I think this is just a small part of a larger discussion, which is what the role of science communication should be. Is it to inform the public or is it to help

I think this is just a small part of a larger discussion, which is what the role of science communication should be. Is it to inform the public or is it to help change public behavior. It seems pretty clear in retrospect that the CDC had a specific public behavior outcome they were trying to achieve, and framed their evidence or lack thereof with that in mind. I think that was a mistake because of the erosion of trust, but to be totally honest, I'm not sure where I stand on this overall.