Coronavirus shows off Donald Trump's single greatest accomplishment as President

[Demovictory9]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/18/opinions/trump-coronavirus-accomplishment-williams/index.html

Coronavirus shows off Donald Trump's single greatest accomplishment as President

Nobody knows how much damage coronavirus will cause. But one thing is clear: the crisis has tested President Donald Trump -- and he has proven to be an astonishing success in a way no president ever has before.

But let's be clear: his success isn't at leading a desperate nation. Instead, coronavirus has exposed the real success of the President's unyielding assault on the media during his time in office.


Many in the public don't know whom to trust anymore and the President has played a big role in that. This is particularly tragic during a national crisis, when the nation needs to rely on a free press more than ever.

Even a polarizing president can unify the nation in a time of crisis. There may be differing views about Ronald Reagan, but no reasonable mind can deny the comfort he provided us after the Challenger explosion in 1986. Contrast that with Trump on Sunday, who during a formal coronavirus briefing, while surrounded by uniformed public health officers (not modeling responsible "social distancing" behavior, mind you) couldn't resist whining about "fake news." Trump was unhappy about the natural skepticism from reporters about a misleading (or at least confusing) claim regarding access to information about coronavirus testing.

Any goodwill the President might deserve for suddenly adopting a more reasonable tone at coronavirus press conferences is undercut by his Twitter demeanor, which remains as petty as ever.

Presidents often have tense relationships with the media; the Obama administration in which I served certainly had its own. But Trump's relationship with the press is something unique. The President regularly bullies or attacks the credibility of anything or anyone that isn't fully in lockstep with him: the intelligence community, federal prosecutors, career diplomats, the Federal Reserve Board, federal courts, the National Security Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and top military officials, to name a few.

And the media are no exception. These entities have something major in common: They all play a critical role in the health and security of the American public.

Which brings us back to the media's role in a public health emergency. While according to Pew, most Americans receive some news from social media and online sources, the risk of actual "fake news" from such sources is real. Americans need to be able to trust the credible sources and authorities that provide them with safety information.

For instance, recently major steps were taken across the country to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Over just two days, the White House recommended limitations on social gatherings of more than 10 people, Los Angeles took aggressive steps to limit public activity, and my home city of the District of Columbia prohibited dining at restaurants.

To work, each of these actions in major cities requires a robust local and national press -- and public faith -- to burn the message into people's heads. Moreover, journalists should be entitled to a little space to keep up with developments of the rapidly changing situation without being accused of lying by the leader of the free world.

No matter how seriously the President appears to now take coronavirus, his years of bashing the media and tweeting statements like "The Fake News Media and their partner, the Democrat Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power (it used to be greater!) to inflame the coronavirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant" have already done their damage.

[Rhiannon12866]

1. He cried wolf too many thousand times - and we know he's not done yet.

[gordianot]

2. I thought it might be clearing store shelves of toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

He leaves me with a dirty feeling.

[MarianJack]

6. When I shopped yesterday I lucked out.

The employees were starting to stock some tp as I was going by on my gimp mobile (the auto carts that many stores provide).

I asked for a 12 pack of Angel Soft and the guy handed me one. The lady stocking with him offered another. I half expected to get mugged on the way to my car.

We already had 11 rolls, so we'll be ok for a while. However, if we see the opportunity to get a roll or two when next we shop, we'll do so. I don't consider this hoarding. We offered some to our son and his roommate, but he said that they have plenty.

On the news they were saying that there was no need to panic because there isn't a food shortage. I saw that this is true, at least here in Central Maine yesterday, so of course the two stores I shopped in yesterday were full of panicky pin heads. I can't really blame them because the media usually incites panic.

Oh, BTW, as usual, Donald Trump is an idiot and an ass hat.

RESIST!

[Aussie105]

3. #45 has had plenty of opportunities to act presidential

and has blown every opportunity.

I watched him address the pandemic problem, once he got serious about admitting it really existed.

My thoughts were . . .is he going to lift his game this time?

But after listening for 3 seconds, it was . . . no, same old Donald, same old displacement syndrome. Old man #45 shouting at the sky.
Nothing new here, so I tuned out.

Fortunately there are adults in the room who are stepping forward to fill the gap as far as spreading accurate info in the media.

[MarianJack]

4. I don't trust the media.

I've said before and I'll say again. In 2016 the media treated the worst RUMORS about Hillary like hard breaking news.

In the meanwhile they completely ignored the worst FACTS about Dolt45. They were too busy ceaselessly fawning over his crusty "239" pound ass.

Make no mistake that they will do so again.

We need to be warned, aware and prepared. WE will have to do their jobs for them. Barf.

RESIST!

[Alacritous Crier]

5. Aye. -- nt

[live love laugh]

7. The media is Republican owned. I live by the motto

“Never trust a Republican.”

[MarianJack]

8. One of my favorite bumper stickers,,,

...that I saw only once and could never find myself...

"The Media is only as liberal as the conservative companies who own them."

Word.

RESIST!

[live love laugh]

9. 💯