In his outsider bid for the White House, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is joined by a diverse team of political figures including new age health experts, anti-vaccine activists, social media influencers, veterans of fringe third-party campaigns, cryptocurrency advocates, and environmental activists.
One unexpected member of this team is Jay Carson.
A former Hollywood screenwriter, Mr. Carson, 47, has a background in Democratic politics, having worked for Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Tom Daschle, Howard Dean, and Michael Bloomberg. Despite his Hollywood career and personal transformation, Mr. Carson has reemerged in the political arena as a key advisor to Mr. Kennedy.
Over the past year, Mr. Carson has provided behind-the-scenes support to Mr. Kennedy, offering guidance on campaign operations, communications, and staffing. He has also been involved in key decision-making processes, including discussions about potential running mates.
In April, Mr. Kennedy faced backlash for a statement that seemed to align with the Capitol rioters. Mr. Carson advised him to acknowledge his mistake, which Mr. Kennedy did on live television.
Describing Mr. Carson as a perceptive strategist, Mr. Kennedy values his insights into public and media reactions. Their friendship, forged during Mr. Carson’s recovery, has grown stronger through their shared political journey.
Mr. Carson’s shift away from the Democratic Party reflects a broader disillusionment with mainstream politics, a sentiment that resonates with many dissatisfied voters.
Like other supporters of Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Carson experienced a crisis of confidence during the pandemic, questioning the government’s response and its impact on individual freedoms. This skepticism led him to reevaluate his political allegiances and embrace a more independent stance.
Mr. Carson’s involvement in Mr. Kennedy’s campaign has sparked concern among his peers, who view Mr. Kennedy as a divisive figure promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Despite the criticism, Mr. Carson remains committed to supporting Mr. Kennedy’s bid for the presidency.
While some question Mr. Carson’s alignment with Mr. Kennedy, others acknowledge his evolving perspectives and his dedication to challenging the status quo. His decision to collaborate with Mr. Kennedy reflects his ongoing quest for authenticity and change in the political landscape.
As the November election approaches, Mr. Carson’s support for Mr. Kennedy underscores his belief in the candidate’s potential to disrupt traditional party politics and offer a fresh approach to governance.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Mr. Kennedy’s campaign, Mr. Carson remains steadfast in his conviction that change is necessary and that challenging the existing political paradigm is a step towards a more inclusive and responsive democracy.
