RFK Jr. has been a topic of discussion online following his Super Bowl ad. Unsurprisingly, feedback is mixed with some praising his honesty, transparency, and dedication to fighting government corruption. However, the ad also caused some controversy which led to Kennedy apologizing on Twitter.

Overall, the $7 million ad doesn’t seem to have markedly changed voter perception of the Independent candidate.

• Discussion volume regarding RFK Jr. increased from around 350 mentions the day before, to nearly 800 following the Super Bowl ad.
• Approval for RFK Jr. ticked down by about 1% both nationally and in swing states.
• His approval on February 9 was slightly higher in swing states at 51% versus 50% nationally.
• On February 11, his approval in swing states dipped slightly below his overall sentiment at 49.4% compared to 49.7% nationally.

Reactions and RFK Jr.’s Apology

Following the ad, there was expressed concern about his influence due to his media experience and recognizable name.

Negativity Toward the Ad

• A columnist, David Colborne, characterized RFK Jr. as a "dangerous and paranoid crank," generating agreement and discussion.
• Some voiced their disapproval, calling for the ad to be taken down and requiring an apology.
• Others expressed political disagreement, stating they would not support RFK Jr., despite appreciating the quality of the advertisement.
• There seems to be a perceived conflict between RFK Jr.'s actions and the legacy of his family, leading some to believe his views are more conservative than those of his relatives.
• He also drew criticism from Libertarians, implying that he supports a heavily government-involved economic system.
• There was some support following the ad, showing enthusiastic about his independent campaign and anticipation for the announcement of his running mate.
• A few praise the Super Bowl ad as being effective in spreading the word of his presidential bid, particularly among older demographics.
• A notable number of individuals express a sense of nostalgia in response to his ad, even if they do not support him for president.

Questions About Funding

A portion of the conversation also revolved around the Super Bowl ad's creation and dissemination. RFK Jr. clarified in a tweet that the ad was made and aired without his campaign's involvement or approval. He apologized, explaining that Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with him or his staff.

• Some are wary of the sources of his campaign funding, with allegations of being backed by one of Trump's biggest donors sparking controversy
• There is also controversy around the use of family members' images in the ad, with suggestions that RFK Jr's views on healthcare are contrary to his family’s.
• Some view RFK Jr.’s apology as a necessary step towards resolving a family dispute, while others see it as an admission of his controversial stance on healthcare.
• The Super Bowl ad seems to have successfully sparked discussion and debate around RFK Jr.’s political stances, attracting both support and criticism. It has has effectively raised his profile and generated significant attention, although whether this will translate into broader political support remains to be seen.