Independent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has recently been more open about his past health struggles, a move that has left experts baffled and drawn criticism from political strategists.
Earlier this month, revelations surfaced that Kennedy had battled a brain parasite that consumed part of his brain, leading him to openly discuss the incident in multiple interviews. He also disclosed suffering from atrial fibrillation for several decades, resulting in hospitalizations, though he claims to have been incident-free for over a decade.
Kennedy further revealed that around the time of his parasite infection, he underwent treatment for mercury poisoning, claiming his mercury levels were ten times the safe limits. However, Kennedy has frequently discussed his battles with mercury poisoning in interviews dating back to 2004, raising questions about the timing of his disclosures.
Democratic strategist Eric Koch expressed concerns about Kennedy’s fitness for office, stating that his medical issues could erode voter confidence. Republican strategist Lisa Boothe called Kennedy’s strategy a “weird flex,” highlighting the perceived weakness of other candidates.
Kennedy’s sudden openness about his health has sparked debates about transparency among candidates and raised concerns about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency. While some polls suggest a decline in support for Kennedy, others indicate a steady level of backing.
