RFK Jr.'s partial vaccine legacy
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine agenda is one of the biggest political liabilities hanging over Republicans, but his suspicion of the medical system is likely to endure with the GOP base. Why it matters: Kennedy will one day leave public life, whether it's after the midterms or later, and it is an open question who — if anyone — will pick up where he left off merging vaccine…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine skepticism is a significant liability for Republicans, yet his influence is likely to persist within the GOP. Kennedy's approach to vaccine policy is expected to endure, even if he exits public life. Health Secretary Calley Means recently noted that the conversation surrounding vaccines is unlikely to revert to the previous status quo.
While Kennedy's specific policy wins have not been as extensive, his ideas may resurface after the midterms. The MAHA coalition, which Kennedy is associated with, remains influential, with strong support for reevaluating vaccine safety and questioning the trust placed in institutions. Despite some partisan division, majorities across party lines generally support vaccines.
Kennedy's ideas have also permeated state policies, particularly in red states. It is uncertain if Kennedy will be succeeded by someone with the same views, but his impact on the GOP is expected to endure.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
