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.
TRUMP IN 2020 !
“Potus did the right thing. Be cool” Yea he did. But the key question is why was Potus there ? Do you intentionally
walk into a briar patch ?
So far so good for Biden. He knows he cannot handle a debate with Trump so he sends out his surrogates ( Woodward, Stepanopolous)
to debate Trump. Brilliant. Trump’s handlers need to wake up. I hope to not see another one of these disasters.
Just another “journalist” trying to generate interest in a book he wrote by manipulating data and making false assumptions from recorded conversations. Truly a left-wing “fake news” attack on our president, after the fact, by a notorious “swamp dweller”!
Don’t understand why Trump would dig Woodward up from his grave to have this conversation. I don’t have problem with Trump’s
answers but I do have a problem with why he shows respect to a discredited enemy. Makes me wonder about Trump.
Also why does Trump participate in a town hall tonight with another avowed enemy, G Stephanopolous. Foolish really.
Poor judgement.
Imagine if Moses had told the Israelites they had a 90% chance of drowning.
What is truth right now about Covid-19?? A signing ceremony was held at WH today & did not see anyone wearing a mask. Does Trump think virus is just a hoax & not real? Why would US have people from three other countries come here when US is supposed to have most cases of any country in world? Seems like back in March, Trump had meeting with Brazil people at Maralago Florida & one or two of Brazil people tested positive that week.
I do not know when Trump is telling truth or playing down again, but his actions at WH today indicate no worry??? Talk to us Mr. President. Why do you talk about vaccine if virus is a hoax?
To date the death rate from covid in our country stands at .3%. Many of those are people with conditions that make them extremely vulnerable. At that rate we should show caution, but not panic. If anything, pres Trump overreacted!
I’m just really tired of the leftists (or communists) talking BS. I used to be a Democrat, back then we meant something, not like now. The Democrats have gone nuts, doing very stupid and unrealistic stuff. I’d probably become a Democrat again, if they ever get smart and realize the American people pay them to do a job smartly, not stupidly, also they are not the ruling class, us regular people are. Just tired of the Democratic BS. They need to grow up and find solutions, not create problems.
Trump is the one who made decision to talk to Woodard & so why did he do it ??? The playing down of virus in February was a lie to American people any way that you look at it. USA would be a lot better off if he would have told the truth in February, and we would not be the leading country in the world in cases & deaths from Covid-19. We might even have able to sit in the stands & watch college football/basketball this year if he would have told the truth. It is not acceptable to me that he believes the American people would panic at that time. But also ask again, why did he tell all of this to Woodard & be taped??
Thank you for a well written article that makes excellent points.
tHIS JACK WAGON IS ONLY TRYING TO REMAIN RELEVANT AND HE PROVES AGAIN THAT THE LEFTIST MEDIA IS A JOKE. tHIS GUY CAN TAKE A LONG WALK OFF A SHORT PIER IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. i STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY WHAT I THINK…..I THINK THIS GUY IS A HAS BEEN WHO NEVER WAS AND IS TRYING TO TRAP AND DESTROY OUR PRESIDENT. nOT GONNA HAPPEN THERE BOBBY, NOT GONNA HAPPEN. nOTICED CAPS WERE ON. FAT FINGERS, NOT GONNA REWRITE IT THOUGH!
President Trump is a very caring and efficient president and has done a great job at no matter what the left has thrown at him. I voted for him in 2016 and will vote for him again in 2020 at the poles. There is not going to be any mail in voting from this ole girl, I guarantee that. TRUMP & PENCE 2020.
We all recognize it’s the same useless,anti-american democrat playbook to destroy OUR Country. The media socialist propaganda, repeating the democrat lies, big money supporting violent protests, covid fear, hiding biden and their REAL destructive agenda.
There is ONLY one way, a landslide victory controlling the White House, all of Congress.
It’s up to America’s REAL Citizens, what are We willing to do to stop the madness???
The fake nazi Democommunist owned news is responsible for the propaganda and spreading of panic and fear. And as far as Colin Powell, I used to really believe that he was a great person until he chose color of skin before character when he, a Republican, endorsed Obama, an anti-American probably ineligible Democrat, for president. I was very disappointed.
PANdemIC
That was my thought when I first read the news of Bob Woodward’s “report” – LEADERS work to minimize panic – and cannot allow panic themselves. I have been in leadership positions, and tight places and panic was NOT an option! KUDOS to President Trump!
Nailed it!
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
Wonderful article Mr. Charles…..again saying it like it is. Love the truth. Thank you for another wonderful truthful article.
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.
This falls under ” There are none so blind, as those who will not see.”
Bless your heart, President Trump.
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.
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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…”
Patriots – those who love AMERICA, “Take-up Arms and FIGHT!!!” 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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
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
Trump/ Pence 2020!!!! America go RED!!!!
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
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!
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.
/*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.
The newsmax link doesn’t go to that article.
Nancy claims she was “set up” by her hair dresser, Donald was really set up.
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!