If we were to create a “good/bad skeptic” checklist for the most popular presidential candidates, we would have to include where they stand on vaccines. Do they support inoculation or do they caution against it? Do they support inoculation while subtly tossing off anti-vax talking points? Do they try to pander to all sides? Let’s have a look.
Jill Stein
The Green Party candidate isn’t full-on anti-vax, as she reiterated just this morning:
The idea that I'm anti-vaccine is false, my full response to this obvious smear campaign: https://t.co/v1Kbll81e3 pic.twitter.com/3sC45mi6ai
— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) August 3, 2016
That said, Stein has been repeating a number of anti-vax taking points, presumably because she doesn’t want to alienate any portion of her far-left constituency.
Jill Stein: People have 'real questions' about vaccines https://t.co/c0kK4mumDT pic.twitter.com/m3WND2x3yq
— The Hill (@thehill) July 29, 2016
This is a doctor wanting us to go backwards on healthcare- Jill Stein on vaccines: People have 'real questions' https://t.co/aRoxzXzB8d
— Kathy Groob (@kathygroob) August 2, 2016
Jill Stein Deletes Tweet That Says 'There's No Evidence That Autism Is Caused By Vaccines' https://t.co/88aXiRsemF
— Center for Inquiry (@center4inquiry) August 1, 2016
Snopes defended @DrJillStein – both are wrong about #vaccines – https://t.co/nO6rd4vq5l @KimLaCapria #CDCwhistleblower #vaccineswork
— SkepticalRaptor (@skepticalraptor) August 2, 2016
The Skeptical Raptor article is the best summary of her position that I’ve seen so far, and an excellent takedown of Snopes’ uncritical apologism to boot:
Jill Stein is so ignorant of the regulatory process that she claims that “regulatory agencies are routine packed with corporate lobbyists and CEOs.” That is utter bullshit, and Ms. LaCapria should have taken the time to refute that statement.
The FDA advisory committee for vaccines contains 17 members, all but two are academics with impeccable research and science credentials. The other two, admittedly are from Big Pharma, but they also have impressive scientific backgrounds, and to impugn their character or any of the 17 others, is borderline libel.
I don’t think we can expect Stein to walk back her attacks on the FDA any time soon; assailing the corruption of corporatism is at the heart of her message.
Gary Johnson
No to mandatory vaccines
— Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) September 13, 2011
This is consistent with the core Libertarian principle of non-aggression, unless of course you consider spreading deadly diseases to be a form of aggression in and of itself. Under Libertarian leadership, America would go even further than Colorado by repealing instead of merely refusing to enforce existing laws which mandate vaccination for schoolchildren.
A different kind of red-blue map: vaccination rates by state http://t.co/sRWur9qAnP pic.twitter.com/QbCae73BLZ
— Dave Gilson (@daudig) February 5, 2015
Then again, who needs public schools, anyhow? Kids can just stay home and learn a useful trade instead.
Donald Trump
Healthy young child goes to doctor, gets pumped with massive shot of many vaccines, doesn't feel good and changes – AUTISM. Many such cases!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2014
With autism being way up, what do we have to lose by having doctors give small dose vaccines vs. big pump doses into those tiny bodies?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2014
So many people don’t understand I am a big proponent of vaccines for children—just not in one massive dose—spread them out over time.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 9, 2014
If only there was some sort of expert consensus on the immunization schedule, then we could rightly judge whether The Donald has a valid point.
Hillary Clinton
The science is clear: The earth is round, the sky is blue, and #vaccineswork. Let's protect all our kids. #GrandmothersKnowBest
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 3, 2015
This is urgent. We need to invest in a vaccine and treatment now. My heart goes out to parents impacted by Zika. https://t.co/Su07BTN5Ie -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 14, 2016
Can't believe we're *still* debating vaccines in 2016. Good job, America.https://t.co/SBlxwxou8b
— Dorothy N. Charles (@dn_charles) August 2, 2016
I’m not suggesting that anyone should become a single-issue voter on the matter of vaccines (or anything else) but if they were, at least the choice would be clear enough.
