The Gist RFK Jr.: Sophist, Saboteur, Snake Oil Secretary
5 snips
Jul 21, 2025 
Historian Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern professor and author, takes a critical look at RFK Jr., portraying him as a purveyor of misinformation. They discuss how Kennedy's knowledge is wielded to undermine public trust. Immerwahr also examines the political manipulation of science during COVID and the backlash against figures like Fauci. The conversation touches on the intriguing complexities of political discourse, the evolution of vaccine skepticism, and the often-ignored roles of obscure federal commissions in shaping public policy.
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RFK Jr.'s Shift and Ostracism
- RFK Jr. was once celebrated for environmental advocacy but shifted when he challenged vaccine safety.
- His change led to ostracism and embracing various disproven causes.
Mastery of Sophistry and Doubt
- RFK Jr. skillfully presents controversial claims by distancing himself from full endorsement.
- He uses questioning to shield against criticism, showing conscious propagandist traits.
Pandemic Dogma and Misinformation
- Pandemic-era dogma sidelined scientific uncertainty, promoting "science is settled" rhetoric.
- This empowered figures like RFK Jr. to exploit public distrust in institutions.
