While numerous other lawmakers have publicly gotten the Covid-19 vaccine, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) has vowed not to until all seniors receive it.
“I had planned to get the vaccine but will now stand in solidarity with our seniors by not doing so until THEY can. I urge my colleagues who are under 65 and healthy to join me,” Gabbard said in a Monday morning message posted to Twitter.
The congresswoman and previous presidential hopeful blasted “heartless bureaucrats” at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for not prioritizing seniors, viewed as the most vulnerable to Covid-19, in their rollout plan.
Seniors were deemed a second-priority group by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which recommended health care workers, nursing home staff/residents receive the vaccine first. CDC Director Robert Redfield could still prioritize seniors. He has expressed support for ensuring people over the age of 70 receive the vaccine sooner rather than later.
Also on rt.com Dr. Deborah Birx, who’s seeking role on Biden’s Covid-19 team, violates her own guidelines with Thanksgiving family tripGabbard’s statement stands in contrast to the actions of many lawmakers who have received the vaccine before it is available to most Americans.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), 49, was accused on social media of “cutting” to the front of the line by critics after posting images of himself receiving the vaccine over the weekend.
On the other side of the political aisle, 31-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) also received pushback after receiving the vaccine, with many citing her young age as a reason for her not to be one of the first to get vaccinated.
Others, like journalist Glenn Greenwald, also pointed to the hypocrisy of many liberals criticizing conservatives like Rubio, but celebrating Ocasio-Cortez’s vaccination announcement.
Senior lawmakers like House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), 80, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) have also been vaccinated.
Also on rt.com Iowa senator who questioned Covid-19 profiteering gets excoriated online after receiving state’s first vaccine doseIf you like this story, share it with a friend!