Colbert Blasts Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Over Cutting mRNA Research Funds
Late-night host Stephen Colbert did not mince his words when expressing his discontent toward Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent decisions regarding mRNA research fundings. Colbert’s sarcastic remark, ‘Terrible news for those who enjoy being alive,’ echoed the sentiments of many on a recent episode of The Late Show. He assured his audience that his subsequent assessments and critique would avoid political bias. In a moment of biting satire, he exclaimed, ‘To hell with you, steroid-bloated nepotism carnival!’
Kennedy’s named popped up in the news for halting twenty-two government-funded projects focused on vaccine research utilizing mRNA technology with assertions of their ineffectiveness. Traditional vaccine methodology involves using weakened or deactivated virus particles to instigate immune responses. In sharp contrast, mRNA vaccines employ a small fragment of the virus’s DNA to accomplish the same effect. The groundbreaking mRNA technology expedited vaccine creation in the pressing times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The popular host compared the decision to discontinue funding for mRNA research to making an unplanned road trip without the aide of modern technology. Colbert humorously observed, ‘It’s as if saying, we’re switching off the GPS and will navigate our way to the amusement park by starlight! Give your old man the astrolabe!’ His analogy was met with laughter from the studio audience.
Kennedy, known for his vaccine suspicion, justified cutting the research funds by casting aspersions on the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in combating upper respiratory tract infections. ‘As demonstrated by the pandemic, mRNA vaccines do not stack up well against viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract,’ he stated.
Never one to pull punches, Colbert had a fiery retort ready: ‘To the dogs with you, you scavenger-fed, technophobe homosapien jerk strip!’ He warned about the potential dire consequences of Kennedy’s decision, highlighting the risk to human lives.
Echoing concerns in the public health arena, Colbert stressed the contribution of mRNA vaccines in the fight against COVID-19. Based on data from the National Institutes of Health, it was estimated that these vaccines averted about 14.4 million fatalities during the pandemic. Colbert’s critique took on a sharper edge with this information, labeling Kennedy’s actions as potentially life-threatening.
Capping off his scathing monologue, Colbert invoked the words of an esteemed scholar from the University of Minnesota. According to this academic, Kennedy’s pronouncement ranks as the riskiest public health decision in half a century. Add context to this timeline, Colbert dryly remarked, ‘Remember, fifty years ago, the basis of our dietary chart was cigarettes flavored with menthol.’