Unpacking the Controversy: RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Statement

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In a candid interview on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," Kennedy addressed the backlash surrounding his assertion that "there's no vaccine that is safe and effective." But what did he really mean, and why has his statement sparked such heated debate?

 

Kennedy clarified that his statement was taken out of context from a discussion on Lex Fridman's podcast. He explained that he had been asked about vaccines that he considered safe and effective, to which he mentioned the potential safety and effectiveness of some live virus vaccines. However, Kennedy emphasized the need for rigorous scientific testing, including placebo-controlled double-blind studies, to assess the true efficacy of vaccines.

 

Despite his clarification, Kennedy has been labeled as anti-vaccine due to his history of activism against certain vaccination practices. Even members of his own family, including his niece and siblings, have publicly disagreed with his stance, advocating for widespread vaccination efforts to prevent diseases.

 

Kennedy, however, insists that he is not "anti-vaccine" but rather advocates for good science and informed decision-making when it comes to vaccination. He believes that people should have the freedom to make their own choices regarding vaccination and opposes vaccine mandates that restrict individual autonomy.

 

The controversy surrounding Kennedy's statement highlights the ongoing debate about vaccine safety and efficacy. While some argue for the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and protecting public health, others express concerns about the potential risks and side effects associated with certain vaccines.

 

At the heart of the issue is the need for transparent and comprehensive research to assess the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Critics of Kennedy argue that his statements undermine public trust in vaccination efforts, potentially leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases. On the other hand, supporters of Kennedy contend that his advocacy for rigorous scientific testing is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

 

Ultimately, the debate over vaccine safety and efficacy is complex and multifaceted. It requires a nuanced understanding of scientific research, public health policies, and individual rights. As discussions continue, it is crucial to foster open dialogue and promote informed decision-making to address the challenges and concerns surrounding vaccination practices.

 

2024-04-30

 

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[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Not very surprising that one of the greatest misinformation peddlers of the COVID pandemic, now a presidential candidate who's been politically disowned by his own extended family, would be trying to walk back the anti-vax nonsense above that multiple credible news agencies and fact checkers have confirmed RFK Jr. really did say. And it's not the first time he's done so.

 

RFK Jr. Incorrectly Denies Past Remarks on Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

November 8, 2023

...

In a “PBS NewsHour” interview, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied previously saying that “no vaccine” is safe and effective. But Kennedy said exactly that on the Lex Fridman podcast in July.

...

Fridman, July 6: You’ve talked about that the media slanders you by calling you an anti-vaxxer, and you’ve said that you’re not anti-vaccine, you’re pro-safe vaccine. Difficult question: Can you name any vaccines that you think are good?

Kennedy: I think some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than they’re causing. There’s no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective.

 

https://www.factcheck.org/2023/11/scicheck-rfk-jr-incorrectly-denies-past-remarks-on-vaccine-safety-and-effectiveness/

 

AND

FactChecking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

August 9, 2023

 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is no stranger to FactCheck.org. He is a prominent anti-vaccine advocate who has been on our radar for years, primarily as the founder of Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit that spreads anti-vaccine misinformation.

 

We’ve written numerous stories about his claims and those made in posts appearing on his nonprofit’s website. In 2021, the Center for Countering Digital Hate named Kennedy and CHD one of the “Disinformation Dozen,” or top 12 spreaders of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines online. 

...

Many of these are about vaccines. Kennedy, who is also an environmental activist and lawyer, has been opposed to vaccines since at least 2005, when he published an error-laden story in Rolling Stone and Salon that pushed the false notion that certain vaccine ingredients cause autism. The publications later retracted or withdrew the story.

 

https://www.factcheck.org/2023/08/scicheck-factchecking-robert-f-kennedy-jr/

 

AND

RFK Jr.’s COVID-19 Deceptions

August 11, 2023

 

More recently, during his campaign, Kennedy hosted a virtual roundtable with some top COVID-19 misinformation spreaders, including Dr. Joseph Mercola, Del Bigtree and Dr. Pierre Kory. And in the first episode of his campaign YouTube series “Running on Truth,” the only three people featured are Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Robert Malone and Kory — each of whom have pushed COVID-19 disinformation. 

 

Time and again, Kennedy has misrepresented or distorted the science about the pandemic or the COVID-19 vaccines. 

 

https://www.factcheck.org/2023/08/scicheck-rfk-jr-s-covid-19-deceptions/

 

Edited April 30 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

And for all of that and more above, that's the reason RFK Jr. has been politically disowned by his extended family of Kennedy relatives, many of whom have now endorsed Joe Biden for re-election:

In rebuke to RFK Jr, Biden wins Kennedy family endorsement

April 19, 2024

 

PHILADELPHIA, April 18 (Reuters) - Fifteen members of the storied Kennedy political family endorsed U.S. President Joe Biden at a Philadelphia campaign event on Thursday, with some joining him onstage, in a rebuke of Robert F. Kennedy Jr's independent bid for office.

 

Biden, a Democrat, faces Republican Donald Trump in a November re-match of the 2020 election. But members of both parties have bristled over the possibility that the candidacy of Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine activist, or another third-party bid could spoil either of their chances.

...

Many in Robert F. Kennedy Jr's elite family - prominent Democrats since the 19th century - have broken with him over his views.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-win-kennedy-family-endorsement-philadelphia-2024-04-18/

 

AND

Kennedy family members call RFK Jr.’s independent bid ‘dangerous to our country’

10/09/23

 

Members of the Kennedy family are denouncing 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision on Monday to abandon his Democratic campaign and instead run as an independent candidate. 

 

“The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third-party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,” read a statement signed by four of Kennedy’s siblings — former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D), former Rep. Joseph Kennedy II (D-Mass.), Rory Kennedy and Kerry Kennedy. 

 

“Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment. Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country,” the statement continued.

 

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4245980-kennedy-family-members-call-rfk-jr-s-independent-bid-dangerous-to-our-country/

 

[Tug]

Trumps worryed about him because he appeals to many trump nutters lol 😂 

[bendejo]

He is being played as the spoiler, he is not supposed to win, he is supposed to lesson the Dem vote (as did Nader in 2000, McCarthy in 1968).  But it looks like the plan won't fly: his statements are more like a whacka-doo conservative than anything the Dems are pushing.  It looks like the more the GOP/MAGA/Libertarian crowd keeps the Covid vaccine and response issues alive the more RFK Jr will attract them.  IMO best things for Biden to do is keep away from ANY mention of RFK Jr or Covid.

 

Donald Trump and RFK Jr Have the Same Largest Donor