Anthony Fauci, Rand Paul Clash at Coronavirus Hearing

Dr. Anthony Fauci clashed Wednesday with Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky over Paul's claim that New York's rate of coronavirus infection is significantly down because it has achieved herd immunity.

In a heated exchange during a Senate hearing on the U.S. government's COVID-19 response, Paul asked Fauci if he has any "second thoughts" about advising the country to shut down economically during the height of the pandemic last spring.

Fauci responded that he does not regret saying that was the only way to stop "the explosion of infection."

Paul shot back that despite Fauci lauding New York and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for it's response to the pandemic, the state, according to the Senator, has a death rate "among the highest in the world despite shuttering businesses and schools earlier this year."

Fauci told Paul that he has "misconstrued" the data, adding that he's "done that repetitively in the past."

The nation's top infectious disease expert said New York "made some mistakes," early on. But he said the state has been able to get it's positivity rate down to one percent or less because it has followed the task force's guidelines

Paul challenged that assessment saying: "Or they've developed enough community immunity that they're no longer having the pandemic because they have enough immunity in New York City to actually stop it."

Fauci told Paul sternly that he was "not listening."

"In New York it's about 22 percent (of the population with COVID antibodies). If you believe 22 percent is herd immunity, I believe you're alone in that," Fauci said.

Paul, a libertarian, has long been critical of government lockdown measures, calling them "authoritarian."

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[manognyachakrapani]

Thank you so much, Dr. Fauci! I commend your clarity! You are simply awesome :)

[harbingerofepiphany]

I'm sick of this Mediocre virus and I'm sick of the people who carefully insert the right words to keep this exaggeration going.

[rc]

Sen Raul Paul, you should listen to your CDC Director and stop acting like you know more than Dr. Fauci.

[timothy]

Politics vs. Science. I wonder who wins...

[WUDI]

Not only did Fauci eat Paul's lunch, this excerpt left out Fauci's remark that Sweden's death rate is worse than that of neighboring countries who did the social distancing, etc.

[susanlevy]

Dr fauci served six President's. He deserves a medal.

[lesterdwaynejones]

I'm convinced after reading the comments there are Russian trolls sowing divisiveness to tear apart. Americans

[davidagainstgoliath]

Thank you, Rand Paul, for asking the questions.

[rconger]

Fauci would be a lot more believable if he did not have a dog in the fight.

[shakdawit]

These ppl. are playing with us, we are there little puppies . Very very sick ppl.

[jaym]

All public figures should wear a mask, regardless of being vaccinated, as long as significant numbers of citizen are dying of COVID and insufficient percentage of the population has been vaccinated.

[ProBoatMan]

Fauci a Big Pharma puppet and a left wing communist

[chelseafn]

WTH is wrong with Kentucky??? Get rid of Paul and McConnell!!!

[lukeserio]

Dr Fauci needs to be reminded that open your mouth and argue with a Senator or Congress person will get you put in the Ground

[jaym]

In Taiwan (an island of 24M near China with frequent travel in between), wearing a mask became a part of everyday life after recent experience with SARs. In the US, COVID19 has killed 550K and infected 30M, in Taiwan 10 deaths and ~1K cases. US spends ~$11K per person on health, Taiwan ~$3K.

[drsmetal]

We need to stop setting blame on other states and unite this country. We need to contain this virus.

[perropulgoso]

Wtf is on top of this idiot's head, pathetic.

[Salemchevy]

That is why I voted for you rand. Keep making me proud

[mrtedclayton]

22% is still a good percentage given that we've had the highest death rate.

[young]

Rand Paul was knocked out. No need for rematch. Little knowledge is dangerous, Rand!