Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Polybius

(15,421 posts)
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:04 PM Apr 2020

Anthony Fauci says he used a 'poor choice of words' in discussing Trump administration's coronavirus

Source: MSN

WASHINGTON – Anthony Fauci, the health care policy expert under fire from allies of President Donald Trump, said Monday he used a "poor choice of words" when he suggested lives could have been saved had the Trump administration put in place coronavirus restrictions earlier in the year.

In an interview Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," Fauci was asked if lives could have been saved had social distancing been imposed during the third week of February instead of mid-March. Fauci said, "It's very difficult to go back and say that. I mean, obviously, you could logically say that if you had a process that was ongoing and you started mitigation earlier, you could have saved lives. Obviously, no one is going to deny that."

Fauci said, "What goes into those kinds of decisions is – is complicated. But you're right. I mean, obviously, if we had, right from the very beginning, shut everything down, it may have been a little bit different. But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then."

Fauci denied that Trump forced him to make the statement, telling reporters that "everything I do is voluntary ... Please ... Don’t even imply that.”

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/anthony-fauci-says-he-used-a-poor-choice-of-words-in-discussing-trump-administrations-coronavirus-response/ar-BB12yFfU



Why Anthony why?
44 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Anthony Fauci says he used a 'poor choice of words' in discussing Trump administration's coronavirus (Original Post) Polybius Apr 2020 OP
He was too kind? rpannier Apr 2020 #1
I think he's playing the long game. madaboutharry Apr 2020 #2
Correct, that's the way I see it. (nt) klook Apr 2020 #4
Sadly he had to cut off his own balls in front of the press to do it. dem4decades Apr 2020 #6
That's what I think. we can do it Apr 2020 #7
He figures he can do more good on the inside the way things are. My idea was he should brewens Apr 2020 #9
The problem with that durablend Apr 2020 #17
++ agree with that. nt iluvtennis Apr 2020 #12
Yup. 2naSalit Apr 2020 #13
Tee hee Roy Rolling Apr 2020 #25
Well yes Wash. state Desk Jet Apr 2020 #14
Living To Fight RobinA Apr 2020 #30
"Obviously, no one is going to deny that." Except Trump. bullimiami Apr 2020 #3
Rump and followers are killers, Fauci wants to save lives, so he will play the game Eliot Rosewater Apr 2020 #5
Yes. We need his sane voice. we can do it Apr 2020 #8
I expect his support to go to Biden for President rockfordfile Apr 2020 #20
Sane, mature adults will vote and vote for Biden...anyone who does not vote and vote Eliot Rosewater Apr 2020 #42
working for a dictator must be hard. nt yaesu Apr 2020 #10
On MSNBC thus afternoon they reported that DT wanted Fauci fired. Apparently someone with more napi21 Apr 2020 #11
Apparently someone with more intelligence... rpannier Apr 2020 #22
Dr. Redlener called this last week on Deadline:White House. Nichole Wallace put hi, in his niyad Apr 2020 #15
Fauci should let the turd fire him, not_the_one Apr 2020 #16
And then 40% of the country durablend Apr 2020 #21
He should resign gab13by13 Apr 2020 #27
Fucking coward, that's why. N/T Coventina Apr 2020 #18
Freudian slip. Like when you sit across the table from your mother in law, Xipe Totec Apr 2020 #19
Lol padah513 Apr 2020 #26
ha ha ha Lulu KC Apr 2020 #35
the people llashram Apr 2020 #23
Dear leader is the biggest loser, gab13by13 Apr 2020 #28
yep llashram Apr 2020 #37
I hope they are all working on their resumes because when trump loses they are notdarkyet Apr 2020 #38
Sorry, Dr. Fauci, I'm Implying EXACTLY That! Nacht Owl Apr 2020 #24
Not quite that bad, but I get your point. gab13by13 Apr 2020 #29
Guess he thought that without his voice there would be noone standing up for reality? lark Apr 2020 #31
Fauci is showing a lack of character Chainfire Apr 2020 #32
When those entrusted with telling the truth are so blatantly muzzled Mr. Ected Apr 2020 #33
Fauci played a word game. WardOne Apr 2020 #34
I hope we get the full story evetually. "blinking out SOS", brilliant! marble falls Apr 2020 #39
It's a tightrope working for Trump DeminPennswoods Apr 2020 #36
I understand why Tapper asked the question.... steve2470 Apr 2020 #40
Even better, say EXACTLY what the turd wants you to say. You save your job, not_the_one Apr 2020 #43
Truth is always a poor choice when you have to answer to Trump world wide wally Apr 2020 #41
"The jury will disregard the witness's last remarks." LastLiberal in PalmSprings Apr 2020 #44

rpannier

(24,329 posts)
1. He was too kind?
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:06 PM
Apr 2020

That's the only way I think he could have made that error

Also: Fauci denied that Trump forced him to make the statement, telling reporters that "everything I do is voluntary ... Please ... Don’t even imply that.”
Because someone who is being forced to say something, would tell us something contradictory

madaboutharry

(40,212 posts)
2. I think he's playing the long game.
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:06 PM
Apr 2020

He knows he is the only one who speaks the truth. If he gets pushed out it will be terrible for the American people.

brewens

(13,588 posts)
9. He figures he can do more good on the inside the way things are. My idea was he should
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:18 PM
Apr 2020

resign and be on responding to Trump regularly. Someone suggested the same, but appearing with Biden.

I thought if one of the networks could have him ready to go on after Trumps campaign pressers whenever they may be would be good. But if he did that, the half-wits would only be more convinced he was a deepstater or whatever.

durablend

(7,460 posts)
17. The problem with that
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 11:14 PM
Apr 2020

While he's still sucking up (hate to say that) to Twittler, at least he might have a small shred of credibility with the idiots out there...or at least the less-knuckle-dragging of them (who normally I wouldn't give a damn about but they can kill us just the same), whereas siding with Biden they'd dismiss anything he said as "fake news"

2naSalit

(86,634 posts)
13. Yup.
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:50 PM
Apr 2020

I thought he was very diplomatic with his response. He really didn't say anything different than what he said yesterday. he just used a rephrase to avoid ruffling fuckhead's feathers because he won't understand that phrasing.

It's a tightrope...

Wash. state Desk Jet

(3,426 posts)
14. Well yes
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:56 PM
Apr 2020

I think he would fear his being replaced by some yes man bozo saying and doing what ever Trump wants far more than being replaced/fired or forced into resignation.

RobinA

(9,893 posts)
30. Living To Fight
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 07:58 AM
Apr 2020

another day. It happens in human services several times a week. And not just during a pandemic. It's not just you and your boss, you've got the patients/clients in the mix. If you feel you have something to offer the actual people you help, you have to deal with the urge to type up that resignation or retirement letter, place it calmly on your boss's desk and say, "Bite me," as you walk out the door.

And believe me, sometimes it takes a lot of talking to yourself, particularly as you near retirement or if you could easily get another job (even as you recognize that the other job will probably be as awful as the one you have) to get yourself to the place where you can manage your life, get up and go to work every day, without succumbing to rage, depression, or the urge to use powerful drugs. You do it until you can't anymore and then you retire and work in a flower shop.

Eliot Rosewater

(31,112 posts)
42. Sane, mature adults will vote and vote for Biden...anyone who does not vote and vote
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 01:54 PM
Apr 2020

for Biden is someone I dont want around me or within 100 miles of me.

napi21

(45,806 posts)
11. On MSNBC thus afternoon they reported that DT wanted Fauci fired. Apparently someone with more
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 10:19 PM
Apr 2020

intelligence told him that would be political suicide, so he backed off. I figured he was hunting for a reason to get Fauci out because he was taking more attention that Mr. Royalty a we all know what he does with THAT problem. If it'os bothering he that lots of people aren't watching his daily political campaign speech, getting rid of Fauci will only make it worse. Is he really that stupid not to realize that?

Never mind, answered my own question.

rpannier

(24,329 posts)
22. Apparently someone with more intelligence...
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 12:06 AM
Apr 2020

More intelligence than trump would be pence (god help us), his security team, the bathroom mirror, the desk and the pigeons that fly by and land on the roof.
The list of less intelligent is easier and shorter. That would be Eric and Don Jr

niyad

(113,318 posts)
15. Dr. Redlener called this last week on Deadline:White House. Nichole Wallace put hi, in his
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 11:01 PM
Apr 2020

words, "between a rock and a hard place." She basically asked him how long Fauci could keep speaking truth. (sorry, I just happened to catch that bit, no link). Recliner said he has known Fauci for decades as a man of integrity, but, "he is working for trump" and just looked sad.

 

not_the_one

(2,227 posts)
16. Fauci should let the turd fire him,
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 11:06 PM
Apr 2020

then immediately be hired by Biden or the democrats, to specifically to say what needs to be said.

The data he uses to inform the American people of the pandemic status is free for anyone who is looking. He certainly can't trust the government's "data".

He could continue to have daily briefings, saying what needs to be said. If Biden supported him, Biden could benefit greatly. People trust Fauci, AND Biden. They do NOT trust the turd.

Fauci is sacrificing WAY too much to "stay on the inside" when the turd is going to do what the turd is going to do. Fauci is nothing but a screen for the turd to hide behind.

Xipe Totec

(43,890 posts)
19. Freudian slip. Like when you sit across the table from your mother in law,
Mon Apr 13, 2020, 11:35 PM
Apr 2020

And want to ask her to pass the mashed potatoes.

But, instead, it comes out as:

Shrivel up and die you miserable bitch!

llashram

(6,265 posts)
23. the people
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 01:34 AM
Apr 2020

working in trumps political machine are such weak losers whose names will go down in history like the infamous trump as the fearful puppet ass kissers of his. And this will be the fact for as long as the human race stays on this planet. Just weak, weak lemming type underlings!

gab13by13

(21,349 posts)
28. Dear leader is the biggest loser,
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 07:40 AM
Apr 2020

he is so fragile, must be full of cortisol, he is always in fight or flight mode, he is the biggest snowflake of them all who had his daddy get a doctor to write up a fake bone spurs letter because he was afraid. Trump is no tough guy, he is a coward.

I think back to JFK's book, Profiles in Courage, and it's hard for me to come up with a present day politician who would make a chapter in that book. With today's politicians it's all about getting reelected, about who will give them 30 pieces of silver.

notdarkyet

(2,226 posts)
38. I hope they are all working on their resumes because when trump loses they are
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 11:54 AM
Apr 2020

All gone. Every one of them.

 

Nacht Owl

(66 posts)
24. Sorry, Dr. Fauci, I'm Implying EXACTLY That!
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 04:16 AM
Apr 2020

Trump using you on the virus just like George W. Bush used Colin Powell on the Iraq War.

gab13by13

(21,349 posts)
29. Not quite that bad, but I get your point.
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 07:43 AM
Apr 2020

What Powell said convinced people that Iraq had WMD. Most people understood that Fauci was responding as a POW responds to stay alive.

lark

(23,102 posts)
31. Guess he thought that without his voice there would be noone standing up for reality?
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 08:12 AM
Apr 2020

Clearly drumpf demanded this as the price of keeping his job and of course he lied about - you can't work for drumpf and not lie - it's absolutely his main concern - covering up all his many profiteering, anti-Americans crimes. Was it worth it, Dr. Fauci?

Chainfire

(17,542 posts)
32. Fauci is showing a lack of character
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 08:38 AM
Apr 2020

He should be more like Captain Crozier who was willing to throw away his career to protect his crew. I do not condone Fauci bowing to Trump; he has other vehicles to get his message to the country. Cowardice in the face of pressure, while understandable, is certainly not the trait of a good leader.

Mr. Ected

(9,670 posts)
33. When those entrusted with telling the truth are so blatantly muzzled
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 08:49 AM
Apr 2020

And the 24/7/365 broadcasting of propaganda has turned half your population into misinformed pavlovian idiots...

...you're on the brink of losing your heralded democracy.

Tread lightly, America. We can't use yesterday's good manners to combat today's existential threats to our nation.

WardOne

(3 posts)
34. Fauci played a word game.
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 09:22 AM
Apr 2020

He didn't say "the first time I talked to tDUMP", he kept saying, "the first time I FORCEFULLY talked to". He was trying to save his position without really lying . He could have been blinking out SOS with his eyes at that point. The real question then is "When did you first tell the president we needed a shutdown?".

steve2470

(37,457 posts)
40. I understand why Tapper asked the question....
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 12:59 PM
Apr 2020

That's his job, and I have no issue with that.

However, Dr. Fauci needs to keep his job to help us. Yes, he could resign with a fiery letter and be a vocal
critic from the outside, but would that be better than trying to steer policy from the inside ? Right now he
seems to be choosing to keep his job and do the political dance to do his job.

I hate that Dr. Fauci is forced to do a political dance, but it's that, or Trump goes into an infantile narcissistic rage
and does a insert_day_of_the_week_Massacre and forces his boss to fire him. If Trump fires enough people in the
chain of command, someone will fire Fauci, just like Bork fired Archibald Cox. Would that be stupid politically ? Of course,
but Trump is a stupid asshole whose narcissism and psychopathy controls him.

Unsolicited advice to Dr. Fauci: Next time you get a question whose answer is potentially offensive to the Dictator-wannabe,
just dodge it or defer or something, but jesus, don't answer it. Confine yourself to current facts and current policy.

 

not_the_one

(2,227 posts)
43. Even better, say EXACTLY what the turd wants you to say. You save your job,
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 02:01 PM
Apr 2020

and the turd can continue to hide behind your tattered and altered coattails.

I think Trump goes into an infantile narcissistic rage would be great tv viewing.

He is going to do what he is going to do (I am beginning to repeat from previous posts ). We should continue to let him dig THAT hole "deeper and deeper" (nod to Madonna).

Although most see the turd in all his truthiness, the less discernible people (and more gullible) need to see the man REALLY behind the curtain.

I vote for anything that will bring on a TOTAL MENTAL MELTDOWN on camera.

44. "The jury will disregard the witness's last remarks."
Tue Apr 14, 2020, 04:02 PM
Apr 2020

It doesn't matter what the judge says to do, what is heard can never be unheard.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Anthony Fauci says he use...