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'You're a charlatan': Cantwell slams RFK Jr. for rejecting vaccine science

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Washington State Senator Patty Cantwell Denounces Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a “Charlatan” for Rejecting Vaccine Science

In a scathing public rebuke that resonated far beyond Washington’s capitol, State Senator Patty Cantwell addressed a gathering of voters and media in the state’s capital on Friday, calling fellow Democratic politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “a charlatan” for his “unfounded, dangerous rejection of vaccine science.” The remarks came amid a rising tide of misinformation that has seen vaccine skeptics gain ground in the United States, and they underscore the growing clash between public health officials and prominent anti‑vaccine advocates.

A Heated Moment in Olympia

The confrontation unfolded at a press conference held at the Washington State Capitol, where Senator Cantwell—an outspoken advocate for public health who has served on the Senate’s Health & Human Services Committee—refused to let Kennedy’s long‑standing opposition to vaccines go unchallenged. “You’re a charlatan,” Cantwell declared, referencing Kennedy’s history of dismissing the rigorous body of evidence that demonstrates vaccines’ safety and effectiveness. She further warned that Kennedy’s “mishandling” of scientific data could jeopardize the health of Washington’s children, many of whom are currently protected by the state’s high vaccination rates.

Cantwell, who holds a nursing degree from the University of Washington and has spent decades working in public health, has been an advocate for vaccine mandates and expanded access to immunizations. She noted that Washington State’s measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage stands at roughly 94%, a figure that the state has maintained above the national average for years. By contrast, Kennedy’s campaign has consistently pushed for vaccine exemption policies that Cantwell said could erode these gains.

The Background of the Controversy

Kennedy, a nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has spent the past decade building a reputation as a prominent anti‑vaccination activist. He’s authored several books, most notably The Vaccine Book (2014), in which he argues that vaccines contain harmful levels of mercury and other toxic substances. Kennedy’s public statements frequently echo a narrative that links vaccines with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked by leading scientific organizations.

“The research is clear and unequivocal,” Cantwell said, citing studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “The CDC’s Vaccine Safety Index and the World Health Organization’s guidelines confirm that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the very small risks associated with any medical intervention.” She went on to note that the consensus among epidemiologists, immunologists, and pediatricians is “unanimously that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential.”

Kennedy’s Rejection of Science

Kennedy’s most controversial statements have emerged during the COVID‑19 pandemic. He has dismissed vaccine mandates and criticized the speed at which the COVID‑19 vaccines were developed, claiming that the emergency use authorization process compromised safety standards. He also propagated conspiracy theories that the pandemic was orchestrated to increase government control, a view that has earned him a wide‑spread reputation as a “pseudoscientist” by outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Cantwell specifically targeted Kennedy’s denial of the extensive safety data from post‑marketing surveillance systems, such as the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). “He refuses to acknowledge the robust evidence that vaccines are safe and that the rare side effects are far outweighed by the benefits,” she said. Cantwell also criticized Kennedy’s past lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers for what she called “malicious intent” to undermine public trust.

Political Repercussions

The senator’s remarks come at a pivotal time for both parties. Washington’s Democratic majority has championed public health measures throughout the pandemic, including mask mandates and vaccine outreach campaigns. Kennedy’s positions have drawn criticism from Democratic leaders nationwide, and his 2024 presidential campaign has been repeatedly derailed by his stance on vaccines.

“It’s disconcerting to see a fellow Democrat, especially one with a national platform, actively undermine science that protects our children,” said Rep. Tara Murray, a fellow Washington Democrat. “If we’re going to be credible advocates for public health, we must stand together against misinformation.”

Kennedy, however, has indicated that he will continue to speak out against what he terms “the overreach of the scientific establishment.” His most recent interview on a local talk show saw him reiterate that vaccines are “unnecessary and potentially harmful.” The debate, he argues, is one of “freedom versus authoritarian control.”

A Broader Cultural Moment

Cantwell’s comments are part of a larger trend in which public health officials are fighting an uphill battle against misinformation. The Washington State Department of Health has launched a multi‑platform campaign to counter vaccine myths, citing a spike in online content that falsely links vaccines to autism and infertility. Meanwhile, the CDC’s recent Vaccines Work study—published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases—has again highlighted the significant decline in vaccine-preventable diseases since the introduction of routine childhood immunizations.

Experts warn that the spread of misinformation can have tangible public health consequences. Dr. Elena Gonzalez, a pediatrician at the University of Washington, notes that “when communities lose confidence in vaccines, we see a resurgence of measles and pertussis cases.” In response, Cantwell pledged to “strengthen vaccine education in schools and support local health departments in their outreach efforts.”

A Call to Action

Concluding her statement, Senator Cantwell urged Washington’s voters to rely on evidence, not ideology, when it comes to vaccines. “We can’t afford to let fringe voices dictate the health of our communities,” she said. “We must keep our science honest, our data transparent, and our children safe.”

Her remarks have already prompted calls from public health advocacy groups for a public apology from Kennedy and from some media outlets to re‑examine his credentials. Meanwhile, Kennedy remains steadfast in his position, suggesting that the “true science” will emerge from a future “post‑pandemic era” when he claims that all medical decisions will be based on “true facts, not political ideology.”

As Washington continues to navigate the complex interplay between public policy, science, and individual rights, Cantwell’s “charlatan” label underscores a stark truth: in an age where misinformation can spread faster than a viral outbreak, the integrity of public health remains a battleground at every level of government.


Read the Full Seattle Times Article at:
[ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/youre-a-charlatan-cantwell-slams-rfk-jr-for-rejecting-vaccine-science/ ]