Governor Christie took an unusual and unscientific position at a vaccine manufacturing facility, and offered support to the anti-vaccine mob.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is in England today, paving the way for a presidential run. After touring a vaccine manufacturer in Cambridge, reporters asked the 52-year old Republican his thoughts on vaccinating children in the wake of a measles outbreak that has infected over 100 children in 14 states.
Instead of responding with facts based on science and evidence, Christie pandered to the anti-vaccine crowd.
Parents should have a “choice,” Christie said, as he called for “balance.”
While acknowledging that he and his wife had their children vaccinated, he gave support to the anti-vaxxers. “I also understand that parents need to have some measure of choice in things as well, so that’s the balance that the government has to decide.”
Many may dismiss the pandering as pre-electioneering, but the fact is Christie ordered the quarantine of a nurse just months ago who tested negative for Ebola and had no symptoms, directly against medical protocols. The two acts demonstrate a unique disregard for medical science.
UPDATE:Â Anti-Science Christie Tries To Backtrack On Anti-Vaccine Comments
Even right-wing pundit Jennifer Rubin took him to task:
Responses on Twitter were swift also:
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