It’s painful to say, but as an ER doc who talked to @Mike_Pence about healthcare, I believe he's uniquely unqualified to lead the #Coronavirus response & must step down from that role. Based on events on the ground, here's why I fear he is making things worse: (1/9) #PenceUnfit
.@VP has already shown he’ll put the president’s political desires over the well-being of elderly Americans, by ignoring health officials who warned they shouldn’t fly. This is very dangerous because the death rate in this group is between 10-15%. (2/9) apnews.com/921ad7f1f08d76…?
The CDC is now advising against large public gatherings in areas with coronavirus patients. But under @VP Pence’s watch, the administration is ignoring the experts and holding a campaign rally. What kind of message does this send to Americans? (3/9)
The CDC and countless public health officials are also advising against shaking hands. But President Trump & @Mike_Pence are ignoring the experts, with the VP throwing his hands up and saying: “In this line of work you shake hands.” This is not leadership. (4/9)
.@VP Pence has a long record of rejecting science in healthcare. For "moral" reasons, as Indiana governor he refused to lift a ban on needle exchange to help a county with rising numbers of HIV+ people. 200 people contracted HIV before he finally agreed to a 30-day lift. (5/9)
When Pence ran for congress in 2000, he wrote: “Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesn't kill.” Despite clear data showing the lethality of smoking, he defended Big Tobacco over the lives of his constituents. (6/9) buzzfeednews.com/article/andrew…
When I confronted Mr. Pence in a diner last month, he clearly didn’t understand the impact of drastic cuts to Medicaid on my patients -- despite clear evidence of the life saving impact of having insurance. Watch for yourself (7/9)
To beat this crisis, we need someone in charge who will put politics aside, accept data & science, and exhibit a clear understanding of the healthcare needs of the American people. On all of these counts, @VP Pence is one of the worst candidates imaginable for this job. (8/9)
The #Coronavirus crisis has been declared a #pandemic, but we can meet it head-on & minimize the rightful fear and loss of life. We need a leader with a steady hand & an unblemished record. @VP Pence’s spin & subservience to Donald Trump make clear he is not that person. (9/9)
