Biden Taps Former FDA Chief David Kessler to Lead Coronavirus Vaccination Efforts

President-elect Joe Biden has selected former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler to help lead his administration’s coronavirus vaccination efforts through a revamped and renamed Operation Warp Speed. Kessler served as FDA commissioner from 1990-1997, where he oversaw the approval of new antiviral HIV/AIDS drugs and fought to regulate the tobacco industry. Kessler also co-chaired Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board during the transition period. The appointment comes as Biden plans to overhaul Operation Warp Speed in his bid to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days. Coverage in right-rated outlets was more likely to reference Operation Warp Speed in headlines and less likely to discuss Kessler’s record at the FDA. Coverage in left-rated outlets was more likely to describe alleged “failures” of Operation Warp Speed.