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“The 360” shows you various perspectives on the main debates and debates of the day.
What is happening
As the first round of coronavirus vaccines begins to make its way across the United States, some of the country’s top politicians have rolled up their sleeves to receive their first dose. Other lawmakers have made specific statements about not taking it.
The sides of the debate challenge typical partisan divides. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris got it. So are Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Republicans like Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the face of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, spoke to her supporters throughout the process while receiving the photo live on Instagram.
Those who refused the shot also come from all political backgrounds. Representative Ilhan Omar, another member of the “Squad”, said it was “shameful” for healthy young lawmakers to be vaccinated before frontline workers. GOP Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have said they will also wait.
President Trump is planning to get the vaccine, White House officials say, but his doctors recommend waiting because he received some treatment after being infected with the coronavirus in October.
Why there is debate
Images of prominent lawmakers receiving the vaccine have drawn backlash from those who argue that the limited supply of life-saving treatment should be reserved for those most at risk of the virus, such as healthcare workers and the elderly . Particularly intense disapproval has been directed at Republicans like Rubio, Graham and Iowa Gov. Joni Ernst, whose critics say they have made the health crisis worse by systematically downplaying the risks of the virus.
Those who support administering the vaccine to politicians cite two main reasons. The first is the threat of a widespread surge in congressional executive power, which could cripple the government’s ability to function at such a crucial time. “There is no reason why you should delay receiving this vaccine,” the attending physician wrote to Congress in a letter to lawmakers. Dozens of members of Congress have been 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’s important for lawmakers to show their constituents that the vaccine is safe to fight widespread vaccine skepticism that could hamper efforts to end the vaccine. the pandemic.
And after
Consideration of who has access to the vaccine is likely to continue as long as stocks are insufficient, a situation that could last for several months.
Perspectives
Supporters
Seeing important people get vaccinated can help reduce vaccine hesitancy
“I hope people will say ‘this senator got the shot, this congressman got the shot, and I might not trust the public health system, but I trust them.'” – Health expert Utibe R. Essien at Associated Press
Major outbreak on Capitol Hill could shut down government at crucial time
“If they were seen as a priority to keep the country running, then they need to get vaccinated to be healthy and healthy for the country to continue to function. – Simone Wildes, infectious disease expert, at ABC News
Doses that lawmakers receive are not taken away from frontline workers
“It is important to note that vaccines for members of Congress have already been set aside as part of the continuity of [government] procedures under Presidential Directive 40, so that their transmission does not free up blows for essential workers in the supply chain. “- Journalist Business Insider Jake lahut
Many of the country’s top leaders are at high risk
“Members of Congress face a higher risk of exposure to the virus and transmitting it to others due to their weekly trips from across the country to congregate on Capitol Hill and frequent interactions with voters. Many lawmakers are also over 65, putting them at a higher risk of developing serious effects from COVID-19. »- Cristina Marcos, La Colline
Too much repression from politicians could hurt the broader 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 wary of messages that suggest to the public * that they * should refuse an offered vaccine because other people need it more. Guilt could simply delay deployment. “- KCRW Host Josh barro
Reviews
Vaccine doses should be reserved for the most vulnerable
“If you’re young like Omar or AOC, you don’t need to be vaccinated. Give this to the old people in America. Congress and [Dr. Anthony] Fauci and others have said “follow the science”. Well, science wants the elderly to get it first. – Sean Duffy, Fox News
Politicians are poor messengers to fight vaccine skepticism
“There are people of all races, ages and political stripes who have said they will not take the coronavirus vaccine. … If America’s leaders are to persuade these groups, they must recruit their members to help them rather than relying entirely on distant celebrities to change their minds. – John Woodrow Cox, Washington Post
Republicans who downplayed virus don’t deserve to access vaccine first
“The very people who played down the virus, partied without a mask in the White House, and called the coronavirus a hoax created to hurt President Trump are now pushing the vaccine past frontline and essential workers, and even residents. vulnerable in the long term – care facilities. – Petula Dvorak, Washington Post
Hypocrisy will undermine public confidence in government viral response
“The actions of these [GOP] Senators point out why so many Americans dislike politicians. They are more than happy to ignore their public policy positions if such an about-face benefits them personally. But it’s one thing when they switch sides on a bill; It is another when their previous rhetoric probably contributed to illness and death. – Dean Obeidallah, MSNBC
The idea that lawmakers need the vaccine to run government is absurd
“Ensuring the health of the people of the Washington, DC swamp has somehow become a higher priority than protecting the safety of seniors and healthcare workers, as they are considered vital to the functioning of the federal government.” . (Insert the punchline here.) ”- Andrea Peyser, New York Post
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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images
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