VP Pence and Coronavirus Task Force Are Back with First Briefing in Two Months

And that wraps it up!

The press is the enemy of the people. Also, they're insufferably stupid. 

These liberal activist questions being juxtaposed by Pence's overwhelmingly statesman-like demeanor is staggering. 

Harping on the Tulsa rally is just not a winning strategy. I'm so glad that the majority of the press pool used up their questions on that vapid topic today

Pence reacts VERY calmly to that pointed, high pitched question

I can see why contact tracing might not be working. Example: "First I went to a BLM protest with 15,000 young people, all of which I hugged and screamed in the faces of about 50 cops. Then I looted Target and surprised my grandmother with a TV. I then joined a different group of about 1,000 young vandals around midnight to topple a statue. I don't own a mask and didn't catch anybody's name."

Oh good. Paula Reid is here. 

I've had enough. those were susceptible to dying...from anything are still at risk, deaths are not spiking, new cases have a 5% hospitalization rate, we have the resources to respond ... all good things

Now, let's keep re-opening. 

Lockdowns are over. No matter what ... the lockdowns are over. 

Fauci: Contact tracing is not working. 

So we're depending on young people to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But we're going to keep green lighting the protests? 

Pence: No young person would want to inadvertently expose their parents, grandparents, etc.

Half of all new cases are under 35. That's rather significant, actually.

Pence on the importance of wearing masks: We think -- the first principle is that people want to listen to their state and local authorities. I have to tell you, President Trump and I couldn't be more grateful for the partnership we have forged with governors around the country. I spoke to the governor of Florida, of Arizona, of Texas, just within the last 12 hours. And I told them that, from this podium today, we would remind their citizens to heed the guidance and the direction of state and local officials. 

Pence on continuing to hold rallies: The freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble, is enshrined in the Constitution of the United States, and we have an election coming up this fall. President Trump and I believe that taking proper steps, as we have created screening at recent events, and giving people the very best counsel that we have, we still want to give people the freedom to participate in the political process. We respect that.

"Since we were in Oklahoma (for the rally) their positivity rate has declined as of today," Pence said. 

Ha Pence just owned that reporter

CDC Director Redfield: Once again, I want to stress and thank all Americans, to embrace the social distancing recommendations, to slow the spread of COVID. As I've said before, we are not defenseless. These are, in fact, very powerful weapons, and it is our collective responsibility to recommit ourselves to put them into routine practice. Again, to stay 6 feet apart from each other as much as possible, to wear face coverings when we are in public, and to practice vigorous hand hygiene.

Dr. Redfield: "Millennials and those under 40," you must do your part and keep your distance. 

WE'RE LOOKING AT YOU 'PROTESTERS.'

Azar on the gradations of risk based off of activity and geography: "Going to an outdoor restaurant in Montana is a great deal different from a crowded indoor bar in Houston."

— Philip Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann) June 26, 2020

Fauci imploring young people to do their part to stop the spread of Covid "We can be either part of the solution or part of the problem"

— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) June 26, 2020