The grandson of President John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg, recently posted a series of mocking videos on Instagram targeting his cousin and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In the videos, Schlossberg called Kennedy a “prick,” suggested he was using steroids, and portrayed him as a Russian stooge and a stalking horse for Donald J. Trump. The most striking aspect of the videos was Schlossberg’s use of heavily accented caricatures to make his points, ranging from a Massachusetts fan to a southern horse raiser and an Italian-American Long Islander.
Schlossberg’s impersonations of different characters discussing Kennedy’s political views and plans were meant to diminish his cousin’s reputation and the Kennedy family legacy. While Kennedy has leaned on throwback imagery and Camelot nostalgia to position himself as an heir to the family’s political legacy, Schlossberg’s videos present a modern and humorous take on the family’s political dynamics. The younger Kennedy heir appears to reject the idea of traditional Kennedy political aspirations, opting instead for a more relaxed and comedic approach that reflects his own personality and beliefs.
Schlossberg, who has shown support for President Joe Biden in the past, has gained online attention for his antics and comedic videos. Some viewers have cheered his portrayal of workaday voters in a satirical manner. While his videos may have stirred controversy and offended some, Schlossberg has defended his comedic choices, stating that he did not intend to offend anyone and that the characters he portrayed helped him cope. Despite facing criticism for his use of stereotypes in the videos, Schlossberg seems committed to his performance and the messages he is trying to convey.
The Biden campaign did not respond to questions regarding whether Schlossberg’s videos were coordinated with the campaign. However, the videos are likely to further strain his extended family, particularly Kennedy, who did not comment on Schlossberg’s online attacks. Schlossberg’s willingness to take comedic risks and use satire to criticize his cousin’s political campaign demonstrates his potential interest in pursuing political office himself and his rejection of traditional Kennedy family political tactics. While Schlossberg’s videos may have received mixed reactions, he continues to engage with his audience and respond to feedback, showing a level of commitment to his craft and beliefs.
