The head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force is being criticized for not wearing a mask during a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota yesterday.
Yes, Vice President Mike Pence appears to be the ONLY person not wearing a mask during a visit to patients at the Mayo Clinic - which defied clinic orders requiring ALL patients, doctors, nurses and visitors to wear a mask. But Pence refused to wear a mask.
The Vice President was asked why he refused to wear a mask and his response was, “As the Vice President of the United States I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis and everyone who is around me is tested for coronavirus.” Pence went on to say that he wanted to look the workers and the researchers “in the eye and say thank you.” What? There is no guidance suggesting that a mask be worn over your eyes.
Since VP Pence’s excuse for not wearing a mask during a hospital visit is as lame as Bill Clinton saying that he smoked marijuana but didn’t inhale, the question about Pence refusing to wear a mask is legit.
The Mayo Clinic was quick to tweet that the vice president was informed of the policy that everyone should wear a mask - but the tweet was taken down after speculation that the White House was embarrassed by backlash.
Why didn’t the Vice President and head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force refuse to wear a mask? The excuse that Pence wanted to look people in the eye is so absurd that it suggests that he had no acceptable excuse other than he doesn’t like the way he looks in a mask or feels that, as vice president, he is above the demands he is willing to make on others. Either way - it’s another pathetic example of the privileged mentality of politicians.
Admittedly, wearing a mask was very strange at first - but I have gotten used to it. While wearing one may not be comfortable or our best look - medical and health experts overwhelmingly support the idea that wearing masks is important to containing COVID-19.
At his press conferences - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards does not wear a mask - but says he does wear one when he is in a group in a public place. If that’s true - then perhaps Gov. Edwards should wear a mask pulled down off of his face when he talks to the media. That would be a positive, example-setting gesture because as soon as the press conference is over - the Governor is with a group.
To her credit - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been wearing a mask to her press briefings and pulls it down when she speaks at the podium. However, the Mayor was seen wiping her face with her mask which I assume is not congruent with COVID mask-wearing etiquette.
We have countless examples of political leaders showing us they feel they are above the rest of us and that they do not always do as they say. Criticizing Pence over this should not be seen as criticism of a Republican - it should be seen as criticism of behavior.
The American people should never be afraid to criticize the words or behavior because of the perception that the criticism is politically motivated. We - the people - must be free to hold politicians accountable - regardless of political loyalty.
