The president said today the coronavirus pandemic has been worse than Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. At the same time, he said his focus is “reopening” the economy, even if that means “some people” die. Now imagine FDR, or George W. Bush, saying, “Ignore the tragedy. Let’s get back to business as usual.”

I have talked plenty about Donald Trump’s political weakness, but it occurred to me today that I haven’t talked enough about his fundamental cowardice. A leader faces a country’s problem. He doesn’t ignore them or refuse to admit they exist. He doesn’t slough off his responsibilities onto the backs of Americans while flattering them with words like “greatness” and “warriors.” It’s enough for a liberal to feel utter contempt.

Trump on why businesses should reopen: "I'm viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent as warriors. They're warriors. We can't keep our country closed. We have to open our country … Will some people be badly affected? Yes." pic.twitter.com/hNXws4bwtd

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 5, 2020

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