In a surprising move, an influential Democratic donor, well-known billionaire, and hedge fund investor Bill Ackman have recently been showing support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s call for more open debate about COVID-19 vaccines. This sudden shift reveals an intriguing break in the Democratic establishment’s narrative surrounding the pandemic and its solution.
In June, Ackman made waves with an extensive Twitter thread questioning the conventional wisdom of ‘experts’ and the government. He stated, “When you are part of the establishment, it is hard to challenge the conventional wisdom. You are incentivized not to. And when your economic livelihood can be threatened by an alternative point of view or a new innovation, you are less likely to believe it or its viability.”
The billionaire also suggested that the dismissal of different perspectives on the pandemic response, including the mass vaccination campaign and extended lockdowns, may have cost lives and caused unnecessary harm to the economy, education, and mental health of the citizens.
In a striking departure from his 2021 remarks, where he likened delaying COVID-19 shots for seniors to ‘genocide’, Ackman has come forward to endorse questions raised by Kennedy and others about the safety of some vaccines, linking them to childhood allergies, autism, and other health issues. He added, “These are good questions that have not been adequately answered.”
According to Ackman, it was Kennedy’s insightful discussions that prompted his reassessment of the vaccine discourse. Speaking to CNBC, Ackman revealed, “I listened to RFK on several podcasts and a town hall and thought he raised important issues about vaccines and other issues that were worth learning more about.”
While he refrained from endorsing Kennedy for the presidency, Ackman affirmed his belief that the questions Kennedy was asking about vaccines were significant and should be considered in a wider discussion.
Interestingly, when queried about his support for President Biden in the upcoming 2024 election, Ackman’s response was noncommittal. He indicated his preference for a more open field of candidates, suggesting a potential shift in his political alignments.
Ackman’s shift underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and open debate about the efficacy and safety of vaccines. It is a testament to the increasing awareness that a diversity of perspectives, even on sensitive issues like vaccines, is essential in democratic societies. It also hints at the changing political landscape as influential figures reconsider their positions and challenge long-held views.
