Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, recently posted a series of videos mocking his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president. In these 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. While the content was meant to be funny, some viewers were struck by the heavily accented caricatures used by Schlossberg, with characters like Jimmy, Wade, and Anthony. This departure from the typical Kennedy demeanor caused a stir within the family and beyond.
Schlossberg has been a supporter of President Biden, publicly criticizing his cousin’s presidential campaign. In this latest attack, Schlossberg used comedy to lampoon Kennedy Jr., possibly adding strain to their extended family. Kennedy Jr., whose campaign did not respond to the videos, has relied on throwback imagery and Camelot nostalgia to position himself as a Kennedy legacy heir. Schlossberg’s playful videos, filmed in beachside locations, contrast Kennedy Jr.’s approach, emphasizing a more modern perspective on politics and public relations.
Despite the criticism and backlash from some viewers, Schlossberg defended his videos, stating that his intention was not to offend or make fun of working people. He explained that the characters he portrayed helped him cope and were not meant to be taken as mockery. This defense came after the initial wave of reactions and criticism, showing that Schlossberg pays attention to feedback and is willing to address concerns. His commitment to performance and willingness to take comedic risks suggest that he may have political ambitions of his own in the future.
The Kennedy family is known for their distinctive New England accent and chowder-specked speech patterns, which have often been the subject of public impressions. In an interesting twist, Schlossberg used a variety of accents to imitate different types of voters in his videos, flipping the script on the typical caricatures of Kennedys. This approach, along with his resemblance to his late uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., and his laid-back beach persona, added a unique layer to the family’s public image and dynamics.
While Schlossberg’s videos may have been intended as light-hearted humor, they also served as a commentary on the changing landscape of Kennedy politics and the broader democratic field. By poking fun at his cousin’s campaign and using satire to address political issues, Schlossberg demonstrated a willingness to engage with current events in a playful and unconventional way. Whether this approach will resonate with audiences or impact the family’s political future remains to be seen, but it certainly sparked conversation and highlighted the complexities of dynasty relationships in the public eye.
