“It is what it is.”

It is a saying that was annoyingly brainless when it first appeared on the scene, was buried as a useless cliche and blessedly fell out of general usage. But Trump’s dismissive use of the cliche, responding to Jonathan Swan’s pressure regarding the number of deaths, will ring in people’s ears from now until Trump is out of office.

One thing that Americans didn’t want to hear after Pearl Harbor, the 60s civil rights protests, the Cold War, or 9-11, is some dismissive cliche, “it is what it is,” from a president. Americans want an adult who can assess the situation and do something about it, not throw one’s hands up and act like there’s nothing to be done, or challenge someone to do better.

This video has staying power, even though it was produced overnight:

NEW DIGITAL AD: With 156,000+ Americans dead, 1,000+ dying each day, millions more infected, and tens of millions out of work, all @realDonaldTrump has to say is "it is what it is." Mr. President, It only “is what it is” because YOU gave up on fighting the virus. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/k6zUCrEkSH

— Coronavirus War Room (@Covid19WarRoom) August 4, 2020

That is one damned powerful video-ad.

Trump’s approval rating on COVID right now is 31%, only 31% of the country trusts Trump do handle the COVID crisis. Moreover, as if it even need be said, the country cannot do anything else, whether economic or social, until the COVID crisis is settled. It needs a war declaration and a war plan – not an “It is what it is.” One might as well get out a white flag if that’s the attitude.

Testing. Contact tracing. Isolation. Following public health orders. It’s not rocket surgery. #PublicHealth #Unfit #VoteHimOut

— Gem (@GemOfRock) August 4, 2020

No. It isn’t rocket surgery or brain science. But it does take a leader. It takes someone who can gather up a majority of the country and rally everyone together in a cause bigger than themselves. Trump isn’t that man, he has given up on doing anything about it. “It is what it is.”