The Intelligence from The Economist Leading nowhere: assessing Trump’s covid-19 response
May 27, 2020
Idris Kalun, U.S. policy correspondent for The Economist, and Lena Shipper, Seoul bureau chief, delve into the failures of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic under President Trump. They discuss how systemic issues in America's health-care and preparedness systems worsened the crisis. The conversation also highlights the 40th anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, examining its legacy and evolving perceptions in South Korea's democracy. Lastly, they touch on America's new commercial space industry and its implications for future exploration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's COVID-19 Response
- President Trump’s COVID-19 response has drawn much criticism, particularly his initial downplaying of the threat.
- His leadership during the crisis has been far from unifying.
Policy Evaluation Challenges
- Evaluating Trump's policies becomes complex when considering European death rates, comparable or higher despite different leadership.
- America's healthcare system and pandemic preparedness shortcomings predate this administration.
Early Policy Decisions
- Early policy decisions, like the CDC's initial testing approach and the timing of lockdown recommendations, are scrutinized.
- Earlier interventions are generally more effective, but attributing specific blame is challenging.