A movement on the rise
Back in August 2020, Kennedy stood before a vast crowd in Berlin, addressing an audience of approximately 38,000 people. “Back at home in the United States, the newspapers are saying that I came here today to speak to about 5,000 Nazis,” he remarked. The rally, organised by a group called Querdenken, brought together an unusual mix of people – from hippies and anti-war activists to Green Party supporters and anti-vaxxers. Among them were also a number of far-right sympathisers, a sign of the increasingly blurred lines within populist movements.
Kennedy’s speech that day reflected his growing appeal among a broad and unlikely coalition of followers. “Governments love pandemics,” he declared. “They love pandemics for the same reason they love war – it gives them the ability to impose controls that the population would otherwise never accept.” Such rhetoric has defined his rise, as he has positioned himself as a voice against what he claims to be an overreaching state and a corrupt elite.
The diagonalist effect
Kennedy’s rise can be understood through the lens of ‘diagonalism’, a term used to describe an ideological movement that cuts across traditional political lines. Unlike the typical left-right divide, diagonalists bring together individuals from across the spectrum who share a deep mistrust of institutions, particularly governments, the media, and major corporations.
This explains why Kennedy’s support base includes former progressives disillusioned with mainstream politics, libertarians advocating for personal freedoms, and conservatives sceptical of globalist agendas. His ability to bridge these diverse viewpoints has made him a formidable force, particularly in an era of increasing distrust in traditional authorities.
A legacy name with radical ideas
As the son of Robert F Kennedy and nephew of John F Kennedy, Kennedy Jr carries one of the most famous surnames in American politics. However, his views diverge significantly from those of his Democratic predecessors. While his family historically stood for civil rights and progressive policies, Kennedy Jr has built his platform around opposition to vaccine mandates, environmental scepticism, and conspiratorial narratives about the state.
His stance on vaccines has been particularly controversial. He has long promoted unverified claims linking vaccines to autism and other health issues, positioning himself as a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement. His advocacy on this issue has gained traction, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, when government mandates fuelled public anxieties.
From the fringes to the mainstream
What makes Kennedy’s rise particularly striking is the speed with which his views have moved from the fringes of the internet to mainstream political discourse. Social media has played a crucial role in this transformation, allowing him to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to his followers.
In the past, figures with similar views might have remained on the outskirts of politics, but today’s fragmented media landscape has enabled alternative narratives to flourish. Kennedy’s ability to articulate complex conspiracy theories with a veneer of credibility has made him an attractive figure to those feeling alienated from conventional politics.
The 2024 presidential race
Kennedy’s growing popularity has led to speculation about his impact on the 2024 US presidential race. Running as an independent candidate, he has positioned himself as an outsider, drawing support from disillusioned voters on both sides of the political spectrum. His challenge to the political establishment mirrors the rise of other populist figures in recent years, such as Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, who tapped into widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo.
While Kennedy is unlikely to win the presidency outright, his presence in the race could have significant consequences. By siphoning votes from both major parties, he could act as a spoiler candidate, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape in unpredictable ways.
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A warning for the future
Kennedy’s success is a symptom of a broader shift in global politics. Across the world, traditional political affiliations are breaking down, and new coalitions are forming around shared grievances rather than ideological consistency.
His rise serves as a warning about the power of alternative media, the dangers of misinformation, and the enduring appeal of anti-establishment rhetoric. Whether or not he makes it to the White House, his influence on the political landscape is undeniable.
As the world watches the US presidential race unfold, Kennedy’s journey from the margins to the mainstream will be one of the most compelling – and concerning – stories of our time.Robert F Kennedy Jr’s Mass Appeal Despite His Extreme Ideas – The Theory Behind His Rise
By Darren Loucaides
In just a few years, Robert F Kennedy Jr and his dangerously popular ‘diagonalist’ politics have gone from the fringes of the internet to, potentially, the White House.
