Trump refuses to force the production of life-saving medical equipment, Democrats fight to eliminate a corporate slush fund from Mitch McConnell’s stimulus bill, and the coronavirus pandemic upends the 2020 campaign. Then, health care workers share stories about how they’re grappling with this crisis.

Crooked has started a Coronavirus Relief Fund for organizations supporting food banks, health care workers, restaurant workers, seniors, kids who depend on school lunches, and others in need. Donate: crooked.com/coronavirus

We played clips from listeners around the country in today’s episode about how they’ve been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. if you’d like to share your story, send a voice note or video to 323 405-9944.

Show notes

Coronavirus

NYT : Trump Says Coronavirus Cure Cannot ‘Be Worse Than the Problem Itself’

NYT : The Virus Can Be Stopped, but Only With Harsh Steps, Experts Say

Science : ‘I’m going to keep pushing.’ Anthony Fauci tries to make the White House listen to facts of the pandemic

WaPo : Governors and mayors in growing uproar over Trump’s lagging coronavirus response

NBC News : Trump says he’s activated National Guard in New York, California and Washington state

Politico : Trump predicts victory over coronavirus ‘much sooner’ than expected

NBC News : Coronavirus updates: Global cases top 300,000, John Hopkins University reports

NYT : New York State now has roughly 5 percent of the world’s cases.

NYT : Trump Writes to Kim Jong-un Offering Help in Virus Fight, North Korea Says

WaPo : U.S. intelligence reports from January and February warned about a likely pandemic

WaPo : In hard-hit areas, testing restricted to health care workers, hospital patients

AP : Trump’s big promises on COVID-19 often fall short

NPR : Fact-Checking 5 Trump Administration Claims On The Coronavirus Pandemic

Politico : States still waiting on coronavirus tests as Trump tells them to do more

Politico : Fauci: ‘Clearly, more needs to be done’ on coronavirus testing

Reuters : ‘Test, test, test’: WHO chief’s coronavirus message to world

Vox : “We are desperate”: Trump’s inaction has created a crisis in protective medical gear

Politico : Short-term thinking plagues Trump’s coronavirus response

Politico : Medical staff describe shortages and rationing of masks as White House assures they’re available ’now’

NYT : ‘At War With No Ammo’: Doctors Say Shortage of Protective Gear Is Dire

CNN : FEMA chief: Trump hasn’t used Defense Production Act

NYT : Governments and Companies Race to Make Masks Vital to Virus Fight

Daily Beast : President Trump Says Has Not Compelled Companies to Make Coronavirus Gear Despite Nationwide Shortages

CNN : Pressure mounts for Trump to actually use Defense Production Act

Lawfare : What’s in Trump’s Executive Order on the Defense Production Act?

CAP : To Respond to the Coronavirus, Trump Should Take 6 Immediate Steps on the Defense Production Act

Congressional Action

WaPo : Senate to resume talks on massive economic stimulus bill for the coronavirus after Democrats block vote on legislatio

CNN : Democratic senators move to force Trump’s hand to ramp up medical equipment production

NYT : Senate Democrats blocked action on a trillion-dollar stimulus plan.

WaPo : Senate falls far short of votes needed to advance coronavirus bill as clash between Republicans and Democrats intensifies

Politico : Senate fails to advance coronavirus rescue package

CBS News : No deal yet as Senate pushes massive stimulus to save economy from coronavirus

Roll Call : Senate GOP preps stimulus text; Democrats say no deal yet

Politico : Senate closing in on deal for $1.6 trillion rescue package

WSJ : Coronavirus Rescue Bill Moving Toward a Final Senate Vote Monday

Axios : McConnell releases Phase 3 coronavirus stimulus proposal

WSJ : McConnell Unveils GOP Stimulus Plan Amid Coronavirus Crisis

WaPo : No deal on vast coronavirus stimulus bill as crunch time arrives on Capitol Hill

NBC News : Top Democrats say they’re not yet ready to sign off on coronavirus stimulus package

The Hill : Senators urge Congress to include election funds in coronavirus stimulus

Axios : Senate Republicans enter quarantine ahead of critical coronavirus vote

The Hill : McConnell delays initial coronavirus stimulus vote as lawmakers scramble for deal

Data for Progress : VOTERS SUPPORT A ROBUST MONTHLY CASH PAYMENT

NYT : Coronavirus Stimulus Package Spurs a Lobbying Gold Rush

Polling and 2020