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Kennedy Debunked | Vol. 1

Kennedy Debunked 

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Reality: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains fully committed to his independent presidential campaign and has no plans to drop out and/or endorse Kamala Harris. In fact, he openly criticizes her and Trump daily. His outreach to other candidates is focused on national unity, not personal gain or abandoning his candidacy. These smears are a distraction so you do not hear his policies which will likely sway voters his way.


The Origins of the Claim

The Washington Post article in question detailed that Kennedy allegedly sought a meeting with Kamala Harris to discuss a potential cabinet role in her administration and dropping out to endorse her. The article also mentioned a similar meeting between Kennedy and Donald Trump, which allegedly ended without any agreement. The implication was that Kennedy is hedging his bets and looking for a way out of the race by aligning himself with a major party candidate.

However, these claims are not only speculative but also contradicted by Kennedy himself. In a series of posts on social media, Kennedy has categorically denied any intention of endorsing Harris or dropping out of the race. He stated, “VP Harris’s Democratic Party would be unrecognizable to my father and uncle, and I cannot reconcile it with my values. I have no plans to endorse Kamala Harris for President. I do have a plan to defeat her.”

To make the campaign’s motives abundantly clear, Nicole Shanahan that is Kennedy’s VP posted this:

The Reality

Far from abandoning his presidential bid, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been doubling down on his campaign efforts. He continues to make regular media appearances, release policy plans, and continues to fight every frivolous lawsuit brought against him. His campaign is built on a vision of bipartisan governance and national unity, which he believes can only be achieved by winning the presidency and talking to people all along the political spectrum.

The notion that Kennedy is seeking a way out of the race is directly contradicted by his own words and actions. Kennedy has emphasized that his campaign is about providing voters with a genuine alternative to the two-party system. His outreach to both Trump and Harris was not about seeking personal gain but about discussing how to heal the deep divisions in the country—a mission he has made clear is central to his campaign.

Making a Mountain out of a Mole Hill

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s request to meet with Kamala Harris turned into claims that he’s dropping out and endorsing her. This is a blatant distortion of the truth. Kennedy clearly stated he would reach out to both Democrats and Republicans to heal the divide, yet this was spun into a false narrative. He has said on numerous occasions that you can’t heal the divide unless you talk to people on both sides. This is a stark reminder that journalism today often prioritizes sensationalism over facts.

A Distraction from the Issues

The rumors about Kennedy dropping out and endorsing another candidate are part of a broader effort to distract voters from the substance of his campaign. By focusing on speculative “what-ifs” and backroom deals, these narratives divert attention from Kennedy’s policy positions and his critique of the current political establishment. It is no surprise that this article came out after the campaign called out how the two parties are really working together.

RFK Jr has a policy that speaks to every American including working class Americans, minorities, veterans, women, parents, students, and more. Browse the policies here.

Kennedy himself has pointed out the stark differences between his vision and that of Kamala Harris. He has criticized Harris’s record on civil liberties, free speech, and foreign policy, contrasting it with the principles of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, John F. Kennedy. These differences make it highly unlikely that Kennedy would consider endorsing Harris, as doing so would run counter to the values and goals he has championed throughout his campaign.

Conclusion: Kennedy’s Focus Remains on Winning

In summary, the claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race to endorse Kamala Harris is false. Kennedy remains fully committed to his independent campaign and has no plans to support Harris or any other major party candidate. His outreach to other candidates is consistent with his broader goal of fostering national unity, not an indication of any intention to abandon his campaign.

Voters should be wary of these misleading narratives and focus on the real issues at stake in this election. Kennedy’s campaign is about offering a genuine alternative to the entrenched political establishment, and he continues to fight for the change he believes the country needs.

False

“RFK Jr is Dropping out and Endorsing Harris.”

False

Reality: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ate a goat in Patagonia while news sources claim he ate a dog in Korea. RFK Jr. put these rumors to bed.


The Source of the Story

In early July, Vanity Fair posted an article claiming that RFK Jr. ate a dog and that a veterinarian had confirmed that. Other news sources quickly picked up the story, like the New York Post, and spread this misinformation.

What RFK Jr. Had to Say:

“You know they did this story that I ate a dog and they have a picture of me supposedly eating a dog. I, of course, it’s not a dog and they said I was eating a dog in Korea and that they had checked with experts , meta data experts, and identified it as Korea and checked with veterinarians who who validated that it was a dog. It’s a goat and it’s in Patagonia.”

RFK Jr also posted a humerous video about the situation to his social media: https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1810106227101519960


Conclusion

Once again the main stream media has broken the trust of the people by running stories that are full of information. That is why we try to keep you informed here at Kennedy Debunked and we always tell you to independently verify information.

“RFK Jr. Ate a Dog.”

False

Reality: The decline in vaccination rates in Samoa began years before Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2019 visit and was influenced by various factors, including a tragic vaccine mix-up in 2018. The measles outbreak in Samoa was part of a global surge in cases, and attributing it solely to Kennedy ignores the broader context and complexities involved.

Mother Jones, one Democrat funded tabloid source that blames Kennedy for the measles cases, concluded that Kennedy must be to blame because he visited the island a few months before the outbreak. However, we know that correlation does not equal causation. In this article we dive into the specifics of the events that unfolded.

Declining Vaccination Rates in Samoa Since 2014

The decline in vaccination rates in Samoa is a complex issue that began long before Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to the island nation in 2019. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, Samoa experienced a significant dip in vaccination coverage since 2014. By 2017, vaccination rates had fallen to 67% for one-year-old children. This decline was further exacerbated in 2018 after a tragic incident that shook public confidence in vaccines.

The Tragic Vaccine Mix-Up in 2018

In July 2018, two infants in Samoa tragically died within minutes of being administered the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The deaths were caused by a nurse mistakenly mixing the vaccine with a muscle relaxant. This human error led to widespread fear and mistrust of vaccines among the Samoan population. In response, the Samoan government paused the MMR vaccination program for nearly a year, leading to a further drop in vaccination rates.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2019 Visit to Samoa

In the summer of 2019, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Samoa to attend the 57th Independence Celebrations. By this time, the MMR vaccination rates in Samoa were already low, a situation that had developed over several years and was compounded by the 2018 vaccine mix-up. Despite claims that Kennedy’s visit contributed to the decline in vaccination rates, the evidence shows that the downward trend began well before his arrival.

Kennedy’s visit was later used as a focal point in efforts to blame him for the subsequent measles outbreak, but this ignores the broader context of declining vaccination rates and other factors of the spread of measles.

The Global Measles Outbreak in 2019

The measles outbreak in Samoa was part of a much larger global trend. In 2019, measles cases worldwide surged to 869,770 the highest number in over two decades, according to WHO data. Notably, while the outbreak in Samoa has been unfairly attributed to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., similar outbreaks occurred around the world without any connection to him. The attempt to single out Kennedy as the cause of the outbreak in Samoa is not only misleading but also ignores the broader global context.

Misleading Statistics on Vaccination Status

Statistics that claim the majority of measles patients are unvaccinated can be misleading. In many cases, individuals are categorized as unvaccinated if their vaccination status is unknown or uncertain. Furthermore, vaccinated individuals who contract measles may be underreported or not tested due to fears of false positives, leading to an overrepresentation of unvaccinated cases in official statistics as previously reported.

Kennedy Responds to The Allegations

When talking with Brian Cohen, RFK Jr says:

“The best evidence shows that the deaths that occurred from measles that year were a result of a defective vaccination of the people who died were people who got the vaccine while they had measles, which you should never do. In Tonga which is next door, which also had a measles outbreak and where they were not given the vaccine, there were no deaths.

Of course the vaccine cartel and the public health cartel that likes a propaganda on this issue points this and say oh ‘the deaths occurred because of a because lower vaccination rate.’ But there is no data that shows that. There’s no paper that shows that. There’s no science that shows that. There’s just propaganda.

The best science indicates that the actual reasons for those deaths in Samoa were a defective vaccine that was brought in from Australia and then was pulled when the Public Health authorities realized that it was killing people.”

Kennedy’s Advocacy for Better Nutrition and Vaccine Choice

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long advocated for better nutrition, recognizing its critical role in building immunity and preventing disease. NIH research supports this, stating, “Vitamin A deficiency is a recognized risk factor for severe measles infections.” Additionally, studies have shown that more than half of the sampled population in Samoa were not meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium (59.0%), 44.6% were not meeting the RDA for potassium, and intake of vitamin A and E was inadequate among 25.9% and 25.6% of the population, respectively.

These nutritional deficiencies were contributing factors to the severity of the measles outbreak. Kennedy’s platform is not about taking vaccines away from those who want them; rather, he advocates for informed choice and improved safety standards. His focus on nutrition aligns with his broader commitment to enhancing public health through holistic approaches.

Conclusion

The claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is responsible for the measles outbreak in Samoa and the deaths of 83 people is a gross oversimplification of a complex situation. The decline in vaccination rates in Samoa began years before his visit and was influenced by a range of factors, including the 2018 vaccine mix-up. The outbreak in Samoa was part of a global surge in measles cases in 2019, a phenomenon not unique to Samoa or related to Kennedy’s actions. It is essential to approach public health issues with a nuanced understanding, recognizing the multifactorial causes of outbreaks and deaths rather than resorting to simplistic blame.

“RFK Jr. is Responsible for Measles Deaths in Samoa.”

In discussions surrounding mental health and violence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been misrepresented as claiming that antidepressants cause school shootings. In reality, he has pointed out the black box warning of antidepressants and called for additional studies.


RFK Jr.’s Statements on Antidepressants

During a recent interview with Dr. Phil, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed concerns about the potential link between antidepressants, specifically SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and benzodiazepines, and violent behavior. Here is what he said:

“You mentioned the school shootings. When the Columbine shooting happened, I think five families brought lawsuits against the maker of Prozac, which had just been released. But there have been many, many articles since then and a lot of evidence that some of these mass shootings that we’re seeing in this country may be related to this new class of drugs—SSRIs and benzos. Those drugs have a black box warning on them that says they cause homicidal and suicidal behavior.”

It is essential to understand that Kennedy is not making a definitive claim that antidepressants cause school shootings. Instead, he is advocating for further research into the potential side effects of these medications, particularly given the FDA’s black box warning.


The Scientific Perspective

The scientific community has long debated the relationship between antidepressants and violent behavior. The FDA issued a black box warning concerning the risk of suicidality associated with the use of antidepressants in children and adolescents in 2004. However, this warning is not a conclusive statement that these medications cause violence. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states:

“The FDA has issued a black box warning concerning the risk of suicidality associated with the use of antidepressants in children and adolescents from 2004. Despite this fact, whether or not antidepressants truly increase suicidality is up for debate because depression itself is associated with an increased risk of suicide.”

This underscores the complexity of the issue. Depression, the condition being treated by these medications, is itself linked to an increased risk of suicide. The black box warning serves as a precaution, not a definitive causal link.


The Need for Further Research

RFK Jr.’s call for more research is both reasonable and necessary. Understanding the full range of effects of antidepressants, especially in vulnerable populations like children and adolescents, is crucial for developing safe and effective treatment protocols.

RFK Jr has said repeatedly that he will change his views if new data is presented to him. All he is asking for is credible research free from big-pharma’s influence.


Conclusion

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not claim that antidepressants cause school shootings. He advocates for more research into the potential side effects of these medications, especially given the FDA’s black box warning. Understanding the complex relationship between mental health treatment and behavior requires careful study and balanced discussion. It is crucial to approach this topic with the nuance and sensitivity it deserves, avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplification and misrepresentation.

We all agree that every school shooting is a tragedy and we should join together to find the cause to them to prevent further harm.

False

“RFK Jr. Says Antidepressants Cause School Shootings”

False

Mainstream media, including CNN, has portrayed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a proponent of vaccine misinformation and accused him of making antisemitic remarks regarding Covid-19. However, the media refuses to report the context of his statement and the fact that he was talking about an NIH funded study.

Claim 1: Kennedy’s Remarks About Covid-19 Were Antisemitic


What CNN Reported:
CNN and other media outlets reported that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made antisemitic remarks by suggesting that Covid-19 was engineered to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. During a congressional hearing, Congresswoman Schultz echoed this sentiment, accusing Kennedy of spreading a baseless conspiracy theory.


Kennedy’s Response:
Kennedy clarified under oath that he was referencing a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was not promoting a conspiracy theory. He stated that his remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented by the media.


The Study in Question:
The study Kennedy referred to can be found here. The research indicates that a specific genetic variant, ACE2-K26R, which is more frequent in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, may decrease the electrostatic attraction between SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 receptor. This scientific finding was discussed in a private setting where Kennedy was assured that no recording devices were allowed. He later told CNN that he would have never said those remarks knowing they were going to be taken out of context like they were. Kennedy told CNN, “I wish I hadn’t said them, you know. What I said was true, the only reason I wouldn’t talk publicly about this … is that I know that there’s people out there who are antisemitic and can misuse any information.”


Context and Misrepresentation:
The media’s portrayal of Kennedy’s remarks as antisemitic neglects the context in which they were made. He was discussing a legitimate scientific study and not endorsing any conspiracy theory. The selective reporting by outlets like CNN has contributed to a misunderstanding of Kennedy’s intentions and statements and, in bad faith, interfered in the election process.


Claim 2: Kennedy is a Leading Proponent of Vaccine Misinformation


What CNN Reported:
CNN and other media sources have labeled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a leading proponent of vaccine misinformation. This characterization has been used to discredit his views and public statements on vaccines and public health.


Kennedy’s Advocacy:
Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for vaccine safety and transparency. He has raised concerns about vaccine ingredients, the regulatory processes, and potential conflicts of interest between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies. Kennedy’s stance is often misrepresented as being entirely anti-vaccine, whereas he emphasizes the need for safer vaccines and informed consent. It is important to note that Kennedy has stated that he will not take anyone’s vaccines away.


The Broader Issue:
The label of “vaccine misinformation” is frequently used to dismiss legitimate concerns and criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory practices. Kennedy’s advocacy for vaccine safety should be seen in the context of promoting public health and ensuring that vaccines are safe and effective for all individuals. This is no different from his public health stance on other medicines and even getting rid of harmful chemicals in our food and water.


Conclusion

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been unfairly characterized by mainstream media as promoting antisemitic ideas and spreading vaccine misinformation. By examining the context of his statements and the scientific research he referenced, it becomes clear that these claims are based on selective reporting and misrepresentation. Kennedy’s commitment to vaccine safety and transparency reflects a broader concern for public health, and his efforts should be understood in this light.

“RFK Jr Promoted Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories.”

Debate

President Trump and President Biden were fact-checked multiple times from the Presidential Debate. Here we go through the claims that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made during The Real Debate that his campaign hosted along side the CNN debate.

Economy

“President Trump came into office promising to balance the budget. Instead, he spent more money in office than every president in the United States history combined from George Washington from George W. Bush.”

True

“(President Biden) He’s already run up 6.3 trillion dollars in debt and by the time he leaves office he’ll have run up more than President Trump.”

Almost

Joe Biden has approved 6.2 trillion of new borrowing but has also approved 1.9 trillion in deficit reduction, amounting to a total of 4.3 trillion so far in his term.

“The interest alone on that debt is costing us more than our military budget.”

True

So far in 2024, 601 billion has been spent on the interest on the debt and 576 billion has been spent on National Defense.


Covid

“These two presidents shut down every business in our country. 3.3 million businesses with no due process, no just compensation.”

True and Almost

The NIH study that records this was analyzing this data found that 3.3 million businesses were closed in April 2020. This indicates that this happened under President Trump. According to the Federal Reserve, many, not all, closures remained until mid 2021.

“They shifted 4.3 trillion dollars upward to this new oligarchy of billionaires that he was talking about. They created a billionaire a day in 500 days.”

True – and some.

Many sources even show more than 4.3 trillion. This source shows 5 billion of wealth was shifted up during the pandemic.

“We ended up having the worst record of, body count, of any country in the world. We had 16% of the covid deaths under these two presidents.  We only have 4% of the world’s population.”

True

According to John Hopkins data, we had the highest number of covid deaths than any other country at 1,123,836. Forbes wrote this when referencing that same data, “The U.S. has 4% of the world’s population but recorded 16% of Covid-19 deaths.”


Abortion

“I believe it should be limited, late term, should be limited. Absolutely. That’s what was permitted under Roe v Wade.”

True

During the debate, there was back and forth between the candidates about the limitations, if any, Roe v Wade provided. RFK Jr. is correct when he said that it limited late term abortions.

“That’s what every European country, has the same law.”

With one exception.

Poland only allows abortion in the cases where the life of the mother is at risk. There are five other countries that also ban abortion, but the average person would not consider them countries since they are the size of a small city. See image below.

“52% of abortions in this country, the woman says economic considerations played a key role in her decision.”

True

Percentages change drastically depending on what source you use. For example, this medical paper by Dr. Dawn Stacey lists “not financially prepared,” with 40% and, ‘unable to provide a “good” life,’ with 12%. This equals the 52% Kennedy was most likely referring to. According to this medical journal, 73% of women reported getting an abortion because they could not afford a baby. Point is, Kennedy is correct that a majority of abortions take place because of financial reasons.

“Every million dollars that we spend on weapons provides two jobs, creates two jobs. Every million dollars that we spend on childcare creates 22 jobs.”

The idea is true – more research is needed on the specific numbers.

Many sources conclude the idea that an investment in childcare creates more jobs than investments in defense do. However, I have had a difficult time trying to find the exact data Kennedy referenced to. According to Brown University, a one million investment in federal defense creates 6.9 jobs. They do not list childcare specifically, but they do list education which is usually tied into that. The same investment in elementary and secondary school creates 19.2 jobs.

Equitable Growth noted, “In one economic model, for example, fully subsidizing child care costs so that parents paid nothing rather than an average of $89 per week (in 2021 dollars) increased the rate of maternal employment from 37 percent to 87 percent.17

Feel free to email info@kennedydebunked.com if you have any additional data.


Immigration

“I think almost everything that President Biden said I know to be, not to be true, including his claim that he was endorsed by the border patrol.”

True

During the debate, President Biden made the comment that the Border Patrol endorsed him. Kennedy then said he knew that was false, and that is correct. The Border Patrol Union posted during the debate, “To be clear, we never have and never will endorse Biden.”

“You know the border, there’s been at least 7 million people who have come across the border. This is without the got aways which are another 2 million.”

True

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, total border encounters are at 8,280,550. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, there have been 1,849,515 gotaways between 2021 and 2023. According to the Homeland Security Committee in the House of Representatives, they also estimate roughly 2 million gotaways under President Biden’s term.

Southern Border Crossings

“President Biden, when he became president, ordered a stop on the construction of the wall.”

True

On President Biden’s first day in office, he issued a proclamation to stop the construction at the border wall. The Biden administration is currently in litigation over this decision. Plaintiff’s argue that congress appropriated that money for the building of the wall and the executive branch does not have the authority to redirect those funds.

“The two laws that were changed under President Biden, the day they came in that catch-and-release law…”

Kennedy ran out of time during the middle of this statement. Because of that, I will not comment on the validity of it. I will, however, provide additional information.

On February 4th, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum which essentially reinstated catch-and-release that was revoked under the Trump administration. On President Biden’s first day in office he signed executive order 13993. This order revoked an executive order from President Trump that enforced many aspects of the immigration law. This move is seen to have opened the border on Biden’s first day in office.

“We’re seeing rises in crime that are associated with the immigrants.”

True

The number of arrests have gone up in recent years according to the U.S. Customs and Border protection. Many people believe that crime rate among undocumented immigrants is much lower than U.S. citizens. However, there is competing data on this. The Department of Justice reports, “we observe considerably lower felony arrest rates among undocumented immigrants compared to legal immigrants and native-born US citizens.” This report is from 2020. On the other hand, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports, “64% of all federal arrests were of non-U.S. citizens.” Because of this, I revert back to the U.S. Customs and Border protection.

“The border patrol takes, because they’ve been ordered to not to do their job, you know catch-and-release. They bring them to the Uma airport, put them on a plane to any destination they want… and they pay their ticket. They have an asylum court date seven years in the future.”

True

Dr. Phil interviewed the president of the Border Patrol Union and many border agents about this issue. If you do not believe Kennedy or Dr. Phil, listen to the agents who work at the border below.

Watch Part 1 on Dr. Phil here.

Watch Part 2 on Dr. Phil here.


Ukraine – Russia War

“Putin has been asking to settle this war from the beginning. In fact, he agreed to two separate treaties, the Minsk Accords in 2019. Which Zelensky ran in 2019 and ran promising to sign the Minsk Accords.

True

According to Geopolitical Economy, ‘When Zelensky ran for president, he had differentiated himself from Poroshenko by pledging to “reboot” peace negotiations with the Russian-speaking separatists in the east and “continue in the direction of the Minsk talks and head towards concluding a ceasefire”.’

“President Putin did not go into Ukraine intending to conquer Europe.”

True – at least that is what Putin says.

Tucker Carlson sat down for an interview with Putin in 2024. Tucker Carlson asked Putin, “Well the argument is, I know you know this, is that well, he invaded Ukraine he has territorial aims across the continent.” Putin responded with, “It is absolutely out of the question. You just don’t have to be any kind of analyst. It goes against common sense to get involved in some kind of global war.”

“They negotiated a beautiful treaty in April of 2022. They signed the treaty. The one thing that Putin wanted was that we didn’t put NATO in Ukraine. He didn’t want to conquer Europe. They signed it. Putin was withdrawing his troops. And what happened, President Joe Biden sent Boras Johnson over to Kiav and forced Zelensky to tear up that agreement.”

True

According to the Russian News Agency, ‘”This happened only because the United States had put pressure on them and said that no negotiations must be held,” the secretary of Russia’s Security Council stressed.

Russia pulled out its forces from the Kiev and Chernigov areas. However, the negotiations on the peaceful settlement were totally frozen after that and, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said, Kiev gave up the accords reached in Istanbul.

In October last year, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky enacted a decision by the country’s National Security and Defense Council on banning any talks with Putin.’

The European Conservative states, “Russia was ready to end the war and withdraw its troops in exchange for Ukrainian neutrality just a few months after the invasion began and was refused partly because of ex-British PM Boris Johnson.”

“President Trump was part of it. President Trump gave the first 1.3 billion to Ukraine in 2017 of the first offensive weapons.”

False

According to Defense News, 1.5 billion has been sent to Ukraine from 2014-2019. President Trump eventually sent 400 million after originally stalling its release. This stalling ultimately got him impeached.

“Then he walked away from the intermediate range nuclear treaty with Russia unilaterally.”

True

According to BBC, the US formally withdrew from The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 2019.


Israel – Hamas War

“Hamas, which is a genocidal organization, which has pledged to Israel’s anialation, it’s pledged to the extermination of jews and it does not want a two state solution. It wants a one state solution which is Israel gone. It actually has in it’s charter a provision that says that it is against Islamic law to even negotiate with Israel.

True

According to the HAMA Covenant, “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.” 

“[Peace] initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement.”

“The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them.”

“Israel is in a five front war with Hamas, which is a proxy of Iran.”

True

According to the same covenant, “the Islamic Resistance Movement is a distinguished Palestinian movement.”

“Israel is the only democracy in the Mid-East.”

True

According to the V-Dem Institute, Israel is the only democracy in the middle east. The rest of the countries have autocracies (absolute power is held by a ruler.)

“Hezbollah is the most proficient guerrilla army in the world and probably in history. Iran is now a super power in the mid-east.

True

According to a congressional report, “Lebanon’s Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, political party, social welfare organization, and U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization. Its armed element
(referred to by many in Lebanon as “the resistance”) receives support from Iran and Syria and
possesses significant paramilitary and unconventional warfare capabilities that rival and in some
cases exceed those of Lebanon’s armed forces and police. The United States government holds
Hezbollah responsible for a number of kidnappings and high-profile terrorist attacks against U.S.,
European, and Israeli interests since the early 1980s.”


NATO

“President Eisenhower said in 1959, if we do our job with NATO it will be gone in ten years.”

Almost True – He got the date wrong.

When Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first NATO supreme allied commander, he wrote in 1951 that “If in 10 years, all American troops stationed in Europe for national defense purposes have not been returned to the United States, then this whole project [NATO] will have failed.”

In 1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.”

“We have double the military budget that we had in real dollars than at the height of the cold war.”

Not double – but close.

In 2023, the US military budget was 851 billion dollars. The height of the cold war is subject to one’s opinion. Some sources say 1962. In 1962, the military budget was 49.4 billion. Accounting for inflation, the 1962 military budget would be 513.7 billion today.


The Constitution

“President Biden, 37 hours after he took the oath of office, was ordering social media sites to censor his political opponents. He opened a portal to the FBI, the CIA, CISA, NIH, DHS, the IRS and other agencies to go in and tamper with the social media sites and take out things that were not politically palatable.”

True

This is well documented in this congressional report and in the case Murthy v Missouri. The court case went to the Supreme Court where they decided there was a lack of standing and the cases will have to be litigated in lower courts. This case has over 20,000 pages of evidence from the Biden administration and social media companies. We will have to wait for these courts to run their course in lower courts.

*The next four claims I do not note if it is true or false. I leave this to the reader since it could depend on how you interpret the law.*

“They violated [Trump and Biden] freedom of assembly with mask regulations that again, the top scientist in this country Anthony Fauci, admitted to congress two weeks ago that they were not scientifically based.”

Anthony Fauci testified to the Covid select subcommittee. In his testimony in response to social distancing, he said “You know, I don’t recall. It sort of just appeared. I don’t recall, like, a discussion of whether it should be 5 or 6 or whatever. It was just that 6 foot is—.” When asked if he looked at any studies for wearing masks, he said, “You know, I might have, Mitch, but I don’t recall specifically that I did. I might have.”

The first amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“They shut down 3.3 million businesses with no due process, no just compensation, a violation of the fifth amendment.”

According to the fifth amendment, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

“They shut down the seventh amendment right to jury trials by saying you couldn’t sue somebody who was involved in covid counter measures no matter how negligent that corporation.”

According to a congressional report, “Under the HHS Declaration and its amendments, covered persons are generally immune from legal liability (i.e., they cannot be sued for money damages in court) for losses relating to the administration or use of covered counter measures against COVID-19. The sole exception to PREP Act immunity is for death or serious physical injury caused by “willful misconduct.”” Even then, you would not sue the company, but the tax payers will pay out for damages.”

The seventh amendment says, “In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.”

“They shut down the fourth amendment’s prohibition against warrantless searches and seizures with this track and trace surveillance.”

In a paper discussing the security and privacy on covid-19 tracking apps it says, “In most apps, users were monitored and tracked without the user’s consent.” The fourth amendment says, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”


Issues Facing the Middle Class

“70% of the American public say they don’t want this contest.” – Referring to Trump and Biden.

True

According to a Harvard/Harris pol in October of 2023, 66% of voters want an alternative to Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The same poll in September of 2023 showed 72%. This question is not asked in most polls so this is the closest one I could find.

“71% of people in this country are making less than the cost of basic human needs.”

False

Answers vary depending on the source and depending on how you interpret the statement. According to the Federal Reserve, 71% of respondents say they took at least one action to adjust their lifestyle for inflation such as switched to cheaper products, delayed a major purchase, got another job, or similar. 37% of adults would not be able to pay for a $400 expense right now. 17% of people were not able to pay their bills in full last month.

“I want to talk about the fact that under their administrations the top 1% of Americans now own more than the 60% that represent the middle class.”

True depending on what percentiles you consider the middle class.

According to the Federal Reserve, the bottom 60% of Americans hold 24 trillion in wealth, while the top 1% holds 35 trillion in wealth.


Inflation, Crime, and Education

“I agree with the assessment that inflation is disproportionately hurting black people because they’re wage earners, they’ve got disproportionately fixed incomes.”

True

According to Liberty Street Economics, Hispanics are being hit the hardest with inflation with blacks being the next highest. Whites were then next hit the hardest with Asian American/ Pacific Islanders being hit the least hardest. Possibly a better explanation for this disparity is in income brackets. So those with lower incomes were more affected by inflation than those with high incomes.

“We spend 50 billion dollars a year on the Department of Education.”

False

We spend about 80 billion a year for the Department of Education.

“President Biden passed the drug act in 1986, that he wrote, that gave 100 times the penalty for crack cocaine as powder cocaine. It was designed to put blacks in jail. Then he passed in 1994 omnibus crime bill with the super predatory provisions, the mandatory sentencing, three strikes your out. Those two bills doubles the amounts of blacks in American prisons.”

In 1986, Joe Biden co-sponsored H.R.5484 – Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986. He did not write it. According to the Equal Justice Initiative, “The law created a significant disparity in the sentences imposed in federal courts for crimes involving powder cocaine versus those imposed for crimes involving crack cocaine, with mandatory minimum sentences set at a 100:1 ratio.”

The Violent Crime bill was written by Joe Biden and passed in 1994. This bill, in coordination with the 1986 bill, have been attributed to mass incarceration rates.


Environment

“We give carbon 5.2 trillion dollars in subsidies a year.”

Needs more information

Carbon subsidies have reached 7 trillion across the globe according to the International Monetary Fund. However, in the US it’s in the billions. It is hard to pinpoint an exact number because there are various direct and indirect subsidies which can be found at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

“President Biden’s program, which is the Inflation Reduction Act, does a few good things, but the bulk of it is large subsidies to the oil industry and to Blackrock, and other really sinister corporations.”

Read below and form your own opinion.

According to Opensecrets.org, “Last year’s most-lobbied congressional bill by the oil and gas industry, and all other industries, was the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the nation’s largest climate spending package ever. The landmark bill, which Biden signed into law on Aug. 16, 2022, directs billions of dollars — including tax incentives — into clean energy technology in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission.” The U.S. Department of Labor says, “It is estimated that more than 70% of that investment will be delivered through tax incentives.”

“Stopping the discharge from coal burning power plants which are costing half a trillion dollars in respiratory injuries annually. Poisoning every fresh water fish in our country with mercury…”

True

According to this Science Direct article, carbon emissions from burning coal lead to a variety of health issues including lung, immune, heart, brain, reproductive, and even DNA problems. While I could not find an exact cost to these health problems as a result of burning coal, it is a very well documented health problem. According to the EPA, “Power plants are the largest source of airborne emissions of mercury. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin which affects the nervous system and brain functions, particularly in infants and children, and is known to cause other significant health effects.”


Social Secuity

Kennedy agreed with the host that social security is going bankrupt.

True

According to the Social Security Administration, “benefits are now expected to be payable in full on a timely basis until 2037, when the trust fund reserves are projected to become exhausted.”

“We need to solve our chronic disease epidemic which is the biggest cost, 4.3 trillion.”

Close

According to the CDC, “About 90% of the annual $4.1 trillion health care expenditure is attributed to managing and treating chronic diseases and mental health conditions.”

“When I was a kid, our country owned half the wealth on the face of the earth.”

Almost

According to Forbes, the U.S. had 40% of the world’s GDP. In 2019, it was 24%.


Child Care

“Child care for black Americans, John, is 37% of income. A single child.”

It depends on the childcare used and where you live.

According to care.com, the average weekly cost of daycare is $321 for one child. This can range depending on where you live and if you use a nanny, babysitter, daycare, or after school care. I totaled that weekly cost by 45 weeks and ended up with a total yearly cost of $14,445. This number divided by the average household income in the U.S. results in daycare costing 19% overall of household income. When you break this down by race it amounts to 27% for black Americans, 23% for Hispanic Americans, 18% for white Americans, and 13% for Asian Americans.


Nuclear War

“We fired a missile in coordination with Ukraine, a series of missiles, into crimea with cluster bombs. Which every nation in the world except for us and North Korea says is a war crime. We dropped them on a civilian population. People who were sitting, sunning themselves on a beach and we killed a lot of children.”

True

According to Russian media and the U.S media, four people died including two children, and about 150 people were injured.

Russia equally blames the U.S. for supplying the weapons and using American satellites to guide the missiles.

Russian officials said “The involvement by the United States, the direct involvement, as a result of which Russian civilians are killed, cannot go without consequences.”

“The previous week, the Russians are in Cuba firing missiles because they’ve warned us.”

Read below to form your own opinion.

In early June, three Russian military ships and a nuclear submarine arrived in Cuba for military exercises. American ships were deployed in response.

“The [Russia] have 2,500 more nuclear weapons than we do.”

There is no way to tell.

Russia does not disclose how many nuclear weapons they have. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has about 500 more weapons.


Closing Argument

“In 2013 there was a poll taken that asked young people under 35 in this country, “are you proud of the United States?” 85% said yes. The same poll taken five months ago , 18% said yes.”

True

According to a 2013 Gallup poll, 85% of 18-29 were extremely proud to be an American. The result across all ages was also 85%. The same poll in June of 2023 shows 18% of 18-35 year olds say the same. Out of all age groups in 2023, 67% say they are extremely proud to be an American.

“…rather than spending 8 trillion dollars on regime change wars that have left every nation we’ve touched worse off than we found it.”

Some of this is opinion so I will add some facts for you to decide.

According to Watson Institute at Brown University, “Through Fiscal Year 2022, the United States federal government has spent and obligated $8 trillion dollars on the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and elsewhere.” They go on to say that this money was almost entirely borrowed which increased the deficit. The interest on this debt could total over 6.5 trillion by 2050.


Watch the Entire Debate Here:

Fact Check on Kennedy Debate

Reality: The portrayal of Nicole Shanahan’s TV interview as incoherent and nonsensical is both misleading and dismissive of her thoughtful responses. The media’s selective reporting failed to capture the full context of her comments and the full context of the question. After gaining the needed background on the topic, why aren’t more people talking about semiconductors and batteries?

The Media’s Game

Following Nicole Shanahan’s first television interview as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vice-presidential pick on June 20th, several media outlets published articles that portrayed her responses as baffling and off-the-rails. The Daily Beast claimed, “Nicole Shanahan Lists Reasons She’d Be a Good Prez—And They Make No Sense” , while The New York Post described her explanations as “baffling” and questioned her understanding of foreign policy and technology.

Here is what the Chair of the DNC had to say along with one of their operatives:

The Full Context

Contrary to these characterizations, Shanahan’s interview was coherent and demonstrated a deep understanding of critical issues. When asked why she would make a good vice president, she articulated her motivations clearly:

“I want to be vice president because I want to take my learnings of being a mother in today’s America, being somebody who has really looked at our healthcare issues, who understands deeply our AI challenges and the technology landscape of this country, and I want to bring it to the White House” .

Shanahan emphasized her commitment to bringing a youthful, capable mindset to address the country’s challenges, reflecting her broader vision for the role.

Foreign Policy Expertise

The media also misrepresented her views on foreign policy. When asked about her foreign policy understanding to be commander-in-chief in a worst-case scenario, Shanahan responded with a detailed explanation of her qualifications and the importance of understanding global commerce, semiconductors, and world religions:

“I think that I have a very sophisticated view on foreign affairs due to my previous work both in intellectual property law. I understand how global commerce works. I understand how we build batteries around the world. I understand the importance of semiconductors… I’ve spent most of my spiritual life studying world religions, and I think it’s really important right now for us to understand and respect each other’s religious alignment and understand the depths and the nuances of it” .

Shanahan’s comments highlighted the significance of semiconductors in global politics, particularly concerning U.S.-China relations over Taiwan, a crucial center for semiconductor production.

Why aren’t more People Talking about Semiconductors?

Following the interview, Shanahan took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her remarks, emphasizing the vital role of semiconductors in modern life and their strategic importance in foreign policy:

“From your smartphone to your home medical device, to the car you drive, your home appliances, the airplanes we all travel on, you name it, most devices and services we rely on today depend on semiconductors and batteries” .

She further explained the geopolitical stakes, noting that 70% of the world’s semiconductors and 90% of the world’s most sophisticated chips are produced in Taiwan. The potential Chinese takeover of Taiwan could disrupt global supply chains, highlighting why understanding semiconductors is critical for anyone involved in foreign policy. Read more about the China, Taiwan, and US relations here.

The real question is, why aren’t more people talking about semi-conductors and batteries?

Conclusion

Shanahan’s comments on semiconductors and global commerce were taken out of context and reduced to sound bites that misrepresented her comprehensive understanding of foreign policy.

In defending herself and explaining her rationale, Shanahan demonstrated her commitment to bringing informed and thoughtful leadership to the table. The media’s attempt to undermine her qualifications by focusing on out-of-context remarks does a disservice to public discourse. It is no secret why the mainstream media is experiencing the lowest trust by viewers of all time. As voters, it’s crucial to seek out the full context. Issues as big as foreign policy cannot be dwindled down to 10 second sound bites.

False

“Shanahan Gave Dizzying Response on why she Would be a Good President”

False

Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. do not qualify for the presidential debate according to CNN’s guidelines. One of the requirements is that the candidate “must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency.” Trump and Biden are currently not on any state’s ballot as their conventions have not happened yet. Kennedy has turned in signatures in enough states, but he cannot control how fast or slow those signatures take to get certified. However, he is officially on nine state’s ballots making him the most eligible out of the three candidates.

Ballot Access and Electoral Votes

Kennedy’s campaign has made significant strides in securing ballot access across multiple states. According to his campaign’s statement:

  • The Kennedy-Shanahan ticket is officially on the ballot in nine states, including key states like California and Texas.
  • The campaign has collected enough signatures for ballot access in 14 additional states.
  • Kennedy has turned in the signatures needed for ballot access in 23 states, totaling 310 electoral votes, which surpasses the 270 electoral vote threshold required for presidential victory.

While Kennedy is waiting for some states to certify the signatures, this process is out of his control. He has ensured that multiple times the required number of signatures have been submitted to mitigate the risk of disqualification.

In contrast, neither Biden nor Trump currently appear on any state’s ballots, as their official nominations will not occur until their respective party conventions later this year.

Polling Criteria and Performance

To qualify for the debate, CNN requires candidates to receive at least 15% support in four separate national polls from a specific list of credible polling organizations. Kennedy has achieved this. When considering margin of error, he far exceeds this.



Two polls that meet CNN’s standards do not have RFK Jr. listed as an option in the poll. These include CBS News and NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist College. Several of these organization have not done recent polls. CNN also left out the Harvard-Harris poll which consistently has RFK Jr over 15%. Was this done on purpose?

A margin of error reflects the range within which the true value of a poll’s results likely falls, accounting for the variability inherent in sampling a portion of the population rather than the whole. For instance, if a poll shows Kennedy with 16% support and a margin of error of 3.8%, his actual support could be as high as 19.8% or as low as 12.2%. This means that Kennedy’s reported percentages, when considering the margin of error, may well meet or exceed the 15% threshold required by CNN.

Is this a Campaign Finance Violation?

The Kennedy campaign has filed a complaint with the FEC regarding CNN’s debate criteria and potential violations of federal election law. The FEC has clarified that there is no “presumptive nominee” exemption in its regulations, which means CNN must apply its criteria equally to all candidates, including Biden and Trump, who currently do not meet the same ballot access criteria as Kennedy.

What is Really Going on?

Another poll came out of Utah this week showing Kennedy and Biden polling the same at 20%.

68% of respondents say that the future of democracy is an extremely important issue while CNN is actively trying to rig the debate criteria.

According to PBS, 55% of respondents are not satisfied with Trump and Biden being the major party candidates.

One must also consider the significant influence of pharmaceutical advertising on television, a multi-billion dollar industry from which CNN profits. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to sign an executive order to ban pharmaceutical advertising on television, a move that would certainly level networks like CNN. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the network’s objectivity in setting debate criteria.

Conclusion

While neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump currently meet CNN’s ballot access criteria due to pending party conventions, Kennedy has made significant strides, being officially on the ballot in nine states and having submitted sufficient signatures for ballot access in an additional 14 states. He has effectively reached the necessary threshold for 270 electoral votes, a feat not yet achieved by Biden or Trump.

Kennedy also meets CNN’s polling criteria, by reaching at least 15% support in four national polls. Despite the deliberate exclusion of certain polls that would bolster his standing, his performance indicates substantial voter support.

CNN, President Trump, and President Biden are making one thing clear: Any challenge to the two party system will be silenced.

“Trump and Biden Qualify for the Debates.”

False

Reality: Within the landscape of third-party and independent candidates, Kennedy’s campaign is not only financially strong but also highly competitive. While Joe Biden and Donald Trump brag about raising millions of dollars in one night, RFK Jr. is focused on addressing why 17% of people couldn’t pay all their bills last month, 27% skipped medical treatment because of the cost, 37% can’t afford a $400 emergency, and 52% cannot afford a $2,000 emergency.

Propaganda

On 06/15/2024, Politico published this article. It says, “Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign is on financial life support.” This is far from the truth.

Cash on Hand

Here is how much Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Cornel West have raised according to the FEC.

Joe Biden (Democratic Party):

  • Receipts: $194,773,233.44
  • Disbursements: $110,548,279.91
  • Ending Cash on Hand: $84,485,428.90

Donald Trump (Republican Party):

  • Receipts: $124,151,212.64
  • Disbursements: $75,087,164.04
  • Ending Cash on Hand: $49,064,048.60

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent):

  • Receipts: $44,029,356.48
  • Disbursements: $33,842,903.49
  • Ending Cash on Hand: $10,186,452.99

Cornel West (Third Party):

  • Receipts: $1,157,202.17
  • Disbursements: $1,141,820.83
  • Ending Cash on Hand: $15,381.34

When compared to third-party candidates like Cornel West, Kennedy’s campaign finances are robust. Kennedy has raised nearly 40 times more than Cornel West, highlighting his financial advantage in the third-party landscape. Although a third party automatically gives you a disadvantage, Kennedy is the fourth highest fundraiser of all presidential candidates for 2024.

“Broke” is also a relative term. To Republicans and Democrats who have billionaires as donors, ten million dollars might not seem like a lot. For everyday Americans who have to put groceries back on the shelf because they can’t afford them or skip meals altogether, ten million is a lot of money.


What Really Matters:

While Biden and Trump boast about raising millions of dollars in short time frames, many Americans are struggling with basic necessities:

Biden raised $30 million in one night at a Hollywood fundraiser. Trump raised $141 million in just a few days following a legal verdict.

In stark contrast, Americans face rising household debt, unaffordable living costs, and economic insecurity. Kennedy’s Real State of the Union address highlights these issues, emphasizing that:

New Wealth: The wealth of the past generation has disproportionately benefited billionaires, leaving the middle class behind.

Public and Household Debt: U.S. public debt has soared to $34 trillion, and household debt has hit a record high of $17.3 trillion.

True Unemployment: Including discouraged workers, the true unemployment rate is 23%.

Living Costs: Many Americans struggle with housing, groceries, and child care costs.

Economic Despair: The economic situation leaves many fearing a single emergency could push them into homelessness.

Conclusion: Kennedy’s Campaign is Financially Strong

The narrative that Kennedy is financially struggling is inaccurate when viewed through the proper context of third-party politics. His campaign is financially solid, especially when compared to other independent candidates like Cornel West. The real issue lies in the stark contrast between the fundraising of major political campaigns and the economic hardships faced by ordinary Americans, which Kennedy is committed to addressing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is focused on tackling these core issues, ensuring that the economic struggles of everyday citizens are at the forefront of his campaign.

“RFK Jr.’s Campaign is Broke”