Fauci Settles Vaccine Concerns As Pence Paints Rosy Picture

WASHINGTON, DC — Returning to the White House podium for the first time in months, Dr. Anthony Fauci on Thursday worked to settle concerns about a potential coronavirus vaccine and assured Americans that "help is on the way."

Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, was among several public health officials who spoke during a briefing of the White House coronavirus task force. For the first time since July, the group spoke publicly on concerns surrounding a surge in positive COVID-19 cases around the country, which has led to a spike in hospitalizations and more deaths.

During his remarks, Fauci said the Food and Drug Administration will thoroughly study the data before it approves any emergency use of a vaccine and he wants to “put to rest any concept that this was rushed in an inappropriate way."

"This is really solid,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Fauci said it's time for the American people to wear a mask, avoid crowds and do things as much as possible outdoors rather than indoors.

Vice President Mike Pence and others spent much of the briefing painting an optimistic portrait of the nation’s response to the pandemic, particularly touting the progress made on a vaccine.

“America has never been more prepared to combat this virus than we are today,” Pence said. “We approach this moment with the confidence of experience. We know the American people know what to do.”

In contrast, Dr. Deborah Birx provided a dire look at the pandemic's current toll on the United States, urging Americans to “increase their vigilance” as they await the approval of a vaccine.

Armed with statistics and an alarming map of the country illustrating a vast expanse of bright red, Birx implored Americans to practice social distancing and to wear masks, one of which she wore herself as she delivered her remarks.

“Every American needs to be vigilant in this moment,” she said, “because we know when you are we can mitigate this virus and stop the spread together.”

President Donald Trump, who has not conceded the election, was not in attendance, nor was task force member Dr. Scott Atlas, who has expressed skepticism about masks.

Pence concluded the task force briefing without taking questions or urging Americans not to travel at Thanksgiving as the virus rages.

Instead, the vice president walked out of the briefing room and ignored shouted questions as to whether he acknowledged the election result and whether or not cooperating with the transition was endangering American lives by not delivering vital vaccine information to President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration.

The briefing was a stark contrast to one held earlier in the day by President-elect Joe Biden, who has pressed on in planning his administration's coronavirus response, despite the White House continuing to hinder the flow of information to Biden and his camp.

“Unfortunately, my administration hasn’t been able to get everything we need,” the president-elect said during a video conference with the National Governors Association’s leadership team, which includes five Republicans and four Democrats.

Biden participated from a theater in Wilmington with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the Associated Press reported. Also appearing online were the leaders of Biden's virus task force: Vivek Murthy, a former surgeon general; David Kessler, a former head of the Food and Drug Administration; and Marcella Nunez-Smith of Yale University.

Among the Democratic governors participating was Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a state that's been among those Trump has targeted for unfounded claims of fraud.

“I want you to know that I will be your partner in the White House,” Biden told the governors, including Republicans Larry Hogan of Maryland, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, Kay Ivey of Alabama, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts and Gary Herbert of Utah.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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