In a surprising turn of events, Robert Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign has caused public family drama after a Super Bowl ad aired, invoking the Democratic family's legacy and implicitly comparing Kennedy to his assassinated uncle, President John F. Kennedy. The 30-second spot, financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC, featured a shortened version of a campaign song that JFK used in his 1960 campaign. The ad utilized black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr., mimicking cartoon and newsreel effects to resemble his uncle. However, what sets this ad apart from the Kennedy family's Democratic Party dynasty is its call for Americans to "Vote Independent."

Following the game, Kennedy took to X, formerly Twitter, to respond to the online criticism, including from his cousin Bobby Shriver. He emphasized that his campaign did not produce the ad and expressed his apologies if it caused any pain within his family. Kennedy clarified that the ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from his campaign. Despite the controversy, Kennedy still had the ad pinned to the top of his X profile, stating that their momentum was growing and it was time for an Independent President to heal the divide in the country.

Bobby Shriver, whose mother founded the Special Olympics, publicly criticized his cousin for using their uncle and mother's faces in the Super Bowl ad. He condemned Kennedy's opposition to vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases, stating that his mother would be appalled by his deadly healthcare views. Shriver emphasized that respect for science, vaccines, and healthcare equity were ingrained in their family's DNA. He also alluded to his own work in expanding healthcare access in the developing world.

Kennedy responded separately to his cousin, apologizing and sending his sincerest apologies to Bobby and his family. Despite the family tension, Kennedy remains committed to his independent White House bid, even though his family has a long-standing status as Democratic Party nobility. However, it is uncertain whether Kennedy can gain ballot access in enough states to mount a true national campaign. Nonetheless, his candidacy comes at a time when many voters are not enthusiastic about the possibility of a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Any independent or third-party efforts in battleground states could have unpredictable effects on the outcome of the election.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) spokesman, Alex Floyd, criticized the ad, stating that it was fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy was financed by Donald Trump's largest donor, Tim Mellon. The DNC had already filed a federal complaint alleging illegal coordination between Kennedy's campaign and American Values to divert support from Biden, a claim that the PAC denies.

Kennedy's campaign spokeswoman expressed gratitude for the ad's success, noting a spike in online searches for Kennedy. However, Kennedy's statements to his family were different, expressing apologies for any pain caused. Kennedy's political lineage includes his father, who was a U.S. attorney general, senator from New York, and a leading presidential candidate at the time of his assassination in 1968. His father's longest-lived brother was Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, and his father's cousin, Sargent Shriver, ran for president in 1976 as a Democrat.

It is worth noting that Kennedy has delved into conspiracy theories in recent years and has become a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. He has also led an anti-vaccine group that has filed a lawsuit against various news organizations, including The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy took a leave from the group when he announced his presidential run but is still listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.

Currently, Kennedy is only on the ballot in Utah, and it remains to be seen if he can gain access in other states. As the race unfolds, his independent campaign and the controversies surrounding it will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape.