The Thanksgiving divide caused by coronavirus was on full display on Monday after MSNBC’s Katy Tur urged viewers to cook a turkey and mashed potatoes that they would eat alone.
“Don’t travel this holiday season,” she said after pleading with the audience to wear a mask. “Stay home. Cook a turkey for yourself. Eat all of the mashed potatoes by yourself. That’s what I’m going to do.”
Her commentary spread into various camps on social media, which framed her message as a holiday life-saver or a lying busybody.
Some viewers who first watched the commentary in footage provided by Grabien Media Founder Tom Elliott responded as follows:
- “Wonder if we can get the NSA to watch and make sure she holds true to her statement.”
- “Why do I get this feeling she’ll be out & about, big time, on inauguration night?”
- “So if she’s by herself, who’s her husband eating with?”
- “She won’t. She’s lying.”
Ms. Tur then quote-tweeted Mr. Elliott’s post with the caveat: “[Eating] with a little help from [husband] @tonydokoupil and Teddy.”
The anchor’s Twitter feed welcomed the updated message:
- “Love your persistence day after day reminding people to wear masks. I don’t hesitate to say you’ve probably saved a life. Happy Thanksgiving.”
- “I just wanted to say how awesome you are every day. Thank you for everything you do.”
- “I’m doing the same thing. I have turkey dinner from Boston Market. Eating alone.”
Americans have debated over what to do over the holidays for weeks, given an uptick in the number of positive COVID-19 cases.
Over 10 million total U.S. patients have been reported since the virus spread from China early in the year.
With a little help from @tonydokoupil and Teddy. https://t.co/Wonvs2cwlB
— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) November 23, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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