“The 360” shows different perspectives on the main stories and debates of the day.
What is happening
As the first round of coronavirus vaccines begins to arrive in the United States, some of the country’s most prominent politicians roll up their sleeves to receive their first dose. Other lawmakers have made strong statements about not taking it.
The sides of the debate defy typical party divisions. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris understood. The same was true of Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Republicans, such as majority leader Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the face of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, explained the process to her followers while receiving the photo live on Instagram.
Those who refused the shot also come from across the political spectrum. Deputy Ilhan Omar, also a member of the “Squadron”, said it was “shameful” that young, healthy lawmakers were vaccinated before frontline workers. Republican senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul said they would also wait.
President Trump plans to get the vaccine, according to White House officials, but his doctors recommend waiting because he received certain treatments after being infected with the coronavirus in October.
Why there is debate
Images of prominent lawmakers receiving the vaccine have sparked a backlash among those who argue that limited provision of life-saving treatment should be reserved for people most at risk of the virus, such as healthcare professionals and the elderly. The particularly intense disapproval was directed at Republicans like Rubio, Graham and Iowa Governor Joni Ernst, whose critics say they have exacerbated the health crisis by consistently minimizing the risks of the virus.
Those who support giving politicians the vaccine cite two main reasons. The first is the threat of a widespread outbreak of executive power in Congress, which could undermine the government’s ability to function at such a crucial time. “There is no reason why you should postpone receiving this vaccine,” wrote the attending physician to Congress in a letter to lawmakers. Dozens of members of Congress were infected during the pandemic. A new member of the House, Luke Letlow, of Louisiana, died of COVID-19 on Tuesday.
Others, including Ocasio-Cortez, say it is important for lawmakers to show their constituents that the vaccine is safe to combat widespread skepticism about the vaccine that could hinder efforts to end the pandemic.
What is the next
The scrutiny of who has access to the vaccine is likely to continue as long as supplies are scarce, a situation that can last for many months.
Perspectives
Supporters
Seeing prominent figures being vaccinated can help reduce vaccine hesitation
“I’m hoping that people will say ‘this senator was vaccinated, this congressman was vaccinated, and I may not trust the public health system, but I trust them.'” – Health expert Utibe R. Essien told the Associated Press
A major outbreak on Capitol Hill could paralyze the government at a crucial time
“If they were considered a priority to keep the country running, then they need to get the vaccine so that they can be healthy and well to keep the country running.” – Simone Wildes, infectious disease specialist, for ABC News
The doses that lawmakers are receiving are not being taken from frontline workers
“It is important to note that vaccines for parliamentarians have already been reserved as part of the continuity of [government] procedures under the Presidential Policy Directive 40, so transmitting them does not release shots for essential workers in the supply chain. ”- Business Insider Reporter Jake Lahut
Many of the country’s most important leaders are at high risk
“Members of Congress face an increased risk of exposure to the virus and of transmitting it to others, due to their weekly trips across the country to meet on Capitol Hill and frequent interactions with constituents. Many lawmakers are also over 65, increasing the risk of developing serious effects of COVID-19. ”- Cristina Marcos, The Hill
Too much resistance from politicians can undermine the wider vaccination effort
“I’m fine if specific lawmakers want to wait for vaccines until demographically similar members of the public can get them. But I am afraid of messages that suggest to the public that * they * should refuse a vaccine offered because other people need it more. Guilt can only delay the launch. ”- KCRW host Josh Barro
Critics
Vaccine doses should be reserved for the most vulnerable
“If you are young like Omar or AOC, there is no need to get the vaccine. Give it to the older people in America. Congress and [Dr. Anthony] Fauci and others said ‘follow the science’. Well, science would dictate that older people should understand first. ”- Sean Duffy, Fox News
Politicians are bad messengers to fight vaccine skepticism
“There are people of all races, ages and political groups who said they would not be vaccinated against the coronavirus. … If the leaders of the United States want to persuade these groups, they need to recruit their members to help the effort, instead of relying entirely on distant celebrities to change their minds. ” – John Woodrow Cox, Washington Post
Republicans who minimized the virus do not deserve access to the vaccine first
“The same people who minimized the virus, partyed without a mask at the White House and called the coronavirus a scam designed to harm President Trump are now getting the vaccine in front of the front line and essential workers, and even vulnerable residents Long-term care facilities. ”- Petula Dvorak, Washington Post
Hypocrisy will undermine public confidence in the government’s response to the virus
“The actions of these [GOP] senators highlight why so many Americans don’t like politicians. They are more than happy to ignore their public political positions if this change benefits them personally. But one thing is when they are switching sides on a note; quite another when your earlier rhetoric probably contributed to illness and death ”. – Dean Obeidallah, MSNBC
The idea that lawmakers need the vaccine to keep the government running is absurd
“Ensuring the health of the swamp inhabitants of Washington, DC, in some ways, has become a higher priority than protecting the safety of the elderly and health professionals because they are considered vital to the functioning of the federal government. (Insert the joke here.) ”- Andrea Peyser, New York Post
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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images