As annoying as Fauci’s glad-handling and gaslighting can be, it at least  has the virtue of being more laid back then Birx’s scolding maiden aunt routine. Fauci got as far as he did by playing politics, sucking up to both sides selectively, but Birx is more representative of the arrogance of the establishment class which can’t even conceive that there is any other point of view. 

That leads to awkward moments like this.

“We know people may have made mistakes over the Thanksgiving time period,” Birx said in an interview with “Face the Nation.” “If you’re young and you gathered, you need to be tested about five to 10 days later. But you need to assume that you’re infected and not go near your grandparents and aunts and others without a mask.”

Good news, sinners. If you get test, Birx might be willing to forgive you for having Thanksgiving dinner.

“To every American, this is the moment to protect yourself and your family,” she said. “So if your governor or your mayor isn’t doing the policies that we know are critical — masking, physical distancing, avoiding bars, avoiding crowded indoor areas — if those restrictions don’t exist in your state, you need to take it upon yourself to be restricted. You need to not go to these places. You need to protect your family now.”

There’s the condescension, the implied political criticism, and the general air of smugness wrapped in a completely unearned holier-than-thou attitude. It’s always there along with the elaborate scarves, the carefully coiffed hair that’s clearly the product of one of those “indoor” places, and the prominent mask in a remote television appearance where it’s unlikely that anyone is near her, and is clearly being worn just for show.

Birx said she hopes to begin briefing the incoming Biden administration Monday

Finally, something that makes me feel sorry for Biden.