On Tuesday, I witnessed the president and his followers refuse to do the bare minimum to protect others. Under the rules of the debate, no one could enter unless they tested negative for the coronavirus and agreed to wear a mask while inside — but they acted as if the rules simply did not apply to them (ironic, given Trump’s fixation on so-called “law and order”). If Trump’s family and supporters had worn masks in that debate hall, they would have reduced exposure for everyone at the event. Biden, who spoke directly about the grief so many of us have suffered, shows his care and respect for other people — starting with the simple act of wearing a mask. For that conscientiousness, Trump jeered at him: “He could be speaking 200 feet away from me, and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”

I wouldn’t wish covid-19 on my worst enemy. I saw firsthand the darkest result of this virus: an undignified and lonesome death. With his diagnosis, Trump’s complete failure to manage this crisis is more blatant than before. Irresponsible is an understatement: It is criminal.