Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on why Democratic governors are rolling back mask mandates despite CDC guidance. She discusses the shifting political tides as public sentiment leans towards normalcy, highlighting emotional struggles faced by families. The conversation touches on the pressures governors face balancing constituents' demands with health data and the implications for the Biden administration amidst ongoing debates over pandemic responses.
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NJ Governor's Tight Race
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy faced an unexpectedly tight re-election race in November.
This prompted focus groups to understand the shifting voter sentiment around COVID policies.
insights INSIGHT
Voter Frustration and School Disruptions
Focus groups revealed voter frustration with ongoing COVID restrictions and a desire for normalcy.
A key concern was the disruption to schools, impacting children's education and mental health.
insights INSIGHT
Conflicting Guidance
Governors saw a window to loosen restrictions as Omicron receded, but faced conflicting federal guidance.
They sought clear guidelines from the White House on transitioning from a pandemic to an endemic approach.
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One by one, blue states across the United States have been rolling back their Covid-19 restrictions, going against C.D.C. guidelines that are still backed by the White House.
Why are governors in states like California, Illinois and New York taking those actions? And what do they say about the shifting politics of the pandemic?
Guest: Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.
Have you lost a loved one during the pandemic? The Daily is working on a special episode memorializing those we have lost to the coronavirus. If you would like to share their name on the episode, please RECORD A VOICE MEMO and send it to us at thedaily@nytimes.com. You can find more information and specific instructions here.
Background reading:
Democratic governors have been easing Covid rules in a loosely coordinated effort that is the result of months of public-health planning, back-channel discussions and political focus groups.
The Daily 