How R.F.K. Jr. and ‘Medical Freedom’ Rose to Power

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a crucial nomination hearing on Wednesday where a panel of skeptical senators probed his past, often contentious remarks.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, who covers health policy for The Times, explains how someone who’s considered on the fringe in a lot of his beliefs came to be picked for health secretary to begin with.

Guests: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a correspondent based in Washington covering health policy for The New York Times.

Background reading:

• How addiction and trauma shaped Mr. Kennedy’s turbulent life.
• In the hearing, Mr. Kennedy defended his shifting views on vaccines and abortion.

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