Do you think Dr. Hotez – or another vaccine scientist – should agree to debate RFK Jr.?

👍 Yes (31%) – "I believe the American people deserve to know the truth. If Robert Kennedy is spreading misinformation, and this doctor can prove that, he should do so publicly, not just in the media. Joe Rogan has a huge audience and is a fair platform for a debate."

• "Friendly and informed debate is an opportunity for everyone to hear and decide what is the most compelling argument. To some degree there must be some evidence supporting both sides which is why it’s a complex issue. If opposing sides can’t face each other to discuss more nuanced topics, then we are just left to believe the last loudest voice we heard or whoever can get the most access to media."

"There are many listeners to Rogan’s podcast that won’t otherwise hear an alternate take to RFK unless that alternate take is on Rogan’s podcast."

🙅‍♀️🎙️ Yes, but not on Joe Rogan’s podcast (19%) – "If Rogan is spreading misinformation then an interview with Hotez would most likely end up not completely about what’s true. If Hotez addressed the controversy on another platform, then the information would be more direct."

👎 No (39%) – "JFK Jr has already made up his mind about this issue and no amount of “debate” will change it. As we all have felt when this happens with a stubborn family member, “debating” someone who is already determined to not believe you is really just an argument, not a healthy debate. Why should someone waste their time and energy arguing with someone in bad faith to drum up more views for Rogan?"

• "This invitation was clearly not made in good faith. Rogan doesn’t actually want to foster constructive debate; he knows that a yelling match between a scientist and politician would make for an entertaining podcast episode for his right-wing audience. This debate wouldn’t change his listeners’ minds about the validity of vaccines."

"No one is going to change anyone's mind about vaccine misinformation by debating about it on a podcast. All it will do is rile up supporters on both sides. If scientifically-backed research gets steamrolled in a debate because the other opinion is louder (literally), that doesn't make the facts less factual – but people don't believe them as much."

• "A scientist against a politician looking for votes? What intelligent fact based scientific information could Kennedy possibly bring to the table? He’s only looking to have his name in the news."

🤷 Unsure/other (11%) – "As a scientist, Hotez should welcome his conclusions and opinions being challenged. But any debate with RFK Jr. would most likely end up not completely about what’s true. So i'm torn on which way to vote."