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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., born January 17, 1954, is a distinguished American environmental attorney, author, and activist, and a member of the renowned Kennedy family. As the third of eleven children of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, he carries a substantial political legacy, further emphasized by his kinship to President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy Jr. is widely recognized for his advocacy in environmental issues, notably serving as the president of Waterkeeper Alliance, an environmental nonprofit he co-founded in 1999.
How Old is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
As of 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is 70 years old, aligning him with the Baby Boomer generation. He is a steadfast advocate for environmental causes, leveraging his familial legacy to influence American politics.
What is RFK Jr.’s Net Worth?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s net worth is estimated to be several million dollars, primarily derived from his environmental law career and roles in various nonprofits and businesses focused on environmental advocacy. His financial status is also bolstered by earnings from his books and speaking engagements.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 2024 Presidential Run
In a notable political move, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initiated his 2024 U.S. presidential campaign on April 19, 2023. Originally a Democratic contender, he pivoted to run as an independent on October 9, 2023. His campaign, which mixes liberal, conservative, and libertarian elements, has stirred controversy with his views on vaccines and public health conspiracy theories. Despite criticism from many family members, Kennedy's campaign has attracted a diverse base, including significant Republican support. Kennedy's 2024 campaign focuses on environmental issues, public health, and restoring governmental integrity. His independent run is closely watched for its potential to impact the election dynamics between major party candidates, particularly President Biden and former President Trump.
Who is Financing RFK Jr.'s Campaign?
RFK's campaign funding comes from a variety of sources, including unexpected Republican backers linked to former President Donald Trump. His super PAC, American Values 2024, significantly benefits from contributions from Timothy Mellon, a major Republican donor. Other significant contributors are Steve Kirsch, known for his controversial views on COVID-19 vaccines, Abby Rockefeller from the renowned Rockefeller family, security specialist and billionaire Gavin de Becker, and anti-abortion advocate Mark Lee Dickson. Kennedy also chairs the Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization.
What Happened to Robert Kennedy Jr.’s Voice?
Robert Kennedy Jr. suffers from spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal disorder that causes a strained and broken voice. Despite this, he remains an active and forceful public speaker.
Is RFK a Democrat?
While RFK initially sought the democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election, he declared his run as an independent on October 9, 2023. His views are a mixture of liberal, conservative, and libertarian.
Why is RFK Running?
In a strategy session on April 5, 2024, with New York Republicans, Rita Palma, a consultant for the Kennedy campaign in New York, focused on positioning Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a disruptor in President Biden's re-election efforts. She detailed a plan to attract Republican voters to Kennedy, aiming to create a contingent election by preventing a Biden victory. Strategies included amassing signatures for Kennedy, aligning volunteer efforts with the Trump campaign in Pennsylvania, and boosting support for Kennedy’s candidacy. When confronted with criticism about potentially acting as a spoiler, Kennedy emphasized that his campaign aimed to offer a legitimate alternative within the political arena, not merely to disrupt the electoral process. Subsequently, the Kennedy campaign clarified that Palma was only a consultant, not directly involved in strategic decisions, thus distancing her comments from the campaign's core strategies. This correction prompted a critique from DNC spokesperson Matt Corridoni, who suggested that Kennedy’s efforts were more about aiding Donald Trump's comeback than securing a presidential win. The campaign addressed the backlash by severing ties with Palma on April 10, a move confirmed by campaign spokesperson Amaryllis Fox.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on Kennedy’s campaign, noting its advantages for the "MAGA" movement and predicting challenges for Kennedy in obtaining ballot access, hinting at possible legal hurdles. Trump lauded Kennedy’s run as strategically beneficial, potentially diverting votes from Biden and providing a "great service to America."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Parents
Kennedy Jr. is the son of Ethel and the late Robert F. Kennedy, a former U.S. Attorney General and Senator. The Kennedy family's legacy deeply influences his career and public presence.
Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Married?
RFK Jr. was wed to Cheryl Hines, known for her role in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," in 2014, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. They are still married.
Where did Robert Kennedy Jr. Go to School?
Kennedy Jr. received his education from prestigious institutions, earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, a J.D. from the University of Virginia, and an LL.M in Environmental Law from Pace University, shaping his career in environmental law and advocacy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. History
Growing up in a family entrenched in public service, Kennedy Jr. was instilled with values of social justice and public welfare. His career in law and roles in nonprofit organizations have been dedicated to fighting pollution, protecting natural resources, and promoting skepticism about vaccines.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Books
Kennedy Jr. has authored several influential books on environmental issues, such as "Crimes Against Nature" and "The Riverkeepers," advocating for robust environmental policies and critiquing harmful political and industrial practices.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign and public persona are marked by his vigorous advocacy and the unique blend of support he attracts, making his candidacy a notable factor in the 2024 presidential race.
Can RFK Win?
The prospects for independent or third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in U.S. elections are historically steep. The only president ever elected without formal party backing was George Washington, with Abraham Lincoln as the only other exception, who succeeded as part of the newly formed Republican Party. The most noteworthy recent attempt by a third-party candidate was Ross Perot in the 1990s, who managed to secure a considerable share of the popular vote but no electoral votes. Despite a growing number of independent voters, they are still outnumbered by those affiliated with the major parties. Kennedy’s campaign may be buoyed by encouraging national polls and the enduring legacy of the Kennedy family, yet historical precedents and the current political environment pose substantial hurdles. To stand a chance of success, Kennedy will need to not only capitalize on his family’s reputation but also secure broad-based support for his distinctive policy positions.