| "Are we going to be FDR or are we going to be Herbert Hoover?" -Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on addressing Americans needs during the COVID-impacted economy
Welcome to "Face the Nation"'s Five at Five newsletter. Scroll down for your five takeaways from today's broadcast of "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan on CBS. Did someone forward you this? Sign-up at cbsnews.com/email. 1. Fauci warns against COVID complacency  Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, warned Sunday on "Face the Nation" that Americans shouldn't get complacent about following mitigation measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as the number of new cases is leveling off despite more Americans receiving vaccines. What we asked: "...How much of an impediment is sentiment like that to the nation's recovery? What Fauci said: "You know, it's- it's unfortunate, but it is- it is not really helpful because sometimes you think things are going well and just take a look at the numbers. They don't lie... We don't want to continue to prevent people from doing what they want to do. But let's get down to a good level. Let's get many, many more people vaccinated. And then you could pull back on those types of public health measures. But right now, as we're going down and plateauing, is not the time to declare victory because we're not victorious yet." Why it matters: While there has been a drop in the number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations since early January, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warned Friday that the declines could be stalling at a high number, which she said was a "very concerning shift in the trajectory." As of Friday, the seven-day average is just under 73,000 new infections, according to the CDC. While Fauci said the fall in coronavirus cases was "really sharp and encouraging," he agreed a plateau of around 70,000 new cases per day is "concerning." 2. Republican rifts: Can the GOP just get along?  While former President Trump addressed members of his party at this year's CPAC gathering, boasting of a "united" front, ongoing censures and extremist rhetoric cast some serious doubt on just how united the Republican party really is. RNC chair Ronna McDaniel and outspoken Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger appeared at opposite ends of the spectrum during interviews on "Face the Nation." What McDaniel said: "You know, we can have division within our party, and you can have state parties say, I disagree with that vote and I disagree with what you did there. But overwhelmingly our party agrees with each other on more than we disagree with each other on. And we want to see our schools open." What Kinzinger said: "We may be united in some areas. You know, we don't have to agree with everything the Biden administration is doing. So there will be opposition. So unity in some of that. But I think in terms of what is our vision for the future, certainly not united. I think we are a party that's been for too long pedaling in fear, using fear as a compelling way to get votes. And fear does motivate. But after a while, fear can destroy a country, can destroy narratives, and it can destroy a democracy. And we have to quit peddling that." Why it matters: The Republican party appears set on continuing to embrace Trump as the leader of its movement. RNC Chair McDaniel told "Face the Nation" that decision, ultimately, is up to the voters, but contends those constituents "overwhelmingly agree with what President Trump did in office." Only time will tell. 3. Gottlieb says Americans should be "confident" in latest vaccine effort  Former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says Americans "should be confident" about taking the newly FDA-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine as the nation gears up to roll out a third vaccine. What we asked: "You heard Dr. Fauci say a few million doses of this new J&J vaccine should be available. Would you take it?" What Dr. Gottlieb said: "There is more and more evidence that these vaccines are preventing transmission of infection, which makes them an even more important public health tool. But the data was quite strong with the J&J vaccine. I think people should be confident about taking it. And it will be in the market this week." Why it matters: The J&J vaccine offers a new hope to Americans as the U.S. continues to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. With a third vaccine now hitting the market, vaccine distribution and access hurdles will potentially begin to ease with the hope of a more widely-vaccinated public by this summer. 4. Two governors: Two approaches to COVID-19. One crisis.  Democratic Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Republican Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota offered their perspectives on the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and provided a look at just how two parts of the country are handling the pandemic. While Beshear is set to reopen schools on Monday after prioritizing vaccines of teachers , Noem defended her state's approach to bucking mitigation strategies. What Beshear said: "This was a workforce issue. It was development for our children scholastically, emotionally and socially. And it was about getting back to some form of normal while we are still very careful. We made this call early on. We stuck to it. And no matter what you decide during COVID, some are going to oppose it. But it's about trying to do the right thing, the best thing for your people, and then to let the consequences be what they'll be." What Noem said: "You indicated that I ignored medical advice, I didn't listen to my health experts and I most certainly did. In South Dakota we took this virus very seriously. What I did, though, was tell my people the truth. I gave them personal responsibility over decisions for their families' public health, but also gave them the flexibility they needed to keep their businesses open, take care of their employees and their customers. So, you know, I really do believe that as this virus has spread throughout the country, that people needed that flexibility and South Dakota's doing well. We've had some tragic situations, but I know that- that respecting them in my role, in the authority that I have as governor, has been incredibly helpful to get our state- get through this challenging time." Why it matters: As medical experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Scott Gottlieb told "Face the Nation" Sunday, states that don't or continue to implement stringent mitigation measures in their battle against COVID may end up paying a larger price than others. 5. Take a listen: Khan Academy founder on remote learning and playing catch up  In this latest episode of Facing Forward, Margaret Brennan interviewed Sal Khan, founder of the Khan Academy -- a digital learning non-profit known for its online education tools worldwide. Brennan and Khan take a closer look at the race to get America's kids caught up after a lost year and what the future looks like for remote learning. Listen to their conversation here.
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