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obert F Kennedy Jr, vying for the Democratic presidential nomination, often refers to himself as a “Kennedy Democrat.” However, his own siblings disagree with this characterization. While his uncle’s presidency and his father’s career and presidential campaign were associated with hope, responsibility, and glamour, RFK Jr’s rhetoric on overcoming divisions falls short in reality. He seems to rely on a peculiar combination of “cynicism and credulity,” as pointed out by a commentator in a New York Times article. Recently, he even claimed that “Covid-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people,” stating that Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese are the most immune, as reported by the New York Post (source).
These remarks, although partially retracted later, align comfortably with his long history of promoting conspiracy theories and embracing anti-scientific views. He has wrongly linked childhood immunizations to autism, wifi to cancer and “leaky brain,” denied the connection between HIV and AIDS, and propagated the idea that chemicals in drinking water can cause transgender identity in children. One of his sisters has warned that his latest comments put people’s lives at risk.
This hardly upholds the Kennedy legacy, and it raises doubts about his Democratic credentials. He has gained support from billionaires and right-wing broadcasters like Sean Hannity and has found more traction among Republicans than Democrats. Some believe that his campaign is primarily a means to boost his ego and personal brand, which may be less damaging to President Biden than a potential third-party bid by Democratic senator Joe Manchin and the No Labels group led by Republican former governor Jon Huntsman. A recent poll suggested that a “moderate, independent third-party candidate” could potentially capture 20% of the vote and result in a second term for Donald Trump. However, if Mr. Kennedy’s influence grows, it could have a marginal effect on President Biden’s chances. Others speculate that Mr. Kennedy might be eyeing the Republican vice-presidential position, with Steve Bannon and Roger Stone both tossing around the idea of a Trump-Kennedy ticket.
Despite all this, Mr. Kennedy has managed to garner up to 20% support among Democrats in polls. This can largely be attributed to a sense of Camelot nostalgia and his celebrity status. Although he has never held public office or run for one, he boasts of long-standing involvement in politics since his childhood. Additionally, there is a lack of enthusiasm for President Biden among Democrats. While most Democrats do not want him to run again, they indicate that they would still vote for him over Mr. Trump. However, even independent voters are not giving Mr. Biden credit for the improving economy and other achievements. This may be unfair, but it is a reality.
Mr. Kennedy’s appeal runs deeper. He has found a place within the realm depicted in the book Conspirituality, where new age spirituality and the “wellness” industry intersect with the politics of paranoia, aligning with the Trumpian right. Distrust of institutions, skepticism towards the collusion of state and corporate power, and concern about environmental degradation are valid sentiments. However, political ambitions that exploit and distort these concerns into more harmful beliefs are unappealing.
Mr. Kennedy’s promotion of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories has already caused enough harm. His recent comments demonstrate how easily conspiracy theories can blur into bigotry and scapegoating. It may be ironic to hear a multimillionaire from the country’s most prominent political dynasty railing against “elites,” but this campaign is no laughing matter.
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