Pence calls 200,000 Covid deaths a ‘heartbreaking milestone’ but says things could’ve been worse
As the U.S. passed a grim milestone of 200,000 coronavirus-related deaths, Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday sent his condolences to victims and their families while also saying things could have been worse.
Six weeks from the election, Pence spoke at a Make America Great Again event in Gilford, N.H., to raise support for President Donald Trump in a state that he narrowly lost in 2016. Addressing the news of the new 200,000 death count midday, Pence called it a “heartbreaking milestone.” He contended, however, that matters could have gotten much worse without what he said was Trump’s early action of “putting the health of America first,” along with the help of medical professionals and the sacrifice of American citizens.
“I know in my heart that we have saved hundreds of thousands of American lives,” he said.
Pence’s comments, however, are a stark contrast to the reality the U.S. faces as it continues to lead the world in Covid-19 cases and deaths. Just five months ago, even 100,000 deaths were unfathomable to Trump, who said: “Minimal numbers were going to be 100,000 people. And we’re going to be, hopefully, far below that.”
Pence on Tuesday also promised a “safe and effective coronavirus vaccine before the end of this year,” a projection that has been backed by Trump and his advisers, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
“We’re protecting the vulnerable, we’re saving lives and developing lifesaving medicines,” the vice president said in New Hampshire. “That’s testament to the strength and resilience of the people of this country and the people of this great state.”
