Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Biden Ties Trump's Pandemic Response To Economic Woes
The Hill: Biden Leans Into COVID-19 To Argue Trump Mishandled Economy
Joe Biden is seeking to force President Trump to play defense on the one issue where he’s had a consistent polling advantage: the economy. The Biden campaign is increasingly using the coronavirus pandemic to make the case that Trump has failed voters on economic issues. In recent days, it has sought to connect COVID-19’s economic fallout, from record-high unemployment to the closures of businesses and schools, directly to Trump. (Parnes, 9/13)
The Hill: Biden Marks Anniversary Of The Violence Against Women Act, Knocks Trump And McConnell
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Sunday slammed President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for standing in the way of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Biden and Democratic lawmakers on Sunday marked the 26th anniversary of the law's passage by hailing the measure and calling on Republican leadership to pass a reauthorization. Biden called the VAWA one of the legislative accomplishments he is "most proud" of. (Klar, 9/13)
Fox News: Biden Argues He's In Better Shape Than Trump: 'Just Look At Us'
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden went on the offensive on Sunday in the war of words between him and President Trump over who the fittest man – both mentally and physically – to lead the country. As the fitness feud between the two septuagenarians heats up as Election Day quickly approaches, Biden asked the American public to take a good look at him and Trump, and decide who’s in better shape.“When it comes to Donald Trump versus me: Just look at us. Okay? Just look at us,” Biden said during an interview on CNN. “Who seems to be in shape? Who’s able to move around?” (O'Reilly, 9/13)
Also —
Politico: Inside Joe’s Bubble: How Biden’s Campaign Is Trying To Avoid The Virus
Joe Biden’s chartered airplanes and SUVs are meticulously sprayed with disinfectant and scrubbed. The microphones, lecterns and folders he uses are wiped down in the moments before his arrival. News reporters covering the campaign have their temperature taken. People he meets are scanned in advance with thermometer wands and guests at his events are cordoned off in precise locations mapped out with a tape measure. The former vice president is seldom without a mask when in public or around anyone other than his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Access to their home is limited to only a few staffers — and when they’re inside, each wears a mask, including Biden. (Cadelago and Korecki, 9/14)
NPR: Republicans Are Knocking On Doors. Democrats Aren't. Biden's Campaign Says That's OK
President Trump's campaign says it knocks on a million doors a week. Joe Biden's campaign hasn't knocked on any doors to talk to voters for months. In lieu of in-person meetings, Democrats are focused on conversations they can have virtually. ... Democrats say they're not door knocking because safety is their main priority, and they don't want to put people at risk of contracting COVID-19. (Khalid, 9/13)
