Recent polling was successful in accomplishing what science and medicine could not, that being bringing about the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Democrats were eager to move on given the beating they were taking, and Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine more or less ensured that the virus was no longer front-page news.
Yet, the Biden White House took care on Tuesday to reserve the right to fall back on the pandemic at any given moment, considering the vast powers government has assumed in the so-called quest to eradicate COVID-19.
It all began when Politico’s White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire, who is also a political analyst on MSNBC, dared to use the phrase “turn the page,” while responding to reports that White House press secretary Jen Psaki has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time in less than a year.
“As much as the Biden administration wants to turn the page on COVID, this is the third time the virus has touched the West Wing in just over a week. And as cases surge in Europe, they are beginning to rise in the U.S. too – with growing fears of a new wave in a matter of weeks,” Lemire tweeted.
As much as the Biden administration wants to turn the page on COVID, this is the third time the virus has touched the West Wing in just over a week.
And as cases surge in Europe, they are beginning to rise in the U.S. too – with growing fears of a new wave in a matter of weeks
— Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) March 22, 2022
White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain was quick to push back, suggesting that the administration has done no such thing. While touting all the wonderful things they have done, Klain also laid the groundwork for blaming Congress should America see another surge — or, at least, put pressure on the legislative branch to release additional funding.
“We are not ‘turning the page’ on COVID. We are keeping businesses and schools open — and reducing hospital & ICU cases — by making vaccines, boosters, treatments and tests widely available. And we will continue to do so as long as Congress funds this work,” Klain insisted in a tweet.
We are not “turning the page” on COVID. We are keeping businesses and schools open — and reducing hospital & ICU cases — by making vaccines, boosters, treatments and tests widely available. And we will continue to do so as long as Congress funds this work. https://t.co/1PooREzDwh
— Ronald Klain (@WHCOS) March 22, 2022
In addition to the blame game being a factor here, Americans who continue to allow fear of the virus to dominate their lives fear another surge is imminent because much of the nation is relaxing restrictions — see Democrat strongholds who’ve seen the latest polling on the matter.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from Twitter:
So then the plan is just to let the money run out then blame Congress when the next wave hits?
Because the admin certainly isn’t beating the drum to fix this situation.
— Reliable Domestique (@MichiganChris1) March 22, 2022
c’mon the dude’s got a point
they’re not “turning the page”
they’re just “looking the other way” https://t.co/yzCIb8rKHF— Rev Jerry’s Nursing & Landscape he/him (@JerrySoucyRN) March 22, 2022
remember, fellow HCWs, when our hospitals are overrun again: just shrug your shoulders and blame Congress! https://t.co/TTVXNUwAhp
— Kat Bridges (@katbridges) March 22, 2022
“And we will continue to do so ***as long as Congress funds this work.***”
[emphasis mine, although I’m confident it is also being emphasized by @WHCOS] https://t.co/zN34EacNkS
— Lisa Lucas Talbot (@snailwrangler) March 22, 2022
I can’t really blame him for characterizing the situation that way. You won’t be able to pin the blame on Congress when shit hits the fan. You know that.
— Michael Namikas (@Mikeaveli2682) March 22, 2022
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
- Mel Gibson speculates on whether there’s a ‘purpose’ behind devastating LA fires - January 11, 2025
- Biden says any remaining pardons could be based on who Trump is critical of - January 11, 2025
- Intel analyst says Iranian missiles smuggled across southern border, Trump travels altered - January 4, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.