RFK Jr. Is a Bellwether
14 hours ago
- RFK Jr. embodies multiple trends like post-COVID anger at government overreach, polarization of vaccine skepticism, and anti-institutional sentiment in the GOP.
- Kennedy's rise reflects an 'institutional-trust divide' where less-educated and nonwhite voters distrust major institutions, moving away from Democrats.
- He champions 'performative health' (MAHA), combining distrust of FDA-approved therapies with enthusiasm for supplements and masculine fitness, appealing to young men.
- Kennedy exemplifies 'anti-elite elitism,' using his elite status to frame himself as an outsider fighting the establishment, a strategy used by Trump backers like Musk and Andreessen.