The Kennedy family, once a tightly-knit clan that stood by each other through thick and thin, has dramatically shifted from its roots. Historically, the Kennedys were known for their unwavering loyalty, even when members engaged in questionable or downright scandalous behavior. However, the tides have changed.
The Democratic Party has transformed from representing the working class to embracing more progressive causes, becoming increasingly reliant on wealthy donors and Wall Street. Ironically, it now embodies the very traits it once criticized in Republicans. Similarly, the Kennedy family’s loyalty has seemingly shifted from familial unity to allegiance to the Democratic Party.
The recent public condemnation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by his own family for endorsing a candidate they disapprove of starkly contrasts with the solidarity they once displayed, regardless of the circumstances.
Looking back, the Kennedy legacy reveals a family riddled with scandal. John F. Kennedy was notorious for his extramarital affairs, with rumors even linking him and his brother Robert to Marilyn Monroe.
Ted Kennedy’s indiscretions were even more public, culminating in the infamous “waitress sandwich” incident and the tragic Chappaquiddick accident, which left Mary Jo Kopechne dead. Despite these serious misdeeds, the Kennedy family always rallied around their own, never publicly shaming or disowning them.
However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent break from the Democratic Party has provoked harsh backlash from his family, particularly from his sister Kerry, who openly criticized his endorsement of Donald Trump.
This shift in the Kennedy family’s priorities suggests that party loyalty now trumps familial bonds. The Kennedys, once a symbol of unity, have become more concerned with adhering to the Democratic Party’s demands than standing by their own—a striking departure from their past.