With Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) officially suspending his campaign on Wednesday, all signs are pointing to a showdown between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in November.
The pair's differing stances on how to curb the global pandemic that's resulted in a national health crisis in the United States are already highlighting just how much more effective—and levelheaded—a Biden presidency would be.
The news that the federal government would no longer fund crucial testing sites made the contrast even more stark.
The Trump administration's bungled testing rollout already resulted in an undercount of cases in the United States and a life-threatening misallocation of resources.
The latest news that the federal government will end funding for testing sites couldn't come at a worse time. Some sites will be forced to close as a result of the decision. Meanwhile, the pandemic's apex looms.
Biden called out the decision on Twitter.
I can't believe I have to say this, but we should be expanding the number of testing sites and surging the number o… https://t.co/UbUVws0ms6— Joe Biden (@Joe Biden) 1586464029.0
The decision is congruent with the Trump administration's claim that states should fend for themselves during the national health crisis, with the federal government only being relied upon as a backup.
A Health and Human Services spokesperson attempted to justify the decision:
"The transition will ensure each state has the flexibility and autonomy to manage and operate testing sites within the needs of their specific community and to prioritize resources where they are needed the most."
Health professionals on the ground disagree.
Dr. Valerie Arkoosh of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania wasn't on board with the move:
"I am understandably disappointed that the supplies and federal contract for lab testing is ending just as we are heading into the surge here in southeastern Pennsylvania."
Numerous others—including former Democratic presidential candidates—agreed.
This decision is perfectly backwards. The longer it takes us to massively increase testing, the more we have to rel… https://t.co/FFOR9XMtJ8— Pete Buttigieg (@Pete Buttigieg) 1586466266.0
Yet another example of Trump actively trying to kill us. He wants to boast about the covid numbers going down, and… https://t.co/3xVPqpFOLO— Greg Olear (@Greg Olear) 1586464397.0
This is the craziest thing I’ve heard today. Do we want to start all over? #Insane https://t.co/j4fGkQny4O— Fran Carpenter (@Fran Carpenter) 1586467912.0
People think they know why the decision was made.
This is alarming. Not surprising tho. His plan is always to lie & cover up. Can’t say numbers are up if you don’t t… https://t.co/kVegJWdCW1— Quarantined Queen (@Quarantined Queen) 1586467788.0
The only reason to stop testing is because Donald Trump is embarrassed by the high numbers of new COVID-19 cases.… https://t.co/rPveoewktF— Orange (@Orange) 1586467833.0
Trump ending funding for #coronavirus testing sites. We know why. He doesn't like the growing number of cases as he… https://t.co/bFBBaL8pab— Lisa Gerrish (@Lisa Gerrish) 1586464876.0
Of course, the feds are closing testing sights. Trump & business cronies, preparing to open gov, don't want to know… https://t.co/aLcDGy1X7O— Ellen Halter (@Ellen Halter) 1586464896.0
One way @realDonaldTrump can claim the pandemic is receding is by stopping testing. https://t.co/x6iWv0O1Zr— Don Mooney (@Don Mooney) 1586465234.0
Stay safe, everyone.
For a deeper look into Trump's character from those who know it firsthand, check out A Very Stable Genius, available here.