Why Republicans Are More Likely Than Democrats to Be “Vax-hesitant”

 

On one level, the question seems nonsensical.  How can concerns for one’s health trigger a partisan reaction?

As for The Sensible Conservative – who got shots as soon as they were available – that perspective never occurred.  However, for many other Republicans, it did.

Why?

Leave aside that getting a vaccine seems a “no brainer”.  The risks and costs are -  given a ½ year’s experience - insignificant when compared to potential benefits (saving lives including the recipients!).

So what are the reasons?  Two stand out.  President Trump and liberal media.

The former president has simply been irresponsible.  His initial dismissal of Covid 19’s threat was compounded by his attitude during his own hospitalization.  Taking an excursion, while still a patient, to drive by assembled fans, illustrated that lack of seriousness with which Trump viewed the epidemic.  And then, in December 2020, the President received his inoculations but did so without publicity (so as not to upset his supporters who had believed a vaccine was unnecessary?).

So, to many in Donald Trump’s base, if he doesn’t think it’s serious, why should they?

And then there is the general news media.  Due to their long-term bias and hostility to Republicans, the absence of credibility among those on the Right is a major problem.  The messenger has earned its reputation. The news media is not believed.  CNN hysteria aside, The Sensible Conservative believes that most news outlet (mostly liberal, of course) are doing their best to be accurate in reporting guidance on the pandemic and the genuine need for more Americans to get vaccinated… but there was a very good reason why the little boy crying wolf was ignored.  He had a poor record for reliability.