RINGSIDE POLITICS – MARCH 30, 2021

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to another edition of Ringside Politics with Jeff Crouere

Today’s Hot Topics:

1) Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono on Tuesday backed off their threat to vote against any of President Joe Biden’s nominees who aren’t minorities, after going public with their anger that the Cabinet lacks Asian Americans, and Duckworth earlier saying she felt insulted by the White House’s attempts to brush off her concerns.

2) President Joe Biden and a top health official warned Monday that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off.

The double dose of warnings came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next 5 weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.

“This is deadly serious,” Biden said, urging governors to reinstate mask mandates and other restrictions that some states have been easing.

3) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he plans to issue an executive order forbidding businesses from requiring so-called vaccine passports across the state.

DeSantis said at a news conference on Monday that he would introduce “an executive function” designed to prevent businesses from refusing to serve customers who were unable to prove they had been vaccinated, while seeking support from the Republican legislature to enshrine the act into law.

DeSantis was speaking after reports that the Biden administration was coordinating efforts by private companies and federal agencies to develop a plan that will allow people to prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to gain access to some businesses, offices, or restaurants.

“We are not supporting doing any vaccine passports in the state of Florida,” he said Monday, in a news conference broadcast by news station 10 Tampa Bay.

4) Former president Donald Trump appeared at a wedding at Mar-a-Lago and made a speech blasting the Biden administration for its handling of China, Iran, and migrants at the Mexico border.

After laying out his case during a rambling two-minute speech, Mr Trump asked the assembled guests, “Do you miss me yet?” to cheers from the crowd.

Mr Trump also appeared to insinuate that he still has doubts about the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s election.

Today’s Guests:

1) Adam Weiss, CEO; AMW PR, New York political strategy & communications firm – joins the show in the first hour to examine some of the current situations affecting the country under the new administration.

2) Michelle Hirstius; Ringside All-Star – calls in to talk about the latest political developments and opine with callers

3) Doug Schexnayder, Conservative Crawgator – calls in to discuss the events of the day and takes calls from guests.