Secretary for Health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political campaign ‘Make America Healthy Again’ has sparked mixed reactions across party lines, as a recent survey indicates. The national sentiment parallels Kennedy’s long-standing contention against the food industry’s contribution to America’s endemic health problems, a finding shown in the NBC News Decision Desk Poll published on June 16.
Interestingly, about four in five American adults champion the implementation of vaccinations as a preventative measure against various diseases. This view is sharply contrasting with that of Kennedy Jr., currently serving as a Cabinet Secretary under President Donald Trump, who holds controversial perspectives on vaccinations.
When it comes to public opinion on Kennedy Jr., responses are distinctly split, with slightly more than half of the respondents voicing a favorable opinion against a backdrop of 48% opposition. Known initially as a Democrat before opting for an independent stance in the 2024 presidential race, this past candidate, before endorsing Trump, invites a host of opinions.
A notable difference emerges along the lines of party allegiance. While a lion’s share of Democrats (82%) records predominantly ‘unfavorable’ or ‘slightly unfavorable’ sentiments, his approval rating among Republicans remains high with 84%. His reputation as the son of the former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the former President John F. Kennedy might be a contributing factor to his 52% favor among independents.
This study conducted on the internet between May 30 and June 10 offers insights from a representative sample of 19,410 American adults. With an error range of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points, the participants comprised 37% Democrats, 37% Republicans, and an ‘Independent or other’ group making up 26%.
A cornerstone of public health, vaccinations earn the support of 69% Republicans, 93% Democrats, and 76% of independent respondents as per the NBC survey. This highlights the divergence with Kennedy’s stance, who continues to question the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Kennedy’s skepticism of vaccines has often become controversial; earlier this year, he dismissed the entire advisory committee responsible for vaccine safety. Citing a lack of ‘adequate safety trials,’ he replaced them with a new panel, including a doctor infamous for promoting doubtful information and conspiracy theories around COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, Kennedy’s depiction is often disputed among vaccine experts.
As part of the survey, participants were further inquired who they think should bear the brunt of the blame for the country’s chronic health issues such as heart disease and obesity. About one-third of the respondents pointed fingers at the food industry, narrowly surpassing those who blamed individual choices at 32%.
Kennedy Jr. has consistently slammed both Big Food and Big Pharma. He contends they are responsible for the prevalence of chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes among Americans. His accusations extend to these sectors allegedly exploiting the illness of Americans for their financial gain.
In a significant move earlier this year, Kennedy announced the elimination of eight synthetic dyes from the nation’s food and medicine supply by the close of 2026. He targeted those used in a variety of commonly consumed products like soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and jams.
When respondents were asked to identify the cause of chronic diseases, only 6% pointed to environmental toxins, despite Kennedy blaming such toxins for a broad range of health conditions.
Adding to Kennedy’s agenda is the MAHA Commission report he released last month, which flags various environmental elements as possible instigators of chronic diseases in American youth. As part of his mission, he has rolled out numerous studies to delve deeper into the potential environmental triggers behind conditions such as autism, invoking consistent pushback from the scientific community.
The conservative-leaning Foundation for Government Accountability disclosed similar findings in a survey last month. Over 80% of both Democrats and Republicans were in harmony, expressing support for a possible prohibition of specific chemicals and dyes from foods, mirroring bans implemented in some European nations.
The post Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Health Campaign Ignites Mixed Reactions across America appeared first on Real News Now.
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