So, Obama could be a Vaccine Woo?

[mr blur]

I didn't know that.

:banghead:

When it comes to science, Barack Obama is no better than many of us. Today he joins the list of shame of those in public life who made scientifically unsupportable statements in 2008.

- snip -

Mr Obama and John McCain blundered into the MMR vaccine row during their presidential campaigns. "We've seen just a skyrocketing autism rate," said President-elect Obama. "Some people are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines. This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it," he said.

His words were echoed by Mr McCain. "It's indisputable that is on the rise among children, the question is what's causing it," he said. "There's strong evidence that indicates it's got to do with a preservative in the vaccines."

Exhaustive research has failed to substantiate any link to vaccines or any preservatives. The rise in autism is thought to be due to an increased awareness of the condition.

- snip -

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientific-illiteracy-all-the-rage-among-the-glitterati-1212406.html

[TZ]

1. I hadn't heard this either.

However, since he didn't nominate RFK, jr and has appointed a whole lot of very smart scientific types, he may have learned better by now especially since once again its MMR they mentioned which doesn't have thimerosol. Not surprised that McCain didn't know that, but at least Obama didn't say that.
Somehow, I got the feeling, since Obama makes a point of being aware of things that when RFK,jr was being floated around as a possible candidate he got educated.
We'll see. I'd be more worried if this came out of Daschles mouth at this point since he is to be head of HHS.

[Orrex]

3. That was my impression as well

I'm hopeful that his choices since then re: science are better representative of his thinking.

[skepticscott]

2. Not so good, I know

but hopefully it was just an issue that Obama was not fully informed on. He seems like the kind of person who will understand the evidence against vaccines causing autism once it's laid out for him clearly. And the notion of RFK Jr (one the biggest vaccine woos of all) being made head of the EPA seems to have faded.

[Warpy]

4. When I heard that, I knew he'd been talking to RFK, Jr.

As much as I generally respect that family, I wish that particular member would stick to his own field, the law. He sucks at medicine.

Unfortunately, his famous name makes people who don't know any better think he's some sort of expert.

I sincerely hope Obama listens to people who are actually in the field. The signs are good that he will--he's appointing scientists and academics to agencies to replace religious ideologues.

We'll have to wait and see whether reason prevails over belief.

[jberryhill]

5. Being suspicious and being a "true believer" are two different things

I don't expect that Barack Obama is a walking encyclopedia of medical research findings.

[varkam]

6. When he said "this person included", I believe he was...

referring to the individual that asked the question - not referring to himself.

[cosmik debris]

7. Think about when he said that.

He was in the middle of a campaign. Did you expect him to say that he believes that the vaccine-autism link is crazy woowoo shit?

He was trying to find something to say that wouldn't piss anyone off. That's what you do in a campaign--try not to piss anyone off. And I thought he did a pretty good job of it.

You've probably heard the same format a thousand times.

I know you're concerned.
I'm concerned too.
We'll look into it.

Every politician has to use it sometimes. But it is as hollow as a drum.

[jberryhill]

8. Pet issues are a minefield

It's why the 9/11 Truthers see Ron Paul as "one of their own", despite his later comical attempts to extricate himself from earlier friendly-sounding noises he made towards them.