Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast The Scorpion, The Frog, and RFK Jr.
Nov 25, 2025
Michael Scherer, a political journalist for The Atlantic, dives deep into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial beliefs about health policies. He explores Kennedy's firm stance against the scientific consensus, questioning how he justifies his views. Scherer also discusses Kennedy's proposed studies linking vaccines to autism, concerns from figures like Tatiana Schlossberg, and Kennedy's fraught relationships with policymakers. Listeners gain insight into Kennedy's approach to scientific dissent and the broader implications for public health.
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Risk Of Chasing Unwarranted Vaccine Questions
- Michael Scherer explains RFK Jr. is pursuing extensive vaccine-autism research because he believes earlier studies missed certain vaccines and additives.
- Scherer warns that pursuing those studies publicly risks lowering vaccination rates and increasing child illness before any new findings emerge.
Confirmation Deal Strains Into Public Rift
- Scherer describes a breakdown between Senator Bill Cassidy and RFK Jr. after Cassidy voted to confirm him with conditions.
- Cassidy is now publicly critical of moves that undermine vaccine confidence and privately trying to limit damage without politicizing the issue.
Scorpion-and-Frog Comparison
- Scherer recounts RFK Jr. comparing their interaction to the fable of the scorpion and the frog, accusing journalists of a conspiracy.
- Kennedy told Scherer he felt deceived and believed publications suppress his views on vaccines and medicine.