The Politics of Pandemic
Congress today will give final approval to a nearly $2 trillion economic stability package. Despite some fits and starts, Republicans and Democrats worked across the aisle in near-record time to come up with a compromise to support our economy and help large enterprises, small businesses, responders, and workers. This is the 3rd bill that has been considered, and we expect work to start on a 4th bill soon.
The bill text can be found here.
According to the Real Clear Politics average, Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the crisis by a 6-point margin — 51% to 45%. Republicans strongly support, Democrats largely oppose, and independents are split straight down the middle. Like him or not, the President’s daily briefings have become must-see tv.
For many, however, the briefings of Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York have been even more compelling. The Governor’s direct style and evidence-based approach has demonstrated real leadership in this time of crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom of California is also getting high marks for his leadership and approach, but because the cable networks have not shown his briefings live, the impact is muted.
Finally, the campaign for President is effectively on hold. President Trump is (mostly) focusing on the crisis. And presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is retooling his campaign so that it can be run virtually. This basically freezes the race in place for the timing. Biden has a slight edge, but the outcome of the race will be determined by how the American public perceives the President’s handling of this crisis.
Cyber Corner
Courtesy of Josh Zecher
Keeping Healthcare Systems Online
Over the past week, there have been an unprecedented number of cyberattacks on healthcare facilities and infrastructure including an attempted hack of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Hackers have caught the attention of the cybersecurity industry, which is ready to act. An international group of nearly 400 volunteers across more than 40 countries – the COVID-19 CTI League – is working to protect healthcare facilities and first responders from cyberattacks.
Cyber Reserves
With more than 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs, a new Congressional report calls for the creation of a civilian cybersecurity reserve, which would activate former government cybersecurity professionals if resources are needed.
The Musts – Read, Watch & Listen
- How Will the Coronavirus End? in the Atlantic
- The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
- China Goes Back to Work as the Coronavirus Rages On Elsewhere on WIRED
Maybe Don’t Watch…
- Imagine as sung by Gal Gadot and her Hollywood friends
Listen
- Yankees Suck – a 30 for 30 podcast on what should be the opening weekend of the baseball season
- 7 Best Coronavirus Podcasts
- Andromeda Strain by Michael Chriton Audiobook
Must Watch
- The Royals Clap for Health Care Workers
- Imagine as sung by two doctors from the Mayo clinic
- Spenser Confidential — Mindless fun, Mark Wahlberg, enough said!
