RFK Jr. Bashed by Kennedy Family Over Super PAC's Super Bowl Ad

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his initials RFK Jr., in the midst of an independent bid for the White House, publicly apologized to his family after a super PAC supporting his campaign aired a controversial commercial during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The 30-second RFK Jr. 2024 Super Bowl ad, costing $7 million, heavily featured imagery from former President John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign, raising concerns within the Kennedy family, according to The Hill.

"I'm so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God bless you," RFK Jr. Posted on social media.

Despite the apology and the assertion that his campaign was not involved, the ad remained pinned to the top of Kennedy's profile on the social media platform as of Monday morning.

Family Criticism and Opposition to Anti-Vaccine Activism

Bobby Shriver, a cousin of RFK Jr., publicly criticized the Super Bowl ad and voiced objections to Kennedy's anti-vaccine activism, per BBC.

Shriver, the son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, President Kennedy's sister, expressed his disapproval on social media.

"My cousin's Super Bowl ad used our uncle's faces - and my Mother's. She would be appalled by his deadly healthcare views. Respect for science, vaccines, & health care equity was in her DNA," he posted.

Kennedy responded to the criticism, reiterating his apology and emphasizing that the American Values Super PAC was responsible for the RFK Jr. 2024 Super Bowl ad.

The campaign spokeswoman, Stefanie Spear, expressed gratitude to the super PAC for running the ad during the Super Bowl.

Controversial Legacy Ties and Polling Numbers

American Values PAC attempted to associate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with the legacy of John F. Kennedy, a move contested by other members of the Kennedy family, USA Today noted.

The PAC co-founder, Tony Lyons, defended the association, stating that Kennedy, like his uncle and father, is a corruption fighter.

"The panicked DC power brokers are working overtime to keep Kennedy off the ballot because they know he can and will end their culture of greed and corruption. They offer us soaring inflation, forever wars, and chronic disease. RFK Jr offers us real change along with freedom, trust, and hope," Lyons said.

Despite the controversy, recent polls, including the independent candidate from AtlasIntel, show Kennedy receiving 5% of responses in a race featuring Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

The ad aimed to portray Kennedy as a balance of youth and experience, echoing themes from JFK's 1960 campaign.

"Do you want a man for president who's seasoned through and through? A man who's old enough to know and young enough to do?" Said the RFK Jr. 2024 Super Bowl ad.

At 70 years old, Kennedy is older than his uncle was in 1960 but younger than both Donald Trump (77) and Joe Biden (81).

The age factor is a point of concern among voters, with mixed opinions on whether Kennedy's presence in the race might draw support away from Biden and Trump or attract voters unaffiliated with the major parties.

Democratic Party leadership filed a complaint against the RFK Jr. campaign with the Federal Election Commission, alleging close coordination with American Values 2024 in ballot efforts.

The Democratic Party spokesperson labeled RFK Jr. as "nothing more than a Trump stalking horse in this race."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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