Members of the Kennedy family gathered in Philadelphia to endorse President Biden’s re-election campaign, simultaneously distancing themselves from the controversial candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Leading the charge was Kerry Kennedy, who made a heartfelt plea on behalf of her family.
“Nearly every single grandchild of Joe and Rose Kennedy supports Joe Biden,” Ms. Kennedy declared, flanked by her siblings and the President. “The Kennedy family endorses Joe Biden for president.”
Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, has repeatedly found herself in the challenging position of countering her brother’s views. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s skepticism about Covid-19 vaccines and his penchant for conspiracy theories have starkly contrasted with the values upheld by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the organization Kerry has led for 15 years.
“I love Bobby,” Kerry admitted in a recent interview. “It’s heart-wrenching to be in this position.” Her dedication to her brother is longstanding, rooted in their childhood bond. However, the political landscape has forced her to act against him publicly. Kerry fears that her brother’s campaign might inadvertently aid a Trump comeback, which the family is keen to prevent.
Christopher G. Kennedy, another sibling, expressed concern about the broader implications of RFK Jr.’s campaign. “Kerry feels a special burden with his candidacy — a burden that impacts her work in a negative way,” he stated. “Her abilities would be diminished if the Kennedy name is associated with fringe thinking, crackpot ideas, and unsound judgment.”
The Biden campaign has recognized the Kennedys’ influence, planning to deploy them in swing states. “We’re honored to have the Kennedys’ support, and we look forward to working with them,” said campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt. The campaign believes that the Kennedy family can effectively communicate the president’s alignment with their legacy.
Despite the public discord, the Kennedy family remains united in their private lives. Kerry noted that she still sees her brother at family gatherings and maintains contact through family text exchanges. Yet, the political divide is unmistakable, with each sibling navigating the complexities of public and private loyalties.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, another sibling, emphasized, “This is not against Bobby — this is for Biden. We’ve been for Biden a long time.” The Kennedy family’s stance underscores their commitment to the Democratic Party’s values and their enduring legacy in American politics.
