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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Let’s talk batteries 😉 pic.twitter.com/i6leuooLXc
— Nicole Shanahan (@NicoleShanahan) June 21, 2024
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.
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.
- CNN: 16% with a margin of error of 3.8%.
- Marquette University Law School: 17% with a margin of error of 4.3%.
- NBC News: 13% with a margin of error of 3.1%.
- Quinnipiac University: 16% with a margin of error of 2.6%.
- Monmouth: 18% with a margin of error of 4.3%.
- Fox: 13% with a margin of error of 2.5%.
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.
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.
Written by Larry Ramer
Reality: Robert F. Kennedy Jr is absolutely correct when he says that Israel is not committing genocide. According to Oxford Languages, genocide is defined as “the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. “
Far from aiming to “destroy” all Gazans, the Israeli military is taking multiple steps to kill as few noncombatants as possible in the course of its war against Hamas. In fact, according to a statement made on May 3, 2024 by a top U.S. expert on urban war, John Spencer, “Israel has done more to prevent civilian casualties in war than any military in history.” Spencer, who has extensively studied the Israel-Hamas War, is the Chair of Urban Warfare studies at West Point’s Modern War Institute.
What RFK Jr. Has to Say:
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Kennedy said:
“Today Hamas, which is you know authoritarian control, hasn’t won an election in 16 years of Gaza, is a corporate kleptocracy and it’s absolutely intent on one issue one issue only, to annihilate Israel and to kill all the Jews.
In their charter Hamas has a provision that says it is against Islamic law to even negotiate with Israel except as a ruse. So I don’t see how people who are saying, ‘well you should have a ceasefire.’ Then what? Then you’ve rewarded Hamas for taking hostages and they’re going to keep taking hostages to get more and more advantage. This is, by the way, the fifth ceasefire. On October 7th, they broke a cease fire.”
Steps That Israel Has Taken to Minimize Civilian Casualties
In his X feed, Spencer detailed the many steps that Israel has taken during the war in order to kill as few Gaza civilians as possible.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have told Gazan civilians to evacuate areas where it is going to attack next, and the IDF has actively helped civilians leave places that will be targeted. Moreover, the IDF has used multiple methods to tell civilians to leave dangerous areas. In addition to flyers, as of May, it had made more than 79,000 direct phone calls and sent more than 13.7 million text messages in order to tell civilians to evacuate parts of Gaza that the military planned to target.
Other steps that the IDF has taken to facilitate evacuations include conducting “multi-hour pauses” of their operations and handing out maps that detail which areas will be targeted in the future.
Israel Has Been More Careful to Avoid Civilian Casualties Than Any Military in History
As I noted in the introduction, Spencer said that Israel had actually done more to prevent civilian casualties
during a war than any other country .
Israel has done everything to protect civilians that the U.S. has done in its wars, he reported. And the Jewish State has taken some actions to protect civilians that America has never utilized, Spencer added. Indeed, I never remember the U.S. actively evacuating civilians from areas that it was going to attack during its wars.
So Why Have So Many Gazans–Including Women and Children — Been Killed in Gaza by Israel?
Based on Hamas’ estimate of total deaths and Israel’s estimate of the number of Hamas fighters that it has killed, the ratio of civilian deaths to combatant deaths is about 1.5 to 1, Spencer reported about a month ago. But Hamas itself has said that it is not sure whether 11,000 of the deaths that it had previously reported actually occurred.
Leaving out those 11,000 questionable deaths, the ratio of combatants to civilians killed in Gaza is about 1 to 1. By comparison, during the U.S.-led battle against Isis in the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2016-2017, 10,000 civilians and 4,000 Isis fighters were killed.
So Israel has much more effectively protected civilians than the U.S.-led coalition which fought Isis in Mosul. did And nobody has accused the U.S.-led coalition of committing genocide in Mosul.
Further, as Spencer noted, “war is hell,” and international law does not prohibit the killing of civilians in wars. Indeed, during World War 2, the Allies firebombed mass swaths of multiple, large cities, including Tokyo and Dresden, Germany, without taking any significant steps to prevent civilians from being killed. And of course, President Harry Truman dropped nuclear weapons on two Japanese cities, killing many tens of thousands of civilians in the process. And yet almost no one, whether they are Left, Right or Center politically, says that the Allies committed genocide.
Hamas’ widespread placement of weapons and fighters below and inside schools, mosques, and hospitals has also greatly raised the number of civilian deaths in Gaza.
According to Spencer, Hamas has made “every protected site (i.e hospitals, mosques, and schools) a military facility.” He reported that Hamas has used this “human shield” approach more than any other entity he’s ever seen. And Spencer also noted that when Isis fighters entered hospitals, the U.s. “bombed complete hospitals to the ground ” Israel has not done that.
Israel Is Defending Itself Against Genocidal Hamas
Hamas has promised to try to repeat the mass murder and atrocities that it committed against Israeli Jewish civilians on October 7 “again and again” until Israel is destroyed.
In other words, Hamas wants to carry out genocide against Israeli Jews. Israel is fighting to destroy the terrorist organization in order to prevent it from doing so.
The Bottom Line
Israel has taken unprecedented steps to prevent civilians in Gaza from being killed. And based on the assessment of a U.S. expert on urban warfare, the Israeli army has been very successful in limiting civilian deaths, despite Hamas’ widespread placement of fighters and weapons in areas filled with civilians.
Given these points, Robert F. Kennedy Jr is completely on target when he says that Israel is not committing genocide.
