Comedian Jon Stewart recently engaged in a conversation with Senator Bernie Sanders on "The Weekly Show," delving into the complexities of finding common ground with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stewart highlighted the "gag reflex" experienced by members of both political parties when confronted with agreeing with someone who holds controversial views.
Stewart used the example of RFK Jr.'s stance on ultra-processed foods, noting the inherent difficulty in acknowledging the validity of his concerns while simultaneously distancing oneself from his other, more contentious positions. He pointed out the tendency to be "dog piled" for expressing agreement with figures like RFK Jr. or Elon Musk, even on issues where their perspectives align with established critiques.
Senator Sanders responded by emphasizing his willingness to collaborate with Republicans on "good and appropriate things." He referenced an upcoming hearing on food labeling, highlighting the need for stronger warnings about the health risks associated with certain products. Sanders explicitly stated his agreement with RFK Jr. on the issue of unhealthy food, while also making it clear that he disagreed with RFK Jr.'s proposal to remove fluoride from drinking water.
Stewart further elaborated on the problematic cycle of corporations profiting from poor health outcomes. He described how food companies engineer products to bypass natural satiety signals, contributing to obesity and diabetes, while pharmaceutical companies then profit from treating these conditions with medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Sanders acknowledged the addictive nature of certain foods advertised on television, echoing Stewart's concerns. He admitted the government's inadequate response to this public health crisis and reiterated his agreement with RFK Jr. on this specific issue while acknowledging the challenge of navigating his other controversial viewpoints.
