First of all, there is no way the world could have prevented this pandemic, once it broke out in Wuhan China, a city of over 10 million people.  Everyone is aware that the Communist Chinese government went to great lengths to hide this outbreak.  By the time this coronavirus garnered sufficient attention outside of China, we were doomed to a pandemic, and the resultant economic collapse was inevitable.  Whether this virus originated in a virology lab in China or a wild animal market, we may never know.  The animal market was bulldozed as soon as word started leaking out.  
I honestly think President Trump has really been doing an excellent job.  We are fortunate that he was our president when this broke out.  More than anything else, Trump is a pragmatist, and that's because he has not been a career politician and came to the White House straight from the private sector.  You can't be a successful businessman without being pragmatic. People need to realize that on January 14 the WHO actually declared that "there is no evidence for person-to-person transmission transmission of this coronavirus".  Six days later the first case was diagnosed in Washington state in a young man who had returned from Wuhan.  Nine days later, President Trump established the coronavirus task force, led by the VP, consisting of an impressive list of experts, like Dr Anthony Fauci who is unparalleled in his expertise when it comes to virology and infectious disease. Nobody even dares question Fauci's expertise. He's the best in the world.  I know Dr Fauci and have attended countless conferences and meetings with him.  He is absolutely apolitical.  He has served at the NIH under six presidents, starting with Reagan.  He was instrumental in the discovery of AIDS/HIV and the identification of the actual virus.  He has examined and treated patients with AIDS around the world.  In Africa, the guy rode a motorcycle from clinic to clinic to see AIDS patients.  He's brilliant, dedicated and tireless....at 79, no less.  My point is that the secret to being a great leader lies in his ability to surround himself with talented people, like Dr Fauci.  
Within 2 days of assembling the task force, Trump took the bold step of the travel ban from China.  He was lambasted and lampooned by the media for "promoting hysteria" and called a "xenophobe" and "racist" by his haters.  The EU condemned and criticized his move, and he stood by his decision, in the face of withering criticism and ridicule.  He took it a step further with his travel ban from Europe and the UK.  In January, across the spectrum of the television and print media, references were made by THEM to the "Chinese Coronavirus" and the "Wuhan Virus".  Now, they have decided to use the most destructive tool in politics.....identity politics.....so now he is a "racist".  Why?  Because Communist China has told them it's "xenophobic and racist".  This is what Trump is dealing with.  These people don't really care about the fate of human beings.....they just hate Trump.  
Now, it turns out, the EU has finally followed President Trump's lead and instituted their own travel bans. Justin Trudeau even invoked a travel ban, some 6 weeks after Trump.  Point being....he is leading, not just the US, but the world.  Dr Fauci has unequivocally debunked the notion that Trump is to blame for the delay in testing, and he made glowing praise of the President's decisive and hugely impactful travel bans.  
Much has been made of Trump's "public-private" partnerships in areas of testing, as well as production of masks, N-95 masks, and ventilators.  The military has been mobilized to set up C-130's for hospital beds, and even the contingency for MASH type hospitals.  Private corporations are pitching in ways we've never seen before....cruise lines offering ships, hotels offering rooms, construction companies donating masks, etc....  Americans are hunkering down, following recommendations, and accepting major inconveniences.  Political adversaries and harsh critics of the President are coming out with a lot of praise for Trump's efforts.  Gavin Newsome, California Governor, heaped praise on him and said Trump gave him all the help he could ask for.  Same thing with Governor Cuomo.  These are Governors fro two of the most severely effected states.

Every day Trump and his team face a hostile press that continually tries to trap them with "gotcha" questions, and pummel him with variations of the same insanely impossible questions to answer, like, "When do you expect this to end?" and "How bad will this effect our economy?"  Literally NOBODY anywhere EVER can answer half the questions they throw at him.  The media hates it when he gives them a sensible answer.  They are the biggest impediment to any unity we can ever expect to see in this country, and yes I do think many of them truly are the enemy of the people.

In many ways, President Trump has been way out in front of much of the problems we are beginning to realize. For example, Trump got "Right to Try" legislation passed.  Because of that, many newer innovative antiviral drugs can be expeditiously put to use, without having to go through daunting red tape regulations over the course of years.  The use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 will be approved within a day or two, and that's good because there is some promising evidence that these drugs are significantly helpful. The exciting potential use of "convalescent plasma" from people who have recovered from COVID19 is very promising and that use may be implemented in a matter of weeks, instead of many years.  The FDA is streamlining the process of "compassionate use" to allow sick patients to use these newer drugs because of Trump's hand picked director, who knows how important this is.  
Similar to the situation during the Great Depression and Great Recession, Trump and both sides in Congress realize the importance of support for all the relief packages being passed through legislation.  Everyone knows this is life and death for our country, both in terms of human life, but also for our economy....so for once there seems to be unity and things are getting done.  We can deal with the fiscal damage assessment later.  We may not take as huge a hit as some think.  

I do think this is going to look quite a bit worse, before we start seeing positive signs.  Increased testing will result in a big uptick in the numbers of cases, but that increased denominator will also lower the currently reported death rate.  Overall, we are in for a real rough ride.  Nobody knows when we will bounce back from this, but we will.  When we do, I think we will be better than ever and takeaway some key lessons....those are the real "silver lining" here.  One is that we have to realize that many essential products cannot be outsourced....like essential medications.  Another is that trade alternatives to China will emerge....India, Vietnam, South Korea, etc...  Another is that we are hugely fortunate in our ability to be energy independent.  Another is that China had revealed that they are our enemy, and there's no mistaking their long term goals.  Another is that "America First" is not just a clever slogan.  It is a principle that we need to heed.  Another is that BORDERS MATTER.

In my opinion, we are lucky to have Trump.....because of him we have learned some critical lessons.

Bravo!!

Last night on the ABC news the abrasive lady reporter noted that "President Trump falsely declared that this virus 'snuck up on us.'"    "Falsely" honey, that's not journalism that's simply your opinion.

Good report Bear.......wish the end of the rainbow was nearer.

I forgot to add another point concerning the "silver lining".

From K-12 through college, students and parents are stuck with staying home for a long time, maybe even the rest of the year.  They will have to take classes online.  

Maybe we've stumbled upon the solution to massive student debt?  Think about it. 

"Necessity is the mother of invention." - Plato

Please go read his twitter page it will show you exactly what his thoughts were on it with the dates for all to see.

Had he listened to the experts or not got rid of most of them someone may have seen this coming.  He said he was working closely with China on January 27, 20.  Now I admit I didn't watch much news in February but come March 1st I saw a problem and on March 4, he was at a rally stirring people up and not even mentioning it.

So no I don't think he is doing a great job.  I do believe the only reason things got rolling at all is the state level took things they heard very serious.  Andrew Cuomo of NY showed him what a leader looked and acted like and many other people in state government.  I also think the reason they are singing his praises is because it works with him, he has finally jumped on board.  He does it to everyone they are all wonderful, beautiful and perfect, terms not normally used in politics.

Just watched his press conference and I can only say........ What if Obama answered questions like he does?

I heard him say this is an exciting time for medicine, and how he was going to help a lot of big businesses (that handed out hefty bonuses to very well paid CEO's) and thank a lot of people,  However I didn't hear him say or praise our medical personel on the front lines of this thing very much, or even answer when he was going to get them supplies needed.

I think I have said enough for now I'm sure many of you will disagree with me.  The beautiful thing about our country is I am entitled to my opinion.  I am in the high risk group (older) many would like to just kill off to save social security money.  I'm putting putting my hazmat flamesuit on it's been awhile but I have gotten a few threads frozen in my day.  To compare I suggest you check out Obama's twitter page very uplifting in this time of chaos, he was also telling people to wash their hands and to prepare for the Cronavirus on March 4th and telling people to check the CDC website.  Sure wish I would have looked at it before a few days ago.

Stay safe everyone,

Please explain the secrecy in articale below?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-secrecy-exclusive/exclusive-white-house-told-federal-health-agency-to-classify-coronavirus-deliberations-sources-idUSKBN20Y2LM

Oh come on SHE was abrasive..... how dare her.  He also said in his press conference the press was sitting to close together, he should just get rid of them all and only keep a couple that like him.  Good luck with news.

Do you call male reporters abrasive?  She is trying to do a job.

@ Palopony: Cuomo? Seriously? Your several, stated opinions in this and past posts could easily be corrected by long-term, chronic diarrhea. Another Leftist unmasked.

Thank you for caring enough to share.

I meant to quote you texpat, you seem so nice.  Be best

ETA:  I saw where some other liberal, leftist or person who didn't agree posted and now it's gone.  Did you all run them off again?

I don't use Twitter.  I'm less concerned what Trump's thoughts were on a given day as I am with what he actually did.  What he has actually done so far, while not perfect, is pretty remarkable, in my opinion. I outlined what he did in my post....you just tried to insert your assumptions, because in my opinion your main focus is on hating Trump, first and foremost. You didn't mention anything specifically related to solutions...just typical whining and hate filled pap.  Cuomo and Newsome sucked it up and praised Trump, AFTER he worked with him.  They didn't have to say a thing.  Trump still would have worked to help them. Rather than saying you find bipartisanship refreshing, you assume the worst.  
He has heaped praise on healthcare workers, doctors, and nurses on numerous occasions.  Maybe you need to listen more.  I'm one of those people "on the front lines" and I know more about how this is going than you. There are some exciting new developments emerging.  Rather than express hope and optimism you just whine and complain about your hated "Orange Man".  
Why are you commenting about big businesses heaping bonuses on CEO's?  Where did that come from? 
Are you familiar with TARP from 2008?  Were you opposed to that?  What about the "stimulus bill" from 2009?
Were you opposed to that?  Did CEO's benefit from those?  
Where did you come up with this paranoid idea that people want to kill you off to save Social Security?
You don't need a flame suit.  You need help. 

You ask how I thought we were doing and I answered.  Just because you don't like my answers gives you no right to put words in my mouth and call names.  If you would have come on here on the 12th and stated how serious this was instead of conspirancy theories against China if may have been a bit helpful.  I'm not sure your theory is wrong, or who started this crap.

My reference on killing off old people would solve a lot of healthcare problems for many countries.

I never called him the orange man or any of those things.  You really should read twitter since that is how our law makers are trying to contact the president.  I don't tweet either I discovered you can read it all online and don't have to participate.  Cuomo & Trump had a twitter spat and things got done after it.  I used to hate his tweets but now that I read them in order and the comments it's very entertaining and informative.  I can't make this stuff up.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/trump-and-cuomo-fight-over-coronavirus-response.html

I'm a whiner you all been crying about cancellations for a week.

Being a liberal is kind of a full-time job.  Your mind is on opposition and resistance 24/7.   It must be hard to sleep.

No, I don't think my stating how serious this is back on the 12th would have been very helpful.  Anyone with a single brain cell already knew that this is serious business.  I appreciate your admitting that there may be something to what I stated on the 12th.  At least my "conspiracy theory" is plausible... in contrast to the whole "Russian collusion" conspiracy theory people like you can't seem to abandon.  A great many people think China has been engaged in nefarious activities designed to weaken us, and a lot of people are suspicious of them just like me. I gather you don't.

Your comment about killing off old people is just crazy...off the charts.  Just to refresh your memory, it's leftists like Obama and  Bloomberg who have made comments to the effect that we need to just let old people die.  If you deny that, then I submit either you are not paying attention or you lack comprehension skills.

Good for you that you find reading tweets entertaining.  If that is how you get your news and entertainment, then I'm envious.  I bet you enjoy tic-tac-toe as well. Personally, I would rather watch flies fornicate.

He said that because the CDC is telling us to stay at least 6 feet from another person you idiot. And why should he treat the press any differently than they treat him? Every. Single. Day. 

And yet another brings a knive to a gun fight.

Why so hateful towards someone who has a different opinion?  BHW shouldn't succumb to such a low level.  We don't all agree, would you rather this be Republicans only club?

Well since his press conferences were non existant before the War on the virus, if you wanted to find out anything you went to twitter.  The ONLY twitter accounts I have ever read are the President & ex President.  If watching flies fornicate is more important to you than what is on the Presidents mind.  You get you glasses on and watch.  I guess you get all your info from FOX.  

I'm a fuzzy liberal that believes in euthanasia and don't think I would want to live on a ventalator or in a nursing home. So if keeping me alive past 90 unless I can still ride like the queen works for me.  So glad you said I need help, so kind of you being a Dr, Do you insult everyone like that?

Don't like to play tic-tac-toe  (another insult) I would rather read.  I applaud you for being on the front lines of this, I pray for all of you.

To the one who thinks I have nothing better to do, it's raining and muddy.  I am staying home which is not hard since I am retired but I do run a business from home.  It requires me to stay near my computer most of the day and I like to read.  I have watched this board spread untruths for years and now have time to do something about it.  

As far as bringing a knife to a gunfight. I assure this liberal (and most liberals) has some guns, and honestly his twitter makes it easy it has dates on it.

In reading it back we did get a few chopper talk press conferences those are always fun.

If you are assuming I am a Republican.  I'm not.  Some Republicans disgust me more than Democrats.  Unfortunately, I only have two choices:

One being a party that thinks abortions are fine at any stage, that Climate Change is the main existential threat to the planet, that Democratic Socialism is the best way to govern, that free college and free healthcare is essential, that corporate America is evil and greedy, that open borders is mandatory, that sanctuary cities are a good thing, that free education and healthcare of non citizens is a good and fair thing, that people laying in their own poop and needle littered streets is acceptable, that law enforcement is evil, that "One World Order" is inevitable, that energy independence and oil are bad things, and that there is no such thing as "American Exceptionalism".

The other: limp wristed, hypocritical, unreliable, and weak.

I'm forced to side with the latter.  It's the lesser of two evils.

If you want to snipe with drive-by remarks like a little Chihuahua fine.  Otherwise jump in the debate.

I can see where you prefer euthanasia.  

I guess if your entertainment is watching flies fornicate then nursing home life would be just fine for you.

Since we're not really discussing the virus and your really not providing anything useful, we haven't seen on CNN for a week.  Let me mention how a liberal feels about abortion. NO ONE in there right mind would abort a child late term unless a doctor ordered it.  I do believe in quality of life, back to that laying around in a nursing home at $10,000 per month.  I don't thnk many people use abortion as a form of birth control.

I have a few what if's for you......

What if your granddaughter was raped by someone when she was 10?  Didn't even know what sex was.

What if it is a dad abusing his daughter?  And she is 12.

Would your son be willing to pay those nursing home costs for life for a baby that has no quality of life?

Now these are just a few. Then I read about people who have 6 kids, lock them in cages, abuse them daily, don't feed them and don't send them to school.  I call those Republican abortions doesn't seem like a fun ride to me.  I don't think being tortured is good for kids.

If we could snip all the men who produce all these kids no one takes care of, I might stand with you on abortion.

Too many gray areas and a very slippery slope.  I think this decision is between you and God and you have to live with your choices.

I'm free thinking like that.

Biggest question I see on FaceBook is ....... Who's going to take care of my kids cause schools closed.   You had them you take care of them.  JMO

I actually agree with you on your last sentences. If you had kids, you take care of them, you know like we did in the olden days.