Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a presidential candidate seeking the Democratic nomination, recently took a unique approach to stand out from other politicians. He shared a video of himself doing shirtless pushups in a parking lot, showcasing his physical fitness and strength. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 15 million views and attracting positive news coverage.
Kennedy, the 69-year-old son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, displayed his impressive physique while working out at a Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California. This location, known for its fitness enthusiasts, added to the appeal of his video. By contrasting himself with the oldest president in U.S. history, 80-year-old Joe Biden, Kennedy emphasized his vitality and youthful spirit.
Although the impact of displaying physical prowess on voters is debatable, many politicians have used this tactic to boost their image, set themselves apart, or appear more relatable and charismatic. However, it is worth noting that this approach may not guarantee success, as evidenced by the unsuccessful campaign of John Delaney, a former Democratic congressman who shared similar workout videos during his run for president in 2020.
The desire to be seen as physically fit extends beyond the younger generation of politicians. Even the 89-year-old Chuck Grassley, the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history, has emphasized his exercise habits in campaign advertisements. In 2021, Grassley, along with then-44-year-old Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), did a 22-pushup demonstration to raise awareness about suicide among military servicemembers.
While being physically fit may make politicians appear strong, it does not make them invincible. Grassley’s own experience highlights this, as he broke his hip in a kitchen accident shortly after winning his eighth Senate term. Nevertheless, he has recovered and continues to maintain an active lifestyle.
The trend of politicians showcasing their physical fitness is not new. The late Sen. Strom Thurmond celebrated his 65th birthday by performing 101 pushups for the cameras. Even the president of the United States has entertained the idea of displaying his strength when challenged about his age, although he has yet to follow through on those claims.
These workout videos are not exclusive to male politicians either. Female politicians, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have shared videos of their workouts to connect with their audience. In 2012, former Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s photo shoot, featuring him doing bicep curls, became a memorable example of this trend.
While physical fitness is a way for politicians to demonstrate their masculinity and strength, there are other avenues through which they can express their beliefs on these topics. Sen. Josh Hawley, for example, published a book titled “Manhood” that explores masculinity from a conservative perspective.
From time to time, politicians engage in dramatic challenges or confrontations to assert their dominance. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, for instance, challenged a union president to a cage match, although the offer was not accepted. Such actions provide a more colorful alternative to settling disagreements than the traditional duels of the past.
However, even these public displays of strength can be met with criticism, particularly on social media platforms. Kennedy faced scrutiny when users noticed he struggled to complete only eight-and-a-half pushups in his video. Clarifying the situation, Kennedy assured his critics that he is capable of doing more than ten pushups and that the video only captured his final set.
In conclusion, politicians often resort to showcasing their physical fitness and strength as a means to differentiate themselves or appear relatable. Although the success of this strategy remains uncertain, it continues to be a popular and debated tactic among political candidates.
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