Vaccinations against COVID-19 have been proven to effectively combat and help prevent the spread of the viral pathogen.
Even Sesame Street resident Big Bird got the jab and announced the vaccine would provide an "extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy."
And while the anthropomorphic bird said his wing was "a little sore" from the shot, the level of his soreness didn't compare to that of Republicans—many of whom are adamant anti-vaxxers.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was so aggrieved over Big Bird's announcement, they banned him from attending next year's annual event in Florida.
Big Bird & Big Gov. Mandates?
NO 👏🏼 THANK 👏🏼 YOU 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/JK3efVPQnK
— CPAC 2022 (@CPAC) November 18, 2021
Republican Senator Ted Cruz from Texas also expressed his disapproval of Big Big's pro-vaccine agenda and accused Sesame Street of pushing "government propaganda" on children.
pic.twitter.com/LD3gWh69MQ
— ⓘ Qpublican f*ckery detected (@adelpreore) November 18, 2021
The CPAC Twitter account has officially revoked their invitation to not just Big Bird, but to two other specific denizens on Sesame Street, Bert & Ernie.
So why would conservatives blacklist the lovable roomies as well?
Twitter user Matt Wagner wanted to know.
I wonder why Bert and Ernie were explicitly told not to show up when they could have selected Elmo, Oscar, or the Cookie Monster
What is it about Bert and Ernie that they were singled out?
What could it possibly be?
— Matt Wagner (@Matty_Wagz) November 18, 2021
And a user had her suspicion.
Oh! Oh! I know this one!https://t.co/zTq61YeyhB
— Kitty Mom (@mom20886) November 18, 2021
Bert & Ernie spoke for themselves.
Believe me, we'd never set foot in crazy town.
— Bert & Ernie 🏳️🌈 (@bert__n__ernie) November 18, 2021
🖕 pic.twitter.com/tTr1xXeMqZ
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) November 18, 2021
It appeared another Sesame Street character was already previously banned from CPAC.
They singled out Elmo on his own a few hours prior. pic.twitter.com/s1Ly69UerH
— Jeremy (@jeremywh) November 18, 2021
Social media users slammed the GOP for waging a battle against pro-vaccine puppets.
Are y'all ok? You are attacking characters from a children's show.
— MedievalistTrekkie (@MedievalTrek) November 18, 2021
If these are your perceived enemies, you need to seriously question your life choices. pic.twitter.com/EqPWTlzuo3
— Minxi 💙 (@minxiv7) November 18, 2021
Big Bird / Sesame Street have always promoted vaccines (image from 1970's), but now the fringe anti-vaxx movement has become mainstream Republican. Vaccines are the greatest medical advancement in history, but now it's political because the right has no other platform. pic.twitter.com/CRbcZgIaAs
— notallheroeswearcapes (@chipdugless) November 18, 2021
Imagine being so triggered... by puppets and people in costumes. Do you still leave out cookies for Santa Claus? 🤣
— Pro-Democracy Warrior (@Truth_Comes_1st) November 18, 2021
do you normally invite characters from children's TV shows
— mechanical keyboard dude (@CreldBrumple) November 18, 2021
Sesame Street characters are not Nazis so they wouldn't be going to CPAC anyway
— Jonathan Jewel (@jonathanjewel) November 18, 2021
Big Bird wouldnt want your invitation anyway pic.twitter.com/kbPn5k96AC
— SovietTalk (@SovietTalk) November 18, 2021
Imagine getting owned by a TV show that teaches kids their numbers and colors.
— Barry in Iowa (@BarryinIowa) November 18, 2021
Others noted the hypocrisy of conservatives denigrating cancel culture while trying to cancel the puppets.
I thought you guys were against cancel culture. Make up your minds.
— Grace (@PinballToCrease) November 18, 2021
Remember last year when they were pretending to dislike cancel culture 🙄
— Quantum Messiah (@MessiahQuantum) November 18, 2021
CPAC 2021: They're Trying to Cancel Dr. Seuss!
CPAC 2022: We Will Cancel Big Bird!
Well, well, well, how the turntables... https://t.co/wKf8ERJVdZ
— Clyde McGrady (@CAMcGrady) November 18, 2021
The GOP declared they "will not be canceled" and opened preregistration for CPAC 2022, which will be held from February 24-27 in Orlando, Florida.
It appears they rolled out the welcome mat for one ominous attendee who is planning to attend.
No mandates No vaccines. Thanks for Inviting me! Can't wait to see you all for the first and last time. CPAC 2022 pic.twitter.com/tfLWYhFqY6
— Grimm (@ThetweetofGrimm) November 18, 2021
@cranberrycrow/TikTok
@archvizstudio/TikTok
@kreia_was_right?/TikTok
@tameetok/TikTok
@carrietrodriguezrc/TikTok
@ethanredstrike/TikTok
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
bradbondi/LinkedIn
bradbondi/LinkedIn
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
bradbondi/LinkedIn
bradbondi/LinkedIn
HuffPost/Facebook
bradbondi/LinkedIn
bradbondi/LinkedIn
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
@daffysaturn2/Bluesky
HuffPost/Facebook
HuffPost/Facebook
@nivula;@kmkelly/Bluesky
HuffPost/Facebook
@ladyvonhammersmark/Bluesky
@GavinNewsom/X
@GavinNewsom/X
@GavinNewsom/X
Eyes What GIF by Bounce
Deep Breath Sigh GIF by Harlem
Work Office GIF by Stepstone