Wednesday, August 18, 2021: Covid Boosters Available From September

The White House lays out the case for Covid-19 vaccination booster shots being available from September 20, with The Surgeon General saying the available data proves third shots are necessary because the vaccine wanes over time and also because the delta variant is so virulent.

There is rage and desperation in Afghanistan with thousands of Americans still stranded in the country, plus thousands more Afghans who trusted American promises to get them out. The Biden Administration admits it is relying on the Taliban to guarantee safe passage to Hamid Karzai airport for Americans and Afghans alike.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a statement from his office, following footage of the Governor at an indoor political event on Monday, mingling in a maskless crowd, contrary to CDC guidelines.

Broward and Alachua Public Schools continue to defy Governor Desantis’ ban on mask mandates. Miami Dade and Hillsborough County School Boards are due to meet this week to decide the action they will take as more than 4,700 Florida students and teachers have tested positive for Covid-19 in the first week of school.

U.S. intelligence reports earlier this summer warned of the rapid collapse of the Afghanistan Military despite President Biden’s assurances. As Democrats blast the President over the chaotic Afghan withdrawal they also vow to investigate White House ‘failures’ in Afghanistan.

On today’s panel: CNN Political Analyst Margaret Talev, The New York Times’ Zolan Kanno-Youngs, The Washington Post’s Karoun Demirjian, Professor Vali Nasr, Professor William Schaffner, CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr, CNN National Security Correspondent Kylie Atwood and CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins.

Hosted by John King.

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