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The Bulwark Daily

Ruby Cramer: The Power of MAHA

September 1, 2026·1h 1m

Vaccine skepticism and distrust of pharmaceutical companies long predated RFK, Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign. But the distrust of mainstream medical authority has now grown so deep that the United States can no longer contain the spread of measles. The country’s measles-vaccination rates have dropped below the threshold for herd immunity. Obviously, Trump’s misleading vax ruminations from the Oval Office have not helped the matter. The New Yorker’s Ruby Cramer discusses her reporting on one family’s frightening medical experience after one parent fell down the MAHA rabbit hole. Plus: The administration has given Big Ag a pass, Democrats should try recapturing health-conscious voters, the overlooked case of an American shot by immigration thugs, and the surprising backstory of Kari Lake becoming ambassador to Jamaica. Ruby Cramer joins Tim Miller. show notes: "The Next Level" pod will be out later today Ruby's New Yorker piece, "The MAHA Custody Battle" Ruby's reporting on the preschool worker who was shot by Border Patrol Ruby on the DNC's Ken Martin Eddington, the film Ruby referenced and Sonny recommends Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets are on sale NOW.