Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a potential 2024 Presidential candidate, discusses his controversial views on vaccines, toxic chemicals, and Fauci. He delves into his lack of political experience and his unique approach to tackling corporate power. Kennedy's anti-vaccine activism and conspiracy theories are highlighted, along with his hypothetical responses to issues like school shootings and the Ukraine crisis.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is gaining support as a third-party Presidential candidate, potentially splitting votes from both major parties.
RFK Jr. emphasizes his legal background and anti-establishment stance as qualifications for the presidency.
Deep dives
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Candidacy and Political Attention
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. started his campaign as a Democrat but gained increasing attention, leading him to run as an independent with confirmed spots on multiple state ballots. With prominent figures like Barry Weiss, Joe Rogan, and Steve Bannon showing support, RFK is known for conspiracy theories such as vaccines causing autism and toxic chemicals influencing children's gender identity.
RFK Jr.'s Qualifications and Stance on Government-Corporate Collusion
RFK Jr. justifies his candidacy by highlighting his legal career challenging government agencies and corporate power, positioning himself as a candidate able to tackle institutional corruption. Despite lacking experience in public office, RFK Jr. emphasizes his legal expertise and deep understanding of regulatory agencies as qualifications for the presidency.
RFK Jr.'s Controversial Views and Challenging the Political Landscape
RFK Jr.'s controversial statements on vaccines, school shootings, and international relations, including views on Russia's actions in Ukraine, have stirred debate. His pledge to negotiate peace in conflict areas contrasts with conventional political approaches, reflecting an unconventional and divisive campaign strategy.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has never held elected office but is related to many people who have, is emerging as a potential threat to Democrats and Republicans in the 2024 Presidential race. “There’s nothing in the United States Constitution that says that you have to go to Congress first and, then, Senate second, or be a governor before you’re elected to the Presidency,” he told David Remnick, in July, when he was running as a Democrat. Now, as a third-party Presidential candidate, his numbers have grown in the polls—enough to push votes away from both Biden and Trump in November, especially, it seems, among younger voters. Besides his name, the seventy-year-old environmental lawyer is known as an anti-vaccine activist and a proponent of conspiracy theories.
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This interview originally aired on the New Yorker Radio Hour on July 7, 2023.