Americano The ‘experts’ who enabled RFK Jr’s rise
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Nov 21, 2024 
Matt Ridley, a writer for The Spectator known for his insightful commentary on American politics, dives into the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a cabinet position in the Trump administration. He discusses how public experts have inadvertently bolstered Kennedy's rise, particularly through the lens of COVID-19 misinformation. Ridley highlights Kennedy's divisive views on vaccines and processed foods, and explores his potential influence on health policy, including implications of the lab leak theory and the broader geopolitical context of the pandemic.
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RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Claims
- RFK Jr. collaborated on films about vaccines, one alleging MMR causes autism and another about contaminated tetanus vaccines in Kenya.
- These claims, while disputed, contributed to his increased popularity, alongside authorities' COVID vaccine misinformation.
COVID Vaccine Misinformation
- The COVID vaccine's overstated efficacy and safety, especially for children, fueled RFK Jr.'s rise.
- The authorities' misinformation backfired, causing distrust and boosting his appeal.
Lab Leak Theory's Impact
- The scientific establishment's handling of the lab leak theory damaged their credibility.
- Their attempts to suppress the theory fueled conspiracy theorists and boosted RFK Jr.'s popularity.