primetime speech erred on the side of toughness. He heaped scorn on China for allowing the coronavirus pandemic to escape its borders and castigated America’s allies in Europe for failing to contain the contagion. He announced broad restrictions on travel between the U.S. and Europe, save the U.K., for the next 30 days. And he outlined a series of executive and legislative measures that could be forthcoming to mitigate the paralyzing effect this virus could have on American life.

[rawimpact]

Where did he say he was cutting off trade with europe for 30 days?
Here is part of the transcript, I can't paste it all because of a character limit
(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-speech.html)


To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground.
There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval. Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing. These restrictions will also not apply to the United Kingdom.

[Derka]

Just in case anyone is unclear why he exempted the UK, its because he owns three golf courses there.

[Facepalm]

Where did he say he was cutting off trade with europe for 30 days?

During his speech. He said he was shutting down goods but then changed it on twitter

[rawimpact]

During his speech. He said he was shutting down goods but then changed it on twitter

I just quoted a partial transcript above... where does he say anything about banning trade?

[Facepalm]

I just quoted a partial transcript above... where does he say anything about banning trade?

I just told you, it was in his speech.


“And these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo but various other things as we get approval,” Trump said. “Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing.”

[rawimpact]

I am so confused... why dont you analyze the speech yourself. Heres the part about co-payments directly from the transcript:


Earlier this week, I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.

He never talking about ALL out of pocket expenses...

And to backup what he's saying:


Aetna (https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-announces-covid-19-resources-aetna-members) will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, according to CVS Health. That includes all member costs associated with diagnostic testing for Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines of business. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion. Aetna is also offering zero co-pay telemedicine visits for any reason, and it is extending its Medicare Advantage virtual evaluation and monitoring visit benefit to all fully insured members. People diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package. CVS Health is also offering several programs to help people address associated anxiety and stress.
AmeriHealth New Jersey (https://www.amerihealthnj.com/html/custom/announcements/coronavirus.html) will waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing performed at a hospital or approved laboratory. This includes members in fully insured, employer-sponsored plans and the individual and family plans available through the Affordable Care Act. Self-funded plans will be able to opt-out of the program. The company is also waiving cost-sharing for telemedicine visits available through members’ plans for the next 90 days.
Anthem (https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17802516-anthem-s-affiliated-health-plans-waive-member-costs-for-covidminus-19-testing-while) will cover the cost of coronavirus testing with no out-of-pocket cost. Anthem also confirms that prior authorization is not required for diagnostic services related to COVID-19 testing. The company recommends using telehealth when possible to help prevent the spread of a virus. It is also encouraging its members to talk to their doctor about whether it is appropriate for them to change from a 30-day supply of their regular medications to a 90-day supply.




cont.


Source:https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/


What am I missing?

[rawimpact]

I just told you, it was in his speech.

People interpreted that as a complete ban? Wow...

[Facepalm]

Real leadership.


https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/03/coronavirus-bill-mcconnell-markets-pelosi.html?utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=s1&fbclid=IwAR1kiPJczi0lB0fdKLzlmaPCuq_O6gIh82-7dI12bMpIL_qpwGvqDKfKABE&fbclid=IwAR273974DpW92mBw7TZnku_YqG5hJYVPMgE7K2u-Qu1swkEEX3S5abnubuA



As Virus Craters Markets, McConnell Calls On Congress to Take Vacation


In response to this mounting crisis, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on Congress to waste no time in commencing its previously planned vacation.

[Facepalm]

People interpreted that as a complete ban? Wow...

Because that's exactly what he said....

[highwhey]

Just in case anyone is unclear why he exempted the UK, its because he owns three golf courses there.

:facepalm

[ItsMillerTime]

Real leadership.


https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/03/coronavirus-bill-mcconnell-markets-pelosi.html?utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=s1&fbclid=IwAR1kiPJczi0lB0fdKLzlmaPCuq_O6gIh82-7dI12bMpIL_qpwGvqDKfKABE&fbclid=IwAR273974DpW92mBw7TZnku_YqG5hJYVPMgE7K2u-Qu1swkEEX3S5abnubuA

Fvck Mitch McConnell. He may be the single most dangerous threat to average Americans in the last 20 - 25 years. How many bipartisan bills has the House passed and sent on to the Senate only for McConnell to withold a vote? I can't fvcking stand this guy. Slimier than Trump.

[MaxFly]

Nothing surprising here. Seems like it took some people quite a bit of time to come to the conclusion that more than have the country has already reached.

[TheMan]

This Coronavirus may be the issue that sinks Trump's re-election bid... obviously if shit goes badly in the coming months. I dislike Trump immensely but hoping this gets under control.

[Patrick Chewing]

Sigh....you people never learn.

[Facepalm]

I am so confused... why dont you analyze the speech yourself. Heres the part about co-payments directly from the transcript:



He never talking about ALL out of pocket expenses...

And to backup what he's saying:



Source:https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/


What am I missing?


Earlier this week, I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.

He said that insurance would waive all co-payments for coronavirus TREATMENTS. They are only waiving the tests. You seem to be missing just as much as Trump did last night.

[Draz]

Only thing that scares boomers more than illegals is dying from Corona virus 🤣🤣

[kabar]

You need conservative media to tell you Trump is incompetent?

[DoctorP]

Trump was very low energy in that conference. He may have the Corona.

[DoctorP]

poor Trump, all the other super-rich people are probably laughing at him having to work while they get into their bunkers :lol

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/11/disease-dodging-worried-wealthy-jet-off-to-disaster-bunkers

[bladefd]

Notice how Trumpeters have largely avoided this thread like the plague?? One post from patty with some incoherent nonsense about "you people" :rolleyes:

Such incompetence in the White House.. Lil Donny has no business being in the White House. He doesn't know what to do or how to lead. Every time he opens his big mouth, things get worse. He is better off letting Falci take over and go sit in a corner with Pence & his mouth shut.

[Patrick Chewing]

What’s there to say, blade? The media has always hated Trump. Fox News is owned by Liberals. Everyone knows that. Outside of a few anchors on Fox, the media loathes this man because he has the audacity to call them out and challenge them.

So my comment about “you people” is all you need from us. You people never learn. The perception of Trump in the media is not the same as that of every day Americans.

But by all means, keep trying to knock the man down.

[1987_Lakers]

Trump had the luxury of taking over as president when the economy was on its way up and we were in no major wars. Now that the country is dealing with some sort of crisis he reveals how incompetent he is, repeatedly lying about the virus and that speech the other night was bizarre, he looks like a man defeated.

[bladefd]

What’s there to say, blade? The media has always hated Trump. Fox News is owned by Liberals. Everyone knows that. Outside of a few anchors on Fox, the media loathes this man because he has the audacity to call them out and challenge them.

So my comment about “you people” is all you need from us. You people never learn. The perception of Trump in the media is not the same as that of every day Americans.

But by all means, keep trying to knock the man down.

...as if this was an issue about "my people" and "your people" rather than a question of competence (or lack thereof) by our moron president in the White House & his idiotic cabinet