Monthly Archives: April 2020

Welcome to The Hills Morning Report. Its Friday, the end of another rough week around the country. We get you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the daily co-creators, so find us @asimendinger and @alweaver22 on Twitter and recommend the Morning Report to your friends. CLICK HERE to subscribe!

Total U.S. coronavirus deaths reported each morning this week: Monday, 9,648; Tuesday, 10,993; Wednesday, 12,911; Thursday, 14,808; Friday, 16,686.

In five days, and heading into what is expected to be a grim weekend, the coronavirus claimed more than 7,000 lives in the United States.

At a time when the U.S. economy showed new signs on Thursday of being in free fall and the Trump administration pleaded with Congress to approve another quarter of a trillion dollars to bolster lending for small businesses, Democratic lawmakers said they would not act without adding new ingredients to the next phase of relief.

Senate Democrats blocked an attempt by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP ads hit vulnerable Senate Democrats over small business funding Matt Taibbi: Why this bailout is worse than 2008 The Hill's 12:30 Report: Surgeon general says most of country unlikely to reopen May 1 MORE (R-Ky.) to pass an additional $250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The administration pushed for the funding increase in recent days, but the unanimous consent request was blocked by Sens. Ben CardinBenjamin (Ben) Louis CardinGOP ads hit vulnerable Senate Democrats over small business funding Schumer hopes to restart talks on new relief legislation The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves MORE (D-Md.) and Chris Van HollenChristopher (Chris) Van HollenGOP ads hit vulnerable Senate Democrats over small business funding Warren, Casey urge protections for disabled and older adults amid coronavirus pandemic The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves MORE (D-Md.), who labeled the move a political stunt.

The majority leader knew full well that there was not agreement and consensus, Van Hollen said, saying the GOP proposal as drafted was designed to fail.

Shortly after, Senate Democrats attempted to pass their own legislation that included the funding McConnell tried to pass, along with an additional $100 billion for hospitals, $150 billion for state and local governments and an expansion of food assistance. McConnell blocked that, sending the two sides back to the drawing board and delaying anything from passing until Monday at the earliest.

McConnell indicated discussions would continue but did not specifically say if he would try again on Monday to pass the funding increase (The Hill). Will the Senate be in session next week? One top GOP senator says its unlikely (The Hill).

As Alexander Bolton writes, the standoff throws the next stage of coronavirus relief negotiations up in the air. Senate Democrats are negotiating with Treasury Secretary Steven MnuchinSteven Terner MnuchinOvernight Health Care: Trump calls decision on reopening US biggest of his life | Trump to convene council to advise | Health officials push back on May opening | States see virus cases rise | Global death toll passes 100K On The Money: Trump calls decision on reopening economy biggest of his life | IG finds Treasury handled House request for Trump tax returns properly | Federal deficit jumps to 3B in March Los Angeles County extends stay-at-home order through May 15 MORE in hopes of reaching a deal that would include funding for hospitals and state governments.

Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerHarris, Ocasio-Cortez among Democrats calling for recurring direct payments in fourth coronavirus bill House Republicans, key administration officials push for additional funding for coronavirus small business loans Rep. Massie threatens to block next relief bill, calls for remote voting MORE (D-N.Y.) has told colleagues hes optimistic about reaching a deal with Mnuchin, who is also negotiating with Cardin, the ranking Democrat on the Small Business Committee, and Sen. Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenThe Hill's Campaign Report: Debate over mail-in voting heats up IG finds Treasury handled House request for Trump tax returns properly Schumer hopes to restart talks on new relief legislation MORE (Ore.), the ranking Democrat on the Finance Committee, who were central to working out a deal last month on the coronavirus relief package.

Ive talked to Schumer about a dozen times in the last 12 hours and I think he is optimistic that we can reach some degree of comity, Cardin said.

The Hill: Pelosi digs in on next coronavirus bill: We have made our statement.

The Hill: Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisSchiff unveils bill to create coronavirus commission to review US response The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves Biden joins calls to release racial breakdowns of coronavirus cases, deaths MORE (D-Calif.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezThe Hill's Coronavirus Report: David Miliband says world won't be safe until poor nations get more aid; Cuomo rips WHO Trump jokes Fauci should run for Congress against AOC The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves MORE (D-N.Y.) and other Democrats are calling for recurring direct payments as part of a fourth coronavirus bill.

In the states, the frustration with Congress was evident. We need the federal government to pass legislation that helps, New York Gov. Andrew CuomoAndrew CuomoOvernight Health Care: Trump calls decision on reopening US biggest of his life | Trump to convene council to advise | Health officials push back on May opening | States see virus cases rise | Global death toll passes 100K 16 things to know about coronavirus for today The Hill's Coronavirus Report: David Miliband says world won't be safe until poor nations get more aid; Cuomo rips WHO MORE (D) said on Thursday. This is not the time for politics. This is the time to pass legislation that actually addresses the need. Cuomo said he spoke with Sens. Schumer and Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandWarren, Casey urge protections for disabled and older adults amid coronavirus pandemic The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves Former Clinton staffers invited to celebrate Sanders dropping out: report MORE (D-N.Y.) and expressed his ire that New York was told by lawmakers and the administration that the state would receive $6 billion in the coronavirus relief law, and instead learned it will receive $1.3 billion while also learning that one-third of New Yorks Medicaid recipients would not be helped.

More Congress news: Rep. Neal DunnNeal Patrick DunnThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves 12 things to know about coronavirus for today Pelosi rejects remote voting amid coronavirus scare again MORE (R-Fla.), a physician, has tested positive for COVID-19 (WCTV).

President TrumpDonald John TrumpCalifornia governor praises Trump's efforts to help state amid coronavirus crisis Trump threatens to withhold visas for countries that don't quickly repatriate citizens Trump admin looks to cut farmworker pay to help industry during pandemic: report MORE urged Congress to keep negotiating while continuing on Thursday to predict that Americas economic downturn will eventually become a big bounce of recovery.

Were going to open up strong and I think we will open up very successfully, he told reporters. He did not attach a timetable to his optimistic forecast. I think were going to do well.

The National Association of Economists sees things differently, according to its survey of forecasters. The consensus is for U.S. unemployment above 6 percent for the next 24 months and a brutal second quarter this year (Reuters).

Anthony FauciAnthony FauciFrench officials report heart incidents in experimental coronavirus treatments with hydroxychloroquine Overnight Health Care: Trump calls decision on reopening US biggest of his life | Trump to convene council to advise | Health officials push back on May opening | States see virus cases rise | Global death toll passes 100K Fauci expects 'real degree of normality' by November election MORE, director of the Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautioned that restarting Americas economy after months of stay-at-home orders will be gradual, in stages regionally, and must be accompanied by a steep decline in the rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and fatalities. That drop-off will allow officials to focus on containment of new cases and the contact tracing and testing that goes along with control over new community spread, rather than revisiting lockdowns and draconian isolations.

Its not going to be one-size fits all, Fauci said.

The Hill: The Trump administration is laying the foundation to reopen parts of the U.S. economy as early as May, when current federal guidelines to battle the coronavirus expire.

The Washington Post: The administration is aiming to reopen much of the United States next month, raising concerns among public health experts about new coronavirus infections. Trump regularly looks at unemployment and stock market numbers, complaining they are hurting his presidency and reelection prospects, according to outside advisers.

The administration has a number of working groups looking at how do we reopen the country and how do we stay open, Vice President Pence added. To restart before theres a vaccine and while the coronavirus is still a threat will require an end to major contagions in the current hot spots; the availability of effective therapeutics to help patients who are infected; guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about precautions and restrictions people must heed while resuming work, school and travel; and mass testing for COVID-19 within the U.S. population, Pence said.

White House national economic adviser Larry KudlowLawrence (Larry) Alan KudlowMORE says the president does not have in mind a formal advisory group to help him revive the economy, but is consulting with various administration officials, businesses and friends. Theres no formal structure, he told reporters on Thursday.

Reuters: The White House is expected to announce an economic coronavirus task force, according to a senior administration official.

The U.S. economic picture darkened on Thursday with Labor Department news that close to 17 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in the last month, amounting to the worst downturn for workers since the Great Depression (The Hill). At the same time, the Federal Reserve on Thursday stepped in with the details of its much awaited Main Street lending program worth $2.3 trillion (CNBC).

The Washington Post: America is in a depression. The challenge now is to make it short-lived.

The New York Times: Too small and too late, the effort by the United States to halt economic damage cannot keep up.

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LEADING THE DAY

U.S. CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Welcome news: Total U.S. deaths from the coronavirus by early summer may wind up closer to 60,000 than 100,000, as projected at the White House on March 31. Fauci urged Americans for the time being to continue to stay at home.

Weve got to continue to redouble our efforts at the mitigation of physical separation in order to keep those numbers down and hopefully even get them lower than what youve heard recently, Fauci said on Thursday during an interview on CBS This Morning.

A University of Washington model, often cited by U.S. and state officials, now estimates based on regular recalculations using the latest data that COVID-19 will kill 60,415 Americans by Aug. 4 with the peak likely this weekend, when the model projects 2,212 people across the United States will die (Reuters).

As scientists learn more about the coronavirus, U.S. public health data shows that COVID-19 is infecting more women than men, but men are more likely to be seriously ill and die (The Hill). Scientists arent sure why there is a marked gender difference, but theories include behavioral differences, the comparative strength of womens immune systems, and the effects of testosterone in the process of immune reactions to the deadly virus. The higher rate of infections and deaths among men also appeared in data from China and Italy (The New York Times).

Deborah Birx, immunologist and coordinator with the presidents coronavirus task force, said on Thursday that the latest data indicates that around the nation, 56 percent of patients being tested for coronavirus were women and 16 percent were positive for COVID-19, while 44 percent of the patients with symptoms who were tested were male, and 23 percent tested positive.

Governors are trying every idea they can think of to recruit experienced health care workers to staff harried hospitals during the crisis, yet many foreign-born health workers in the United States have an extra worry: ensuring their immigration paperwork remains current. Missed deadlines could mean they lose their jobs and coveted approval to remain in the United States. More than 3 million of the country's 18 million health care and social workers are foreign born, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute (The Hill).

> New York: Hospitalizations have ebbed slightly in the Empire State, according to statistics shared on Thursday, but the death toll, considered a lagging indicator during any disease pandemic, continued to rise. New cases entering hospitals numbered 200, but fatalities rose to a record high of 799 on Wednesday. More than 7,000 people have died in New York from COVID-19 (Reuters).

> New Jersey: The Garden State is seeing some small signs that the rate of infection from the coronavirus is slowing, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said on Thursday although he stressed that confirmed cases and deaths are still rising and the peak number of hospitalizations is expected to hit within days (NJ.com). The National Guard arrived to provide assistance at a New Jersey Veterans Home on Thursday in which 40 veterans have contracted COVID-19 and 10 have died. Twenty-four other veterans, an unusually high number, have died since the outbreak began, documents show, and a source said four others died on Wednesday. Its horrible, horrible, said Mitchell Haber of Wyckoff, N.J., whose father is a resident. Theyre all sick. Theyve lost almost half their patients at this point (NorthJersey.com).

> Michigan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), a rising star in her party, said her state is not yet seeing the kind of plateauing in new cases of the coronavirus that has been cited in other states and in disease models used by the White House. Michigan has the third highest confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in the nation and Whitmer said the stay-at-home order through April 30 and instructions in Michigan for strict social distancing are more important than ever right now (The Washington Post).

> Virginia: One governor in America is a physician. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), a pediatric neurologist, is putting his medical knowledge to use during the coronavirus pandemic. He says he tries to treat the public as he would a patient: People want the truth. (The Associated Press).

> Louisiana: The New York Times The Daily podcast interviewed a New Orleans nurse who is a veteran of caring for Ebola patients in Africa. Yanti Turang has been caring for coronavirus patients since early March and described the personal protective equipment shortages in her hospital and the risks that such scarcities create. With her newly acquired COVID-19 experience comes a cold-eyed skill in assessing new patients, she says. The first thing I think, if youve got the symptoms, are you going to live or are you going to die? she said.

On Thursday, Louisiana public health officials reported to the White House that 40 percent of coronavirus patients on ventilators in the state are now coming off mechanical breathing and surviving the disease, considered a significant improvement, Birx said. (Some major hospitals in New York City report that approximately 20 percent of their coronavirus patients survive intubation and ventilation.)

IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES

CORONAVIRUS & INTERNATIONAL: Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to extend the national lockdown for two additional weeks beyond April 13 as the country faced increases in reported cases and deaths.

The potential decision from Conte will likely come as leaders determine what businesses could potentially reopen next week. According to officials, those would include selected companies in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, along with some shops. Conte could approve a new decree on the issue as early as today.

Faced with an epidemic of this proportion, Id tend to trust the viral experts, Deputy Finance Minister Antonio Misiani said on Thursday. The sooner we get the health situation under control, the sooner we can get the economic engine started again (Bloomberg News).

Italy reported 4,204 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 610 new deaths on Thursday both upticks from a day earlier. On Wednesday, Italys Civil Protection Agency announced 3,836 new cases and 542 deaths. According to the latest statistics, the death toll sits at 18,279 and there are 143,626 cases of the virus.

Time: An Italian doctor who is flattening the curve by treating COVID-19 patients in their homes.

Reuters: European Union nears deal on coronavirus package as Germany puts its foot down.

> Spain: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Thursday that the national lockdown will likely carry on until May, but indicated that recent data showed Spain was close to the start of a decline in the pandemic.

The comments came as the parliament extended the Spanish state of emergency until April 26, with Sanchez indicating that he will likely have to ask parliament for another 15-day extension to the lockdown in two weeks.

The daily death toll decreased to 683 people on Thursday, bringing the total to more than 15,000, while total cases increased by 5,756. Spain now has the third highest death toll after being overtaken by the U.S. As of this morning, Spain has 153,222 confirmed cases.

The velocity of the increase of the virus is decreasing throughout Spain, said Maria Jose Sierra, deputy head of the health emergencies (Reuters).

Reuters: France more than doubles crisis package cost to 100 billion euros.

> China: Chinese officials announced new guidelines on Wednesday as they look to combat COVID-19 through targeting asymptomatic carriers in an attempt to avoid a second wave of the virus spreading across the country.

Under the new measures, medical institutions must report any asymptomatic case within two hours of its detection, with local governments having to inform all known close contacts of the carrier within 24 hours. Asymptomatic individuals would be quarantined for 14 days collectively, while those with close contact of the carrier would also be quarantined.

Additionally, Beijing announced that tables at bars in the capital city must be more than three feet apart (Reuters).

> OPEC +: Talks among global energy ministers resume today, including representatives from Saudi Arabia and Russia, seeking an agreement that would lower oil production worldwide as prices continue plummeting and supplies surge during the coronavirus pandemic. Trump, who has said U.S. output was already falling due to low prices, warned Riyadh it could face sanctions and tariffs on its oil if it did not cut enough to help the U.S. oil industry (Reuters).

> United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken out of the intensive care unit but remains in a London hospital as he continues his recovery from the novel coronavirus.

After testing positive for the virus on March 27, Johnson has been at St. Thomas Hospital since Sunday and was moved to the intensive care unit on Monday, having spent three nights in the ICU.

According to Downing Street, Johnson has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery.

He is in extremely good spirits, a Downing Street spokesman added. Shortly after the news emerged, Trump tweeted a note of support for Johnson, an ally of the president (BBC).

Great News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just been moved out of Intensive Care. Get well Boris!!! Trump said.

Reuters: Ireland set to lift lockdown step-by-step when virus restrictions ease.

***

POLITICS: With the Democratic primary in the rearview mirror, former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenOvernight Energy: Trump says US will cut oil production to secure global deal | Green groups press Biden on climate plans after Sanders exit | EPA looks to suspend hazardous waste cleanups during outbreak Trump campaign, RNC reach 17 million voters with digital efforts Kyle Kulinski: What went wrong for the Sanders campaign MORE faces a formidable task in the coming weeks and months as he looks to unify the progressive and moderate wings of the party after Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersOvernight Energy: Trump says US will cut oil production to secure global deal | Green groups press Biden on climate plans after Sanders exit | EPA looks to suspend hazardous waste cleanups during outbreak Kyle Kulinski: What went wrong for the Sanders campaign The Hill's Campaign Report: Debate over mail-in voting heats up MORE (I-Vt.) dropped his bid for the nomination on Wednesday.

Biden extended an olive branch in the direction of Sanderss supporters on Thursday as he unveiled proposals to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 and an expansion of student debt forgiveness programs for low-income and middle-class families (The New York Times).

However, more is likely needed to be done as Sanders is not expected to go quietly into the night, as Julia Manchester and Max Greenwood report. The Vermont Independent has pledged to keep his name on the ballot in the remaining primaries to amass enough delegates to inflict pressure on the Democratic establishment to adopt progressive ideas, like Medicare for All. Adding to the problems is the ongoing pandemic, which has digitized everything, limiting Bidens ability to bring the two sides together.

Theres no doubt about it that the pandemic and this distancing certainly impacts where he gets a lot of his energy, which is the retail politicking, the connecting with one-on-one voters in rope lines at events and at town halls and such, said Moe Vela, a Democratic strategist and White House adviser in the Clinton and Obama administrations.

Appearing on MSNBC on Thursday night, Sanders lauded the two policy announcements by Bidens campaign, calling them steps in the right direction.also

And I think what you have begun to see and will continue to see is that the vice president is listening to many of the concerns that low income people and working people and young people have and beginning to move in their direction, Sanders told host Chris Hayes.

I think what you will see is the vice president beginning to move in a more progressive direction, he said referencing the policy shifts.

The Wall Street Journal: Why Michigan signaled the end for Bernie Sanderss campaign: Nothing more we could do.

Ryan Lizza, Politico: Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaSanders's fate sealed by the over 40 crowd The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves Obama warns group of mayors that the 'biggest mistake' is to 'misinform' during the pandemic MORE wins the Democratic primary.

The Associated Press: Bidens next big decision: Choosing a running mate.

The pandemic hasnt stopped outreach from key progressive sectors. As Rachel Frazin writes, environmental groups are pushing the former vice president to take on a more aggressive platform on climate change.

The issue continues to grow as a significant issue within the Democratic Party. Progressives like Sanders who continue to push for far-left policies, including a fracking ban, while moderates have not gone as far. Although some advocates have said they will now support Biden, others were more reticent, hoping he will take on some of Sanderss positions on the issues.

Were not going to sugarcoat it: our hearts are heavy, Sunrise Movement spokesperson Aracely Jimenez said in a statement. The balls now in Joe Bidens court. To avoid a repeat of 2016, he needs to show young people that hes going to stand up for them by embracing policies like an ambitious Green New Deal that led young voters to flock to Bernie. If he doesnt do this, our work turning out our generation to defeat Trump this fall becomes a lot harder.

The Morning Report is created by journalistsAlexis SimendingerandAl Weaver. We want to hear from you! Email:asimendinger@thehill.comandaweaver@thehill.com. We invite you to share The Hills reporting and newsletters, and encourage others toSUBSCRIBE!

OPINION

More:

The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Small businesses, unemployed await Congress's next moves | TheHill - The Hill

Image caption Samsung and Facebook are donating gadgets

Mobile giant Samsung is donating 2,000 smartphones to the NHS, for staff to use in Nightingale hospitals.

It will provide Galaxy XCover 4s phones, which are designed to be more robust and can be used while wearing gloves.

Samsung said NHS England had already ordered an extra 20,000 phones and tablets, which it had agreed to supply at cost price, without taking a profit.

Facebook is also donating 2,050 of its Portal video-calling screens.

The Portals are designed to enhance video chats by using artificial intelligence to keep callers in view as they move about a room, making it easier to go about daily activities while continuing a conversation.

Facebook said it would send the devices to hospitals and care homes in several locations including Essex, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Surrey.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

NHS England will be allowed to keep the kit without charge once the pandemic ends.

"Technology companies big and small continue to pledge their resources and expertise to support our NHS and social care system in these unprecedented times," said NHSX digital transformation director Iain O'Neil.

"Technology has never been so important to providing one of life's most essential things - the ability to communicate with the people we love regardless of where they are."

In addition to its donation of 2,000 smartphones, Samsung has also pledged to:

"Every one of us is deeply indebted to the NHS and frontline supporters," said Francis Chun, chief executive of Samsung UK and Ireland.

"However small the comfort may be, we hope that technology can alleviate some of the anguish this pandemic is inflicting on those most impacted."

Other tech companies have also offered discounts to NHS staff including:

NHS England has compiled a list of deals that have been made available for its staff during the pandemic.

More:

Facebook and Samsung donate thousands of devices to NHS - BBC News

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Welcome to The Hills Morning Report. Its Thursday. We get you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the daily co-creators, so find us @asimendinger and @alweaver22 on Twitter and recommend the Morning Report to your friends. CLICK HERE to subscribe!

Total U.S. coronavirus deaths reported each morning this week: Monday, 9,648; Tuesday, 10,993; Wednesday, 12,911; Thursday, 14,808.

Its official: former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenOvernight Energy: Trump says US will cut oil production to secure global deal | Green groups press Biden on climate plans after Sanders exit | EPA looks to suspend hazardous waste cleanups during outbreak Trump campaign, RNC reach 17 million voters with digital efforts Kyle Kulinski: What went wrong for the Sanders campaign MORE will take on President TrumpDonald John TrumpCalifornia governor praises Trump's efforts to help state amid coronavirus crisis Trump threatens to withhold visas for countries that don't quickly repatriate citizens Trump admin looks to cut farmworker pay to help industry during pandemic: report MORE in November after Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersOvernight Energy: Trump says US will cut oil production to secure global deal | Green groups press Biden on climate plans after Sanders exit | EPA looks to suspend hazardous waste cleanups during outbreak Kyle Kulinski: What went wrong for the Sanders campaign The Hill's Campaign Report: Debate over mail-in voting heats up MORE (I-Vt.) dropped out of the 2020 race on Wednesday.

Sanders made the announcement to supporters, lamenting that a path to winning the Democratic nomination had closed for him. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic hastened his decision to drop out, he said, although he initially considered it last month after a string of losses.

I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth. And that is that we are now some 300 delegates behind Vice President Biden and the path to victory is virtually impossible, Sanders said, announcing the suspension of his campaign (The Hill).

I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour, Sanders continued. While this campaign is coming to an end, our movement is not.

READ: Sanderss message to supporters as he dropped out of presidential race.

The Vermont Independents announcement came after more than a month of struggles inside his campaign, sparked by Bidens massive win in South Carolina, the subsequent rallying of support behind Bidens campaign by top Democrats, and major losses on Super Tuesday and March 10 that all but closed off Sanderss chances of amassing enough delegates to win the nomination. The pandemic made it impossible for Sanders to hold large rallies to sustain momentum.

Sanderss decision to exit the primary is a disappointment for many progressives who held out hope when the senator was briefly the frontrunner with his Nevada caucuses victory in mid-February. As Jonathan Easley writes, Sanders and his allies could taste the nomination six weeks ago, not just for the candidate but also for a progressive movement eager to establish itself in the mainstream.

Since the launch of his first presidential bid in 2016, the Vermont senator morphed into a political force that reshaped the Democratic Party. However, the millions raised from small-dollar donors and the mini army he created was not enough to push him over the finish line and become the partys standard-bearer in Milwaukee this summer, much to the chagrin of his supporters.

Its a huge disappointment, said Bill Press, one of a small cadre of advisers Sanders consulted before launching his 2016 presidential bid and also a columnist with The Hill. After doing better than anyone could have possibly imagined in 2016, he came into 2020 with a head full of steam. It was going so well, moving so fast, and then there was a perfect storm that gathered against him.

Niall Stanage: The Memo: Sanders's influence endures as campaign ends.

The Hill: Biden credits Sanders for starting a movement.

According to the latest delegate count, Biden led with 1,217 to Sanderss 914. Because many states moved their primaries out of April, the former VP is expected to officially hit the 1,991 delegate threshold on June 2.

With Sanders out of the way, attention will now shift to a general election matchup between Trump and Biden, on whom the president and his team trained their expectations for more than a year. The race, however, has a different dynamic because of the impact of COVID-19, including the unexpected challenges to traditional campaigning and voting.

Earlier this week, Biden called Trump to discuss the virus and potential remedies for it. The call came after months of criticisms from each side, especially over Trumps impeachment and subsequent trial that centered around his push for investigations into Bidens son, Hunter Biden.

The New York Times: Biden vs. Trump: The general election is here, and transformed.

The Washington Post: Trump campaign greets end of Democratic primary with two distinct campaigns against Biden.

The Associated Press: VP talk could intensify with Harris fundraising moves.

The general election is also exciting Democrats as it is expected to bring former President Obama off the sidelines and into the political fray with a likely endorsement of his former vice president.

As Amie Parnes reports, sources close to Obama and Biden say the two men have spoken quite frequently, as one put it, in recent days as Biden shifts gears towards the general election. While Obama steered clear of the Democratic primary, Democrats are antsy for him to reenter the political fray. According to sources, Obama is too.

Hes eager to go, said one source close to Obama. Hes been waiting for this election for almost four years.

Democrats arent the only ones with Obama on their radar. During Wednesdays coronavirus task force briefing, Trump raised questions about the Democratic primary, saying that Obama knows something that you dont know.

It does amaze me that President Obama has not supported Sleepy Joe. It just hasnt happened. When is it going to happen? Trump said. He knows something that you dont know. That I think I know. But you dont know (The Hill).

Mark Leibovich: Can Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden unite the Democratic Party?

The Hill: Trump urges Sanders supporters to join GOP after senator suspends campaign.

The Associated Press: Trump-Biden election off-limits for U.S. bettors (so far).

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LEADING THE DAY

CONGRESS: The Trump administration's effort to swiftly secure an additional $250 billion for small businesses ahead of Easter is progressing, although Democrats want the legislation to add at least another $250 billion for hospitals, states and food stamps.

Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFauci expects 'real degree of normality' by November election 16 things to know about coronavirus for today Pelosi presses Mnuchin on 0B coronavirus 'interim' package MORE (D-Calif.) says the House cannot pass the small business relief sought by Republicans alone without other provisions because leadership needs a unanimous vote of those present while lawmakers are away from Washington (Reuters). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP ads hit vulnerable Senate Democrats over small business funding Matt Taibbi: Why this bailout is worse than 2008 The Hill's 12:30 Report: Surgeon general says most of country unlikely to reopen May 1 MORE (R-Ky.) is expected to try to pass a GOP measure today (The Hill). Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerHarris, Ocasio-Cortez among Democrats calling for recurring direct payments in fourth coronavirus bill House Republicans, key administration officials push for additional funding for coronavirus small business loans Rep. Massie threatens to block next relief bill, calls for remote voting MORE (D-N.Y.) negotiated on Wednesday with Treasury Secretary Steven MnuchinSteven Terner MnuchinOvernight Health Care: Trump calls decision on reopening US biggest of his life | Trump to convene council to advise | Health officials push back on May opening | States see virus cases rise | Global death toll passes 100K On The Money: Trump calls decision on reopening economy biggest of his life | IG finds Treasury handled House request for Trump tax returns properly | Federal deficit jumps to 3B in March Los Angeles County extends stay-at-home order through May 15 MORE to seek a short-term deal (The Hill).

I think we have a pretty good understanding with the Democrats, Trump said on Wednesday, adding that small businesses have bipartisan support in Washington and that other needs supported by Democrats could be addressed down the road. We can do a phase four [bill], and a phase four would be later.

The Hill: Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Casey urge protections for disabled and older adults amid coronavirus pandemic Warren, Mass. Democrats call for racial data on Medicare coronavirus patients Senators urge Treasury to protect coronavirus checks from private debt collectors MORE (D-Mass.) urged Congress to eliminate a cap on total funding for small businesses in the coronavirus legislation.

Politico: In phone calls with lawmakers of both parties on Wednesday, Vice President Pence and Anthony FauciAnthony FauciFrench officials report heart incidents in experimental coronavirus treatments with hydroxychloroquine Overnight Health Care: Trump calls decision on reopening US biggest of his life | Trump to convene council to advise | Health officials push back on May opening | States see virus cases rise | Global death toll passes 100K Fauci expects 'real degree of normality' by November election MORE, director of the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told lawmakers that the worst coronavirus hot spots are showing signs of stabilization. Mnuchin (pictured below) used the calls to lobby lawmakers to quickly pass legislation to help the high number of small businesses that need loans to try to stay afloat while the economy remains shuttered.

The Hill: Democratic senators seek federal funding to help local news media outlets as part of the coronavirus stimulus legislation.

The Hill: House Democrats introduced a bill on Wednesday to thwart price gouging.

***

U.S. CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Federal officials on Wednesday labored to strike a balance between coronavirus case data hinting at potential improvement and the grim tallies of fatalities in New York, New Jersey and Louisiana.

Fauci said it appears the White House projections of new cases and possible deaths heading into the summer will not be as high as initially estimated, a favorable sign. Part of the explanation appears to be the better-than-expected voluntary compliance by Americans with the guidance to wash hands, practice social distancing and abide by orders to stay home.

Although one of the original models projected 100- to 200,000 deaths, as we're getting more data and seeing the positive effect of mitigation, those numbers are going to be downgraded, Fauci said during a Fox News interview. I don't know exactly what the numbers are going to be, but right now it looks like it's going to be less than the original projection (The Hill).

CNN: Heres why coronavirus case models, revised daily, show fewer deaths than feared: U.S. behaviors have changed.

The Hill: Fauci says, "I don't think we should ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you. Not only would it be good to prevent coronavirus disease; it probably would decrease instances of influenza dramatically in this country."

The conclusion that mitigation is working prompted Obama to tweet his encouragement along with a news article: Social distancing bends the curve and relieves some pressure on our heroic medical professionals. But in order to shift off current policies, the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring something we have yet to put in place nationwide.

The Hill: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued new guidance for essential workers who have been in proximity to confirmed cases of the coronavirus but were asymptomatic and now want to safely return to work.

Another hypothesis now debunked is that young people do better than seniors when infected with the coronavirus. Scientists looking at early data out of China, South Korea and Italy thought young people might be less at risk from serious respiratory distress and death from COVID-19. But a Washington Post analysis of available state data finds that 759 people younger than 50 have been killed by the virus in the United States, including many patients in their 20s and 30s with no known health vulnerabilities prior to infection.

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