OnPolitics: Coronavirus has infected the political discussion

March 13, 2020
Hawaii

Response to Trump’s speech: chaos

President Donald Trump’s prime-time address to the nation offered a rare opportunity for the White House to reset its messaging, stem market losses and persuade Americans he was on top of his game in the battle against coronavirus.

It didn’t work out that way.

Trump’s speech and the reaction were just part of a blizzard of coronavirus news to touch politics today. So take a moment to catch up and, for the love of God, wash your hands.

Mike Pence says ‘thousands’ more Americans will get coronavirus: Pence also acknowledged that congressional leaders have pressed the administration on why the United States didn’t use a coronavirus test kit developed by the World Health Organization. Officials have previously admitted that testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention got off to a “slow start.”
Mike Pence is defying his office’s coronavirus hygiene advice: Vice President Mike Pence, who is spearheading the White House response to the new coronavirus, said Thursday morning that despite the outbreak, and his own office’s recommendations, he plans to continue shaking hands.
How coronavirus is changing the 2020 presidential campaign: Fears over the spread of coronavirus are changing 2020 presidential campaigns as the remaining candidates must find new ways to connect with voters.
Pelosi pushing for swift passage of coronavirus bill: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she’s working with the White House to iron out differences on a bill that would provide millions with access to free tests, expand paid sick leave and provide food assistance to needy families.
President Trump met with Brazil official at Mar-a-Lago who has now tested positive for coronavirus: A senior adviser to Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for the novel coronavirus, just five days after he was among a group of officials who met with President Donald Trump.
Presidential debate moved to Washington, D.C., as coronavirus precaution: CNN also reported that Univision’s Jorge Ramos, one of the original debate moderators, was potentially exposed to coronavirus but is not showing any symptoms. He will not moderate the debate, said the DNC.