Friday, June 26, 2020

Global – 9,300,000/480,000; USA – 2,420,000/125,000. 40,000 new cases yesterday, the most for a single day. Spoke woth Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL giving advice about their opening. My talk with Mark Meadows yesterday precipitated a major firestorm of disagreement in the WH. Some elements led by VP and his staff (particularly Katie) felt we should have a TF meeting and then have a Press Conference with me and Deb leading and run by the VP. Apparently, Kayleigh and Alyssa and the POTUS team (probably Jared and the economy team) were against this. Triggered much rancor, but finally we did it. Clearly, the lines are dividing in the WH. Clearly, I am precipitating this since Deb still cannot get herself to speak up even though she lives in the WH. At the Press Conference, unfortunately, the VP continues to stress the bright side about how well we have done when the southern part of the country is on fire. I came in and spoke of the danger to the entire country even though the map looks like there are more good parts than bad parts of the country. I stressed that we are a heterogeneous country, but we are not disconnected within the country and an outbreak anywhere is a danger even to those sections that have done well. I stressed that the young people have both a personal and a societal responsibility. If they get infected, they are feeding the dynamics of the outbreak and are part of the problem, not part of the solution. It is up to them. The press killed the VP following the press conference saying that he did happy talk when the country is in serious trouble. They are correct. At least the press that I added a reality check to the story. Had out Security team over the house for a “separation party” since they are being withdrawn since the death and violent threats have decreased over the past 2 weeks. Team leader George Adams plus Andre Jacobs, Ken Marty, Brett Rowland, Mike Salva Had a wonderful time. We had really bonded with these guys over the past few months. PRESS: Much press associated with my remarks at the press conference today. Will spill over to tomorrow; Meg Tirrell of CNBC will show parts of our interview today with the Milken Institute; Interview with Elizabeth Cohen (CNN) for the Aspen Institute and Aspen Ideas – she will use this for CNN tonight.