Vaccine distribution on the horizon as U.S. approaches 300,000 COVID-19 deaths

 The U.S. is approaching 300,000 COVID-19 deaths as cases continue to spike nationwide. More than 15.7 million cases have been confirmed, resulting in a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions. But there's positive news on the vaccine front, following an FDA panel's recommendation to authorize emergency use of Pfizer's vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans in motion ahead of FDA's authorization

 While the U.S. waits for the Food and Drug Administration's decision to give Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine emergency-use authorization, the wheels are already turning to roll out the vaccine almost immediately. The Pfizer plant in western Michigan said it's ready to ship 6.4 million doses within 24 hours of approval.

CBS News interview with ICE whistleblower interrupted by surprise visit from government agents (video)

In his first television interview, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson James Schwab has opened up about why he abruptly resigned in March. But his interview with CBS News' Jamie Yuccas on Wednesday was unexpectedly interrupted by agents identifying themselves as agents from the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's Office.

"They just said that they wanted to talk to me about the leak with the Oakland mayor," Schwab said of his conversation with the agents.  

Before the surprise visit, Schwab told Yuccas that both the Obama and Trump White Houses asked him to "spin" information. But he said he felt compelled to resign after the current administration told him to lie about an incident that pitted the government against Oakland's mayor. 

James Comey Testimony Live on CBSN

Americas Broadcast Media Has Enabled Donald Trump And His Offending Rhetoric: Until Today

Americas broadcast media has done nothing but enable Donald Trump and his incendiary rhetoric. Allowing him to spew forth racism, misogyny, nativism and various forms of bigotry all the while hoping for more. Why? Ratings, which equal higher advertising rates. In the last two weeks the atmosphere at Trump's campaign events have taken a rather freighting turn towards violence. With Donald Trump encouraging his followers through his speech to physically attack protesters. Finally after the events of Friday night in Chicago which culminated a week of violent altercations between Trump's sycophants and protesters they've woken up to the ugliness that is the Donald Trump campaign.

Donald Trump Offers Up His Opinion On North Korea: Yes, It's Ignorance In Prefection

Donald Trump appearing on the American network CBS morning news program offer up his opinions on North Korea and Kim-Jong un.  Needles to say it was quite insightful.  Insightful as his opinions showed ignorance, a complete  misunderstanding of the geopolitical consequences,  how nation states interact and that American foreign policy is conducted by fiat.  

On China and forcing them to be America's foreign policy proxy on North Korea

"I would get China to make that guy [Kim Jong Un] disappear in one form or another very quickly," Trump said Wednesday on "CBS This Morning," fresh off his New Hampshire primary victory.

Asked whether that meant assassinating the dictator of the reclusive regime, Trump shrugged.

"Well, you know, I've heard of worse things, frankly. I mean this guy's a bad dude -- and don't underestimate him," Trump responded. "Any young guy that can take over from his father with all those generals and everybody else that probably wants the position, this is not somebody to be underestimated."

Does Donald Trump understand what he's suggesting is not only illegal but what the consequences would be from such an outcome?  

North Korea is unpredictable at the best of times, so if its leader were assassinated wouldn't that just raise  their paranoia level to 11 followed by following by armed conflict with South Korea whom they would blame for the Kim's death with America being the puppet master behind the South's actions.

China and its control over North Korea:

"China has control, absolute control of North Korea. They don't say it, but they do, and they should make that problem disappear," Trump said. "China is sucking us dry. They're taking our money, they're taking our jobs and doing so much. We have rebuilt China with what they've taken out. We have power over China. China should do that." 

China has joined with other countries condemning North Korea over its missile and nuclear tests  and has voted for sanctions in the United Nations  Security Council along with sending top Communist party leaders to Pyongyang on diplomatic missions in, what turned out to be fruitless efforts in dissuading them from conducting these tests.  

Whether you agree with China's North Korea policy they have their reasons. 

If China were to cut off economic aid their would be several  possible outcomes all of which they abhor. 

The reunification of Korea which could lead to an American allied country with its military stationed in the country now sharing a border with China.  

Political instability in Northeast Asia which they view as favoring the Americans and their allies and as a threat to China.

Because China views any North Korean that crosses into the country as an economic refugee rather than one fleeing a repressive authoritarian government they are forcibly repatriated when caught. A collapse of the North Korean government would lead to a flood of refugees into Northeast China. Such an occurrence they believe would cause political and economic disruption an issue they seem unable to cope with.