Donald Trump's performance on Covid has been terrible, and America has suffered deeply.
It is now also clear, though, that Europe is not doing significantly better.
Is this because:
1) European political leadership is just as bad?
2) Leadership doesn't matter that much?
3) ?
It is now also clear, though, that Europe is not doing significantly better.
Is this because:
1) European political leadership is just as bad?
2) Leadership doesn't matter that much?
3) ?
For those doubting the empirical premise:
Europe currently has way more cases and recent deaths than the U.S. Its cumulative deaths remain lower, but the gap is quickly closing.
(Of course, this may change again in a few months. But for now, that's where we stand. Via @ft.)
Europe currently has way more cases and recent deaths than the U.S. Its cumulative deaths remain lower, but the gap is quickly closing.
(Of course, this may change again in a few months. But for now, that's where we stand. Via @ft.)
Some of the best answers:
1) Higher population density in Europe.
2) *Some* European governments very bad.
3) Winter wave hit earlier in Europe; U.S. will do worse in long-run.
All plausible. But eight months into this pandemic, some epistemic humility would behoove us all.
1) Higher population density in Europe.
2) *Some* European governments very bad.
3) Winter wave hit earlier in Europe; U.S. will do worse in long-run.
All plausible. But eight months into this pandemic, some epistemic humility would behoove us all.
There are some obvious counter-examples to most answers btw:
1) If it's about density, why are the Dakotas doing so badly?
2) If it's about leaders, is it so obvious Canada is better governed than France?
The truth is likely very complex. And "just-so stories" very tempting...
1) If it's about density, why are the Dakotas doing so badly?
2) If it's about leaders, is it so obvious Canada is better governed than France?
The truth is likely very complex. And "just-so stories" very tempting...
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