At Friday's, March 20, White House coronavirus daily briefing, highly regarded NBC Correspondent Peter Alexander asked President Trump; "What do you say to Americans who are watching right now...who are scared?"

Alexander's respectful, relevant question elicited one of the most vicious, venal attacks on a reporter, by a president, in recent memory. "I'd say that you're a terrible reporter" bellowed Trump adding "you should be ashamed of yourself."

This outrageous non-presidential like attack by Trump on a reporter underlines Trump's petty, malicious and uninformed character. And, as Alexander said: "I asked a softball question. Giving the president an opportunity to soothe the nation."

Trump's repeated, unprovoked attacks on White House reporters is one thing. But, more importantly, Trump's daily lying and misrepresenting of facts, fueling the public's fear, are of much greater concern. It has prompted serious discussion and debate among news organizations as whether to stop covering the president's daily "fake news" virus briefs.

Perhaps it's time!

Bob Sirkin

Old Lyme