RFK Jr.'s Super Bowl Ad Draws Attention, Mirroring Uncle JFK's 1960 Campaign
A super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential aspirations made a bold move during Sunday's Super Bowl by airing an ad that mirrored a 1960 presidential campaign ad for his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy. This multimillion-dollar investment aimed to boost the long-shot candidate's national name recognition, generating online buzz in the process.
The timing of the ad, just before halftime, strategically targeted the captive audience of Super Bowl viewers, many of whom have been tuning out of political news. Despite its significant cost of $7 million, American Values, the super PAC behind the ad, confirmed its commitment to promoting Kennedy's candidacy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized to his family members after a super PAC backing his independent bid for the White House aired a commercial during the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
“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,” Kennedy Jr. wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Bobby Shriver, Kennedy’s cousin, had criticized the ad in a post on X on Sunday.
“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s. She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, & health care equity were in her DNA. She strongly supported my health care work at @ONECampaign & @RED which he opposes,” Shriver wrote.
The super PAC has faced scrutiny in recent days after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) accused Kennedy’s campaign of illegally coordinating with the organization last week. Kennedy pushed back on the allegations in a post on X.
The super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent bid for president debuted an ad during the Super Bowl on Sunday night. American Values 2024 released a 30-second ad that was a remake of a 1960 campaign spot — with the same jingle and motif — for his uncle former President John F. Kennedy.
"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," Tony Lyons, co-chair of American Values told The Hill. "Like his uncle and his father, Kennedy is a corruption-fighter, and it's no wonder the DNC is trying every old trick and inventing new tricks to stop him."
Running as an independent, Kennedy faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the presidential ballot nationwide. As of the beginning of 2024, he had $5.4 million in cash on hand to support his campaign. In contrast, American Values ended 2023 with nearly $15 million in cash, according to public FEC filings.
However, Kennedy's decision to run as an independent has faced opposition from many members of his own family. Concerns have been raised that his candidacy could potentially siphon off votes from President Biden in the general election.
Some family members have publicly expressed their disapproval, questioning the strategic implications of his independent run.
READ MORE:
RUMORS SWIRL AS TRUMP TEAM REPORTEDLY CONSIDERS ROBERT F. KENNEDY AS POSSIBLE RUNNING MATE
MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO ASSASSINATE VIVEK RAMASWAMY
COLORADO REPUBLICAN STATE PARTY UNDER FIRE FOR EARLY ENDORSEMENT OF DONALD TRUMP
Adding to the challenges Kennedy faces, the Democratic National Committee recently filed a lawsuit against him, accusing the long-shot presidential candidate of engaging in a "ballot access scheme" that allegedly involved illegal coordination with the super PAC. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and impact Kennedy's campaign moving forward.
Critics argue that Kennedy's Super Bowl ad, while attention-grabbing, may not be enough to overcome the hurdles he faces. The exorbitant cost and the need to secure widespread ballot access pose significant challenges for the independent candidate.
Are you enjoying THE LOBBY? Our stories are only possible because of generous contributions from our readers. Please consider chipping in today. Thank you!