‘Raring to Go by Easter’

<p>Last week, President Trump called himself a “wartime president” as he faced up to the threat caused by the coronavirus. But only days later — and with the crisis escalating — he has abandoned that message. What changed?</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/maggie-haberman?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank">Maggie Haberman</a>, who covers the White House for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. </p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>Despite the warnings, President Trump said he believed a crippled economy and forced social isolation would<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-easter.html" target="_blank"> inflict more harm than the spread of the virus</a>.</li><li>Mr. Trump is now<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/us/politics/coronavirus-trump-wartime-president.html" target="_blank"> facing a personal dilemma</a> as he responds to the crisis: How can he save his campaign for re-election when so much is suddenly going so wrong?</li><li>The White House and Congress have reached<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/coronavirus-news-maps.html" target="_blank"> a $2 trillion stimulus deal</a>, the biggest such package in modern American history. The plan would offer jobless benefits to individuals and direct cash payments to taxpayers.</li></ul>