Americans Not Falling for “Fact-Check” Hit Pieces on RFK Jr.
November 20, 2024Key Takeaways
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health platform resonates with Americans frustrated by systemic health issues and institutional failures.
- The mainstream media’s disingenuous fact-check of Kennedy fuels public distrust, highlighting a growing disconnect between media narratives and public priorities.
- Kennedy’s advocacy for transparency, accountability, and evidence-based health reforms speaks to the American desire for improved health policy.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
5,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
3 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
After president-elect Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr for Secretary of Health and Human Services, the left-wing media has predictably begun its efforts to sway public sentiment against him. A viral “fact check” of RFK Jr.’s criticism of Froot Loops in America, has ignited a wave of criticism toward media attempts to shape public opinion.
A New York Times fact-check called U.S. and Canadian versions of Froot Loops "roughly the same," focusing on similar sugar content but ignoring the important differences in additives. People are scoffing because the fact-check invalidates itself by claiming the two versions are the same while listing the same important differences the MAHA movement attempts to highlight.
Spitting out my coffee after reading this NYT "fact check" of RFK Jr. pic.twitter.com/sqL9jaeUR1
— Brad Cohn (@BradCohn) November 17, 2024
The Media Foments Distrust
Americans mostly see the media’s treatment of RFK Jr. as typical of biased and politically motivated anti-Trump narrative shaping. This, they say, contributes to the degradation of journalistic integrity and erosion of public trust.
Online discussions frequently highlight how fact-checking efforts by the media frame Trump, conservatives, and their associates as “fringe,” “conspiratorial,” and “paranoid.” Rather than engaging with the substance of RFK’s critiques about the health system or regulatory practices, media reports often focus on tangential issues or minor inaccuracies. For many, this approach shows an unwillingness to address concerns Americans share about health governance and corporate influence.
The Left are now drinking bottles of Seed Oil in protest of RFK Jnr nomination for Secretary of Health. 🤡🌍 pic.twitter.com/kuSPwrpVHB
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) November 18, 2024
The perceived mismatch between media focus and public priorities inflames frustration. Audiences are increasingly wary of media outlets that appear to sidestep meaningful critiques of government and industry practices, often opting not to consume coverage at all. For RFK supporters, coverage seems less like a good-faith effort to inform the public and more like a deflection from core issues of health reform and institutional accountability.
Health Reform as a Unifying Vision
While Kennedy’s platform does elicit some polarized reactions among voters, his message resonates with many Americans concerned about chronic health issues and the transparency of health agencies.
MAHA critiques of the healthcare system—pushing for reform, accountability, and better health outcomes—have struck a chord with voters across ideological lines. Conversations frequently highlight MAHA's focus on rising rates of chronic illnesses, infant and maternal mortality, and declining life expectancy in the United States.
These concerns, increasingly dismissed by mainstream political narratives, unify a public disillusioned with the status quo. Kennedy’s willingness to address these challenges head-on has made him a symbol of hope for systemic change. His calls for evidence-based policies and independent oversight of health agencies resonate deeply with those who feel neglected by traditional political narratives.
Dr. Casey Means Wows Liberal Audience and Gets Them to CHEER for RFK Jr.'s HHS Nomination
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) November 16, 2024
“If we were crushing it [at health], we would not be spending 2x every other country in the entire world and have the lowest life expectancy of any developed country in the entire world.”… pic.twitter.com/160GKOHQMh
A Candidate of Substance, Misrepresented
The media’s hypocritical treatment of RFK Jr. contrasts sharply with the substantive discussions among Americans. Legacy media outlets, which at one time highlighted Kennedy’s efforts, now focus on his controversial views as overly simplistic.
Uh oh, @JoeNBC. Is this you?
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 18, 2024
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough says that he believes vaccines can cause autism, while hosting RFK Jr. on his show: pic.twitter.com/a4Sd4HxzVi
However, public discourse shows interest in the MAHA critique of vaccines and food and drug reform. Supporters view Kennedy as someone who prioritizes integrity and transparency, challenging both corporate interests and entrenched government practices that many believe have failed the American public.
Far from the caricature mainstream narratives presents, many Americans view Kennedy as a thoughtful and principled advocate for reform. His legal battles against corporate malfeasance, such as his successful lawsuits against Monsanto, serve as a testament to his commitment to protecting public health and the environment. For his supporters, these actions lend to his credibility as someone willing to confront powerful interests in defense of the common good.
Media Skepticism Tarnishes its Legacy
The controversy around Kennedy’s media coverage reconfirms the shift in how Americans consume and interpret information. Social media and alternative reporting have amplified voices that challenge establishment narratives, creating a space where audiences can scrutinize and discuss issues on their own.
Cultural shifts in media consumption and trust speak to the existential challenges facing traditional media outlets. As public trust declines, figures like Kennedy gain traction by addressing concerns Americans feel are ignored or dismissed. The debate about his candidacy and public statements offers a window into the changing dynamics of media influence and public discourse in America.