May 14, 2019

Beto O'Rourke says Vanity Fair spread was "elitist"

Beto O'Rourke discussed the criticism surrounding the Vanity Fair profile that kicked off his 2020 presidential run on Tuesday, agreeing with the co-hosts of ABC's "The View" that the spread was "elitist."

What he's saying: O'Rourke said the spread "[reinforced] that perception of privilege," singling out his statement that he was "born to be in" the 2020 race. He focused much of his response on highlighting wage gaps between men and women, as well as wage gaps between people of color and white people, and added, "No one is born to be president of the United States of America, least of all me."

Go deeper: Beto O'Rourke clarifies "I'm just born to be in it" remark

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Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen

What top CEOs fear telling America about the coronavirus shutdown

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Top CEOs, in private conversations and pleas to President Trump, are warning of economic catastrophe if America doesn't begin planning for a phased return to work as soon as May, corporate leaders tell Axios.

Why it matters: The CEOs say massive numbers of companies, big and small, could go under if business and government don't start urgent talks about ways groups of workers can return.

Go deeper19 mins ago - Economy & Business

Caitlin Owens

Health care workers vs. the coronavirus

Photo Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photos: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images, Bruce Bennett/Getty Images, and Europa Press News/Europa Press via Getty Images

Health care workers are at an especially high risk of catching the coronavirus, because of their prolonged exposure to patients who have it. Making matters worse, the U.S. doesn't have enough of the protective equipment, like masks and gloves, that keeps them safe.

And yet these workers, with loved ones of their own, keep showing up at hospitals across the country, knowing that more Americans than they can possibly care for are depending on them.

Go deeper28 mins ago - Health

Amy Harder

Coronavirus crisis tests Trump’s love for cheap oil

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

President Trump is working to help an oil industry imploding as the coronavirus crisis chokes demand, but listen closely and you’ll hear his enduring love for cheap prices.

Why it matters: He’s like most Americans, who worry about energy only when it’s expensive or gone. As president, Trump has been slow and uneven in responding to the sector’s turmoil because of his inclination to cheer rock-bottom prices.

Go deeper58 mins ago - Energy & Environment