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An awkward spot for health bureaucrats

Government health experts onstage with Trump had to tread a difficult line -- between honoring their professional assessments and avoiding angering the President, who dislikes being contradicted.

"Our aggressive containment strategy here in the United States has been working and is responsible for the low levels of cases that we have so far. However, we do expect more cases, and this is a good time to prepare," said Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, delivered the sobering news that even with an unusually accelerated process of development and testing, it could be a year to a year-and-a-half before a vaccine becomes available. His assessment contrasts with Trump's hints that inoculations are just around the corner.

As is often the case in Trump's presidency, nonpartisan career officials were forced to stand by his side as he unleashed flaming attacks on political opponents -- in this case House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had suggested to CNN earlier that he did not know what he was talking about on the coronavirus.

"I think Speaker Pelosi is incompetent. ... She is trying to create a panic and there's no reason to panic because we have done so good," Trump said, with Schuchat -- wearing a neutral expression -- beside him in the camera shot.

A dividing line in tone and professionalism became clear between the politicians, who took time out for obligatory praise of Trump, and the professionals.

"The President's early and decisive actions, including travel restrictions, have succeeded in buying us incredibly valuable time," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said.

Pence, whose new responsibility might turn into a poisoned political chalice if the outbreak reaches America and exacts a heavy toll, also lauded Trump.

"From the first word of an outbreak of the coronavirus, the President took unprecedented steps to protect the American people from the spread of this disease," he said.

Confusion about the exact division of responsibilities between Pence and Azar suggests a not entirely smooth plan.

"I'm still chairman of the task force," Azar said, adding, "I was delighted that I'd get to have the vice president helping me. Delighted."

Such a hierarchy did not seem to be what the President had in mind when he said, "I'm going to be putting our Vice President Mike Pence in charge ... he's got a certain talent for this."

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Posted by Erin Burnett to Corona Virus at February 27, 2020 at 3:56 AM