Anderson Cooper 360

With more than 156,000 Americans dead from the coronavirus, President Trump says the death toll “is what it is.” David Hart lost his husband, Dr. Joseph Costa, to the deadly virus. They were married for 28 years and Dr. Costa had been on the frontlines fighting Covid-19 before it took his life. Hart joins AC360 to share memories of his late husband and says he’s blessed for every second he was able to be with Joe. Plus, after weeks of attacking mail-in-voting, President Trump is now encouraging voters in Florida to vote by mail saying their election system is “safe and secure.” Just a day earlier, Trump threatened to sue Nevada after the state approved a plan to mail ballots to all registered voters. In a tweet, the President accused Nevada Democrats of orchestrating an “illegal late night coup” that makes it impossible for Republicans to win the swing state. Democratic Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tells Anderson Cooper his priority is making sure voters “have every legitimate legal option to vote.” 

Airdate: August 4, 2020

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President Trump criticized White House Task Force Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx in a tweet after she said the pandemic is “extraordinary widespread” in the U.S. Trump said he thinks “we’re doing very well.” California was one of the first states to shut down and was relatively successful at containing the virus but since the state re-opened, it has overtaken New York for the most Covid-19 cases. Dr. Desmond Carson is an Emergency Medicine Physician in California and he tells Anderson Cooper “people are selfish and self-centered. Just wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing.” Plus, Georgia’s largest school district has reported around 260 employees have either tested positive for coronavirus or have been exposed. Many parents are grappling with the decision whether or not to send their children back to school. Becky Stone, Director of Schools for Alcoa City Schools, in Tennessee and Brian Woods, Superintendent of Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas join AC360 to discuss the difficulties they’re facing and what they’re doing to keep the students and staff as safe as possible. 

Airdate: August 3, 2020

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Florida just recorded the highest daily coronavirus death toll for the fourth straight day but President Trump says he thinks “we’ve done really well in Florida.” Dr. Aileen Marty is an Infectious Disease Expert at Florida International University in Palm Beach County, one of the hardest hit counties. She joins AC360 to react to the President’s comments and says the reality is “absolutely heartbreaking” and they’ve had many children die. Plus, as the world waits for a an effective Covid-19 vaccine, there are some promising therapeutics that have been helpful. William Haseltine, Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, tells Anderson Cooper if he was a betting man, he would bet 95% on drugs and 50% on vaccines as being the most effective way to handle this disease.

Airdate: July 31, 2020

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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced all lawmakers and staff members will be required to wear face coverings in the House chamber. Pelosi announced the new rule after GOP Congressman Louie Gohmert, who frequently refused to wear a mask, announced he tested positive for Covid-19. Speaker Pelosi joins AC360 to discuss the testing difficulties going on throughout the country and gives an update on the stimulus bill that is still being negotiated. Plus, a day after Attorney General William Barr told Congress he doesn’t believe there’s systemic racism in police departments, Writer, Producer, Director and Actor Tyler Perry tells Anderson Cooper he still gets pulled over by the police “because I’m in a nice car in a neighborhood that they don’t even know that I live in until they realize it’s me.” He adds he thinks his greatest gift he’s been given is he’s been able to live on both sides of the wealth gap.

Airdate: July 29, 2020

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During a coronavirus press briefing President Trump questioned why his approval rating wasn’t as high as White House Task Force Member Dr. Anthony Fauci. He also promoted unproven hydroxycholoroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 despite the FDA, Dr. Fauci and other doctors saying it’s not an effective treatment. Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has been leading his state through the pandemic and has clashed with the President about testing. He joins AC360 to react to Trump’s recent messaging and gives an update on Maryland’s testing situation. Plus, 21 NFL players have tested positive for coronavirus since reporting to training camps and many players have already opted out of the season because of health concerns. Dr. Myron Rolle is currently a neurosurgery resident and also played in the NFL. He tells Anderson Cooper he doesn’t think it’s safe to return to sports right now and says if the NFL wants to be part of the community, they need to look what’s happening and put the safety of players and their families first.

Airdate: July 28, 2020

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