Monday, January 27, 2020

Packed day today. Council and multiple important non-corona-virus meetings. Busy day – two meeting with White House via SCIF. First at 11:00 AM led by Deputy Director NSC Matt Pottinger who still wants to stop all incoming from China. Bob Redfield, Phil Ferro, Mart Cetron, Peter Marks etc. Second White House meeting via SCIF was on same subject withMick Mulvaney Chairing and visit to meeting by VP Pence. Still discussing the pros and cons of shutting off China. I tried to squeeze in my opinion, but it was touch since I was remote. I briefed Azar beforehand by phone as to the down side (historically) in shutting out a country. Also at the meeting were Joe Grogan, Matt Pottinger, Alex Azar, DHS Multiple print media including Washington Post, Maggie Fox, Los Angeles; NPR Morning Edition with Rachel Martin; WTOP radio; John LaPook with CBS – taped interview to run with face to face interview tomorrow with Norah O’Donnell; VOA; CNN International; Bret Baier FOX; WTOP again; Sean Hannity (FOX);