Robert F Kennedy Jr.Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.acknowledges that he and his family members don’t always see eye-to-eye on Wednesday, saying in his first official press conference as a presidential candidate that some of them “just plain disagree” with his views.
The 69-year-old nephew of late PresidentJohn F. Kennedyand son of late U.S. Attorney GeneralRobert F. Kennedyalso acknowledged that his family members have “long personal relationships” with PresidentJoe Biden, who is also expected to run for the presidency in 2024.
“My whole family including myself have long personal relationships with President Biden … and many of them just plain disagree with me on issues like censorship and war and public health,” Kennedy added. “They are entitled to their beliefs…and I love them back.”
Robert F Kennedy Jr.JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty
The Kennedys have, throughout the past several decades, connected with Biden on multiple fronts, including over their shared Catholic faith, familiarity with loss and, of course, political influence.
In July 2022, Biden appointed JFK’s daughter,Caroline Kennedy, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Australia.
And earlier this month, Biden made a special phone call from Air Force One, calling Kennedy family matriarch Ethel Kennedy — the widow ofRobert F. Kennedy— towish her a happy 95th birthday.
RFK Jr. made his official announcement regarding his presidential campaign at a noon press conference on Wednesday in Boston.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty
“My husband, Robert Kennedy Jr. announced today he will be running for President and I support his decision,” Hines, 57, said in the statement. “He is a fearless leader who understands the needs of the American people and has devoted his life fighting for democracy.”
Kennedy thanked his wife for the support in his Wednesday speech, saying, “I can not describe in words what” she has brought to his life.
“I think when the American people get to know her, they are going to be more excited about having a really funny first lady in the White House,” he added.
Kennedy also added a thank you to his five children, joking there were so many he “told them to wear name tags.”
RFK Jr. filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commissionto run as a Democratic candidatefor president in 2024 earlier this month. Kennedy’s father was assassinated while seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968.
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Already, some in his family have expressed a desire to keep their distance from his campaign.
source: people.com
