As stronger, deadlier variants of the virus that's killed over 600 thousand Americans continue to emerge, right-wing disinformation outlets remain steadfast in their peddling of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, presenting a major barrier in the national effort to vaccinate enough of the public to end the pandemic in the U.S.
On the conservative Fox News network, primetime opinion hosts like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham have broadcasted conspiracy theories regarding the vaccines to millions of viewers.
Much of this hysteria has focused on an effort by the Biden administration to enlist volunteers to go door-to-door in under-vaccinated communities, providing information on where and how to get a lifesaving vaccine. Right-wing media personalities have falsely presented this as an initiative for government officials to "knock down doors" and demand proof of vaccination or even to force vaccinations upon unwilling Americans.
The stagnant vaccination rates have prompted some state leaders to propose a return to certain restrictions in an effort to protect the unvaccinated. Fox and Friends cohost Brian Kilmeade railed against the possibility of more restrictions in a Monday morning broadcast.
Watch below.
Kilmeade said:
"If you didn't get a vaccination, that's your choice. ... If you wanna go cliff diving this weekend, you don't have to check with me. It seems a little dangerous, but I'm not gonna judge you. And if you go ahead and put yourself in danger, if you feel as though this is not something for you, don't do it, but don't affect my life."
When cohost Steve Doocy pointed out that the vast majority of pandemic deaths are happening among unvaccinated Americans, Kilmeade responded:
"That's their choice!"
Doocy responded:
"They don't want to die. The administration and the government is saying we need the mask mandate to protect the unvaccinated."
Kilmeade then made the claim
"That is not their job! It's not their job to protect anybody!"
Social media users begged to differ.
People were enraged by Kilmeade's comments.
Cases continue to rise in all 50 states.
