Robert F. Kennedy Jr. possesses a distinct and unique voice that has been affected by spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that causes involuntary spasms in the larynx. Despite the crackling, scratchy quality of his voice, Kennedy remains an influential figure and a prominent member of the Kennedy family. During our conversation in his suite at the Bowery Hotel, Kennedy shared intimate details about his life while surrounded by his aides and a security guard. The ambience of the room was serene, with a gentle breeze flowing in from the open doors leading to a private terrace.
Kennedy, known for his unconventional approach to medicine, expressed his faith in “integrative medical people” including naturopaths, osteopaths, and various healers. He revealed that many of these practitioners believe they can cure his condition. Recently, Kennedy underwent surgery in Japan and now takes a formula recommended by non-traditional doctors to reorient his electric energy. Although he doesn’t fully understand the composition of the treatment, he believes it’s yielding positive results.
Kennedy’s life has been marked by extraordinary events, such as a near-paralyzing injury he sustained in his youth. Remarkably, a healer’s manipulation of energy seemed to relieve his chronic neck pain, although he can’t definitively establish a connection. Despite his lifelong involvement in politics and environmental activism, Kennedy’s extensive belief system has only recently become widely known. From raising concerns about the cancer-causing effects of Wi-Fi radiation to questioning the role of antidepressants in mass shootings, Kennedy has gained a reputation for his unorthodox views.
In 2021, the publication of Kennedy’s book, “The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health,” catapulted him into the realm of anti-vaccine advocacy. Despite facing censorship and boycotts, the book has achieved remarkable success, selling over a million copies. These developments have further solidified Kennedy’s status as a leading figure in the anti-vaxxer movement and have laid the foundation for his unlikely presidential campaign against Joe Biden in the upcoming Democratic primary.
As Kennedy traverses the campaign trail, he unveils a complex and conspiratorial narrative of collusion among various powerful entities, including state, corporate, media, and pharmaceutical forces. If elected, he intends to dismantle the Food and Drug Administration and launch investigations into medical journals for alleged deception. However, his most compelling message revolves around his belief that his country is being taken away from him, echoing the sentiment that resonated with Donald Trump’s supporters. Unlike Trump, Kennedy’s appeal extends beyond white identity politics, attracting anti-vaxxers, anti-government individuals, Silicon Valley elites, freethinking celebrities, libertarians, disenchanted Republicans, and Democrats who question Biden’s ability to serve a second term.
Kennedy’s presence in the 2024 race carries significant weight, with his polling numbers reaching double digits at times, as high as 20 percent. Initially dismissed as a mere publicity stunt, Kennedy’s campaign has evolved into a legitimate threat to both Biden and the establishment wing of the Democratic Party. It taps into a deeper sentiment prevalent in the American psyche, fueled by a widespread distrust and even loathing of experts and institutions. Many Americans find solace in conspiratorial narratives as they grapple with loneliness, boredom, depression, and the need for explanations and meaning. The phrase “Burn it down” has become almost commonplace in social media conversations.
Despite being seen as a long-shot candidate, Kennedy remains steadfast in his belief that he will become the Democratic nominee for president in just twelve months. Reflecting on the darker and lighter sides of individuals and nations, Kennedy acknowledges the lure of populism and the danger it poses. Drawing parallels to George Wallace, he warns of how idealistic movements can be co-opted through the appeal to greed, anger, hatred, fear, and tribal impulses.
While Kennedy’s team insists that he considers himself a Democrat, his candidacy often straddles the line between populism and idealism. He aims to unify a polarized country, presenting himself as a maverick outsider while simultaneously leveraging his family’s political legacy. His campaign, launched in Boston, the heart of the Kennedy universe, emphasizes his Kennedy heritage with slogans like “I’M A KENNEDY DEMOCRAT” and nostalgic black-and-white family photos that highlight his deep connection to icons like President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy.
However, Kennedy’s relationship with his family is complex, with several siblings openly criticizing his anti-vaccine activism. Last year, his remarks at an anti-vaccine rally comparing the freedom of Jews in Nazi Germany to the present day drew stern rebuke from his sister Kerry Kennedy. Other prominent Kennedys have condemned his spread of dangerous misinformation regarding vaccines and the ensuing distrust in scientific consensus. Nevertheless, Kennedy’s presence continues to resonate, with his unique blend of populist appeal and iconic family name capturing the attention of a disenchanted and skeptical American populace. As Kennedy himself says, “My goal is to do the right thing, and whatever God wants is going to happen.”
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