Bad Faith Episode 506 - RFK's CDC WTF (w/ David Wallace-Wells & Gabrielle Perry)
Sep 4, 2025
David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times journalist and author, along with epidemiologist Gabrielle Perry, delve into RFK Jr.'s influence on public health and the CDC's controversies. They debate the roots of public mistrust in health policies amid rising skepticism, particularly around vaccine messaging. The conversation highlights the complexities of political narratives surrounding COVID-19, the effectiveness of communication strategies, and the urgent need for nuanced public health approaches to rebuild trust.
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Maha As A Political Splinter
- RFK Jr. and "Maha" are a splinter of MAGA exploiting health grievances to fight establishment institutions.
- They mix some legitimate critiques of U.S. health with culture-war moves that dismantle public health capacity.
Generational Hit To Science
- Gabrielle warns the current changes will have generational scientific impacts from canceled clinical trials.
- She says rebuilding lost trial capacity and trust will take far longer than a single political cycle.
Solidarity Eroded After COVID
- Post-pandemic fatigue and ideological warfare eroded solidarity that underpins public health.
- Both right-wing campaigns and liberal impatience contributed to abandoning collective health obligations.
