Social, moral and political pressure is beginning to build on tens of millions of Americans who decline to take safe, effective vaccines against Covid-19, as even some conservative politicians join the persuasion effort amid a dangerous new wave.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top government infectious diseases expert, bluntly warned on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday the pandemic is “going in the wrong direction” because 50% of the country is not fully vaccinated.

Fauci, one of the world’s most respected public health experts, has been demonized by conservative attacks. But as the Delta variant scythes through the unvaccinated heartland, a handful of conservative leaders are now