Public health is a clear non-partisan issue that our hyper partisan political landscape has turned into a divisive subject. Anthony Fauci’s recent committee hearing has been perhaps the most partisan committee hearing I’ve ever seen. Fauci spearheaded America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been under constant political scrutiny since then. Democrats mostly defend Fauci and his policies in response to the overwhelming surge of negativity he faces from Republicans, fueled by claims of wrongdoing made by Trump. Trump was well-known for his conflicts with Fauci while in office, and heavily slandered Fauci on social media after being succeeded by Biden. Prominent GOP figures echoed Trump’s sentiments throughout Fauci’s hearing, characterizing him as a villainous murderer in their speeches. Fauci for his part, remained mostly silent throughout his hearing save a few instances where he invoked his fifth amendment rights. In my opinion the hearings themselves are completely unnecessary and many of the questions, which were almost entirely asked by Republicans, were so outlandish that Fauci could not give a reasonable response.

I agree with Fauci’s claim that his hearings are the direct result of a “political obsession” held by the Republican party. Alongside Biden, Harris, and Obama, Fauci is one of the most consistently blamed people by Republicans for government failures as seen on Twitter and Facebook. When Republicans attack Democrats online they tend to center around a few key Democrat figureheads. Fauci unfortunately has been one of these figureheads since the COVID-19 pandemic, and I believe that the Republican party still holds a personal grudge against Fauci for both imagined and real wrongdoings done during the pandemic. House Democrats are certainly no exception to having personal grudges and prejudices, but Republicans have now shown open willingness to politically prosecute their opponents out of sheer partisanship. As always, stay observant, vote in your own interests, and have a great day!