Tensions Rise Over Vaccine Debate on ABC’s “This Week”
The panel on ABC’s “This Week” had a heated exchange on Sunday after former RNC Chair Reince Priebus defended Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial stance on weighing the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine against its risks.
This dynamic unfolded during a Senate Finance Committee hearing where Democrats expressed their dissatisfaction with the CDC’s recommendations, particularly regarding vaccines for children. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized Kennedy’s role in this discussion, while George Stephanopoulos of ABC suggested that Kennedy was, in a way, bragging about manipulating the vaccine rollout as a means to uplift vaccine skeptics.
Priebus responded, acknowledging the rapid development of the vaccine, “The warp speed was impressive,” he stated, pointing out that it was done out of necessity without the luxury of time. However, he didn’t quite see eye to eye with Christie.
Christie confronted Priebus, questioning his characterization of Kennedy as “humble.” Priebus seemed defensive, asserting, “He’s trying to balance risks that the CDC recognizes with the benefits of the Covid shot.”
The conversation quickly escalated, with panelists talking over one another. I could hear Priebus trying to assert himself, saying, “You all know well.” Christie, though, reminded everyone that Kennedy has been labeled a vaccine denier for two decades and highlighted the implications of vaccine-friendly policies being dismissed by figures like Florida’s Ron DeSantis. He pointed out that this trend wouldn’t exist if Trump hadn’t been at the helm during significant public health disagreements.
Earlier this year, Kennedy made significant moves within the CDC, including the dismissal of 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices. Demands were made during the Senate hearing for him to reconsider the committee’s structure in light of criticisms of the FDA’s vaccine approvals.
Kennedy himself has been vocal about what he describes as the CDC’s inadequate pandemic response, labeling some of its policies as misguided. He even accused Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren of receiving financial contributions from pharmaceutical companies while engaging in this debate.
As the discussion continued, Priebus suggested that vaccinations should not be mandatory for everyone, igniting further argument. Former DNC Chair Donna Brazile claimed that Kennedy had cut over $5 billion from critical vaccine funding.
“They can get vaccinated! They’re just choosing not to,” Priebus rebutted, while Brazile pushed her narrative about access to vaccines. A back-and-forth ensued, with Priebus challenging Brazile about the percentage of children who had been vaccinated. Stephanopoulos interjected, pointing out that Kennedy’s ideas were raising broader questions about vaccines overall.
Priebus provocatively asked if anyone questioning vaccine mandates should face termination. In response, Brazile stressed the importance of listening to scientists and evidence, which Priebus contested by labeling her as “not a scientist.”
As tensions escalated, Christie criticized Kennedy, calling him a “joke,” to which Priebus defended Kennedy’s role and asserted, “I think he’s the best guy.” He emphasized alignment with the President’s decisions.
Following Biden’s election, mandates for vaccines became a fixture, despite previous pledges against them. Many companies began enforcing these mandates, leading to job losses for those who opted out. Likewise, the military faced discharges for similar refusals.
The FDA also recently signaled a shift in its stance, indicating that additional data will be required to support the once-automatic annual Covid-19 booster recommendations, even for healthy individuals.
