Mark Zuckerberg: How data can aid the fight against covid-19
Why Read: In this Washington Post op-ed, Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg posits that “the ability to gather and share data for good” is the new superpower the world has to fight pandemics. Facebook unveiled today county-by-county maps of people with coronavirus symptoms, which will be updated daily throughout the crisis.
A Key G.O.P. Strategy: Blame China. But Trump Goes Off Message.
Why Read: This article details how conflicted President Trump appears to be with deflecting blame for the severity of the pandemic in the United States onto China. While Republicans believe a winning campaign strategy is to point the finger at China, President Trump has been circumspect, a possible recognition that he needs President Xi for trade talks and lifesaving medical equipment.”
Trump show dominates pandemic while Biden’s voice fades
Why Read: Axios presents an interesting graphic that shows President Trump dominating all communications channels over Vice President Biden, which makes this short piece worth reading. But take it with a grain of salt. Just because President Trump has more airtime, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s using it to gain support. The U.S. President’s approval rating has dropped six points since late March, with two-thirds of Americans in a Pew survey seeing him as having acted too slowly on the coronavirus response.
Trump’s coronavirus self-protection plan: Spread responsibility to the states
Why Read: This is a succinct summary of President Trump’s plan to reopen America, and it offers some predictions on how the states are likely to run with it. The overarching message from the White House is that the decision is up to the governors.
Most Americans Say Trump Was Too Slow in Initial Response to Coronavirus Threat
Why Read: The most significant takeaway from this latest Pew survey is that a substantial minority (33 percent) of Republicans, or those that lean Republican, agree with the majority of Americans who say that President Trump responded too slowly to the COVID-19 emergency. President Trump’s overall job approval among Republicans remains solid, however: 83 percent approve, including 67 percent who “very strongly approve.”
A Second Round of Coronavirus Layoffs Has Begun. Few Are Safe.
Why Read: This article from the highly credible health and medicine news site STAT gives details on the antiviral drug that is reportedly showing promise for treatment of the coronavirus, the news of which caused stocks to surge Friday.