The Politics of a Health Crisis

[Flint]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

People wanted him to declare a national shutdown

without the consideration that he can't actually "declare" squattah

it's always been my contention that the modern POTUS is MUCH less powerful than we make them out to be -- but we have a powerful human instinct to believe in and look to a singular leader

It is in all POTUS's interests to have people believe they actually are doing everything, it makes them seem powerful and ensures their bullshit legacy

There's a thread through all of this. People want him to do the objectively right thing.

Declare a national shutdown-- good
Produce/distribute medical supplies-- good

Force people back to work, against the warnings of scientists-- "not good"

What he can or can't actually do be damned. If he would just use whatever powers he thinks he has to do GOOD THINGS.