Monday’s White House press conference was focused on the news that the US Department of Energy had gathered intelligence that showed COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory.
This explains Karine Jean Pierre’s absence. She has not been able to answer tough questions, even from normally friendly members. John Kirby, however, took the podium and did not fare much better.
Kirby, in a bizarre exchange, endorsed gain-of-function research when Kirby was asked if he believed the “reward outweighs” the risk.
“Does the president believe that the reward outweighs the risk when it comes to gain-of-function research?”
John Kirby: “It’s important to help prevent future pandemics … I think that’s a fancy way of saying yes.” pic.twitter.com/Svo5w5b1DV
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 27, 2023
It is hard to convey how absurd that answer is. We are still in (hopefully) the last stages of a global pandemic that claimed millions of lives. The cause of the pandemic was almost certainly a gain of function research conducted by the Chinese government. This backdrop is why the White House would endorse this type of research as worthwhile. What has Joe Biden made in the past three years that makes it seem like a fair trade?
It’s hard to believe that anyone could present the case for the gain of function in this current environment without a straight face. Kirby tried his best, but he ended with an affirmative “yes” after talking for about a minute. The White House is apparently still unable to make a simple condemnation or pledge to stop any future gain-of-function research, despite all the evidence.
Two explanations make sense to me. One possible explanation is that Kirby was simply an idiot who didn’t understand or had no basic knowledge about gain-of-function research. This is a good bet considering how impersonal the White House comms staff is.
The second explanation is more sinister. The White House is still trying to protect China and those administration officials who spent years trying to discredit the lab leak theory. Recognizing that gain-of-function research is dangerous and must be stopped would be to admit to deadly mistakes being made. Figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci have been reluctant to defend the Chicoms.
Although I hope this is not the case, I don’t think it’s fair to say that the Biden administration has a history of playing pattycakes with the Chinese. However, most people can agree that it is inexplicable that the White House would approve gain-of-function research after all the horrors of COVID-19. It’s easy to ask what the hell is going on.
