National Rural Health Association President Pat Schou discusses challenges facing rural health care facilities during the coronavirus pandemic, and author and historian John Cribb discusses the 157th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) joined the Ronald Reagan Institute for a discussion on the direction of the Republican Party. The Republican governor who was serving his second term in a heavily Democratic state talked about how the Republican Party can reach out to the moderate electorate that he believes makes up the majority of the country. "We cannot afford to continue to perpetuate toxic politics," he said while making the case for Republicans to start pushing pragmatic, big-tent politics to appeal to more voters.
A federal judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania heard oral argument in a case filed by President Trump's campaign challenging the Pennsylvania presidential election count in favor of President-elect Joe Biden. In this portion of the nearly four-hour-long proceeding, the president's lead attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani laid out why they were challenging the results of the election. Attorneys for Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar and the counties of Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery and Chester also spoke and outlined their arguments for case dismissal.
President Trump announced two new federal rules to reduce prescription drug prices for patients. The administration also announced that Pfizer applied with the FDA for emergency use authorization for it's COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier in the week, the drug company announced that its research showed the two-dose vaccine is 95 percent effective in preventing illness.
The Hill hosted a virtual conversation on diversity and inclusion in politics and government. Rep. Debra Haaland (D-NM) was among the speakers. All of them spoke about opportunities for more diversity and inclusion under a Biden administration.
Denis McDonough, former chief of staff to President Obama, discussed the incoming Biden administration at a virtual event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Mr. McDonough outlined President-elect Joe Biden's policy priorities which include coronavirus response, the economy, climate change and racial justice. He also talked about the current presidential transition period and associated national security challenges. Mr. McDonough previously served as the deputy national security adviser during the Obama administration.
John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Trump, discussed a host of topics with the Washington Post Live. Mr. Bolton criticized the president on a number of fronts including reports that he was going to strike Iran for its nuclear program, the firing of Chris Krebs and Mark Esper and plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bill Gates, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla and Vaccine Confidence Project Director Heidi Larson joined the New York Times for a virtual panel discussion on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination efforts. The panelists talked about the encouraging results from the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, how they would be distributed and how likely the public would be to take them.
Denis McDonough, former chief of staff to President Obama, discussed the incoming Biden administration at a virtual event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Mr. McDonough outlined President-elect Joe Biden's policy priorities which include coronavirus response, the economy, climate change and racial justice. He also talked about the current presidential transition period and associated national security challenges. Mr. McDonough previously served as the deputy national security adviser during the Obama administration.
John Bolton, former national security adviser to President Trump, discussed a host of topics with the Washington Post Live. Mr. Bolton criticized the president on a number of fronts including reports that he was going to strike Iran for its nuclear program, the firing of Chris Krebs and Mark Esper and plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bill Gates, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla and Vaccine Confidence Project Director Heidi Larson joined the New York Times for a virtual panel discussion on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination efforts. The panelists talked about the encouraging results from the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, how they would be distributed and how likely the public would be to take them.
President Clinton discussed affordable housing and the racial wealth gap with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D), Former Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Caliber Home Loans CEO Sajiv Das and Local Initiatives Support Corporation President Maurice Jones. The Clinton Foundation hosted this virtual event.
A Senate subcommittee examined federal agencies' response to and transition to telework during the pandemic. They also spoke about how remote working can be beneficial for recruitment, retention, and cost savings after the pandemic ends. Government officials testifying included those representing the Social Security Administration, Transportation Department, Labor Department. and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar provided an update on COVID-19 vaccine development and the distribution process. He was joined by "Operation Warp Speed" officials, who outlined the process for distribution to the country and the requirements needed to store and safely distribute the vaccines. Following their remarks, they took questions from reporters who dialed in by phone.
The Hill hosted a series of virtual interviews on race and gender equity issues. Among the speakers were Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Del. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-Puerto Rico), New York State Senator-elect Jabari Brisport (D) and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D). The Hill Editor at Large Steve Clemons moderated the event.
