A sense of panic has beset the media, on learning that President Trump, in first discussing the coronavirus, calmly advised people not to panic. Can you imagine? As usual, there is more to this story than meets the eye.
The Washington Post’s post-Watergate muckraker, Bob Woodward, spent nine hours with President Trump. Trump’s respect for a free press and confidence allowed the interview.
Trump is a man hard to ensnare. He believes what he believes, and is at peace with where he is going, what he aims to achieve, and who he is. That always makes a tough witness, since catching the subject off-guard is complicated by disarming candor.
That is why Trump left the esteemed sleuth, empty-handed after nine hours. Still, books must be written, controversies alleged, mud slung, and arguments won. Coming up empty, Woodward created a pre-election “gotcha.” Sifting tapes, he found Trump had confessed to urging Americans not to “panic.” Having nothing else, Woodward put stock in that statement.
Woodward’s dark picture: Trump fully understood COVID-19’s dangers and misled everyone – for political gain – by calming public fears, encouraging perspective, balancing caution with realism, telling Americans not to “panic.” Woodward says – in harmony with Biden – Trump “mishandled” the COVID-19 pandemic. In a word, codswallop – that is, nonsense.
For starters, Woodward’s argument presumes knowledge no one had, except the Chinese and WHO. It also ignores Trumps early actions, shutting down flights from China, even as Democrats called him xenophobic and pushed socializing.
If anyone doubts the speed of Trump’s action, or contempt he met from Democrats, the record is incontrovertible. Articles and videos prove Democrats’ disdain for Trump’s early actions. See, e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmllqkU6j2k; https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/trump-us-has-shut-down-coronavirus-coming-china.
All this is now ignored, as Democrats hit Trump’s “no panic” message, even as facts were being gathered on prevalence, transmission, and precautions. Trump is at fault – as he tried to forestall public fear, “play it down,” not “create a panic.” See, https://nypost.com/2020/09/09/trump-downplayed-covid-19-to-prevent-mass-panic-mcenany-claims/.
Four comebacks, beyond the obvious. First, the negative inference drawn from Trump’s private words is debunked by identical public statements at the time. Even medical experts attested the virus’s dimensions were unknown – yet panic was unjustified. Said Anthony Fauci: COVID “isn’t something the American public needs to worry about or be frightened about.” See, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/virus-outbreak-infectious-disease/2020/01/26/id/951325/. In March, medical experts – including Fauci – testified before Congress, stressing panic was unjustified, precautions being taken, protocols followed. Like the president, they “played down” fear. See, https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/dr-fauci-and-other-cdc-nih-officials-testify-on-coronavirus-march-11.
Second, if Bob Woodward thought panic was justified months ago, why did he hold back – for a book? Does that not put him at fault? If he knew none of it matters, how can Trump be at fault? If panic was right, why wait? If not, how blame Trump for urging no panic?
Third, medical experts say Woodward is factually wrong. Trump never misled. The story is a cotton ball turned thunderhead, a bad joke, no basis. Listen to medical experts who were there, not political gotcha-guys. CDC Director Redfield: “Trump …sought the counsel of the White House task force doctors throughout the COVID-19 response … relied on the data and science presented to him at that time to make decisive decisions to protect the health and safety of the American people.” He never misled anyone. See, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/exclusive-top-health-officials-defend-trump-against-woodwards-covid-19-claims. Fauci says Woodward’s allegations are hokum. Trump told the reality of what was going on – period. See, https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/matt-margolis/2020/09/09/dr-fauci-defends-president-trump-from-woodward-attack-says-trump-told-public-the-reality-of-what-was-going-on-n911707.
Let us get to the heart of this. Trump took command of an uncertain situation, knowing he had incomplete information, and urged Americans not to panic. That is what good leaders do. Colin Powell, for whom I worked as Assistant Secretary, observed that every decision – every single one – is made on incomplete information. You have to make a decision. If wrong, you correct.
In a crisis, leaders start by not panicking, and encouraging those led not to panic. Far from off-point, Trump was on-point. Sage leaders stay calm, encourage calm, and do not to panic. By nature, training, and intent, this is what makes a good leader. Examples are legion.
In Gemini 8, Neil Armstrong and Dave Scott suddenly found themselves in an uncontrollable tumble, accelerating end-over-end, seconds from reentry – and burning up. Hundreds of “mission critical” issues to check and no ground link, options were few – panic, or work the list. Armstrong just began: “Number one….” As they struggled for control, the tumble accelerated, vision began to blur. Staying calm, Armstrong thought on the issue, surmised it might be a bad yaw thruster, managed to turn thrusters off, got reentry control and halted the spin. Seconds from death, they averted a tumbling reentry. How? No one panicked.
On Apollo 11, when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong prepared to depart the moon – they discovered the circuit breaker switch controlling the ascent engine had snapped off. Facing eternity on the moon, needing to rendezvous with the Command Module precisely, Aldrin pondered the dilemma – panic, or solve it. Rejecting a metal pen and his electricity-conducting finger, Aldrin hunted a felt-tip pen – not on the manifest. He liked how it marked the checklist – so had brought it. Now, he used it to light the LEM’s ascent engine. Three days later, they were home. Panic, or no panic – that was the choice.
On Apollo 13, when Jim Lovell, Jim Swigert, and Fred Haise told CAPCOM Jack Lousma and NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz – in a fateful call – “Houston, we have a problem,” no one panicked. They moved to understand and solve the problem. And they did.
Go bigger. What do you think FDR told the nation, in effect, after Pearl Harbor? What do you think Army head George C. Marshall did when he realized America had five divisions to meet 315 German divisions? What do you think Winston Churchill did, facing long odds at Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, V-2 rockets in WWII? How about Reagan facing Soviet aggression, Bush 41 facing Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Bush 43 facing 9-11, Colin Powell advising all three? Panic, or advice all not to panic – and then work a solution? Take a guess.
Simple point: Leaders do not panic or allow for panic. Donald Trump did what smart, alert leaders do. Maybe that is why Bob Woodward is a journalist, and Donald Trump is President. The former creates “gotcha” moments, the latter takes flak for leading. Just simple stuff.
One can downplay panic BUT IF major issue must be Serious in messaging
IE do XYZ this is a long haul etc to Public Informed BUT wont go stir crazy & who had that toiler paper run then?
Agree with President. Dems WANT panic
Bob Woodard is a washed out has been trying to be relevant! If one isn’t part of the solution, then that person is part of the problem. Enough said!
Panickers sink ships, cause airplanes to crash and can also cause economies to crash. The very reason NASA chose Test Pilots for their first Astronauts was their ability to NOT panic. It was a tough call, but Trump made the right call. Woodward , on the other hand , after several months decided it was time to cash in on his interview with the President. BTW, if Woodward actually believed Trump was wrong to play down the danger, why didn’t he release his interview earlier ? Obviously, Woodward AGREED with Trump at that time. Woodward had a moment of lucidity. Woodward too helped keep the panic down but , being an opportunist , he felt that it would be ok to cash in now . Woodward just simply could not contain himself any more. Trump ought to thank Woodward for helping him to contain the panic. I wonder how the MSM would deal with that ?
It does not matter what approach President Trump would have taken. It would have been painted as wrong by the left wing media. The main problem is that the “so-called” medical experts have had no idea what was to be done so they just pulled answers out of their rears and then expected the President to follow them.
Trump was definitely right on this one. In February the day of the announcement
the grocery stores shelves were stripped bare. Can you imagine what would have happened
if The President had told the truth. A little more on that .If the media hadn’t scared the
hell of of everyone that more than likely would not have happened either.They have no
common sense.
Dear fellow Americans, we are facing a pandemic that is spreading throughout the world. Based on what we know now, most healthy people will experience little to no symptoms or recover. As your President, I am committed to keeping the United States of America working and our economy stable through this difficult time. We will have to adjust and make some sacrifices. We may need to wear masks, maintain social distance and take extra steps to protect the vulnerable and elderly. Our work life and our children’s lives will require adjustments to keep everyone safe. We need every American to come together at this time more than ever. I promised to keep you informed so you can make the best decisions for you, your family and your business. This Administration is committed to doing our very best to assist and support our governors in your state. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other. I am confident we will get through this. May God bless you and God bless the USA.
Exactly on point. Well done. A reporter asked (twice) why did you lie to the American people about covid-19? The question was bad because it presupposes that he did lie. So the reporter jumped to why he did it. I don’t know if the left believes all this rot or is just selling it. There should not be a profit in rubbish. I guess when the votes are counted, we will find out. EVERY CITIZEN MUST VOTE.
Great article about REAL leadership!
The President did the right thing. The COVID Task Force and the President were keeping the American people informed of what they knew when they knew it. Some American’s panicked and bought out toilet paper, clorox, gloves, lysol and the like. By working together we will get through this. If we panic, it will be lemmings off the cliff. Keep up the good work Mr. President.
I agree with the article completely.I agree with the NASA analogies…panic is an enemy in and of itself. The only thing that DJT did wrong, however, was give that idiot bob woodward an interview. I wouldn’t give that clown the time of day.
In the stories Mr. Charles related, where good leadership came up with solutions instead of panicking, we clearly see the results of making good decisions with the tools available at the time. It seems that the only way to get people to buy what the liberal media are selling is to cloak their content in chaos and hysteria.
The MSM are the ones panicking, knowing that Joe “lift it up” Biden is up against a very tough opponent. So, they think chaos will work for them, providing a diversion from the truth–a red herring. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence need to just present the facts, and list the results of their policies. Some who are on the fence will listen, but most of the the dems can’t tear themselves away from the letter “D”. I can’t wait for the debates!!
As for Woodward–he’s a disingenuous fool if he thinks he can sway those who have discovered the timeline of his little story. What a shameful excuse for a journalist.
Its very simple Woodward is an idiot and has no knowledge of the Chinese and the virus they created and then tried to spread it around the world and Woodward must be a queer because he is always in bed with Biden// Poor Joe does not realize its a man with him due to dimentia///
One can only imagine the panic in this country if President Trump delivered the Covid 19 information differently. President Trump. The Democrat agenda has always been to put fear in the American people so they can control them at any cost. Even a civil war. Trump 2020.
As usual all the socialist/dems have to offer is twisted truths, lies, and false accusations( it’sTRUMPS fault) always blaming someone else for thier crimes, no policies, plans or agenda, just seeking power, we need to reclaim our educational system and create a legitimate corriculum that actually teaches and remove all the fake courses that dumb down our youth and makes them easily indoctrinated in hate and rebellion, we went from the best educational system in the world to the worst. MAGA!
POTUS did the right thing. Be Cool. If he had preached a panic scenario,you would not have been able to find toilet paper even at the factories that manufacture the product. Hoarding to the 100th power! Fauci/Birx said you didn’t even a mask. Hiden Biden and others called the blockade on China travel “RACIST.” What a different tune they are singing now. I am preaching to the choir here but if Bob Woodward,allegedly an associate editor at the Washington Post, found Trump’s revelations so disturbing why no story at that time??? WOODWARD IS TRYING TO SOLIDIFY HIS RETIREMENT FUND WITH HIS LAST BOOK SALE. Let us face facts. No matter what POTUS did there would have been major criticism. All of these lowlifes suffer from 20-20 eyesight hindsight. MAGA/KAG/KAF 2020
Go Trump Go! 2020
Excellent….
Great article using all the examples of what leaders do! And what have Democrat leaders done lately? The mayor of New Orleans when Katrina came thru had unused school buses that could have been used to evacuate the ninth ward but didn’t use them! The Democrat governor of Louisiana at the time told President Bush that she didn’t need the Feds help when they did! And now mayors of majority blue cities allowing the riots and looting and destruction of their cities all cuz of politics? That’s NOT leadership, it’s immature fools! I pray that the folks in these cities open their eyes to what their so-called leaders are doing for them and VOTE those fools out! Read leadership is exactly what was shown in this article and that’s what we need in our cities, states, and federal government at ALL elected positions! Great article!
Nancy claims she was “set up” by her hair dresser, Donald was really set up.
The newsmax link doesn’t go to that article.
/*He LIED on camera to the world. He did NOTHING to help NJ & NY when we asked for help with bidding wars on PPEs. may the best bid win. his stupid answer. I am ashamed of him. I blame him for this pandemic that could have been somewhat slowed down. When Eboli came in; When the mosquito killing bug came in; they were announced so everyone was aware and could take precautions.
He thinks he is Emperor. he doesn’t have to wear a mask. does not take precautions. goes into crowds. he thinks he is invinsible.
We had a Panic. wthout his help. I do MEAN A PANIC. 200,000 DEAD. thousands in hospitals. no PPEs for them. Tents set up for the sick and for the dead bodies. trucks brought in for the bodies. Medical ship brought in for the sick. Volunteers from all over the country arriving to help. no thanks to him. IT’s still here and the flu is coming too. Vaccine won’t be ready for all until next year. He wants to LOOK GOOD for election. Trials take time. Side effects sometimes don’t show up for a year or two. How many drugs have been taken OFF the market After being put on because of adverse affects???????? Zantec of late. We have already heard of spinal problems from one vaccine.
Trump did first responders a huge favor by not encouraging the “rush” on PPE to be any worse than it was. He also mobilized companies that could produce these items, and may more companies that could adapt to the increased demand, by appropriating funds. Meanwhile all we heard about from the “left” was that Obama had things in place to handle a pandemic, but were given no facts to back it up. Typical reaction by the media, bashing Trump whenever and however they can.
Of course Woodward is wrong, he’s got a bad case of TDS! He was wrong before and he’ll be wrong again due to TDS!
Why did Trump bother talking to Woodward for one hour much less nine? Everyone knows Woodward is a no-good communist who would use Trump’s words against him no matter what. This is the guy who uncovered Watergate, remember? I suppose he figures he brought down one President so why not another? And being associated with the Washington Post which is notoriously communist, Trump should have known better. But we all make mistakes, even the President of the United States. TRUMP 2020
Trump/ Pence 2020!!!! America go RED!!!!
Its why Woodward is a journalist and sucks at it. Its why Donald Trump is President and has been nothing short of the best President we’ve ever had in the face of a terrible economy he inherited and a worldwide pandemic he has handled with efficiency and grace. The idiot libs are just jealous and ticked off that they have nothing even remotely in the same league as President Trump
Remember, the liberal lefts holy grail of perfect presidential leadership is FDR. When he was first elected, the Great Depression was in full destructive mode. His response was contained in an address to the nation:
We have nothing to fear but fear (panic) itself.
That response is still quoted over and over again and not a single thinking, sane person thinks it was wrong or that he was hiding something.
The left is the dictionary definition of hypocrisy and stupidity. God put them here so the rest of us would have a blaring example staring us in the face of how NOT to behave and think. Take the not so subtle hint and vote for every conservative on your ballot and know you are voting for a successful and prosperous future for our country.
SO VERY IMPORTANT THAT REPUBLICANS TURN OUT AND VOTE! You can bet the Democrats will be out waking people from their drug induced stupors, and finding every dead person they can to vote as MANY TIMES as they can! Beware the “Mail In Ballots”, and don’t be surprised that the Democrats “Discover millions of “Uncounted” ballots, just in time to win for Biden! These dead people, incarcerated criminals, and others otherwise ineligible to vote (re. Illegal Aliens), will turn out in droves…
Any great leader knows that no matter how tough it gets you have to remain calm. Your troops look to their leaders for strength and guidance. Showing fear and panic breeds fear and panic. Remaining strong and steadfast during troubled times is a sign of wisdom and courage.
Enjoyed the article too.
Woodward is wrong on several fronts, which is not at all surprising coming from his self-inflated sense of importance since destroying a former president along with his being a dedicated leftist working for a dedicated leftist employer (The Washington Post). Have you ever heard any criticism from him of a lefty Democrats? Not that I can remember! He is a paragon of virtue in his own mind and a despicable fool in the eyes of conservatives. He also likes selling books, of course, so he must sensationalize even if stretching the truth.
I realize even the more as a born again believer that we’re not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in high places and this is a time to really pray the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous that will avail much, for the and not a clique pray for the soul of our beloved country and go to the ballot box and vote according to not only facts,with a kingdom of God mindset a. Mr. Woodward has a problem and being used in a negative fashion. Cover our President and other governmental officials in prayer, especially all born again believers, fulfilling the mandate as described in 1st Timothy 2:1-6,8 lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth that Jesus is the answer
I just read part of a report that a medical expert posted and one statement that stood out to me was, “We were sabotaged by a virus that could have been contained much better, because the World Health Organization(WHO) kept the world in the dark because of their connections with the Chinese Communist Party.” I’m going to keep that statement around for the cry-baby liberal asshats who keep insisting that every death is President Trump’s fault.
Just like most of the Demsheviks, Woodward’s mental wiring short-circuited a long, long time ago. Collectively, in response to “Everything Trump,” their holiest mantra is “The sky is falling!” And they are too stupid to grasp the reality of any situation of consequence, much less understand its underlying dynamics, and in its place prate their “codswallop.” Woodward’s utterances are a prime example of what we usually label as an example of Culpable Stupidity (goes hand-in-hand with the Ignorance Is Bliss syndrome). He and the Demsheviks seem to enjoy (if not relish) wallowing in it, since, after all, they all seem to do it so well!
As usual, Trump-haters pounce on anything he says with intent to discredit, distort, slam and hurt his agenda to cleanse the swamp, eliminate unfair agreements, right the wrongs of long-standing in the government, deal compassionately with those needing justice, help and provision. The President is an excellent president, strong and determined to keep his promises and like his wife Melania, firm in doing the right thing–no matter the opposition. He is a God-send for America at this time. Biden cannot hold a candle to the president. Biden, who made threatening deals with Ukrain to protect his son Hunter and made deals with communist China that netted him untold millions, does not have the integrity or moral stamina to lead the United States of America. Biden is guilty of the very things he has accused the President of. Stand by the President and do not fall for fake news or lies and distortions of his wise decisions. Pray for his strength and success in guiding this country. We’ll make it through the virus and the country will be cleansed of selfish, corrupt, leftist and communistic infiltration throughout the USA.
The Democrats are Communists!! The RINO’s are also Communists!! The Republican Party as a whole is useless!! We need a new Political Party – The Freedom Party founded from FreedomWorks.org!! Stand-up for America!! Make the TRUMP Movement grow – Freedom NOW!!!!!
In spite of Media Brainwashing, the only goal of Marxism is Communism and the natural goal of both Socialism and Liberalism is Communism! We are in the middle of a Communist Revolution lead by the Democrats!!! Become a Counter- Revolutionary!! Stand-up for America!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
Keep the Trump Movement growing! It is the rebirth of the American Revolution!! Become a Counter-Revolutionary!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
Patriots – those who love AMERICA, “Take-up Arms and FIGHT!!!” Become a Counter-Revolutionary!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, find an alternative to Public Education. It destroys individual thinking!! Charter and Parochial Schools can be OK but Home Education is best although it may require lifestyle changes. EACH OF US MUST CHOOSE! “IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN…”
When the Communist “Reign of Terror” going-on now in Democrat controlled cities becomes nationwide after a Trump/Pence Victory, we will not be able to avoid defending ourselves and our Country against the rioting and bloodshed! We must be ready to “Take-up Arms and FIGHT!!” Join the Trump Movement – The American Revolution Version 2!!! Become a Counter-Revolutionary!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
Compromise is not possible with Democrats (Communists)! Their only purpose is to make all Americans dependent on the government!! To consider a Democrat a colleague is to be a Collaborator with the Communists!!! Become a Counter-Revolutionary!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
Out-of the ashes of the remnants of the once great Republican Party, it is time to use the TRUMP MOVEMENT to forge a New Party based on FREEDOM!!! A Party that stands for FREEDOM FOR ALL!!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
Big Tech and The Media believe they rule America! The believe they can tell us what to say and do! Show Big Tech and the Media they are wrong and we are a FREE PEOPLE!! Join the Trump Movement – The American Revolution Version 2!!! Become a Counter-Revolutionary!!! Stand-up for America!!!! Remove Every Democrat!!!!!
I’ll be eternally grateful to President Trump for his wisdom in not prematurely reporting in February info about a potential health-type disaster before it had even occurred in the U.S. I believe he foresaw the potential panic/fear/action/damage among citizens that it could have created all across our nation at that time that would have been beyond the imagination.
As mentioned, for all those in charge historically who have received serious intel, the same protocol has been used because of the very serious possibility of producing the same nationwide panic.
Upon tracking all of the info and statistics about the virus since March, it is apparent to me that the true facts about the virus aren’t even yet known because info that is available through the general media is often quite contradictory; thus, somewhat unreliable.
Mr. Woodward’s efforts ultimately come across to me as just another political statement because of his focus on only one issue and his timing.
Bless your heart, President Trump.
This falls under ” There are none so blind, as those who will not see.”
Sounds like another Dim trying to capitalize on others misfortune and try to sway some voters to vote for Brain Dead Biden. Biden won the nomination because all of the Dims are Brain Dead. Had to have something to write to sell his book. Panicking is counterproductive in any crisis. Gather the facts and attack the problem. If the facts change, adjust the attack. Common sense. No Dims need apply.
Wonderful article Mr. Charles…..again saying it like it is. Love the truth. Thank you for another wonderful truthful article.
True pandemic or over hyped media event the truth is, with out changing one fact, if a democrat was in office the general public would have NEVER heard a word about it. I.E. H1N1 of 2009
Nailed it!