President Biden defends the sweet and iconic Big Bird after Republicans attacked the Sesame Street character for saying vaccines are safe.
Sen. Ted Cruz was furious that Big Bird told children that vaccines are safe:
Government propaganda … for your 5-year-old! https://t.co/lKUlomnpq1
– Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) 6 November 2021
Fortunately, Big Bird has an important friend in the Oval Office:
Good for you, @BigBird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your entire neighborhood safe.
President Biden (@POTUS) 8 November 2021
Republicans did not notice it, but Big Bird has long been pro-vaccine
In May, Big Bird and other Sesame Street characters, including Cookie Monster and Elmo, performed in a COVID-19 vaccine PSA:
Our friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and the rest of the @Sesame street gang is here to remind us to be vaccinated. We are proud to work together @AdCouncil to bring this important message – and catchy tune – to life!
……#covid # covid19 #vaccine #dog #marketing pic.twitter.com/E9krfzxv4z– DEFINITION 6 (@ DEFINITION6) 10 May 2021
Big Bird tells children about the safety of vaccines since the year Ted Cruz was born:
In this classic episode of Sesame Street, Big Bird and a terrifying Mr. Snuffleupagus get vaccinated! Seems strangely topical, doesn’t it? https://t.co/iPyshgv9ds pic.twitter.com/Mi6KW8BplE
– ToughPigs: Muppet Fans Who Grow Up (@ToughPigs) March 26, 2020
The idea may seem silly on its surface, but Republicans attack a beloved character from children’s educational television for a reason.
Ted Cruz and others are trying to make Big Bird part of their culture war. Republicans have turned public health and safety into a cultural issue. The GOP is trying to turn Big Bird into a battlefield in their culture war, but Joe Biden has Big Bird’s back and does not intend to allow some fierce anti-vaccine bullies to smear a child character used only to kidnap children. help protect against COVID.
The vast majority of Americans agree with Big Bird on the COVID vaccine.
Mr. Easley is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, specializing in social reform movements.
Awards and professional membership
Member of the Association of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
