What's happened
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has faced both support and criticism. His campaign video 'Who is Bobby Kennedy?' was temporarily blocked by Meta platforms, sparking claims of censorship. Meanwhile, his cousin Jack Schlossberg posted satirical videos mocking him, and actor Kevin Spacey endorsed him. The Kennedy family has largely distanced itself from RFK Jr., endorsing President Joe Biden instead.
Why it matters
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent candidacy is significant as it introduces a third-party option in a highly polarized election. His campaign, marked by controversies and endorsements, could influence the electoral chances of major-party candidates. The temporary blocking of his campaign video by Meta highlights ongoing concerns about censorship and the role of social media in politics. The Kennedy family's public disapproval adds a layer of complexity, reflecting internal divisions within one of America's most storied political dynasties.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, RFK Jr.'s campaign video was temporarily blocked by Meta, which the company attributed to a mistake. The Independent reports that the political action committee behind the video plans to sue Meta, claiming deliberate censorship. The Guardian highlights the Kennedy family's endorsement of Joe Biden and their efforts to distance themselves from RFK Jr. Jack Schlossberg's satirical videos mocking his cousin were detailed by both the New York Times and The Independent, showcasing the internal family conflict.
How we got here
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, announced his independent presidential candidacy in October 2023. Known for his environmental advocacy and controversial views on vaccines, RFK Jr. has garnered both support and criticism. His campaign has been marked by high-profile endorsements and public disputes within the Kennedy family. The temporary blocking of his campaign video by Meta has further fueled debates about censorship and the influence of social media on political campaigns.
Common question
More on these topics
-
In the United States, a political action committee is a 527 organization that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.
-
Instagram is an American photo and video sharing social networking service owned by Facebook, created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger and originally launched on iOS in October 2010.
-
Facebook is an American online social media and social networking service based in Menlo Park, California and a flagship service of the namesake company Facebook, Inc.
-
John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg is an American law student and son of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy. He is the only grandson of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, and former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate