It’s odd that we don’t hear much about American exceptionalism any more, especially considering the way this country proves its uniqueness practically every day — even if it is by setting new worldwide records for new coronavirus cases and deaths. This past Wednesday, in fact, the US surpassed the record for highest single day Covid death toll with 3,157 deaths. That’s roughly the same number as died on 9-11 — and there’s no end in sight. THERE’s your American exceptionalism.

In this clip Cenk and Ana discuss the skyrocketing numbers, focusing in particular on the response from Florida’s GOP governor Ron DeSantis, who remains defiant in his opposition to mask mandates and lockdowns, arguing that states like Minnesota, Illinois and New Jersey have seen rising case numbers despite mandates and lockdowns. Ana exasperatedly points out that these measures aren’t designed to eradicate the virus, but merely to “flatten the curve” so that hospitals and other health care facilities aren’t overwhelmed, which is exactly what’s happening, but she acknowledges that politicians like DeSantis don’t care about the truth, they just want to keep businesses open to make their donors happy, regardless of the cost in human lives.

Cenk, for his part, laments that since Republicans seem determined not to do anything to slow the spread, led of course by our president who is DEFINITELY not going to do anything, he can only recommend that his family - and everyone else’s family, really - avoid any potential contact with Republicans as they are likely to be diseased. Literally.