Last Thursday, Gov. Jim Justice made a spectacle of himself when he went on a five-minute rant disparaging Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin and her legitimate request for the state to do more to address homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse.
The highlight of Justice’s tirade — delivered during his COVID briefing — was this gem: “Amy, baby, listen. If you can get the Legislature to go along with a special session to discuss these bills, I’ll absolutely do it.”
The outrage was instantaneous — and rightfully so.
Goodwin had written a letter to the governor and the Legislature asking for a special session to address a statewide problem. Justice responded by personally attacking Goodwin, calling her request a political move and publicity stunt and implying the issues mentioned are only a problem in her backyard. (Dare we mention that it’s his backyard, too?)
His condescending and misogynistic “baby” was just the cherry on top of his ignorance sundae.
Of course, Justice could have saved himself this embarrassment (and Mayor Goodwin the insult) if he would use the COVID briefings for their intended purpose: to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to combat it.
Justice regularly — and infamously — spends an infuriating amount of time talking about things unrelated to COVID. He keeps a rather impressive lineup of experts waiting on the sidelines while he goes on political tangents, repeats himself like a broken record, chastises the media and parades out talking heads to sing his praises.
Honestly, Justice should have little-to-nothing to do with the COVID briefings. A year ago, when he had updates on mask mandates and business closures, it made sense for the governor to take center stage. But with no policy changes happening, Justice needs to turn the microphone over to the experts.
Dr. Clay Marsh, as the COVID-19 czar, should lead the briefing, giving the stats on vaccinations, case counts, hospitalizations and deaths. He could then update the public on any FDA approvals for different vaccine types (e.g. Moderna and J&J boosters, or Pfizer for kids under 12, etc.) that may have come up, as well as any information from studies or clinical trials regarding the coronavirus, its prevention or treatment.
Joint Interagency Task Force Director Gen. James Hoyer could then discuss the allocation and transportation of vaccine doses, as well as any issues that may interfere with people’s ability to receive the vaccine, so the public can stay informed. Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch and Dr. Ayne Amjad could then give the status of hospitals and long-term care or assisted living facilities. Then so on and so forth down the list of experts who regularly appear at Justice’s briefings to give us information actually related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for Justice, until he has something relevant to say, he can sit quietly and stoically off to the side — like Babydog.
