Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock the Editor of the Quorum Report in Texas. The discussion centered around the effect of the Corona virus in Texas. Texas is especially hard hit, for several reasons. These are the unpreparedness of the local and state governments for the scope of the virus, the economic problems because of the Texas economy’s dependence on energy, and the general situation with the problem of undocumented residents who do not have any access to health insurance or access to health care. We discuss these factors, and what this will mean for the hospitals, medical staff, and general population. Currently, many things are shut down, and it is expected that schools, nursing homes, and other gathering locations will be closed for at least the next two weeks. With the growth of COVID-19, it may mean 10,000 deaths per week by next week. Medical response will be overwhelmed, because there are not enough resources: beds, ventilators, people.
There is a partisan divide in the country as a whole, caused by Trump, who has been busy denigrating everyone but himself on this issue.
It looks like the ‘soldiers’ fighting this war will consist of women, the nurses and doctors, and generally the people who do most of the work of caretaking.
Part 2
We interview Paul Glastris, who writes for the Washington Monthly about who should be chosen as the Vice Presidential candidate to run with Joe Biden. Rising to the top of the contenders is Elizabeth Warren. We spoke of the role of the President, the internal/domestic role, and the external/diplomatic role. It could be said that Biden would do well in the internal role, while Warren is well versed in the financial role needed. Were Warren chosen, she would be rewriting the social contract in effect. As of today, Biden has not indicated whom he would choose as his Vice Presidential candidate. Ideas about the roles both individuals would have, and the effects (e.g., one less Democratic Senator) would be significant.
