Posted on 02/25/2020 3:47:37 PM PST by blam
WASHINGTON — Top officials in the Trump administration struggled on Tuesday morning to justify their response to the growing threat of the coronavirus, which has sickened at least 80,423 people around the world and killed at least 2,712.
Having spread well beyond its origin in the city of Wuhan in China, COVID-19, as the disease caused by the virus is known, now appears poised to become a pandemic. Although there have been no recorded fatalities in the United States yet, skeptical members of the U.S. Senate made clear to administration officials that they did not have confidence in their response.
That was especially clear during a tense exchange between Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., and acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, who struggled to answer seemingly basic questions about the disease, including about its mortality rate relative to that of the flu.
At one point during their back-and-forth, which promptly went viral on social media, Kennedy insisted that Wolf tell him the number of coronavirus cases that the United States could expect.
Wolf was unable to answer the question, saying only that the number of cases would “grow,” and that “task force members” were at work on the issues.
That assertion only served to further irritate the Louisiana senator. “You’re the secretary,” Kennedy retorted. “I think you ought to know the answer.”
There are currently 14 confirmed cases in the United States.
Kennedy then proceeded to quiz Wolf about how the coronavirus was transmitted. Wolf began to answer when Kennedy interrupted him again.
“How is it transmitted?” Kennedy said, no longer bothering to hide his irritation, his lips curling downward in annoyance.
“A variety of ways, Senator,” Wolf replied.
“Tell me what they are, please,” Kennedy demanded.
(snip)
(Excerpt) Read more at aol.com ...
Could you sterilize masks by heating them up? (not to combustible temps of course).
I. Can’t. Stand. These. Guys.
Evil beyond imagination.
Correct.
I’m sorry but what the Hell does DHS have to do with this?
lol
the libs would “blast” Trump for blowing his nose!
ROFL
F them!
When Trump limited travel to China, Democrats, including Biden called it “reactionary”
First of all, China won’t let us in to help them fight this so all we know is what they’re telling the world. Therefore any numbers would be purely conjecture. And secondly, 2 weeks ago Trump was “right on top of this,” with even Democrats grudgingly approving of his robust response. Now that the media is fanning the flames of CV hysteria, Republicans are starting to blame POTUS? What a bunch of pussies!
This story is focused on Kennedy...a Republican.
Oh noooose. Are these nut jobs wearing masks during hearings? Lol
YEP....say how he's been trying to get Border control, and dealing with China and tariffs....and telling everyone how we needed MORE MANUFACTURING in the USA! I'm hoping SOMEONE SOMEWHERE stands up to these poseurs.
What other issue is there?
“Good for Kennedy. Wolf appears to be pretty clueless.”
If he has any questions he should raise them quietly, through channels. This was very disrespectful to President Trump and gave the enemy ammunition.
Almost all of them in China, a good 7000 miles away from the US.
But scientifically informed does not make for good soundbites.
I wish we had more authentic Statesmen, than mere politicians who are always looking toward the next election...
If memory serves even the mildest of responses elicited cries of RACISM!!!
“Our President is travelling from India and cannot communicate as if he was here.”
Why not?
Darn that Trump for allowing a pandemic to break out in China. Clearly he should have claimed jurisdiction over Wuhan.
Likewise his administration should gaze into their crystal ball and tell us exactly how many people will be affected by it in the future here in the US.
“Good for Kennedy. Wolf appears to be pretty clueless.”
No wonder Congress is pissed.
At the same time we have the CDC saying we should prepare for severe disruptions.
First dire, then clueless.
Yep, that’s how you instill confidence in your audience.
A pandemic with a high mortality rate would certainly be a threat to national security.
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