I really appreciate that interview and the Senator. Some are fighting but maybe not as loud about it. But she seems so prepared as a freshman Senator. So many important things the public needs to figure out.
One suggestion: States which still support science and public health as a goal should require evidence of vaccination for any who come from Florida for health care treatment or education etc to provide proof of vaccination or be sent back there - wo(ke) are they. Florida - where people go to die, prematurely and unnecessarily.
This is a wonderful interview with Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks. It gives me hope that Congress will demand that the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services be required to resign or be fired. The degrading of our public health system is not what We the People want. We deserve better than completely unqualified and dangerous maga appointees.
Thank you Senator Alsobrooks and Simon! This confirmation of RFKJR terrified me. The ignorance was rife and for Cassidy to give an OK was strikingly appalling! To gut research, vaccines, and people's health care is untenable! RFKJR will get a lot of people killed.
RFK Jr. is just one more power-hungry MAGA nincompoop who is damaging America to the point it may take a generation to fully recover, if then. I had the 'honor' to meet and talk with the spouse of a UNC Board of Gov member, who went on, and on and on, for more than an hour about how the Biden admin conspired to keep ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine from being approved by the FDA for COVID. They claimed Biden knew it "cured" people of COVID but conspired with the FDA to keep it off the market. I tried to explain that clinical data did not support these drugs for COVID, but clinical data HAD shown the mRNA vaccine offered protection from severe COVID outcomes. I explained the vaccine may not protect you from contracting COVID but data shows risk of severe COVID outcomes and death are greatly reduced in those taking the vaccine. But this person was so invested in conspiracy thinking, and the anti-science mindset that there was no turning them. They were full-MAGA and instead of trusting the science they chose to trust the latest conspiracy theory and snake oil medical advice offered on social media. They are perfect examples of how Trumpism is corrupting our government institutions and reducing our institutions of higher education to laughing stocks.
Look into the history of UNC's Board of Gov since 2010 and you will be shocked. Let's just say NC's illiberal Republican's were 'purging' before 'purging' was cool. Culture war pun intended.
The MAGA UNC Bd of Gov didn't think Trump would hurt THEM, but his anti-science and anti-vaccine funding cuts could cost the UNC system 100's of millions if not billions. The last thing I heard about the UNC MAGA Bd of Gov overreach, they were making an end-run around faculty and wanted to fund an Engineering School at UNC that would likely compete directly with NC State's Engineering program. The MAGA Bd didn't bother to ask either faculty for input. It seems the authoritarian streak runs deep in MAGA-controlled institutions. "Autocracy, its not just for Trump anymore" should be there new campaign slogan.
Yes, I was just talking about the engineering school with my son yesterday. He's an engineering student at NCSU and expressing how stupid he thought it was. I concur.
I listened to your interview with the senator. Please, please, please stop rehashing what we already know and get right to it with the question of what is the senate doing to stop this madness. I understand you're style of being very respectful of your guests, but these folks work for us! They are not special, but they have special jobs and they need to have big plans ready to go. Lead with your premise that they need to find a higher gear and what that looks like. Thanks for all your hard work!!!
Ruth, I understand your impatience and the danger is very large. But I thought Senator Alsobrooks was very impressive in all aspects of the interview, even on crime in DC. She's a talent I've heard about but haven't had the pleasure of hearing speak until now and she was great. Simon, I am sure, was establishing some personal rapport with her so he could work with her in the battles to come. And he did drop a hint of how that first battle will be fought--over the Senate's appropriations bill--by suggesting Dems not voter for it unless RFK is fired or resigns. They can't pass a budget bill in the Senate without Dem votes so its a real threat. hang in there.
We need to be closer to Canada and Mexico. That means things like "sister cities", concerts and
ball games. For example, Mexico City could be in the National League with giant rivals such as the Dodgers and Mexico City in baseball. Trade must be free. Tourism restored between Canada and blue states. AND we may need them for vaccines.
Simon I agree that this is the most shocking development (the attack on public health). The president is a notorious germaphobe and could credibly take credit for the Covid vaccine. What does he have to gain by destroying our b vaccine program? It makes no sense
Thanks to both of you.
I really appreciate that interview and the Senator. Some are fighting but maybe not as loud about it. But she seems so prepared as a freshman Senator. So many important things the public needs to figure out.
One suggestion: States which still support science and public health as a goal should require evidence of vaccination for any who come from Florida for health care treatment or education etc to provide proof of vaccination or be sent back there - wo(ke) are they. Florida - where people go to die, prematurely and unnecessarily.
Good stuff - thank you both!
We should demand that Kennedy show us the scientific evidence that backs up his claims.
There is none.
He never read a book on any science. Just let him make a fool of himself and Trump thru
Nov 2026
This is a wonderful interview with Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks. It gives me hope that Congress will demand that the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services be required to resign or be fired. The degrading of our public health system is not what We the People want. We deserve better than completely unqualified and dangerous maga appointees.
Thank you Senator Alsobrooks and Simon! This confirmation of RFKJR terrified me. The ignorance was rife and for Cassidy to give an OK was strikingly appalling! To gut research, vaccines, and people's health care is untenable! RFKJR will get a lot of people killed.
RFK Jr. is just one more power-hungry MAGA nincompoop who is damaging America to the point it may take a generation to fully recover, if then. I had the 'honor' to meet and talk with the spouse of a UNC Board of Gov member, who went on, and on and on, for more than an hour about how the Biden admin conspired to keep ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine from being approved by the FDA for COVID. They claimed Biden knew it "cured" people of COVID but conspired with the FDA to keep it off the market. I tried to explain that clinical data did not support these drugs for COVID, but clinical data HAD shown the mRNA vaccine offered protection from severe COVID outcomes. I explained the vaccine may not protect you from contracting COVID but data shows risk of severe COVID outcomes and death are greatly reduced in those taking the vaccine. But this person was so invested in conspiracy thinking, and the anti-science mindset that there was no turning them. They were full-MAGA and instead of trusting the science they chose to trust the latest conspiracy theory and snake oil medical advice offered on social media. They are perfect examples of how Trumpism is corrupting our government institutions and reducing our institutions of higher education to laughing stocks.
A UNC Board of Gov. member? These political appointees can be just beyond stupid.
Look into the history of UNC's Board of Gov since 2010 and you will be shocked. Let's just say NC's illiberal Republican's were 'purging' before 'purging' was cool. Culture war pun intended.
As a UNC faculty member, this does not surprise me in the slightest. Nevertheless, imagine the exploding head emoji here.
The MAGA UNC Bd of Gov didn't think Trump would hurt THEM, but his anti-science and anti-vaccine funding cuts could cost the UNC system 100's of millions if not billions. The last thing I heard about the UNC MAGA Bd of Gov overreach, they were making an end-run around faculty and wanted to fund an Engineering School at UNC that would likely compete directly with NC State's Engineering program. The MAGA Bd didn't bother to ask either faculty for input. It seems the authoritarian streak runs deep in MAGA-controlled institutions. "Autocracy, its not just for Trump anymore" should be there new campaign slogan.
Yes, I was just talking about the engineering school with my son yesterday. He's an engineering student at NCSU and expressing how stupid he thought it was. I concur.
Great to hear her discussin depth. Thanks for this interview, Simon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/us/rfk-jr-vaccines-western-health-alliance.html?unlocked_article_code=1.jU8.dN5F.agzUuyWeW3TO&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Western states (and Eastern ones) are forging alliances to respect science and bypass the CDC.
Such a hopeful interview, scary for sure, yet reassuring to have Senator Alsobrooks on the side of science and sanity. Thank you both!!
I listened to your interview with the senator. Please, please, please stop rehashing what we already know and get right to it with the question of what is the senate doing to stop this madness. I understand you're style of being very respectful of your guests, but these folks work for us! They are not special, but they have special jobs and they need to have big plans ready to go. Lead with your premise that they need to find a higher gear and what that looks like. Thanks for all your hard work!!!
Right. We should be talking about what we can do with just blue states, Canada and Mexico.
New alliances. We like the same things. Baseball, rock bands along with clean energy.
EXCELLENT, Simon... such poise in Angela!!!
Ruth, I understand your impatience and the danger is very large. But I thought Senator Alsobrooks was very impressive in all aspects of the interview, even on crime in DC. She's a talent I've heard about but haven't had the pleasure of hearing speak until now and she was great. Simon, I am sure, was establishing some personal rapport with her so he could work with her in the battles to come. And he did drop a hint of how that first battle will be fought--over the Senate's appropriations bill--by suggesting Dems not voter for it unless RFK is fired or resigns. They can't pass a budget bill in the Senate without Dem votes so its a real threat. hang in there.
We need to be closer to Canada and Mexico. That means things like "sister cities", concerts and
ball games. For example, Mexico City could be in the National League with giant rivals such as the Dodgers and Mexico City in baseball. Trade must be free. Tourism restored between Canada and blue states. AND we may need them for vaccines.
Simon I agree that this is the most shocking development (the attack on public health). The president is a notorious germaphobe and could credibly take credit for the Covid vaccine. What does he have to gain by destroying our b vaccine program? It makes no sense