On with Kara Swisher RFK Jr., Vaccines, Bird Flu & Health Under Trump 2.0
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Dec 19, 2024 
Dr. Zeke Emanuel, an architect of the Affordable Care Act, Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, and Donald McNeil Jr., a former NY Times health reporter, dive into the implications of RFK Jr.'s controversial nomination for the Department of Health and Human Services. They explore the rise of COVID denialism, the complex anti-vaccine movement, and the impact of political beliefs on public health strategies. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of science-based decision-making amidst a shifting landscape of health policies.
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RFK Jr.'s Nomination Concerns
- RFK Jr.'s HHS nomination raises concerns due to his unorthodox views on public health.
- His beliefs about vaccines, COVID-19 origins, and HIV/AIDS contradict established science, posing risks to public health policies.
Mixed Bag of Views
- RFK Jr.'s views mix sensible ideas (e.g., focus on primary care) with incorrect ones (e.g., vaccine-autism link).
- His stance on GLP-1s seems misguided and contradicts Dr. Oz's position.
HHS Secretary's Power
- The HHS Secretary's influence is substantial due to the department's vast budget and the secretary's broad authority.
- While existing personnel and bureaucracy can provide constraints, the secretary's tone and interest can significantly shape policy.