Could Trump Turn a Vaccine Into a Campaign Stunt?

[fromVT]

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/opinion/trump-coronavirus-vaccine.html

Oct. 23, 2020, 9 a.m., with 10 days before the election, Fox New releases a poll showing President Trump trailing Joe Biden by eight percentage points.

Oct. 23, 2020, 3 p.m., at a hastily convened news conference, President Trump announces that the Food and Drug Administration has just issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a coronavirus vaccine. Mr. Trump declares victory over Covid-19, demands that all businesses reopen immediately and predicts a rapid economic recovery.

Given how this president has behaved, this incredibly dangerous scenario is not far-fetched. In a desperate search for a political boost, he could release a coronavirus vaccine before it had been thoroughly tested and shown to be safe and effective.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. It could certainly happen

I don't know for sure how many people will buy it though at that point. I mean, he's pretty much declared victory over it with 110K plus (and rising) dead and no reliable treatments or vaccine having been developed and people are being forced to shuffle back to work in various shapes and sizes.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

2. Could a bear shit in the woods? nt

[SoonerPride]

3. Worse. He will say if he isn't re-elected the public won't GET THE VACCINE.

He will hold the country hostage through a fake claim of having sole access to the vaccine and we can all die without him being our savior.

I fully expect it.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Dollars to donuts he'll pull some kind of evil stunt...

It's what Repubs do.

[ooky]

5. Sure. He'll tell any lie he thinks will work for him and at least about

35% or so will absolutely believe his lie.

[Hugin]

6. The set-up is already in place after the HHS Secretary announced a vaccine promoted by the US Govt..

"... may not be safe or effective."

So, I'll be watching for it and expecting it.

[Odoreida]

7. Sure he could. Probably will if he can. But please please please ...

... don't use that as a reason to reject the vaccine.

OK?

[Hugin]

10. I agree, but, it would be wise to establish a criteria for evaluating a possible vaccine...

Personally, I believe when a useful vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic emerges it will be no secret. So, I will be ignoring any miracle vaccines suddenly promoted solely by organs of the US Govt in general and the Trump Administration specifically. The CDC, HHS, Fauci etc.

I will look seriously at a vaccine developing a pedigree gradually and promoted by international sources and NGO health organizations.

[Initech]

8. It would be the only thing that could save his campaign.

Of course his MAGA followers reject vaccines so let's see how well that goes.

[Eyeball_Kid]

9. Even IF a vaccine is ready by the fall,

it will take YEARS for everyone to be vaccinated.

But a vaccine will NOT be ready by the fall. There are way too many chemical and biological side effects and after effects that will need to be addressed. A vaccine will have to be tweaked over and over, even if it shows partial success early on.

[Timewas]

11. Most Likely

They cannot get a vaccine ready by then for starters so if he tries that it wi l be as phony as the rest of his stuff, the magats will buy into it but that is all and I don't think that there are enough of them anymore to make a difference

[Steelrolled]

12. I'm not sure if it is a vaccine

but there are so many things going on right now that could be used to Trump's advantage (by luck, not skill).

While I can't help but hope for a fast economic recovery (particularly employment) and a vaccine, I know of the political ramifications. People have very short memories, and I have seen so many elections over the years swing in the last month.