Tony's Diary Package — page 40

Where politicians fumble and other government health officials step back, he steps up to explain. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaking before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.Credit...Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times By Denise Grady • March 8, 2020, 3:04 p.m. ET • • Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious diseases, is widely respected for his ability to explain science without talking down to his audience -- and lately, for managing to correct the president's pronouncements without saying he is wrong. President Trump said that drug companies would make a coronavirus vaccine ready "soon." Dr. Fauci has repeatedly stepped up after the president to the lectern during televised briefings or at White House round tables to amend that timetable, giving a more accurate estimate of at least a year or 18 months. Mr. Trump said a "cure" might be possible. Dr. Fauci explained that antiviral drugs were being studied to see if they might make the illness less severe. The president also said the