The following was sent to the Ohio representatives of the Trump and Biden campaigns:
The Your Voice Ohio media collaborative of more than 50 news outlets conducted a statewide survey asking Ohioans to define their most important issues this election year. They identified COVID-19 as by far the most important issue.
In follow-up online dialogues, Ohioans were asked to discuss COVID-19 in greater detail. Among their most important concerns were:
• Insufficient speedy and accurate tests
• Confused messaging
• Lack of what they thought was a clear plan.
We have developed the following question for the presidential campaigns based on what we heard Ohioans say.
Question for the candidate:
What do you think are the responsibilities and limitations of a president regarding the three issues outlined above? And considering responsibilities and limitations, what would you do, specifically as the executive or in cooperation with Congress, to address this pandemic or any that may occur in the future?
Trump campaign
The Donald J. Trump campaign did not respond. Messages were sent to the Ohio campaign, the national campaign and the Ohio GOP.
Biden campaign
This statement was received from the Biden Ohio campaign director Toni Webb:
“Donald Trump is not to blame for the coronavirus, but he does bear responsibility for failing to respond to it. The American people need trusted, stable and clear leadership to guide us out of this pandemic and to address the economic pain it has caused all across Ohio. Joe Biden has a comprehensive strategy to save lives, protect workers and help our economy build back better.”
Background:
Joe Biden’s decisive response to the pandemic will ensure:
• Widespread testing and contact tracing
• Free testing and treatment for the coronavirus
• The development of a safe and effective vaccine
• The production and deployment of necessary supplies, personnel and facilities
Joe Biden will support families by implementing emergency paid leave for all people affected by the outbreak. And he will provide help to the workers, families, and small businesses that have been hit the hardest by this crisis. For more on Joe Biden’s plans to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, visit joebiden.com/covid19-leadership.
