Michigan’s Governor torches Trump’s coronavirus claim that she needs to “do more”
The President of the United States continues to look for someone other than himself to blame for his administration’s total failure to adequately prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump has rated his response to the outbreak a ten out of ten, an absurdly generous assessment given the fact that this is the same man who fired the government’s pandemic response team, claimed the virus’s outbreak was a “hoax” fabricated by the Democratic Party, and glibly stated that he will take no responsibility for his administration’s inability to provide adequate testing.
Yesterday, in a transparent effort to shift blame away from his failed White House, Trump attacked Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
Despite Cuomo’s effortless response to Trump (he offered to do his job for him), Trump went after the governor on Twitter again today. He quoted Cuomo as saying that all states should be “treated the same” so that people don’t travel to other states looking for services. Trump responded to Cuomo’s reasonable concern by making the inane observation that “all states aren’t the same” and told him to “keep politics out of it…”
Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same.” But all states aren’t the same. Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big “hotspot”, West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases. Andrew, keep politics out of it….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Before the digital ink could even dry on his call to avoid partisan mudslinging, Trump went after Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and said she “must work harder” and be “much more proactive.” He went on to say that he stands with Michigan, a patently untrue statement since he’s attacking the state’s executive even as she does her best to save her citizens.
The reality, of course, is the opposite of what the president claims. Governor Whitmer has responded to the situation as best as possible given the numerous failings of the federal government under Trump. She has declared a state of emergency, closed bars and restaurants, and banned large gatherings. Michigan is fortunate to have her behind the wheel.
Failing Michigan Governor must work harder and be much more proactive. We are pushing her to get the job done. I stand with Michigan!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2020
Whitmer didn’t wait long to respond to Trump’s asinine tweet. Rather than stoop to his petty level, she used the opportunity to state that “attack tweets won’t solve this crisis” before calling for better guidance, more virus testing, equipment disbursement, and greater resources.
Her point firmly made, she walked day by day through the steps her administration has taken to help the people of Michigan. The list is stunning compared to what Trump himself has done, and a reminder that so far our governors are doing far more than the president.
Now that I’ve got your attention, Mr. President – attack tweets won’t solve this crisis. But swift and clear guidance, tests, personal protective equipment, and resources would.
FYI – here’s what I’ve done so far ⬇️ https://t.co/LZkN0U490p
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/3: Created COVID-19 task forces
3/6: Ensured Medicaid waiver for copays & cost sharing for testing
3/10: Declared a State of Emergency
3/11: Recommended mitigation strategies
3/12: Expanded access to telemedicine
3/12: Closed all K-12 schools— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/13: Prohibited large gatherings 250+
3/13: Restricted entry into care facilities & juvenile justice facilities
3/14: Enhanced restrictions on price gouging
3/16: Closed places of public accommodation
3/16: Prohibited large gatherings 50+
3/16: Expanded unemployment benefits— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
3/16: Lifted road weight restrictions
The latest information is available at https://t.co/m2sOFDoo30.
For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call our COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8AM – 5PM daily.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
This is a staff report from former Occupy Democrats Editor in Chief Colin Taylor or contributor Rob Haffney.