I’m incredibly saddened to hear 68 journalists at @TheAtlantic lost their jobs today. Their work has been priceless, outstanding, especially on #COVID19. HT to tireless work of @alexismadrigal @edyong209 @yayitsrob et al. Please support w/ a subscription: accounts.theatlantic.com/products/
2) Folks who have been following me from January closely would know that for me to proudly say that @TheAtlantic has been the single MOST OUTSTANDING INVALUABLE news source on the coronavirus, means something. They are insightful, tough, but fair... moreover, they are honest...
3) Here’s why I love @TheAtlantic - @alexismadrigal had once written a tough examination piece on me in January about my original “holy mother of god” tweet about the risk of a likely pandemic. It wasn’t too flattering on me I’ll readily admit, but remember it was only January...
4) However, unlike other outlets or other reporters, @alexismadrigal showed a reflective empathy and a sharp inquisitiveness that he is a deeply probing investigative journalist. And I watched how his writings evolved and how after @trvrb’s big genomic 🧬 epidemiology research...
5) that revealed the new WA+CA epidemics were traceable to mid January came out, @alexismadrigal thoughtfully admitted that he then realized the gravity of the pandemic. But more than that, Alexis was humble enough to admit that his Jan piece was imperfect
6) Alexis’s brave & selfless admission had come right after this @NYMag @intelligencer piece on me by @dwallacewells. I never in a million years expected a reporter to voluntarily admit & apologize how @alexismadrigal did, which revealed his top character. nymag.com/intelligencer/…
7) Since then, @alexismadrigal has selflessly thrown himself deep into the invaluable work of @COVID19Tracking, which has single-handedly not only replaced @CDCgov amid it abdication of to report national COVID testing volume, but also held it accountable! theatlantic.com/health/archive…
8) In my view as an epidemiologist & 15 years teaching meta-analysis @Harvard, what @TheAtlantic has pulled off w/ @alexismadrigal & @COVID19Tracking under @JeffreyGoldberg will for certain go down in annals of history as among the most important accomplishments in public health!
9) BOTTOMLINE: One day, we will owe @TheAtlantic & @alexismadrigal a debt of gratitude that it’s for certain eventual @PulitzerPrizes & all the $ in the 🌎 cannot repay. But today, we need to keep @TheAtlantic going so it can continue, so please subscribe: accounts.theatlantic.com/products/
