Today, Explained RFK goes rogue
Oct 12, 2023
In this discussion, David Freedlander, a contributor to Politico known for his insightful political analysis, dives into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s surprising shift to an independent presidential run. The talk explores the potential ramifications for both current and former presidents as Kennedy champions anti-establishment views. Freedlander also unpacks the challenges third-party candidates face in a two-party system, highlighting the complexities of voter motivations and the historical context of figures like Ross Perot and Ralph Nader.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
RFK Jr.'s Scattered Campaign Speech
- David Friedlander recounts RFK Jr.'s rambling two-hour campaign speech, covering topics from Kennedy family history to COVID-19 conspiracies.
- The speech was so long that a fire alarm went off, but Kennedy continued speaking, joking about being silenced.
RFK Jr.'s Declining Support
- RFK Jr.'s initial poll numbers of 15-20% in the Democratic primary alarmed pundits, but his support declined as he spoke more.
- His base included traditional left-leaning voters, anti-vaccine advocates, and those distrustful of big institutions.
Right-Wing Media's Embrace of RFK Jr.
- RFK Jr. gained significant traction on right-wing media platforms, appearing on Fox News and various podcasts.
- Their interest stemmed from his criticism of Joe Biden, making him a useful tool for their political agenda.