We have the largest measles outbreak in 35 years it’s getting worse all around the country. A political firestorm it’s ignited in Pennsylvania after two unvaccinated residents died from measles-associated causes in Lancaster County. This has led to a tense phone call between Governor Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary RFK Jr, which spiraled into public accusations, with Kennedy suggesting the deaths may have been exaggerated and CMS head Dr. Oz downplaying the outbreak’s severity on national television. Miles and Dr. Rob unpack a resurfaced 2021 clip of Kennedy minimizing measles, the administration’s pattern of dodging accountability on public health failures, and what it means when the officials responsible for protecting Americans seem more interested in spin than in encouraging vaccination.
We also look into a new report on Medicare Advantage overpayments nearing $1 trillion. We explain how that number came to be and what can be done moving forward.
Plus, the newly appointed South Carolina Senator Darline Graham’s unusual campaign-trail argument against universal healthcare. You won’t believe what she has to say about how to address healthcare in this country.
Finally, we turn to RFK Jr.’s new cooking show, “The Real Food Show,” where the Health Secretary tours the country cooking “budget-friendly” meals with celebrity chefs. We’re joined by registered dietitian Abby Langer, who watched all of RFK’s cooking shows and she has plenty to say about the misinformation shared in them. From wildly inflated diabetes statistics and vague fearmongering about ultra-processed foods, to a supposedly “under $5 per serving” recipe built around six-dollar-a-dozen pasture-raised eggs and imported French butter, Abby breaks down how the show’s nostalgic, “grandma knew best” messaging around seed oils and beef tallow doesn’t hold up to actual nutrition science. It conveniently ignores the fact that most Americans struggling with health outcomes are struggling with access and affordability, not a lack of willpower.
LINKS
The Washington Post: Doctors say Trump’s weight poses a significant health risk
Video of RFK Jr. talking about measles in Pennsylvania in 2021
ABC News: 2 people die from measles in Pennsylvania, marking state’s first deaths in 35 years
CIDRAP: CDC adds 211 new cases to accelerating US measles outbreak
PA Gov. Josh Shapiro’s tweet about RFK Jr.’s meltdown
The New Republic: RFK Jr. Resignation Calls Grow as Two People Die From Measles
Lancaster Online: Lancaster County coroner’s records don’t add clarity to 2 Pa. deaths tied to measles
Dr. Oz’s tweet minimizing children’s deaths related to measles
American Journal of Managed Care: FDA Panel Backs 6 Peptides for Compounding
MedPage Today: Watchdog Urges HHS to Investigate Conflicts Among FDA’s Peptide Panelists
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: CBO Analysis Suggests $1 Trillion in Medicare Advantage Overpayments
Congressional Budget Office: Federal Subsidies for Health Insurance, 2026 to 2036
Video of Sen. Darline Graham talking about her parents’ deaths
Dr. Annie Andrews’ website
Men’s Health: I’m a Dietitian. I Watched RFK’s New Cooking Show for 38 Minutes—And Caught 32 Mistakes. (But It’s Not All Bad.)
Abby Langer’s website: Abbylangernutrition.com
Abby Langer on Substack: Bite Me
Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org.
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