One thing to note: Existing contracts allowed for additional purchases and there was certainly talk of that before. Still need some clarity on whether manufacturers can definitely supply, how far conversations have gone.
"We will run into unanticipated issues," @ASlavitt says.
This is an important, necessary caveat. Manufacturing vaccines difficult, especially a new vaccine.
Explains caution about goals.
Good question from @SherylNYT -- what will administration *not* be able to do on COVID response if Congress doesn't pass new bill?
Answer from @JeffZients was that not specific, but mentioned need to hire more vaccinators, increase testing, among other things.
On question about inventories and why so large, @JeffZients says, some of that is for second shots. And most states getting better at putting needles in arms.
On DPA, @ASlavitt says, there are 12 areas where Biden has authorized use of the act. But administration still figuring out whether to use for specific companies, factories -- says need to figure out where it would make a difference and work.
Similar to situation with ventilators, if you can remember back to a year ago. DPA can help and important to use. But details matter. What take to retool a specific factory? What other health needs get shorted if you prioritize certain contracts, etc.?
This exchange in particular deserves emphasis -- i.e., how the difficulty isn't any one thing.
So it's not supply or distribution. It's supply *and* distribution. With a different situation in every community. And conditions that will change with time.
Biden's strategy reflects this. It's got many small parts, no single one of which is a game-changer. But together they add up.
Or, at least, we hope they add up. The test will be execution.
One thing to put these ideas on a piece of paper. Another to put them into action.
There's a lot going on this week, I know, but want to draw your attention to a pair of new books that are quite relevant to what's been happening in U.S. politics -- and where we could go in the next few years. (1)
It's a history of the filibuster and how it has contributed to gridlock and widespread disillusionment with politics. (2)
I especially liked the focus on John Calhoun, who promoted the idea of a "minority veto" to protect Southern slave states.
I'm a bit of a Calhoun obsessive and -- like @jbouie -- think it's a straight line from his arguments to the dynamics of today. (3) nytimes.com/interactive/20…
Few quick thoughts on the Biden rescue plan and vaccines.
The basic approach tracks with what experts have been outlining -- more money and support for states, training new workers, etc. (1) huffpost.com/entry/biden-ec…
The campaign has promised more details, to go with another speech, on Friday. Hoping for more details then.
There's a call for mass clinics, for example, and that's great. Does that mean backstopping states? Running them directly? If so, how? (2) huffpost.com/entry/biden-ec…
Likewise, the campaign goal of 100 million doses over 100 days would represent an improvement over the current pace. But it doesn't appear to be nearly enough to get to herd immunity by summer.
THE TEN YEAR WAR draws on my past reporting, from Washington and around the country, plus new interviews with dozens of key players -- from relatively anonymous activists and congressional staffers to officials at the highest levels of power. (3)
General Gus Perna, giving Warp Speed briefing right now:
First shipments leaving Pfizer within 24 hours, will arrive at providers starting on Monday.
Describes this as "D-Day," but notes that it doesn't mean "distribution" as some as thought. It's the military designation for the beginning of an operation.