National crisis can make or break presidents By Luke Perry
There were two major developments this week in the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a $2.2 trillion stimulus agreement and the president asserting federal guidelines designed to stop spreading the virus should cease or significantly ease by April 12. Both were remarkable for different reasons.
The stimulus bill is the biggest relief package in U.S. history, omnibus legislation with grants/loans to businesses, and support for hospitals and state/local governments. The bill seeks to boost consumer spending through “rebate” payments of $1,200 per eligible adult, far more than the $300 to $600 rebated after the Great Recession.
The total cost of the bill is more than double the $830 billion legislation passed after the Great Recession. The actual costs are much higher because of interest payments required by deficit spending.
This is an expensive, but necessary step, to help mitigate the destruction of the pandemic. Over 3 million people just filed for unemployment, an all-time high for a single week, beginning what will likely become a stream of troubling economic data.
Photo from White House
Meanwhile, President Trump adopted a new stance toward COVID-19. On March 19, Trump declared the global pandemic “a medical war” that “we have to win,” which included closing down the economy “to defeat this enemy.”
Four days later, Trump said “America will again and soon be open for business” and pledged to not let the pandemic “turn into a long-lasting financial problem.”
Coronavirus-related deaths continue to grow, surpassing 1,000 in total. There were 13,000 new cases and over 200 deaths, a daily high, Wednesday alone.
The total number of cases is actually much higher than the 68,000 confirmed, due to our limited testing capabilities, and current practices of only testing people hospitalized with severe symptoms to conserve resources.
Presidential scholars know that national crisis is a key factor in determining the historical greatness of presidencies. This is evident in our most impactful and widely regarded presidents, such as George Washington (American Revolution), Abraham Lincoln (Civil War) and Franklin Roosevelt (Great Depression).
There are no great options for presidents in times of crisis. Our situation is complicated, but the path is clear.
Exceptional presidential leadership overcomes big challenges and high expectations by forging national unity and progress through harnessing the full capacity of the federal government.
Public health and safety must remain an unwavering priority, while individuals and businesses receive needed public assistance.
Health experts, scientists with unparalleled knowledge of infectious disease, must retain responsibility for public health guidelines and requirements.
Any suggestion of easing restrictions before healthcare workers, our heroes on the front line, have the basic supplies they need, is premature.
We understand the stakes more than most as New Yorkers, residing in the epicenter of this national crisis. Morgues are full downstate and this “war” is unwinnable in retreat.
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Professor of Government at Utica College
