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Epidemics

Biden's Team Works Around Federal Government to Prepare for Pandemic Response

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office on January 20, he and his team are working to get a handle on the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic, despite being denied direct access to information by the Trump administration. In a bid to circumvent the federal government, Biden's team has been reaching out to state governors, who have been on the front lines of managing the pandemic for the past eight months. The team's efforts are focused on understanding the complexities of vaccine distribution and convincing enough Americans to sign up for injections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Biden's team is working around the federal government to get information about the pandemic response, as the Trump administration has denied them direct access to information.
  • Biden has spoken to 10 governors, including 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans, in an effort to get a better understanding of the pandemic response on the ground.
  • Each state has its own vaccine distribution plan, and working with governors can give Biden and his team a window into what they'll be inheriting in January.
  • New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat and co-chair of the Biden transition, said that the Biden administration will need to take a partnership approach with state governments to address the pandemic.
  • The Trump administration has pushed most of the responsibility for procuring PPE and ventilators, as well as making decisions about mask guidelines and reopening plans, to the governors.
  • Vice President Pence has held regular calls with governors, but the Trump administration's approach has been inconsistent and has often prioritized states that have publicly supported the president.

Statistics:

  • 10 governors were part of a video call with Biden on December 10.
  • 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans were part of the call.
  • Each state has its own vaccine distribution plan.
  • The Biden administration plans to work with governors to implement a post-January vaccine distribution plan.
  • The Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed has begun distributing vaccines, but the Biden administration will take over this effort.

Sources:

  • Tamara Keith, NPR White House Correspondent
  • Mary Louise Kelly, NPR Host
  • Joe Biden, President-elect
  • Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico Governor and co-chair of the Biden transition
  • Donald Trump, President
  • Mike Pence, Vice President

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