The realities of the Trump administration

[Sandy Shanks]

Wisconsin is experiencing a surge in the coronavirus.

WBAY reports, "The coronavirus surge in Wisconsin set new records in cases and hospitalizations, and the second-most deaths added to the death toll in one day on Thursday."

So, guess where Trump is planning on holding two political rallies this weekend.

Wisconsin, of course. Perfectly logical, if you are Trump.

However, he got booted out of town.

La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat asked Trump's campaign to cancel or postpone a rally at the city's airport to avoid spreading the virus, which is infecting area residents at one of the highest rates in the country, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Trump's reaction is what one would expect. Despite the record setting surge rate of the virus in the state, he simply moved his rally to another part of Wisconsin, a place called Janesville.

"And as soon as Trump announced the new rally in Janesville, county officials there asked him to cancel it," Green Bay Press Gazette.

Trump "still plans to hold an event in Green Bay later that day despite calls from officials there to reconsider because of the city's even higher rate of infection," the Press Gazette again.

Putin picked his man well. Trump is doing more harm to our country than any KGB agent could possibly achieve.

Trump's followers are proud of Trump as well.

Vote early!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

"And as soon as Trump announced the new rally in Janesville, county officials there asked him to cancel it," Green Bay Press Gazette.

Trump "still plans to hold an event in Green Bay later that day despite calls from officials there to reconsider because of the city's even higher rate of infection," the Press Gazette again.

Hey, I could be wrong. I remember being wrong once, about 21 years ago. It is certainly possible that, for once in his role as President, Trump actually told the truth, and he has the virus. Stranger things have happened.

If so, it would be poetic justice. During the months of January, February, and March, Trump lied to the American people. He admitted to lying to us, thinking we would panic. He told us his fantasies about the impending threat, fought the science from epidemiology experts, lied about vaccines, discouraged FDA and CDC guidelines, and attacked the leadership of the FDA and CDC. Americans don't know who to trust, but they know it isn't Trump.

As a consequence of that, Trump is complicit in the deaths of over 213,500 Americans, and leads a nation that has 20% of the world's virus cases and 20% of the world's deaths caused by the virus.

As a consequence of that, Trump is complicit in the collapse of our once great economy that was built by the American people. We are still bleeding jobs and 30 million Americans are unemployed. There is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Trump was in regular contact this week with senior counselor Hope Hicks, who tested positive on Thursday afternoon. Multiple people who attended last Saturday’s event at the White House, when Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, have also tested positive. Senator Mike Lee was in attendance as was University of Notre Dame President John Jenkins. Both tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. Barrett had the virus during the summer. She has since tested negative.

A number of others in the White House have tested positive because Trump didn't like the image of staffers wearing masks.

The entire White House should go into quarantine, but it won't. A quarantine doesn't fit the image desired by Trump.

In the meantime, Vice-president Pence is staying away from the White House.

One last thing, Trump's friend, Vladimir Putin, sent his regards and best wishes.

Taking into account what he has done, do I have any sympathy for Trump?

Sure. I don't want him to die. Nothing to worry about there. He is too damn meant to die. Besides, it is probably just another photo op.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump's friend, Vladimir Putin, sent his regards and best wishes.

The question was asked. Would it be appropriate to notify our allies of Trump's condition.

It was decided, no, it was not necessary to notify Russia, China, and North Korea at this time.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump announced his condition with a tweet. We have only heard from White House stooges, Trump's doctor, who will say whatever Trump wants him to say, MeEnamy, who lies as often as Trump himself, Meadows, Trump's chief of staff, and the idiot, Kudlow.

There still has not been any independent verification That Trump tested positive for the coronavirus. Nothing from the White House task force on the matter, and Drs. Fauci and Birx have not said a thing.

Is this merely a photo op? Recalling Trump's travels to meet with North Korea's Kim, we know Trump can be very elaborate with his photo ops. He called out the National Guard when he wanted to walk across the south lawn to a church and hold up a Bible for the cameras.

Also, what a way to change the subject away from Trump's disastrous handling of the pandemic and the resulting collapse of our once great economy. Trump is losing badly in the polls, way behind in raising funds, and way behind in campaign spending. What is to lose with an elaborate photo op to get American voters to forget about such matters?

His story that he tested positive for the virus has done exactly that.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Ordinarily, when the President is shot or becomes ill, regardless of party, Americans rally around the President.

That is not true of Donald Trump.

Judging by his disapproval rating (hovering around 55%), the majority of Americans dread his return to the Oval Office. Why? Nearly every day he starts a new controversy or expands on the many controversies he has already started. Americans are weary of his habitual lies, and can no longer trust anything he says.

Americans are weary of his complete incompetence as illustrated by the fact that the U.S. has 20% of the world's virus cases and 20% of the world's deaths caused by the virus. 214,500 Americans have died from the virus Trump originally would not take seriously.

He is taking it seriously now.

Or, at least that is what his stooges in the White House are saying. How bad is it? Since the only word we are hearing is either from Trump or his stooges, many are not even sure he tested positive. This could be an elaborate ruse to draw attention away from his countless failures.

Then there is the other side of the coin -- his base. White supremacists, far right extremists, and anarchists who form a major part of his base eagerly await Trump's return to normal. They can't until he is back pissing off liberals and leftists with his uninterrupted accusations, most of it based on Trump's fantasies.

His base delights in Trump's fantasies. How do we know that? They tell us ... constantly.

There is little doubt. Trump is the most divisive President in modern American history, and the least popular.

Putin chose well!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

There still has not been any independent verification That Trump tested positive for the coronavirus. Nothing from the White House task force on the matter, and Drs. Fauci and Birx have not said a thing.

Is this merely a photo op? Recalling Trump's travels to meet with North Korea's Kim, we know Trump can be very elaborate with his photo ops. He called out the National Guard when he wanted to walk across the south lawn to a church and hold up a Bible for the cameras.

Trump has left the hospital.

The Times reports, "President Trump, on his third day of hospitalization for the coronavirus, briefly visited well-wishers gathered outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during a drive-by in a sport utility vehicle with two Secret Service agents on Sunday evening, in apparent disregard of federal safety guidelines.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for patients infected with the virus stipulate that health care facilities “limit transport and movement of the patient outside of the room to medically essential purposes.”

"Secret Service officers accompanied Mr. Trump to the hospital on Friday, but that was an emergency situation; Sunday’s drive was a “last-minute” decision by the president."

Wow! what a photo op. Trump had the attention of the entire country. No doubt he will resume campaigning quite soon.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump has left the hospital.

This joyride was an incredibly stupid stunt even for Trump. He endangered the lives of others as well as his own.

He is taking unproven medication, and there appears to be little doubt the medication is affecting his mind.

There is one possible explanation as to why he wasn't stopped by doctors and advisors. There are uncounted numbers of people who do not want this man reelected. How better to accomplish that than by allowing him to do something incomprehensibly mindless before a nation-wide television audience.

As this thread shows, his own followers won't support what he says and does.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

CBS News has reported, "Trump left Walter Reed Medical Center just after 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, hours after the medical team treating him cautioned that he is "not out of the woods yet." He returned to the White House shortly before 7 p.m., where he gave a thumbs up before walking inside."

Against the advice of his doctors and his advisors, Trump wanted to go home. Where is home for the President? Temporarily, it is the White House.

The White House has become a petri dish for the coronavirus.

Here are the people close to Trump who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Many work in the White House. Others are close allies to Trump. One is his wife.

• 
  
  Melania Trump
  First lady
• 
  
  Hope Hicks
  Aide to the President
• 
  
  Kayleigh McEnany
  White House press secretary
• 
  
  Nicholas Luna
  Assistant to the President
• 
  
  Mike Lee (R-UT)
  US senator
• 
  
  Thom Tillis (R-NC)
  US senator
• 
  
  Ron Johnson (R-WI)
  US senator
• 
  
  Kellyanne Conway
  Former counselor to the President
• 
  
  Chad Gilmartin
  White House principal assistant press secretary
• 
  
  Karoline Leavitt
  White House assistant press secretary
• 
  
  Bill Stepien
  Trump campaign manager
• 
  
  Ronna McDaniel
  RNC chairwoman
• 
  
  Chris Christie
  Former governor of New Jersey

 

[Sandy Shanks]

The White House has become a petri dish for the coronavirus.

Here are the people close to Trump who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Many work in the White House. Others are close allies to Trump. One is his wife.

There are 7.7 million cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. 215,000 Americans have lost their lives to covid, Those numbers represent 20% of the world's total in both cases.

Trump became infected with covid. We can't get a straight answer from the White House. Trump's doctor admitted lying to us, and we have not heard from the covid task force, Dr. Fauci, or Dr. Birx.

So, what is Trump's reaction to all this? What you would expect from him. He acted like a complete jerk.

First, he tweeted, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”

That was an insult to the 7.7 million Americans who became afflicted with the virus, millions of whom were hospitalized, and 215,000 moms, dads, children, grandparents, and friends died from covid.

It is difficult to contemplate a more cruel statement from our President.

Trump wasn't through making a complete fool of himself.

Trump was medevaced to the White House. " After landing on the South Lawn, Mr. Trump ascended a flight of stairs and then turned to face his helicopter — and the live television cameras — and removed his mask before giving the departing Marine One a long salute," the Times wrote.

Then the contagious President turned and walked into the White House to be met by staffers. some wearing masks, others, following the President's example, not wearing masks.

Vote early!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

CNN reports, "Two-thirds of Americans say President Donald Trump handled the risk of coronavirus infection to others around him irresponsibly, according to a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS in the days following the announcement that the President had contracted the virus that has disrupted everyday life for millions of people for more than half a year.

"With Trump hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 69% of Americans said they trusted little of what they heard from the White House about the President's health, with only 12% saying they trusted almost all of it.

"Disapproval of the President's handling of the coronavirus outbreak stands at a new high in the survey, with 60% saying they disapprove. Additionally, 63% say his own infection is unlikely to change anything about the way that he handles the pandemic.

"Overall, Trump's approval rating in the poll stands at 40% approve to 57% disapprove. Disapproval is up from 53% in early September."

 

[Whodatsaywhodat.]

The White House has become a petri dish for the coronavirus.

Here are the people close to Trump who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Many work in the White House. Others are close allies to Trump. One is his wife.

There are 7.7 million cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. 215,000 Americans have lost their lives to covid, Those numbers represent 20% of the world's total in both cases.

Trump became infected with covid. We can't get a straight answer from the White House. Trump's doctor admitted lying to us, and we have not heard from the covid task force, Dr. Fauci, or Dr. Birx.

So, what is Trump's reaction to all this? What you would expect from him. He acted like a complete jerk.

First, he tweeted, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”

That was an insult to the 7.7 million Americans who became afflicted with the virus, millions of whom were hospitalized, and 215,000 moms, dads, children, grandparents, and friends died from covid.

It is difficult to contemplate a more cruel statement from our President.

Trump wasn't through making a complete fool of himself.

Trump was medevaced to the White House. " After landing on the South Lawn, Mr. Trump ascended a flight of stairs and then turned to face his helicopter — and the live television cameras — and removed his mask before giving the departing Marine One a long salute," the Times wrote.

Then the contagious President turned and walked into the White House to be met by staffers. some wearing masks, others, following the President's example, not wearing masks.

Vote early!

What about russian collusion?

 

[Sandy Shanks]

First, he tweeted, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”

That was an insult to the 7.7 million Americans who became afflicted with the virus, millions of whom were hospitalized, and 215,000 moms, dads, children, grandparents, and friends died from covid.

After landing on the South Lawn, Mr. Trump ascended a flight of stairs and then turned to face his helicopter — and the live television cameras — and removed his mask before giving the departing Marine One a long salute

This is nothing short of incredible. What is this? A reality show?

Reality has nothing to do with it. If it weren't so tragic for so many, this would be comical. Is this Trump's version of leadership. Obviously, he has orchestrated all this.

The White House is defending President Trump as he fights coronavirus, saying that he is “projecting an image of strength” and wants Americans to get back to “normal life safely.”

The president returned to the White House on Monday evening after being discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and is continuing to receive treatment for COVID-19. [Meaning he is quite contagious.]

“At times like this, in these moments, it is highly important for the commander in chief to express confidence to our domestic population, and it is very important, to our allies and adversaries,” White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah said on “America’s Newsroom” Tuesday, adding that the president is “projecting an image of strength.”

White House defends Trump, says he is 'projecting an image of strength' amid battle with coronavirus

The White House is defending President Trump as he fights coronavirus, saying that he is “projecting an image of strength” and wants Americans to get back to “normal life safely.”

www.foxnews.com

The press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, could not say that. She is infected with the coronavirus along with two of her assistants and is in quarantine.

The White House, including Trump, has lost its collective minds.

 

[ABikerSailor]

Trump has really turned this thing into a farce of a reality show. Now, in the WH gift shop, they are selling commemorative coins saying that Trump defeated COVID 19, even though he's still being treated for it.

And, I gotta say, that experimental treatment that they used on him sounds like it's VERY promising. Saw a news article yesterday where some of the people who have been treated with the same treatment said it works wonders.

White House gift shop was already selling 'Trump defeated Covid-19' coin

THE White House gift shop is already selling $100 commemorative coins proclaiming President Donald Trump has “defeated” Covid-19. The online shop recently opened up pre-orders for the c…

www.the-sun.com

 

[Sandy Shanks]

The White House has become a petri dish for the coronavirus.

The Hill reports, "White House press aide Jalen Drummond tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

"Drummond is the third aide under White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany to test positive for COVID-19."

The Coast Guard vice chief visited the White House last week for a briefing. Today the Coast Guard informed us that Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray tested positive Monday after experiencing mild symptoms over the weekend. As a consequence, the entire military leadership of the U.S. military is in quarantine.

Top military leadership quarantines after Coast Guard vice commandant tests positive for COVID-19

The Pentagon says the other senior military leaders have not tested positive for the coronavirus, but are self-quarantining out of caution.

www.airforcetimes.com

Trump is contagious, and he is still taking medication for the coronavirus. Steroids are a part of that medication, and steroids can play tricks with the mind. This could prove disastrous. As shown by their complete silence, even Trump's followers know he is incompetent and just plain stupid. Others agree with Trump's followers.

Now he is taking steroids that can affect his mind! Good Lord!

Those of us with IRA's and/or mutual funds lost a chunk of change today because of Trump.

The Hill reports, "Stocks dropped sharply Tuesday after President Trump announced an end to negotiations over another coronavirus relief bill until after the election."

"I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump tweeted.

This tweet became public between 2 and 3 P.M. At the time, the Dow was in positive territory. It plunged 375 points in an hour.

Notice Trump said, "After I win." We all know what he meant by that. If he doesn't win, he will do nothing. He leaves office on January 20. Millions of Americans who are in dire straits because they lost their jobs months ago will get relief in the spring at the earliest. In the meantime, they, too, are fighting the pandemic Trump could not take seriously when it counted.

The strange thing is, both houses of Congress wanted to give the American people covid relief. They were in discussions about the amount, and they were making progress. Trump was not a part of those negotiations until today when he slammed the door shut on them.

The tweet amounted to political suicide for a President up for reelection in less than month. It made no sense to put out that tweet. There was nothing to gain, and everything to lose.

“Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life,” President Trump.

Vote early!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

There are 7.7 million cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. Over 215,700 Americans have lost their lives to covid, Those numbers represent 20% of the world's total in both cases. We are averaging over 40,000 new cases each day.

What does Trump do? He was hospitalized because of the virus, and, upon returning to the White House, he tore off the mask he was wearing before entering the building, symbolizing the futility of wearing a face mask and discouraging its use.

How many Americans will die because of the mindless symbology? Unknown, but we are averaging between 700 to a 1,000 deaths a day, the majority for failing to wear a mask when needed.

“Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life,” Trump, making himself look like an idiot while undoubtedly causing a few more deaths among his adoring admirers who believe everything he says.

He can't wait to hold more political rallies attended by close-knot crowds of mask-less admirers.

Then he committed political suicide by ending talks on covid relief to millions of voters who are in bad shape due to months long unemployment while being besieged by the pandemic Trump initially ignored.

"I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," our President.

Why is he doing all this?

It is quite simple.

He knows the election is lost. In retribution, he wants to punish the American people for voting him out of office. Trump wants to do as much harm as possible between now and January 20.

Putin chose well.

Or, he has gone completely bonkers. Take your pick. It's one or the other.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump has really turned this thing into a farce of a reality show. Now, in the WH gift shop, they are selling commemorative coins saying that Trump defeated COVID 19, even though he's still being treated for it.

As you said, it is a reality show, not governance. Trump is incredibly incompetent and stupid.

I dearly would love to know why Trump's followers support Trump, but they won't tell us. They don't like to talk about Trump. Trump's fans prefer talking about Biden and Harris.

Trump's right hand man and speech writer, the white supremacist Steve Miller, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Vote early!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump is taking unproven medication, and there appears to be little doubt the medication is affecting his mind.

Yesterday, Trump said, "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business."

Hours later, Trump said, "If I am sent a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY. I am ready to sign right now. Are you listening Nancy?"

Two statements, hours apart, that are diametrically opposed to one another.

This is what happens when a sick President makes a snap decision without consulting anyone, and later regrets the originating decision because of all the turmoil he caused, turmoil within his administration, consternation on the part of Democrats, and frustration within the Republican party.

We have learned that we have been lied to. Trump was not being tested on a daily basis. Steven Miller and those around the President were tested daily, but not the President himself. We still have no idea when Trump last tested negative. Trump is being tested on a regular basis. Live updates: Donald Trump's Covid-19 diagnosis

Being tested once a week or once a month is on a regular basis. They are all losing their minds over at the Trump White House.

I saved the best for last. You are going to love this

On a video produced by the White House, no reporters allowed, of course, Trump solemnly stood in front of the camera and proclaimed, referring to the virus, "This was a blessing from God."

Imagine that! A highly contagious disease that has killed over 216,600 Americans and over a million world-wide is a "blessing from God," according to our President.

Imagine that! I have no words -- other than ...

Vote early!

 

[Sandy Shanks]

We have learned that we have been lied to. Trump was not being tested on a daily basis. Steven Miller and those around the President were tested daily, but not the President himself. We still have no idea when Trump last tested negative. Trump is being tested on a regular basis.

Trump's doctor, Sean Conley, is withholding information about our President, and he has admitted that he has outright lied. He said he wanted to be "yuppie," whatever that is supposed to mean.

As to the information being withheld, I choose not to get all medical. If the reader is curious, please consult the experts on this link. What we know and what we don't about Trump's COVID illness

Scroll down to "What we don't know."

Dr. Conley is telling us what Trump wants him to tell us.

There is one key piece of information that Dr. Conley is withholding from the media, and it is a life and death issue.

We still have no idea when Trump last tested negative.

Was Trump positive at the Presidential debate? Was he positive in the Rose Garden when he announced his Supreme Court pick? Was he positive when he attended an indoor fundraiser in New Jersey? Was he positive when he greeted thousands at a political rally in Duluth?

We don't know, and the fact that we don't know is because Trump doesn't want us to know. Why?

The poor doctor is forced to say stupidly, "I don't want to look backwards."

Looking backwards is a key life saving tool. It is called contact tracing. If we know when Trump lasted tested negative, then there is a time frame for the positivity of the virus. The time frame gives us a clue as who Trump came in contact with and who else may have the illness. Who else has to quarantine.

Then researchers have to consider that the White House has become a hot spot for the virus (see previous posts).

Contact tracing is, indeed, a life saving measure.

Unfortunately, since all this began back in January, it has become clear Trump isn't interested in life saving measures.

"This was a blessing from God."

“Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”

216,648 lives lost in the U.S. alone.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

The continued silence by Trump's followers is highly significant. One is beginning to wonder if Trump's followers are no longer following. It would seem so, judging by their silence. They continue to avoid Trump, judging by the threads they initiate.

CNN reports, "President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will not participate in the second presidential debate with Joe Biden after the Commission on Presidential Debates said the event will be held virtually in the wake of the President's positive coronavirus diagnosis."

"I am not going to do a virtual debate," Trump said on Fox Business of the event scheduled for October 15. "I am not going to waste my time on a virtual debate."

CNN continued, " Hours later, Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien [who has tested positive for the virus] said they would be willing to push the October 15 debate back a week and then move the third debate to October 29, just days before the November 3 election.

"But Biden's campaign rejected their proposal, with campaign spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield saying in response, "Donald Trump doesn't make the debate schedule; the Debate Commission does."

"Trump's erratic behavior does not allow him to rewrite the calendar, and pick new dates of his choosing. We look forward to participating in the final debate, scheduled for October 22, which already is tied for the latest debate date in 40 years. Donald Trump can show up, or he can decline again. That's his choice," Bedingfield said.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Either because of his disease and the medications he is taking or because of the pressures of the office or because he is losing the election, it is becoming readily apparent Trump has lost it.

The Times reports, "President Trump attacked two cabinet members who are closest to him, insisted he wouldn’t take part in a virtual debate against his Democratic challenger and revisited the events of the 2016 campaign in a meandering, hourlong telephone interview on Fox Business Channel on Thursday.

"Mr. Trump called the Democratic vice-presidential nominee a “monster” and the F.B.I. director “disappointing,” posited that he might have contracted the coronavirus from a member of a military family, maintained that he is almost off medical treatments for the virus and complained about not being allowed to hold rallies while he remains in isolation."

“I don’t think I’m contagious at all,” Mr. Trump said.

As Trump Pushes for In-Person Debate, Doctor Gives Him Green Light (Published 2020)

President Trump, down in the polls and confined to the White House, lashed out at his aides in an erratic interview and called for his political enemies to be indicted. Joe Biden, campaigning in Arizona, continued to evade the question of whether he would pack the Supreme Court.

www.nytimes.com