ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today joined CNN’s ‘State of the Union’ with Jake Tapper to discuss Maryland’s continued response to COVID-19, including masking in schools, and the state of the Republican Party.
On COVID-19 and masking in schools:
“We’ve got the lowest case rate in America in Maryland, and we’re really making tremendous progress. We lifted our statewide mask mandate last May, but the school systems—which are autonomous and have their own authority—I don’t really have direct control over them. But we’re recommending very strongly that they lift it.”
“I do think the CDC is far behind. They’ve had confusing and delayed decision making, confusing guidance. We were at the White House with all the governors a week or so ago, and it’s nearly universal bipartisan support for moving forward and putting this thing behind us. Not living in fear of the virus but finding a way to live with it and it’s going to be an endemic for a long time. But the kids have suffered so much, and I think the CDC will likely have to take action. But in the meantime, I believe our schools, our State Board of Education, is going to act in the next week or so, to move forward and take masks off the kids.”
On Republicans standing up to President Biden:
“I think they’re sometimes focused on the wrong things, not just being a roadblock to Biden. There’s certain things where we want to stand up to President Biden. The inflation is out of control, and we’re talking about trillions in more spending. We want to make sure that we do stand up and speak out, but I’m concerned that they’re focusing too much on looking at the past and trying to relitigate the last election and arguing about things instead of having a positive hopeful vision for America.”
On the Republican Party:
“I’m going to run through the tape as governor until January of next year. I’m going to try to be the very best governor I can be. I’m going to continue to stand up and be a voice. I’m not going to sit back and not be involved in the issues of the day. I’m concerned about the direction of the party and the country, and I’ll make a decision about 2024 after I finish this job.”
“I consider myself a common sense conservative. I have been a lifelong Republican. I believe that that’s where most people in America are. About 70% of the people in America are completely frustrated with politics on both sides, Republicans and Democrats. The latest CNN poll came out and said right now only 50% of the Republicans would like to see Donald Trump run again. I believe that there is a pretty large lane of sane Republicans, and they’re looking for a voice.”
“I’ve been speaking out loudly and strongly about this battle for the soul of the party. To say it’s legitimate political discourse to attack the seat of our Capitol and smash windows and attack police officers and threaten to hang the vice president and threaten to overthrow the election—it’s insanity. There’s a circular firing squad where we attack Republicans. The Republican Party that I want to get back to is the one that believes in freedom and truth and not one that attacks people who don’t swear 100% fealty to the ‘Dear Leader.’”
On COVID-19 and masking in schools:
“We’ve got the lowest case rate in America in Maryland, and we’re really making tremendous progress. We lifted our statewide mask mandate last May, but the school systems—which are autonomous and have their own authority—I don’t really have direct control over them. But we’re recommending very strongly that they lift it.”
“I do think the CDC is far behind. They’ve had confusing and delayed decision making, confusing guidance. We were at the White House with all the governors a week or so ago, and it’s nearly universal bipartisan support for moving forward and putting this thing behind us. Not living in fear of the virus but finding a way to live with it and it’s going to be an endemic for a long time. But the kids have suffered so much, and I think the CDC will likely have to take action. But in the meantime, I believe our schools, our State Board of Education, is going to act in the next week or so, to move forward and take masks off the kids.”
On Republicans standing up to President Biden:
“I think they’re sometimes focused on the wrong things, not just being a roadblock to Biden. There’s certain things where we want to stand up to President Biden. The inflation is out of control, and we’re talking about trillions in more spending. We want to make sure that we do stand up and speak out, but I’m concerned that they’re focusing too much on looking at the past and trying to relitigate the last election and arguing about things instead of having a positive hopeful vision for America.”
On the Republican Party:
“I’m going to run through the tape as governor until January of next year. I’m going to try to be the very best governor I can be. I’m going to continue to stand up and be a voice. I’m not going to sit back and not be involved in the issues of the day. I’m concerned about the direction of the party and the country, and I’ll make a decision about 2024 after I finish this job.”
“I consider myself a common sense conservative. I have been a lifelong Republican. I believe that that’s where most people in America are. About 70% of the people in America are completely frustrated with politics on both sides, Republicans and Democrats. The latest CNN poll came out and said right now only 50% of the Republicans would like to see Donald Trump run again. I believe that there is a pretty large lane of sane Republicans, and they’re looking for a voice.”
“I’ve been speaking out loudly and strongly about this battle for the soul of the party. To say it’s legitimate political discourse to attack the seat of our Capitol and smash windows and attack police officers and threaten to hang the vice president and threaten to overthrow the election—it’s insanity. There’s a circular firing squad where we attack Republicans. The Republican Party that I want to get back to is the one that believes in freedom and truth and not one that attacks people who don’t swear 100% fealty to the ‘Dear Leader.’”
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