What Does Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Actually Want?

🌈 Abstract

The article explores the political aspirations and controversial views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, as he runs for the 2024 U.S. presidential election as an independent candidate. It delves into Kennedy's family legacy, his history of drug addiction and infidelity, his environmental activism, and his promotion of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The article also examines the dynamics of Kennedy's campaign, his relationships with key figures, and the potential impact of his candidacy on the upcoming election.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Kennedy's Family Legacy and Political Aspirations

1. How has Kennedy's family legacy influenced his own political aspirations?

• Kennedy was always conscious that running for the presidency was a "dangerous thing" and saw it as an "implausibility" due to the legacy of his family members, including his father and uncle, who were both assassinated.
• Despite this, Kennedy felt it was "realistic to think of myself in the Senate" and that his uncle Edward Kennedy "had enormous fun in that job."

2. How did Kennedy's father's assassination impact him as a child?

• Kennedy was 14 years old when his father was assassinated in 1968. He served as a pallbearer at the burial and was deeply affected, saying he "lay there and wept for probably an hour or more" while looking at pictures of his deceased family members.
• Kennedy subscribes to the theory that his father's assassination was part of a CIA conspiracy, similar to his beliefs about his uncle John F. Kennedy's assassination.

[02] Kennedy's Personal Life and Struggles

1. What were the challenges Kennedy faced in his personal life, particularly with drug addiction and infidelity?

• Kennedy struggled with drug addiction, including heroin use, for over 14 years after his father's death. He overdosed on a flight in 1983 and spent time in rehab.
• Kennedy has been described as a lifelong philanderer, with numerous affairs and a troubled relationship with his first wife, Emily Black.
• Kennedy's second wife, Mary Richardson, also faced challenges due to Kennedy's infidelity and addiction issues, leading to their divorce in 2010 and Richardson's subsequent suicide.

2. How did Kennedy's relationships with figures like Lem Billings impact his life?

• Lem Billings, a close family friend, was a frequent presence in Kennedy's life at Harvard and was involved in Kennedy's drug use. Some found their relationship "weird" and believed Billings was in love with Kennedy.

[03] Kennedy's Environmental Activism and Anti-Vaccine Stance

1. How did Kennedy's environmental activism shape his career?

• After his drug addiction issues, Kennedy found purpose in environmental advocacy, working with organizations like Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council to take legal action against polluters.
• Kennedy used his celebrity and family name to draw attention and support to these environmental causes, though some saw him as self-promotional.

2. What are Kennedy's views on vaccines, and how have they impacted his public image?

• Kennedy has long promoted the debunked belief that vaccines can cause autism, particularly in his work with the anti-vaccine organization Children's Health Defense.
• His vocal opposition to vaccines, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, has drawn criticism from his own family members and the scientific community, who have accused him of spreading dangerous misinformation.

[04] Kennedy's 2024 Presidential Campaign

1. What are the key factors and dynamics shaping Kennedy's presidential campaign?

• Kennedy announced his intention to run for the Democratic nomination in 2023, but later switched to an independent campaign after it became clear he would not be competitive in the primary.
• Kennedy's campaign has faced challenges in securing ballot access and has been criticized by his own family members and former colleagues for his divisive views and potential to act as a "spoiler" candidate.
• Despite his low national polling numbers, Kennedy's presence on the ballot in key swing states could potentially sway the outcome of the election.

2. How has Kennedy's campaign strategy and messaging evolved over time?

• Initially, Kennedy's campaign focused on his anti-vaccine views and criticism of figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci. However, he has since shifted his messaging to broader themes of "medical freedom" and "informed consent" to broaden his appeal.
• The campaign has also sought to portray Kennedy as an "oddball" and "outsider" candidate, embracing his controversial image and using it to his advantage.