RFK Jr.’s Apology and Continued Promotion of Super Bowl Ad

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued an apology on Sunday night for a commercial aired by his super PAC during the Super Bowl. However, despite the apology, he continues to actively promote the video on his social media account.

Apology for Super Bowl Ad

Kennedy expressed regret for the advertisement, which was produced by the American Values super PAC and featured during the Super Bowl. The ad, reminiscent of his late uncle President John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign, included images of Kennedy family members. Kennedy acknowledged any distress caused to his family by the ad and disclaimed involvement in its creation or approval.

Family Member’s Criticism

Following the ad’s airing, Bobby Shriver, a family member of Kennedy, publicly criticized him for using images of their deceased relatives, including his mother. Shriver denounced Kennedy’s stance on healthcare, vaccines, and science, stating that it conflicted with the values ingrained in their family.

Acknowledgment and Clarification

Kennedy responded to the criticism on social media, distancing himself from the ad’s production and expressing sorrow for any pain it caused within his family. He emphasized that the advertisement was created and aired without consultation with his campaign, citing Federal Elections Commission regulations regarding Super PACs.

Persistence of the Advertisement

Despite Kennedy’s apology, the Super Bowl ad remains prominently displayed at the top of his social media account, indicating ongoing promotion of the controversial video.

Financial Details and PAC Expenditure

The American Values 2024 super PAC, responsible for the commercial, disclosed that it cost approximately $7 million to produce and air the advertisement during the Super Bowl. This expenditure accounts for nearly half of the super PAC’s available funds, as reported in its Federal Elections Commission filing.

Previous Family Criticism

Kennedy’s decision to run as an independent presidential candidate in October 2023 was met with disapproval from four of his siblings, who publicly denounced his candidacy. They expressed concerns about his values, vision, and judgment, distancing themselves from his political endeavors.

Correction

A correction issued on February 13, 2024, clarified that Kennedy did not personally take responsibility for the content of the ad, reiterating that it was produced without involvement from his campaign. This correction addresses earlier misrepresentations regarding Kennedy’s stance on the advertisement.