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Hello and welcome to the Americano podcast, a series of discussions about American power,

politics and prejudices.

The election is over, but the Americano never stops, and there will be a lot to talk about with the second

Trump administration. And so we'll bring you more and more Americano, because judging from the

feedback, that's what you guys want. So please keep listening. I am delighted to be joined here

at The Spectator by Matt Ridley, one of our favourite writers,

who has written about American politics this week, which is not your usual topic, is it, Matt?

But you are particularly interested in Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is, of course, the incoming,

yet to be confirmed, but the incoming head of the Department of Health and Human Services for

the second Trump administration, what were your first thoughts when you heard of this pick?

Well, tell the truth, actually, I did report on American politics for a number of years for

the economists, both Washington and London, a long time ago, so, you know, 40 years ago.

So I've got no special expertise on this.

But, I mean, it was inevitable, I thought, that RFK was going to get some position in the Trump administration.

I think it was a surprise that he would be given an actual cabinet position for most people.

And it came as a shock, particularly to those in the scientific establishment

and indeed the media establishment who have him down as a wacky cook.

Sorry, that's with a K, not a cook with a C,

because of his views particularly on vaccines generally and COVID vaccines in particular.

...