In what world do we Believe addressing ANY Illness AFTER the fact is the preferred course of action. The approach that we don’t try to be proactive and prevent folks from getting the virus and instead allow folks to become ill and then address it is lunacy.
Herd immunity does not work. There is proof that masks and distancing have worked in other countries.
The latest Harris Poll has only 58% of people would get a vaccine, down from 69% in August. Other polls now have it at 50%. Broad vaccination is the best way to block the virus as opposed to herd immunity, which would result to more suffering and death.
Polls also suggest that Republicans are less likely to get a vaccine than Democrats.
Joshua, do European countries have these sharp divisions amongst their people in how to handle the virus like here in the United States?
Btw, I also read recently that Canada is not doing as well lately. As far as I know, their borders are still closed.
Canada has had a recent increase, but not nearly as pronounced as ours or Europe’s. Border is still closed.
Europe has divisions, too, regarding vaccinations (there’s a small but vocal anti-vax community) and coronavirus policies that restrict personal liberties. On the whole, however, Europeans are more prone to accept national guidance and mandates.
By the way, I have often found mainstream polls to be flawed. In 2016, they were obviously way off, for both the Brexit referendum in the UK and Trump election. And so, I’m not entirely discounting the latest Rasmussen poll, which shows Trump winning re-election (up by 1 point in the latest poll). Rasmussen is a conservative polling group, but not without merit. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/trending-trump-tops-biden-48-47-at-52-approval
Biden strategists are making similar errors, in my humble opinion, to the ones the Clinton campaign team was making in late October 2016. Instead of making sure the Midwest is sewn up, they’re campaigning in Georgia and Texas because the polls show Biden up by a point or two. NOT a good strategy. I sincerely do NOT think Biden will win either Texas or Georgia, or North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, for that matter. Biden does have a very good chance of winning most of the Midwest. But, he’s got to focus on that. Ensure there is a firewall of sorts to prevent a Trump `surprise’ victory. Don’t go for fantasy results at this stage. Play risk-averse and you’ll win.
I give Trump strategists a lot of credit. They’re smarter. Sometimes when your back is against the wall it’s a bit easier to focus. Yet, you still have to actually focus. And that’s what they’re doing. Notice how the Trump campaign is more or less disparaging the Northeast and west coast “elites.” This is strategic. He wants to grab a good portion of fly-over land, long neglected by many in the establishment. In order to do so, he paints a horrific picture of the states that will vote for Biden en masse (this includes Illinois, by the way).
I wonder how the poll is worded. If I were asked if I’d get a vaccine when it comes out, I’d say no. I will get one but not when it first comes out.
Wording is everything and maybe the wording is clear.
Don’t know. Rasmussen is quite conservative. Yet, I don’t discount them. They’re not crazy. And something tells me that the CNN/NBC/ABC polls are skewed. I felt this dread the week before Trump won in 2016. I didn’t think he’d win, but I had no confidence in the polls, especially after the Brexit fiasco. Those polls were WAY off.
Per my post above, I think the Trump campaign strategists are once again outsmarting the Democrats. Not so much in local or state or Senate/House elections (I think Democrats win big locally and statewide, and win Senate/House), but in terms of the presidency. There’s a VERY narrow path for Trump. He knows that. He’s focused on getting that narrow path. I find the Biden camp too scattershot in terms of its attention. “Maybe we have a shot in Texas.” No, no, no. Don’t go for the long bomb when you’re ahead. Go for first downs. And those first downs are in the Midwest, not in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia, and even Florida.
I did think trump would win in 2016. I had that sense from the summer on. I’m not saying this time. I’m too terrified to think what a victory would mean for this country and its continued existence as we knew it. I do have it written down and dated and will be happy to say if I am wrong
Heather Cox Richardson had an interesting view Of trumps current approach in the oct 25 email
I myself didn’t see a Trump victory coming in 2016. On election night I was totally stunned to say the least. I was thinking landslide for Hillary easily. If I’m not mistaken though, I do believe Biden is currently projected in better shape regarding Electoral Votes.
Macs cousin from Brookline (I know…I mention her a lot) had a family get together mid summer 2016. They were discussing the emails and some other missteps HRC has made. They Rightfully looked at me as if I had six heads when I said trump would win.
I won’t go into it here because it isn’t the place. But he is painfully easy to read…..just as a young child is easy to read.
Belgian foreign minister and former prime minister Sophie Wilmes (45) is in intensive care with Covid-19. She’s clinically stable, but has been in ICU for about a week.
Just read that a Dutch mayor in his 50s (mayor of the city of Enschede) was hospitalized this morning and may move to ICU. He’s been very sick for a week.
Overall, Monday’s numbers (hospitalizations, ICU usage, and deaths) – even with post Sunday effect – look dismal once again across most Western industrialized nations.
Utah, Wisconsin, and Missouri are now reporting health system capacity problems. They’re having to move Covid-19 patients to other hospitals.
Joshua, I will “sort of” disagree with you regarding Biden’s strategy. Any “one” of those states (especially Florida) would be a very key prize indeed. The fact that many elderly have succumbed to the virus and Florida has a huge elderly population might make those folk vote against Trump since Biden has made in clear that he has a completely opposite strategy in fighting the virus (masks, testing, etc.).
Florida might actually be Biden’s best shot of those other states. We will see.
Imho it will be “Covid-19” overall that ultimately decides the 2020 Presidential Election.
I’m praying you are right.
Philip, I do understand what you’re saying. Biden could indeed win some of these states. But, the Midwest – where Covid-19 is striking unmercifully – is not a certainty for Biden. Yet, he does currently lead in many states there. I wish he would focus on reinforcing his lead.
A poll just came out today regarding Texas – Biden is 4 points behind. I think he’ll lose Texas by 8-10 points; Georgia by 5, Florida by 3. Yet he’s campaigning there because polls last week showed a toss-up. I’m puzzled to say the least. Texas and Georgia are NOT fertile territory for any Democrat. All Biden needs is to secure several states in the Midwest and it’s all over. Who’s going all in on the Midwest this week? Trump. Blitzing the TV with ads in Minnesota, campaigning in Wisconsin and Michigan. I have a bad feeling about all this.
Vicki, you were prescient in 2016.
Hopefully the huge turnout compared to 2016 will help Biden. It certainly won’t hurt him.
Thanks, Joshua. I’d like to think I can do it again but the Base is much stronger and more unpredictable
Belgium is once again in the worst shape of all Western countries. The only two countries above the U.S. in terms of death rate are Belgium and Spain. See link below. This could very well happen here soon. Instead of preparing for it, we’re not doing anything. It’s shameful.
El Paso is in trouble. How are we not ALL learning from this
El Paso, Kansas City, parts of Utah, the Dakotas, parts of Wisconsin. It’s a veritable onslaught on the healthcare system. Even though we in the U.S. have built up over many decades excess hospital capacity in many of our states’ systems, it’s still a massive burden to have as many Covid-19 hospitalizations as we currently do: 43,000 and rising nationwide.
MA cases over 1,200 today, and other indicators are trending in the wrong direction.
Intensity of pandemic in Europe is demonstrated by test positivity. Note, in most of Europe they only test people who have symptoms. There is little or no preventive screening.
In what world do we Believe addressing ANY Illness AFTER the fact is the preferred course of action. The approach that we don’t try to be proactive and prevent folks from getting the virus and instead allow folks to become ill and then address it is lunacy.
Herd immunity does not work. There is proof that masks and distancing have worked in other countries.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/oct/25/donald-trump-joe-biden-election-latest-updates-mike-pence-marc-short-coronavirus-covid
The latest Harris Poll has only 58% of people would get a vaccine, down from 69% in August. Other polls now have it at 50%. Broad vaccination is the best way to block the virus as opposed to herd immunity, which would result to more suffering and death.
Polls also suggest that Republicans are less likely to get a vaccine than Democrats.
Joshua, do European countries have these sharp divisions amongst their people in how to handle the virus like here in the United States?
Btw, I also read recently that Canada is not doing as well lately. As far as I know, their borders are still closed.
Canada has had a recent increase, but not nearly as pronounced as ours or Europe’s. Border is still closed.
Europe has divisions, too, regarding vaccinations (there’s a small but vocal anti-vax community) and coronavirus policies that restrict personal liberties. On the whole, however, Europeans are more prone to accept national guidance and mandates.
By the way, I have often found mainstream polls to be flawed. In 2016, they were obviously way off, for both the Brexit referendum in the UK and Trump election. And so, I’m not entirely discounting the latest Rasmussen poll, which shows Trump winning re-election (up by 1 point in the latest poll). Rasmussen is a conservative polling group, but not without merit. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/trending-trump-tops-biden-48-47-at-52-approval
Biden strategists are making similar errors, in my humble opinion, to the ones the Clinton campaign team was making in late October 2016. Instead of making sure the Midwest is sewn up, they’re campaigning in Georgia and Texas because the polls show Biden up by a point or two. NOT a good strategy. I sincerely do NOT think Biden will win either Texas or Georgia, or North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, for that matter. Biden does have a very good chance of winning most of the Midwest. But, he’s got to focus on that. Ensure there is a firewall of sorts to prevent a Trump `surprise’ victory. Don’t go for fantasy results at this stage. Play risk-averse and you’ll win.
I give Trump strategists a lot of credit. They’re smarter. Sometimes when your back is against the wall it’s a bit easier to focus. Yet, you still have to actually focus. And that’s what they’re doing. Notice how the Trump campaign is more or less disparaging the Northeast and west coast “elites.” This is strategic. He wants to grab a good portion of fly-over land, long neglected by many in the establishment. In order to do so, he paints a horrific picture of the states that will vote for Biden en masse (this includes Illinois, by the way).
I wonder how the poll is worded. If I were asked if I’d get a vaccine when it comes out, I’d say no. I will get one but not when it first comes out.
Wording is everything and maybe the wording is clear.
Don’t know. Rasmussen is quite conservative. Yet, I don’t discount them. They’re not crazy. And something tells me that the CNN/NBC/ABC polls are skewed. I felt this dread the week before Trump won in 2016. I didn’t think he’d win, but I had no confidence in the polls, especially after the Brexit fiasco. Those polls were WAY off.
Per my post above, I think the Trump campaign strategists are once again outsmarting the Democrats. Not so much in local or state or Senate/House elections (I think Democrats win big locally and statewide, and win Senate/House), but in terms of the presidency. There’s a VERY narrow path for Trump. He knows that. He’s focused on getting that narrow path. I find the Biden camp too scattershot in terms of its attention. “Maybe we have a shot in Texas.” No, no, no. Don’t go for the long bomb when you’re ahead. Go for first downs. And those first downs are in the Midwest, not in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia, and even Florida.
I did think trump would win in 2016. I had that sense from the summer on. I’m not saying this time. I’m too terrified to think what a victory would mean for this country and its continued existence as we knew it. I do have it written down and dated and will be happy to say if I am wrong
Heather Cox Richardson had an interesting view Of trumps current approach in the oct 25 email
I myself didn’t see a Trump victory coming in 2016. On election night I was totally stunned to say the least. I was thinking landslide for Hillary easily. If I’m not mistaken though, I do believe Biden is currently projected in better shape regarding Electoral Votes.
Macs cousin from Brookline (I know…I mention her a lot) had a family get together mid summer 2016. They were discussing the emails and some other missteps HRC has made. They Rightfully looked at me as if I had six heads when I said trump would win.
I won’t go into it here because it isn’t the place. But he is painfully easy to read…..just as a young child is easy to read.
Belgian foreign minister and former prime minister Sophie Wilmes (45) is in intensive care with Covid-19. She’s clinically stable, but has been in ICU for about a week.
Just read that a Dutch mayor in his 50s (mayor of the city of Enschede) was hospitalized this morning and may move to ICU. He’s been very sick for a week.
Overall, Monday’s numbers (hospitalizations, ICU usage, and deaths) – even with post Sunday effect – look dismal once again across most Western industrialized nations.
Utah, Wisconsin, and Missouri are now reporting health system capacity problems. They’re having to move Covid-19 patients to other hospitals.
Joshua, I will “sort of” disagree with you regarding Biden’s strategy. Any “one” of those states (especially Florida) would be a very key prize indeed. The fact that many elderly have succumbed to the virus and Florida has a huge elderly population might make those folk vote against Trump since Biden has made in clear that he has a completely opposite strategy in fighting the virus (masks, testing, etc.).
Florida might actually be Biden’s best shot of those other states. We will see.
Imho it will be “Covid-19” overall that ultimately decides the 2020 Presidential Election.
I’m praying you are right.
Philip, I do understand what you’re saying. Biden could indeed win some of these states. But, the Midwest – where Covid-19 is striking unmercifully – is not a certainty for Biden. Yet, he does currently lead in many states there. I wish he would focus on reinforcing his lead.
A poll just came out today regarding Texas – Biden is 4 points behind. I think he’ll lose Texas by 8-10 points; Georgia by 5, Florida by 3. Yet he’s campaigning there because polls last week showed a toss-up. I’m puzzled to say the least. Texas and Georgia are NOT fertile territory for any Democrat. All Biden needs is to secure several states in the Midwest and it’s all over. Who’s going all in on the Midwest this week? Trump. Blitzing the TV with ads in Minnesota, campaigning in Wisconsin and Michigan. I have a bad feeling about all this.
Vicki, you were prescient in 2016.
Hopefully the huge turnout compared to 2016 will help Biden. It certainly won’t hurt him.
Thanks, Joshua. I’d like to think I can do it again but the Base is much stronger and more unpredictable
Belgium is once again in the worst shape of all Western countries. The only two countries above the U.S. in terms of death rate are Belgium and Spain. See link below. This could very well happen here soon. Instead of preparing for it, we’re not doing anything. It’s shameful.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54688846?
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/10/26/world/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/el-paso-orders-a-curfew-to-stem-a-coronavirus-surge-as-its-hospitals-overflow?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR0LYhwmXoHq1kJqTvYyVFYpzIKybwEpDahyQM_EKtSrLVYe5aHoS7ickSg&fbclid=IwAR1E3GgPriRivAstsxciO5Hp8W0Ke7ykgSGo1WyDC1LS5YS-7XLqJ0tdGZs&fbclid=IwAR3G08UhJc_yc-gsoF7ZjlsyyLLQOQWWJIHbSgASeP8E5OaC9ZmGdKjrBww
El Paso is in trouble. How are we not ALL learning from this
El Paso, Kansas City, parts of Utah, the Dakotas, parts of Wisconsin. It’s a veritable onslaught on the healthcare system. Even though we in the U.S. have built up over many decades excess hospital capacity in many of our states’ systems, it’s still a massive burden to have as many Covid-19 hospitalizations as we currently do: 43,000 and rising nationwide.
MA cases over 1,200 today, and other indicators are trending in the wrong direction.
Intensity of pandemic in Europe is demonstrated by test positivity. Note, in most of Europe they only test people who have symptoms. There is little or no preventive screening.
https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/1320835208564723712
I can understand removing one’s mask while eating/drinking but can the virus spread further by smoking?
I would think that blowing smoke all over is equivalent to persistently coughing without covering one’s mouth.
Joshua what are your thoughts on this?
testing…
44 states have rising Covid-19 cases.
That comes out to 88% of this nation!
C-19 / 10-27 / ready