The fight against this global COVID-19 pandemic cries out for leadership. Since the president has refused to lead, the public is forced to depend on Fauci's fact-based medical advice on how the nation can recover.
For a time this spring, Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx were regular participants in the daily White House coronavirus news conferences, but no more.
Fauci's exclusion comes at a critical time when clear health guidance is necessary to limit infection rates. Instead, a common-sense health recommendation to wear face coverings has devolved into a needless political battle by those on the right, and confusion roils states in varying degrees of re-opening, re-closing.