You’ve gotta admit, the idea of another Kennedy in the White House has a certain appeal. The family name still carries serious weight, even decades after JFK and RFK. Now RFK’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., says he’s considering a run in 2024. He’s got the name, but does he have the support of the storied Kennedy clan? That’s the big question. RFK Jr. has carved his own path as a prominent anti-vaxxer and COVID conspiracy theorist. Safe to say the Kennedy family tree has some divided branches. But blood is thicker than water. If RFK Jr. takes the leap into the presidential pool, will the Kennedys close ranks and back him? Or leave him flailing alone? One thing’s for sure – it’ll make for some awkward Thanksgivings in Hyannis Port.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Background
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dedicated his life to public service from an early age. In 1985, he founded the Riverkeeper environmental organization to protect the Hudson River. For his work, Time magazine named him one of the “Heroes for the Planet.” Kennedy currently serves as president of the board of Waterkeeper Alliance, a global clean water advocacy group.
Following in Family Footsteps
As the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, politics is in RFK Jr.’s blood. He worked on his uncle Ted Kennedy’s 1980 presidential campaign and served as co-chair for the reelection campaign of President Bill Clinton. Although he has never held public office himself, Kennedy is a staunch Democrat and advocate for progressive causes like environmental protection, renewable energy, and campaign finance reform.
A Controversial Reputation
While Kennedy is admired by many for his environmental and social justice work, his views on certain topics like vaccines and wireless technology have drawn criticism. Kennedy has promoted disproven claims about links between childhood vaccines and autism, as well as health issues from wireless networks and 5G technology. His controversial stances and tendency to spread misinformation have led some to question his judgment and fitness for public office.
Eyes on 2024
Speculation has swirled around a possible presidential run for Kennedy in 2024, though he has not announced any formal plans to run. If he did run, Kennedy would likely position himself as a progressive outsider and champion populist causes like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and getting corporate money out of politics. However, his past controversies and lack of experience as an elected official could pose challenges in gaining widespread support, even from within the Kennedy family itself.
RFK Jr’s Political Ambitions and 2024 Presidential Run
RFK Jr. has never hidden his political ambitions. As the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, politics seems to run in his blood. ###RFK Jr. first dipped his toe into the political arena in 2006, running for Attorney General of New York. He ultimately lost in the Democratic primary, coming in third.
RFK Jr. announced on April 19, 2023 that he would run as an independent candidate for president in 2024. ###His campaign is focused on environmental issues like transitioning to renewable energy and “green” infrastructure. He believes his message will resonate with both Democrats and Republicans. However, RFK Jr. faces significant challenges as an independent candidate. ###RFK Jr. will need to get on the ballot in all 50 states, which requires collecting tens of thousands of voter signatures in some places. He will also need to raise huge amounts of money to run a national campaign, all without the infrastructure and donors of the major parties. Still, RFK Jr. is an impassioned speaker and his name recognition could help overcome some obstacles.
His family, the Kennedys, have mixed views on his run.
His sister Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and brother Joseph P. Kennedy II have endorsed his campaign. However, other prominent family members like his sister Kerry Kennedy and brother Robert F. Kennedy III have stayed silent. His decision to run as an independent rather than a Democrat may have ruffled some feathers. The Kennedys are a political dynasty in the Democratic party.
RFK Jr. faces a long, difficult road to the White House. But if anyone has the passion, name recognition, and political pedigree to run as an independent, it’s Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His campaign will likely shake up the 2024 race and force the major parties to take his core issues more seriously. For RFK Jr., that alone may be a victory.
What the Kennedy Family Has Said About RFK Jr’s Bid
If RFK Jr. decides to run for president in 2024, he likely won’t have the full support of his famous family. His siblings have openly endorsed and campaigned for candidates opposing their brother in past elections.
His Siblings Backed Biden
In 2020, RFK Jr.’s siblings Kathleen, Joseph, and Max Kennedy endorsed and raised money for Joe Biden over their brother. At the time, RFK Jr. acknowledged his relatives’ support for Biden, saying “I love my family and understand they have political differences with me.” While stumping for Biden, Kathleen Kennedy said her brother “has good intentions, but needs to get better sources of information.”
They Disagree With His Views
RFK Jr’s views, especially his stance against vaccines, have been controversial and a source of tension within the Kennedy clan. His siblings have advocated for vaccine safety and support scientific consensus. In a 2019 article, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend wrote that her brother “is simply wrong” in his beliefs about vaccine safety and it “hurts [her] to see how his words are recklessly endangering lives.”
The Next Generation is Also Divided
The political division in the Kennedy family extends to the next generation as well. Two of RFK Jr.’s children have spoken out against their father’s views. His daughter Kyra supported pro-vaccine legislation in California, openly disagreeing with her father. RFK Jr.’s son Conor Kennedy was a surrogate for Biden in 2020, voicing support for Biden’s agenda over his father’s platform.
While the Kennedy name still carries weight in politics, RFK Jr. may have trouble gaining full family support should he decide to run for president. His outspoken views and advocacy for controversial causes have fractured political alliances even within his own famous family. If he ran in 2024, his bid would likely highlight these divisions on a national stage.
Potential Hurdles and Challenges for an RFK Jr Campaign
Vaccine Skepticism
RFK Jr. has been an outspoken critic of vaccines for years. He believes certain vaccines are linked to autism and other disorders, a theory that has been conclusively disproven by numerous scientific studies. His views could alienate voters who support vaccination and see it as a public health good. However, his stance may also rally those skeptical of vaccines and the medical establishment. This polarizing position could make it difficult to build a broad coalition.
Challenging Both Parties
By positioning himself as an independent, RFK Jr. would be challenging both the Democratic and Republican parties. This could win over voters frustrated with the two-party system but also create enemies in both parties who see him as a spoiler. The Kennedy family has long been associated with the Democratic party, so his run could be seen as a betrayal by some Democrats. On the other hand, his progressive stances on issues like environmental protection may not fully align with right-leaning independents and Republicans. Navigating these political tensions would require a deft hand.
Progressive Base
While RFK Jr. holds some progressive positions, his views on certain issues like transgender rights are seen by some as outdated or intolerant. His past reference to trans women as “men in dresses” was criticized as offensive and discriminatory. He would need to clarify and possibly revise his stances to appeal to younger progressives, a key part of any independent campaign. However, doing so risks alienating some older, more socially conservative voters. It may be difficult to strike a balance between these constituencies.
In the end, RFK Jr. would face substantial obstacles in mounting an independent presidential campaign. His positions on vaccines, his challenges to both parties, and tensions with progressives could make it hard to build a winning coalition. However, his name recognition, outsider status, and stances on issues like environmentalism could also attract considerable support. If he enters the race, it will likely be an unpredictable campaign with many hurdles to overcome.
RFK Jr for President 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
So your uncle Bobby has decided to run for president, huh? We have a few questions. Does the rest of the Kennedy family support his campaign?
Good question. The Kennedys are a large, diverse clan, so there are likely mixed feelings. RFK Jr.’s siblings and cousins may support his ambitions on principle, believing the presidency was meant to be. However, others probably think he should focus on environmental activism. His late father’s legacy also complicates things. Ultimately, the Kennedys value loyalty, so many will likely campaign for him even with reservations.
What are his chances of winning?
As an independent, RFK Jr.’s odds are long. However, his name recognition, progressive values, and outsider status could appeal to voters fed up with the two-party system. A lot will depend on his campaign platform and performance in debates. If he champions popular causes like economic equality, healthcare reform and fighting climate change, he may gain traction. Still, the U.S. hasn’t elected an independent president since George Washington. RFK Jr. faces an uphill battle.
How will he impact the election?
RFK Jr. will shake up the 2024 race. His independence and Kennedy mystique threaten both parties. Democrats risk losing liberal supporters to his progressive vision. Republicans may see centrist voters swayed by his call for unity and “new era of responsibility”. Either way, RFK Jr. will likely capture media attention and shape policy discussions. The major candidates will have to work harder to stand out — and may adopt some of his platform to woo his base.
What positions has he taken so far?
So far, RFK Jr. has focused on environmental protection and campaign finance reform. He opposes corporate influence over politics and supports renewable energy, pollution controls, and steps to curb climate change. He has championed single-payer healthcare and greater investment in education. However, his views on other issues like the economy, immigration and foreign policy remain unclear. As his campaign progresses, expect to hear detailed proposals on these critical topics. Whatever his policies, they are sure to reflect the progressive populism of his father’s era.
Conclusion
So does the Kennedy clan have RFK Jr’s back in his presidential bid? The short answer seems to be no. His family has made it pretty clear through their silence and lack of endorsements that they don’t approve of his anti-vax views or think he should make a run for the White House. But family squabbles aside, you have to admire RFK Jr’s passion and willingness to speak out for what he believes in, even if it puts him at odds with his own kin. One thing’s for sure – if he does get into the race, it’ll make for an interesting election season. The Kennedy mystique still looms large in American politics. But is that enough for RFK Jr to win the Democratic nomination and the presidency? Only time will tell.