The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: The Kennedys Can Handle Scandal—But Draw the Line at RFK Jr.
Sep 8, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson dives into the Kennedy family's mixed responses to RFK Jr.'s controversies. He highlights the hypocrisy surrounding their past scandals, including Ted Kennedy's infamous incident at Chappaquiddick. While Democrats criticize Bobby Kennedy Jr., the family has remained silent on more damaging legacies. Hanson also critiques Jack Schlossberg's social media antics, questioning the family's political relevance today. It's a revealing look at the contradictions within the Kennedy clan amidst their attempts to navigate contemporary politics.
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Family Outrage Driven By Political Alignment
- Victor Davis Hanson highlights that RFK Jr.'s controversies drew family ire mainly because he aligned with Donald Trump.
- The Kennedys tolerated past scandals until a high-profile GOP association triggered public condemnation.
Chappaquiddick And The Kennedy Cover-Up
- Hanson recounts Ted Kennedy's 1969 Chappaquiddick incident where Mary Jo Kopechne drowned after Kennedy's car went off a bridge.
- He argues the family used influence to avoid criminal exposure and never publicly labeled Ted a predator.
High Spending, Low Longevity Paradox
- Hanson notes RFK Jr.'s critique that the U.S. spends far more per capita on healthcare yet lags in life expectancy.
- He says this points to issues like diet, pharmaceuticals, and immigrant health burdens that deserve attention.