Cliff’s Take: Politicizing Science And Public Health A Dangerous Course

Just 45 days to go until November 3rd.  The election season is in full bloom. The polls have been stuck in suspended animation for the last months, with Biden holding a solid lead against Trump. 

But there still is a long road to travel. And, lest you forgot, we are in the thick of an epidemic. Partisan views on the coronavirus are stuck, polarized and at odds. The virus has been politicized, and our public health institutions are getting pulled into the fray.

At the outset of the crisis, institutions like the CDC were held in high regard, but a maelstrom of misinformation online and partisan interference is chipping away at it. The news that CDC testing guidelines were published despite CDC scientists’ objections is the latest instance of politics taking precedence.

Below I detail polling data that I believe best brings into relief the week.

1. Shaking the foundations. When we think of the greatest casualties of the pandemic, we immediately think of the tragic loss of life, nearing 200,000 in the U.S. alone as of today. Faith in our venerable scientific and public health institutions is another. Look at the rapid decline in trust in the CDC across partisan lines. Politics and science shouldn’t mix. When they do, we all suffer. 

    

2. Alternative facts and COVID-19.  By now, we know that Trump can bend reality for his most avid followers.  We should not forget this. Look how certain Republicans are that the official death statistics are overstated.  This is “pump priming” at its core.  What did I say?  Science and politics shouldn’t mix—but they are. 

    

3. The pandemic among us. Whatever Americans might choose to believe, hard reality is inescapable. A majority of Americans have some form of proximity to the virus. Look at the data. 

    

4. Slow motion. Most Americans think Trump and his administration moved too slowly against the pandemic. They trust Biden more on the subject. But who is right? Well, it depends on whether you wear a red or blue jersey. 

    

5. Jumping ship. Trump is behind in the polls both at the national level and in the key swing states. In contrast to 2016, his primary weak point is among whites. Look at how his lead has declined relative to 2016. Why is this? He is losing his edge in the suburbs – a moderate Republican stronghold. Will he win them back in November? We will see. 

    

Please listen to my most recent interview with Tim Farley’s POTUS Morning Briefing.  And as always, be safe and be sane.

For more information, please contact:

Clifford Young
President, U.S.
Public Affairs
+1 202 420-2016
[email protected]

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