What Is RFK Jr. After?
In a recent episode of “Washington Week With The Atlantic,” staff writer Michael Scherer delves into the complex journey of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) and his aspirations to transform America’s public health system. Scherer, who has conducted extensive interviews with Kennedy, highlights the polarizing nature of his public persona—caught between accusations of undermining scientific integrity and being a champion against the establishment. As Kennedy’s trajectory took him from the fringes of the Democratic Party to a significant role as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary under the Trump administration, Scherer emphasizes the tenacity and determination that have propelled him forward despite numerous challenges and critics.
During the discussion, Scherer reflects on Kennedy’s unwavering commitment to his vision for public health, which has often put him at odds with mainstream scientific communities. He describes Kennedy as a “fiercely determined person on a quest,” capable of navigating through obstacles that would deter many. The conversation also features insights from notable figures such as Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic; Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for The Washington Post; and Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News. Together, they explore the implications of Kennedy’s ideas and the potential direction of U.S. health policy under his influence, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of a figure who continues to evoke strong reactions across the political spectrum.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of Kennedy’s vision and the current state of public health in America, the full episode is available for viewing on PBS stations and can also be accessed through various podcast platforms. This engaging dialogue sheds light on the intricate dynamics of health policy and the individuals shaping it, making it a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of American healthcare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0q_Oj425cU
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Over many interviews, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the
Atlantic
staff writer Michael Scherer about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Scherer joined
Washington Week With The Atlantic
to discuss his story, and what the Health and Human Services secretary may be after.
“What we do know about RFK is the caricature he’s caught in—this daily battle between people who think he’s destroying science or people who think he’s taking on the establishment,” Scherer said last night. Less known, however, is how “he got from being at the edge of the Democratic Party” to becoming HHS secretary in the Trump administration.
“I think the answer is he’s a fiercely determined person who is on a quest,” Scherer continued. “He has been able to plow through enormous obstacles and enormous detractors to really not lose faith in his own vision of what he’s doing.”
Joining the editor in chief of
The Atlantic
, Jeffrey Goldberg, to discuss this and more: Scherer, a staff writer at
The Atlantic
; Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for
The Washington Post
; and Julie Rovner, the chief Washington correspondent and host of the podcast
What the Health
at
KFF Health News
.
Watch the full episode
here
.
