DeepSummary
In this episode, David Remnick interviews Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president as an independent candidate. Kennedy explains his background as an environmental lawyer and his motivation for running, citing his belief that the country is headed in the wrong direction due to corruption and collusion between government and corporate interests. He claims his experience suing regulatory agencies makes him qualified to address these issues.
The conversation delves into Kennedy's controversial views, including his belief that vaccines cause autism and his suggestion that SSRIs and other drugs might contribute to school shootings. Remnick challenges these claims, noting the lack of scientific evidence. Kennedy also discusses his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that NATO's expansion provoked Russia's invasion and that he would have negotiated peace if he were president.
Throughout the interview, Kennedy accuses the media, including Remnick, of being part of an elite class that suppresses dissent and promotes propaganda. He also mentions his struggles with addiction and his belief in redemption. The conversation touches on the Kennedy family's history, including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, which Kennedy believes were CIA conspiracies.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for president as an independent candidate, citing his background as an environmental lawyer and his desire to address corruption and collusion between government and corporate interests.
- Kennedy holds controversial views, including beliefs that vaccines cause autism, SSRIs contribute to school shootings, and that the CIA was involved in conspiracies surrounding the Kennedy assassinations.
- Kennedy is critical of the scientific consensus and claims he can interpret scientific studies better than experts.
- Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kennedy suggests he would have acquiesced to Putin's demands not to expand NATO into Ukraine, potentially enabling Russia's invasion.
- Kennedy accuses the media and elite classes of suppressing dissent and promoting propaganda, and sees himself as a voice for the middle class.
- Kennedy discusses his struggles with addiction and his belief in redemption.
- Throughout the interview, Remnick challenges Kennedy's claims and conspiracy theories, emphasizing the lack of evidence and potential harm of such beliefs.
- The conversation touches on Kennedy's family history and his experiences with presidential campaigns, despite never holding public office himself.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I don't necessarily believe all the scientists because I can read science myself. You say that scientists don't believe that? Well, the scientists at all at one point all believe that the COVID vaccine prevented transmission. And when I said, no, they don't prevent transmission. Because I read the monkey studies in May of 2020, and I saw that the amount of the concentration of the virus and the nasal pharynx of the vaccinated monkey was identical to the unvaccinated monkeys. And I said, these vaccines should be dead in the water. They won't prevent transmission. And I was deplatformed for. For spouting conspiracy theories and because all the scientists said they're going to prevent transmission. So I don't necessarily believe all the scientists because I can read science myself.“ by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- “I've been around government and studying government since I was a little boy. I went to the 1960 convention. I've been to most of the convention since I've been the election with my uncle, Edward Kennedy. I ran the southern states for him in that election. I've been involved in almost every presidential election during the last 60 years.“ by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Episode Information
The New Yorker Radio Hour
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
5/17/24