On CNN, RFK Jr. adviser Calley Means says Kennedy “is not concerned with measles”
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From the February 19, 2025, edition of CNN's CNN Newsroom
PAMELA BROWN (CNN ANCHOR): And just be clear, these are two separate issues. There's vaccines, which are proven safe and effective, and we're going to talk more about that. But then there's the issue of chronic disease caused by, you know, the food that we're consuming, processed food and all of that, which, as you both agree on, that needs to be dealt with, that needs to be a priority, of course. Which is why in many ways, RFK Jr. has gained so much popularity among many Americans on that issue.
But I want to go to you, Calley, to respond. And also, you know, with this measles threat, isn't now a time to promote vaccines? Which, again, the CDC says safe, effective, that two doses are 90% effective against measles. Is it now a time to promote that, especially among children who are being impacted by measles in places like Texas and in these six states who are unvaccinated, according to health officials?
CALLEY MEANS (CO-FOUNDER, TRUEMED): Pamela, with respect, why aren't you asking me about the fact that 50% of teens have obesity? Why aren't there? There are.
BROWN: I have other questions for you. But we're talking about this.
[CROSSTALK]
MEANS: Day after day, Pamela. It's breathless coverage of five measles cases. Why aren't we asking why 16% of COVID deaths worldwide were Americans when we we're only 4% of the world population? Because the CDC said our immune system — no, it is related, Pamela, and let me say why. Because the entire coverage of Bobby Kennedy is around measles. The Democrats said the word measles 25 times in the first hearing and said the words obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease zero time. The HHS priority document under President Biden said the word equity 25 times, said the word vaccines countless times, did not say the word obesity or diabetes.
There is a problem right now because this is not zero — this is zero sum. We are focused on a very small subset that's important. We need good infectious disease management. Bobby Kennedy — Dr. Offit is not correct. Bobby Kennedy has said one thing about vaccines and one thing only: that they should be studied like any other product. Dr. Offit on the ACIP committee has recommended vaccines that have ended up being recalled for causing mass issues to kids. Bobby Kennedy has written multiple books not about being anti-vax, but about having good science, and Dr. Offit is calling him anti-vaccine for literally just saying we need studies. Bobby Kennedy is not concerned with measles. He wants good policies with measles. He wants to attack the 92% of deaths in United States, which is chronic conditions.