One minute you’re watching grown men tackle the life out of each other, awaiting an Usher concert, and the next, you’re watching one of the weirdest political ads in recent history. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to be President. And, by many indications, the American Values Super PAC wants him to be President. A $7 million ad was created and ran during the Super Bowl. Things did not go well. A great reminder that there isn’t just a time and place for politics but also a how you go about things, the Super Bowl ad superimposing RFK Jr. came across as weird, rude, and creepy all at once. Suggested read: Nikki Haley’s Husband (Michael Haley) Deploys to Africa

Who Is Robert F Kennedy Jr.?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a noted American politician, environmental lawyer, and activist who is a member of the predominant political family of the same name. Therefore, his connection includes his father Robert F. Kennedy, the U.S. Attorney General and Senator, along with his uncles President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy. While his positions on vaccines have sparked controversy, RFK Jr. has been an advocate for various causes. These include protecting waterways, and indigenous rights, and promoting renewable energy. He has had active involvement with environmental non-profits such as Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), engaging in legal battles against corporate polluters. In the 2024 presidential election, you’ll find Bobby Kennedy in the mix as an independent candidate. However, while he’s already likely a long shot, a weird ad from a Super PAC may have put him on unfavorable terms with his family and potential voters alike. Related read: Coast Guard Honors Legacy of NFL Legend Emlen Tunnell

Confusing Super Bowl Ad Prompts Quick Apology

It came with a $7 million price tag but the American Values Super PAC saw an opportunity. Now, everyone is wondering exactly what the heck was that weird Super Bowl campaign ad trying to prove. Like any piece of media, opinions can vary. Yet, when you throw in the obvious tension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s run for President combined with his vaccine stance along with family dynamics—things get very awkward, very quickly.

I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approvals from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God bless you.

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 11, 2024

Family drama aside, the ad created by American Values 2024 combined imagery from a political ad from JFK’s presidential run in 1960. Not only was it made to look vintage and use the same music, but contained RFK Jr.’s image instead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvXJJRjGVT4 Despite the drama and mixed reception, even despite the apology, it’s worth noting that while the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign website didn’t seem to have the video, it is still on X (Twitter) and YouTube on officially related channels as of this writing.

Can Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Recover From the $7 Million Blunder?

How much the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign has in funding is a bit of a mystery, even as a potential $15 million donation scandal makes headlines. But this is unlikely going to be much of a financial issue for the POTUS hopeful. The ad spot was supposed to get as many eyes as possible on a political longshot in what is sure to be a hectic election season. It did that. However, it’s arguable that the lasting impression was a positive one. Early indications would say that the American Values Super PAC flopped with this attempt and in a world that too often mixes equality with politics, perhaps it’s best to pick and choose better avenues, and media, to get a campaign message across to the masses. Sadly for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even if he didn’t have anything to do with the direct messaging or creation of the ad, it’s impossible to separate the two for obvious reasons. Thus, his next move will be a critical one for his political campaign and career as a whole. Read next: Biden’s Law Paves the Way to Raise Military Pay in 2024