ToplineJen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated Friday that, despite heated back-and forth between the White House & Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is not the only Republican governor who believes that most other Republican governors have responded well to a recent surge in coronavirus cases.Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, speaks during the daily briefing at The White House in Washington, Friday Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh). ASSOCIATED PRESSThe Key FactsPsaki was asked during a press conference to name some Republican governors who are working on coronavirus. He said that the majority of Republican governors are doing the right things. Charlie Baker and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Arkansas Governor both introduced vaccine mandates recently. Asa Hutchinson has expressed regret for signing a law that banned mask mandates. Psaki stated that the virus response is not politically motivated and vowed to work with governors of all political stripes. Greg Abbott to step aside if they don't want to follow public health guidelines.Chief CriticYou don't have to do your job. Why don't we make this border secure? DeSantis stated Wednesday that he doesn't want to hear anything about COVID until you do. This was in response to criticisms from the White House regarding his coronavirus response. When asked about DeSantis' comments on Thursday, President Joe Biden replied, "Governor who?"Surprising FactDeSantis was more serious in acknowledging the severeness of Florida's coronavirus outbreak a day later. On Thursday, DeSantis stated that this is our COVID Season. He added, "I don't know if we expected to see this many positive tests."Big Number116% According to the New York Times data, this is how many coronavirus hospitalizations in Florida have increased over the past two weeks. There has also been an 112% increase in deaths. Hospitalizations in Massachusetts have increased 87% and Maryland has seen 67%, while deaths in both states are down, as vaccine rates in these states are higher than Florida.Additional viewing
