Neanderthal Thinking

Presumably everyone is aware by now of Biden's comment that lifting mask mandates is the result of "Neanderthal thinking."  It is only marginally surprising to see a Democraic President insult Republican governors in this way.  It would have been more surprising, perhaps shocking, 25 or 50 years ago, but hardly unusual these days.  (Although it may be the first use by a major public official of "Neanderthal" as a pejoritive; at least, I can't recall any others.)

What could he have said?  How could Biden have phrased his comments differently to make the same point but without the contemptuous overtones?  It isn't all that hard to come up with something.  "I realize that it is tempting to open up public spaces and get rid of mask mandates as soon as possible," he might have said.  "We do need to get to that point, but I think we aren't there yet.  The dangers of premature opening are too great, and the goal of having universal vaccination is too close, for us to take that chance.  I hope the governors who are making these decisions will reconsider, for the sake of their citizens and all Americans."  See, that wasn't so hard, and I don't even agree with Biden.  He could have said it nicely, without insulting anyone, and it would have had all the more force for being magnanimous.  Instead he just comes off like someone who is out of touch.

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