Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Seeks to Engage the Hispanic Community Through a Spanish Ad

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. flexed his Spanish skills presumably attempting to appeal to the Hispanic voters.

On Monday (Oct. 2) Kennedy –Son of former Senator Robert Kennedy, and nephew of former president John F. Kennedy– released a campaign advertisement on his social media pages, fully speaking Spanish, with subtitles in Spanish. His Spanish language campaign ad first aired during Kennedy's Hispanic Heritage Event Livestream on Sept. 15, 2023, but on Oct. 2, 2023, he dropped the stand-alone video on his various social media platforms.

The Democratic presidential hopeful began his advertisement by asking viewers why the average income in the U.S. is $5,000 less than the basic cost of living, questioning why one-quarter of Americans are facing food insecurity and why the majority of Americans cannot afford a $1,000 emergency.

Kennedy lambasted the last two presidents, saying they've deceived people through graphs and statistics while the reality is different. Kennedy said essential expenses have increased more than wages have, and he said it was due to Trump and Biden creating policies that benefit millionaires while the middle class is left behind.

Kennedy warned that if Trump wins again or Biden is reelected, Americans can expect the same as before, with more rice and beans instead of meat and chicken, more canceled doctor visits and more money spent on foreign wars, while in the U.S., teachers have to pay for their own supplies. He then said that the U.S. forces many Americans to risk their lives because they don't have enough money to pay for medical attention.

Reactions on Social Media

Users reacted with mixed feelings towards Kennedy's attempt to address a Hispanic audience, including accolades for his command of the Spanish language. "Thanks for doing this!," a user said. "It's one thing if his team put this together for him and it took multiple takes to get it right, but if he TRULY is fluent in Español... That should automatically make him #1 candidate for the presidency," said another.

Other users, though, showed disdain for Kennedy's video, some even saying he lost them. 'English please #Trump2024 just run as Vice," one user said. "Yep...done with you...BYE," said another.

Kennedy's attempt to engage the Hispanic community

A Pew Research Center study found that 60% of Latinos say the Democratic party represents their interest, while 34% said the same about the Republican party.

Despite a majority of Hispanics voting Democrats, Kennedy has been open about his views that the southern border needs to be sealed up, which, statistically, is a value that appeals more to the Republican voter, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. But, Kennedy has also expressed his view of being in favor of legal immigration.

"When I am President, I will secure the border, which will end the cartel's drug trafficking economy, and I will build wide doors for those who wish to enter legally so that the United States can continue to be a beacon to the world where diversity and culture make us great," Kennedy said on a post in his website.