THREAD on Trump's coronavirus lies:
Trump's supporters have long insisted that Trump's crazy rhetoric can be distinguished from Trump's policies.
As @DKThomp summed up their view in 2018, "Ignore the words, heed the substance."
But coronavirus demolishes that distinction. /1
Trump's supporters have long insisted that Trump's crazy rhetoric can be distinguished from Trump's policies.
As @DKThomp summed up their view in 2018, "Ignore the words, heed the substance."
But coronavirus demolishes that distinction. /1
Trump has said wild--at times downright false--things about many issues over the past 3 years: Afghanistan, China, Syria, the US-Mexico border, veterans' benefits . . . the list goes on.
A president's words matter. Trump's critics are right when they assail his misstatements. /2
A president's words matter. Trump's critics are right when they assail his misstatements. /2
But, on many issues, there is a way for Trump's supporters to say: "Ignore the words, heed the substance."
Trump critics call it hypocrisy (because it is!), but Trump in fact doesn't always do what he says.
That leaves policies his supporters like & words they try to ignore. /3
Trump critics call it hypocrisy (because it is!), but Trump in fact doesn't always do what he says.
That leaves policies his supporters like & words they try to ignore. /3
Coronavirus is different.
When Trump (1) lies about the mortality rate, calling the WHO's estimate "a false number," & (2) urges sick people to go to work, defying medical advice, Trump isn't just spewing words.
His words can change how many Americans die from coronavirus. /4
When Trump (1) lies about the mortality rate, calling the WHO's estimate "a false number," & (2) urges sick people to go to work, defying medical advice, Trump isn't just spewing words.
His words can change how many Americans die from coronavirus. /4
It never made sense to excuse Trump's language & focus on his policies. A president's words matter too much.
But coronavirus could--& should--be a wake-up call to Trump supporters: when he says false, foolish things, the effects can be life-or-death.
That CAN'T be ignored. /END
But coronavirus could--& should--be a wake-up call to Trump supporters: when he says false, foolish things, the effects can be life-or-death.
That CAN'T be ignored. /END
