The rise of RFK Jr. is a wake-up call for out-of-touch liberals
Kennedy may be wrong about vaccines, autism, sunscreen, and raw milk, but his ability to tap into ambient feelings of rage and powerlessness has been remarkable. His rise is the result of his willingness — even when he's been dangerously wrong — to recognize Americans' fears about their health and the systems that maintain it.
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Like its sister slogan 'Make America Great Again,' Kennedy's '
Mainstream liberals, by contrast, have refused to even acknowledge the longing for a 'fix.' The go-to liberal approach of consciousness-raising — the messaging equivalent of those lawn signs that say '
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What, exactly, does Kennedy propose to 'fix'? Public health-wise, America is doing a lot of things right, from the fluoridation of water that has prevented millions of painful cavities to widespread childhood vaccination that has wiped out once-routine epidemics of such deadly illnesses as polio. The American scientific establishment, with its deep pockets and cutting-edge medical research, has been the envy of the world (
But then there's people's everyday experience. Substances banned in other developed nations, from
Meanwhile, the wellness industry has long capitalized on people's anxieties. Can't afford glasses? 'Holistic' healers claim
Kennedy, who exudes the kind of authenticity that plays well on social media, is an icon of an emerging
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One standard liberal response to figures like Kennedy has been fact-checking. That tactic
Ultimately, to combat Kennedy, the liberal establishment must recognize that his popularity reflects a genuine crisis of trust.
America is famous for its rugged individualism, but for every Marlboro Man there is a
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Liberals must relearn the art of emotional resonance with ordinary people, which means acknowledging their suffering without judgment. Policy proposals must commit to real change that makes health care more accessible and affordable. Like Bill Clinton, liberals have to convince voters that they '
If liberals wish ever to regain political power, in short, they need to shed their reputation for being out of touch. They must acknowledge that the Trump-era Republican Party and Kennedy's ascension are mere symptoms of America's malaise.
Kennedy's post as HHS secretary should be a wake-up call. It reflects a profound disconnect between institutional messaging and the public's lived experience. Actually making America healthy again starts with addressing that gap.
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