Read on Twitter
I was just asked what were some of my takeaways from the story on Gov. Stitt's initial response to the pandemic and I thought I'd share my answer in tweet thread form. If you aren't familiar with the story, here it is https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/confusion-defiance-and-focus-on-personal-responsibility-shaped-gov-stitts-initial-pandemic-response/
First, and maybe not something that has received as much attention, is the governor will change his mind on an issue. When it came to ordering the closure of businesses and restaurants Stitt was adamantly opposed even a day before he ultimately made such an order.
Now, does that mean he will change his mind on issues now, such as a mask mandate? I don't know. But if he ever did order masks (and I don't think he will) it wouldn't be the first time he ordered something he once vowed never to do.
However, even his order closing businesses earlier this year was criticized as being too weak. Stitt believes other states have gone too far and have caused irreparable harm to their economy and as long as he never goes as far as other states then OK's economy will be better off.
Another strong belief seems to be that the pandemic, while serious (and Stitt has always said it is serious), is a global issue that can not be solved by one state. He believes the state has a role when it comes to logistics (testing, vaccine delivery, etc) ...
... but imposing strict measures (shelter in place, mask wearing) won't fix the problem.
Stitt is a businessman and always appeared more comfortable talking to other business groups than medical professionals or even other lawmakers. Although I think he has improved in that area and has a better understanding of the medical response to COVID today.
