Why RFK Jr.’s Israel Stance Might Not Be A Complete Dealbreaker

Summary

In this transcript, the discussion revolves around the political influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the challenges faced by independent candidates. The conversation touches on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the influence of the military-industrial complex, and the importance of voting strategically to effect change. It also highlights the potential impact of independent candidates on local and national politics, urging support for those who can break through the two-party system and bring about substantive reforms.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker values Kennedy for his focus on broader issues and not getting involved in culture wars.
• 🕊️ The speaker wishes Kennedy would take a neutral stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which they see as detrimental to his anti-establishment image.
• 💡 The speaker believes that to counteract the influence of the military-industrial complex and three-letter agencies, one must also address the influence and funding of Israel.
• 🗳️ The speaker acknowledges the unfair expectations placed on independent candidates like Kennedy to be perfect on every issue, unlike Democrats or Republicans.
• 💣 The speaker expresses concern about the bombing of Gaza and the lack of action from either Trump or Harris to stop it, suggesting a grim reality of ongoing conflict.
• 🎰 The speaker sees voting for Kennedy as a gamble but believes in the potential for change if he were to win or even gain significant support.
• 🌐 The speaker recounts their own political experiences, emphasizing the importance of independent candidates gaining ballot access and winning local elections to effect change.
• 🤔 The speaker struggles with Kennedy's stance on Israel but continues to support him due to his alignment on other issues and the potential for broader impact.
• 🏆 The speaker argues that if Kennedy can achieve significant electoral success, it could lead to a shift in power dynamics and influence in government.
• 🌿 The speaker criticizes the Green Party for becoming authoritarian and expresses reservations about voting for Jill Stein despite her alignment on certain issues.
• 📊 The speaker discusses the strategic value of voting for independent candidates in non-swing states to build momentum and influence for future elections.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed about Kennedy's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict?

The main concern is that Kennedy's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is not neutral, which is seen as problematic given his broader focus on reducing influence from the military-industrial complex and three-letter agencies.

Why is the speaker critical of Kennedy's approach to the Israel-Palestine issue in the context of his anti-establishment views?

The speaker believes that Kennedy's stance on Israel-Palestine is antithetical to his anti-establishment views because it aligns with the influence of powerful groups like Massad, which the speaker argues should be reduced or eliminated.

What is the argument made about the influence of foreign policy on domestic politics in the United States?

The argument is that foreign policy, particularly the support for Israel, has a significant influence on domestic politics in the U.S., with the implication that this influence should be reduced to allow for more independent decision-making.

What is the speaker's view on the potential impact of voting for an independent candidate like Kennedy?

The speaker believes that voting for an independent candidate like Kennedy could lead to significant changes in politics, including the possibility of reducing the influence of the military-industrial complex and foreign policy biases.

How does the speaker address the concern about Kennedy needing to be 'perfect' on every issue?

The speaker acknowledges the unfair expectation that independent candidates like Kennedy must be perfect on every issue, but argues that supporting him is still valuable due to the potential for broader political change.

What is the speaker's opinion on the effectiveness of the current U.S. administration in handling the Israel-Gaza conflict?

The speaker suggests that the current administration's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict is ineffective and biased, and implies that a change in approach is necessary.

What is the speaker's view on the potential for a third-party candidate to break through in U.S. politics?

The speaker believes that a third-party candidate like Kennedy could break through and influence politics if they can achieve a significant vote share, leading to a grassroots independent movement.

What is the argument made about the importance of local victories for independent candidates?

The speaker argues that local victories for independent candidates are crucial for demonstrating the potential for change and for encouraging more people to run as independents in future elections.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of the president in foreign policy and military matters?

The speaker suggests that the president has significant control over foreign policy and military matters, and that changes in these areas are primarily driven by the executive office.

How does the speaker view the potential for a protest vote, such as voting for Jill Stein?

The speaker views a protest vote as potentially impactful if it contributes to a significant vote share for a third-party candidate, but acknowledges that it could also be seen as a wasted vote in certain contexts.

What is the speaker's advice for voters in states considered 'safe' for one party?

The speaker advises voters in 'safe' states to consider voting for a third-party candidate like Kennedy to contribute to a larger vote share that could influence politics and signal dissatisfaction with the two-party system.

Outlines

00:00

🌎 Geopolitical Influence and the Presidential Dilemma

The speaker discusses the importance of focusing on larger global issues rather than getting caught up in cultural wars. They express a desire for neutrality in the Israel-Palestine conflict and argue that to counteract the influence of the military-industrial complex and the 'three-letter agencies', one must also address the significant financial support given to Israel. The conversation then shifts to the unfair expectations placed on independent candidates, suggesting that while they may not be perfect, their potential to enact change is significant. The speaker believes that if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were to win, it could inspire a wave of independent victories at various levels of government, leading to substantial and lasting change.

05:02

🗳️ The Impact of Voting for Third-Party Candidates

This paragraph delves into the strategic considerations of voting for third-party candidates, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein, or Chase Oliver. The speaker acknowledges the appeal of voting as a form of protest or signal but emphasizes the importance of impact voting, especially in non-swing states where the outcome is predictable. They argue that a significant vote share for an independent candidate could lead to increased leverage and influence, potentially resulting in policy changes and a shift in the political landscape. The discussion also touches on the historical context of presidential power and the current state of Congress, suggesting that a strong independent candidate could disrupt the status quo.

10:04

🏆 The Power of Third-Party Votes and Grassroots Movements

The speaker makes a case for the power of third-party votes, especially in states where the outcome is not in question, such as California or Idaho. They argue that voting for a candidate like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could contribute to a significant vote share, which in turn could lead to a grassroots movement of independent candidates running for local offices. This, they believe, could pressure the major parties to take the concerns of independent voters more seriously and could lead to a shift in political power dynamics. The conversation also addresses the potential for an independent candidate to influence policy on issues such as foreign wars and the influence of the military-industrial complex.

Keywords

💡Culture War

The term 'Culture War' refers to the ongoing struggle between social groups with differing values and beliefs, often manifesting in political and social debates. In the video, it is mentioned as something Kennedy avoids, emphasizing his focus on broader issues rather than getting entangled in divisive social conflicts.

💡Israel-Palestine Conflict

This key concept refers to the long-standing political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. The script discusses the speaker's wish for Kennedy to remain neutral on this issue, suggesting it's a complex talking point that could detract from his broader political goals.

💡Influence in Government

The phrase 'influence in government' pertains to the control or impact certain entities have over governmental decisions and policies. The script mentions the desire to be against such influence, specifically citing the 'military-industrial complex' and 'three-letter agencies' as examples of entities with significant sway.

💡Massad

Although the term 'Massad' is not clearly defined in the script, it seems to be a misspelling or a specific reference to an entity or concept related to the Israeli influence in the U.S. government, which the speaker argues needs to be eliminated to achieve certain political objectives.

💡Election Influence

This keyword refers to the control or manipulation that external forces may exert over electoral processes. The script suggests that there is a significant amount of foreign influence, particularly from Israel, on U.S. elections, which the speaker finds concerning.

💡Independent Candidate

An 'Independent Candidate' is a person running for office without the backing of a political party. The script discusses the challenges faced by independent candidates, like Kennedy, who must be perceived as flawless on all issues to gain support, unlike candidates from established parties.

💡Gaza Bombing

The 'Gaza Bombing' refers to military strikes on the Gaza Strip, a topic mentioned to illustrate the ongoing conflict in the region. The script uses this as an example to discuss the speaker's dissatisfaction with the status quo and the desire for change in political leadership.

💡Grassroots Movement

A 'Grassroots Movement' is a bottom-up approach to political and social change, initiated by the people rather than by established political entities. The script suggests that a strong grassroots movement, potentially led by Kennedy, could bring about significant and lasting change in the political landscape.

💡Virtual Signal Voting

This concept refers to voting for a candidate or party primarily to signal one's values or beliefs, rather than to effect change. The script criticizes this practice, advocating instead for 'impact voting' where votes contribute to the candidate's influence and potential for change.

💡Swing State

A 'Swing State' is a state in U.S. elections that could vote for either the Democratic or Republican candidate, and is often a focus for campaign efforts. The script discusses the importance of voting strategically in swing states to maximize the impact of one's vote.

💡Leverage in Politics

In the context of the script, 'Leverage in Politics' refers to the power a candidate or party gains through significant electoral support, which can be used to negotiate positions or influence policy. The speaker argues that if Kennedy were to secure a substantial percentage of the vote, he would gain such leverage.

Highlights

Kennedy's focus on the bigger picture and avoiding culture wars, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine.

The influence of the military-industrial complex and the CIA on government decisions.

The unfair expectations placed on independent candidates to be perfect on every issue.

The impact of Gaza being bombed and the lack of change regardless of who is in power.

The potential for change if Bobby Kennedy Jr. wins, influencing followers and Congress.

The importance of breaking the two-party system and the potential for a third-party candidate to make a difference.

The author's personal experience with running as a Libertarian and the victories achieved.

The manipulation of ballot access rules to prevent third-party candidates from succeeding.

The moral struggle with supporting a candidate who doesn't align perfectly with one's beliefs.

The potential for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be less influenced by external forces compared to other candidates.

Concerns about the control Israel has over U.S. government and speech.

The dilemma of voting for a candidate who may not win but aligns with one's values.

The author's past experience with protest voting and the potential impact of such votes.

The importance of considering the long-term effects of presidential decisions, especially regarding war.

The potential for a grassroots independent party to emerge if a third-party candidate succeeds.

The power of a presidential candidate to influence change in foreign policy and military decisions.

The concept of 'at least' mindset in voting and the potential for delaying negative outcomes.

The importance of leveraging votes to give third-party candidates a voice in government.

The potential for local independent candidates to disrupt the two-party system at the state level.

The responsibility of voters to support local independent candidates to effect change.

The author's personal conviction to vote for Robert Kennedy Jr. despite ideological differences.

Transcripts

Kennedy does focus on the bigger picture

stuff that's the great thing about him

is he doesn't go into the culture War

wish that he would give a I wish he

would just go neutral on Israel

Palestine this is it's the it's a

terrible talking point for him and not

only that but it's totally antithetical

to being against the influence in our

government the three-letter agencies the

military-industrial complex the CIA you

want to get rid of all that you got

to get rid of Massad you got to get rid

of all of the money going to the

Israelis you got to get rid of that

talking point entirely where they're

clearly controlling a lot of they have a

a huge amount of influence in our

elction let me touch that if I could I

agree with all you're saying but here's

the unfairness to any independent

candidate I've run the same thing right

if you're a Democrat or Republican You

can disagree with 880,000 things as long

as you're better than the other so you

can disagree with 177,000 things that

Trump says but he's she he's better than

Harris or if you're Lefty You can

disagree with 80,000 things Harris says

but she's better than Trump but Kennedy

has to be perfect on everything now my

issue is I with you everything you just

said I hate that stance and I will still

support him why because here's the

reality gaza's getting bombed anyone

doesn't like that I know I don't like it

either it's getting bombed whether

Harris wins whether Trump wins neither

one's stopping the bomb Trump will Bomb

faster and end it faster but still this

it's getting bombed that's not we're

still gonna send our troops over there

whatever we're gonna that's not gonna

stop the only chance it won't shot and

that's only a chance you're right it's a

gamble I'm agreeing with you is if

either Bobby breaks a hole or wins if he

wins other people will follow him and

his followers disagree with him and when

they start winning in Congress when they

start winning in the Senate when they

start winning locally it will actually

change and he will probably change his

mind not just that if you just get to 5%

or one you want someone like a Jill

Stein to actually win you want someone

like a Chase Oliver to actually win you

want someone to win someone has to break

a hole and I'm not making that up in

2018 when I ran into New York State I

got 2% in the vote which is all I had to

do 100,000 votes so I could actually get

ballot access and I got it once I had

ballot access in New York state we had

107 local victories the next year 107

people in New York state came in and ran

as Libertarians and won from zero to 107

and one now they were all local they

were all like City Board and they were

all local but they were victories what

happened the state next year trashed

everything and they lied and said we did

it because we want to get rid of Working

Families party that's a lie Working

Families party supported Coro back then

supports Kathy hog the current governor

right now never has stopped and still

exists the only part that got destroyed

was mine that was to stop someone who

broke a hole and watched people run

through it and was I perfect not at all

but I allowed change in my state someone

like Bobby Kennedy can make that happen

and if you want the anti-war people to

actually win someone's gonna break a

hole he's the guy who breaks a hole Yeah

I struggle with him a lot on that

because I do agree with him on so many

other things and I and and it is it's

one of those things things where

um that situation unfortunately is not

going to change uh whether it be Trump

or Harris and if Bobby's the same as

them you know it's kind of more of the

same I I do think he has more of a I do

think he is less influenced by the

forces he would be less influenced by

the forces around him than haris would

be for sure um so there's maybe a chance

he would try to work it out and sit down

and and hear everybody out and you know

there is that side to him that I do

think we've seen showcased numerous

times but I I think they you know I

don't know something is weird with that

whole situation with schie and I don't

know if they got something on the I

don't know what's going on with that I

don't you know but um if you have to

choose between the three I do think

Robert F Kennedy Jr is the choice to

make if you're choosing between those

three I still you know but that I

struggle morally because I don't believe

I that issue to me is just such a

terrible one not not only is it terrible

because well not only is it terrible

because it's a genocide but it's

terrible because of the Israeli control

over our government this serious control

of our speech I mean they're they're

getting Congress people to pass the laws

hold on are you telling me you're going

to support Stein or Oliver those two

that makes sense because they would

agree with you right so Stein is the one

that I've been Stein is the one that

I've been supporting at this point since

Robert of Kennedy Jr went full on Israel

Stein is the one because but here's my

issue with Stein I hate the green party

and that's the only party I've ever you

know why I do because that was my party

I registered for green when I was young

and that was my party and then they kind

of turned into this Authority they did

all the things that the right accused

them of becoming correct right which was

like they would become these like

fascist authoritarian you know and that

is what happened and they became that

and during the pandemic they were really

Ultra that hear what you're doing you're

sitting here saying they are

authoritarians they're bad at every

other thing but I'm considering voting

for them because this one issue I like

Jill Stein well Jill doesn't agree with

all of the platform you know she was not

for the covid mandates she was not for

all of that stuff that the green party

came out and said oh we want mandates

and we want and Jill was not for that I

know that for sure so I I I like her

stances on a lot of things she's also

really skeptical of the three-letter

agencies of cbdcs and the WF and all of

those things that we really care about

she could actually run as a Libertarian

in a lot of ways and she her personal

policy over Harris or Trump any day of

the week right but the chance of her

winning or making a dent then right

right right zero then it becomes a true

protest vote that's like literally what

she would be rather than impact vote I'm

not against virtual signal voting I have

done it before right I voted for Joe

Jorgenson last time right that was a

virtual signal vote right in 2012 when I

voted for Gary Johnson that was a

virtual signal vote in 2016 I believed G

Johns could break the 5% I was wrong but

I'm saying in that in that issue it was

not a virtual signal vote so I've done

it before I don't have a problem with it

right and I don't have a problem with

somebody voting for Joe Stein is a

virtual signal vote right if you have

the option to actually make impact I

understand what you're saying yeah then

use it for that right right and I think

a lot of people are I mean um one thing

that I if people have to really weigh

this out and I've had a lot of emails

from viewers say Kim thank you you've

helped me kind of clarify my mind and I

am going to vote for Robert F Kennedy

Jr's what they've emailed me even though

they know I'm I have not said that know

there was a time I did but now I've kind

of been uh really turned off but but a

lot of the viewers that are watching

have been more solidified in that and my

reasoning is look I care a lot about

Gaza and I care a lot about what's going

on in Palestine but I ha you have to

care about America more this is our

country right now and we have a serious

problem going on with the dapoli but we

also have a serious problem with um you

know the Dapo is a big thing but we also

have a serious problem with war other

Wars and if Harris wins we're going to

war with Russia she is going to ensure

that that gets that continues to be

antagonized and within four years of her

Administration there will be a hot war

with true really truly something

significant will increase there so and

and Israel Gaza probably won't change

much because it never does with any of

them so we'd end up with two you know

there would certainly be a hot war with

Russia Trump it's unclear what would go

on there um the the odds are we're not

going to work with Russia if Trump is

like I agree the odds are lower

the odds are lower yeah he's and really

what people don't understand is the

president really that's all they control

all they really have control over in

this country because Congress is really

supposed to be doing all these other

things and they don't but the president

really is for the B I guess border you

know they control whether or not people

come in there's a border issue there but

there's really they're in charge of the

military industrial complex they're in

charge of the military and foreign

foreign policy and that's really what

the executive office does because

they've really ripped the a lot of the

away from the executive office it used

to be they'd have to balance the budget

until I think it was like the 70s or

something when Congress said no never

you know we they got in a fight with

Nixon and they kind of took that power

away from the executive so then it kind

of be and that's when all the shutdown

government shutdown started because

Congress started taking over the budget

so there there was I think more power

with the executive at one point and

that's why then presidents turned to

executive orders executive order yeah

and and where I think your head is in a

space that many other people's head is

in the same and I call this the at least

mindset which is well at least it's not

this at least it's not that but let's

assume Trump wins and he holds off war

with Russia for four years well four

years from now we're going to have

whatever president AOC or whoever is the

next Lefty that's gonna show up right

Rana whatever black show we're going to

war then so all you're doing is delaying

War for four years and let's say all you

would do anywhere I mean so how would

Kennedy fix that because if Kennedy

actually wins or even just the 5% thing

I said but say he wins if he wins the

world changes overnight if he actually

the 5% or wins the state you're going to

see a Grassroots independent party

people run raise money no one's raised

money as Third Party candidate like

Bobby KY J he's raised tens of millions

of dollars it's unheard of yeah when

Gary Johnson at his top he raised 13

million that was the best since 2016

he's raed tons when that begins to

happen now you start getting people in

Congress who are third part you get

assemblies you're seeing it happen right

now in New Hampshire by the way New

Hampshire is starting to have more

Independent Assembly when you see it

begin to happen in all the states that's

when real permanent change happens

there's no more four years and swapping

so when people start to say when they

feel more confident voting independent

because they know it actually can make

change they will correct and that's what

will C and you know I hear that all the

time I was just in Idaho talking to a

lot of people and they were sitting

there saying well you know I would vote

for but I don't know because I don't

want Harris to win even though I you

know whichever but there there were you

know there's there's that feeling if I

don't want to throw my vote away and

that is that's let me touch it if I

could I live in New York City yeah right

you live in California now is that right

California yeah I'm in La yeah so our

vote is wasted if we vote for Harris or

for Trump Harris is going to win our

states no matter what that's going to

happen so why wouldn't I tack on to the

5% and make some impact I will go to

Idol say the same thing Ido Trump is

gonna wi Idaho there's no way Harris

wins Idaho so why would you waste your

vote and vote for Trump or Harris it's

at that point that's a virtue signal

vote that's all that is if you're an

Idaho and you're on offense and you say

well I'm scared of my vote for Trump

that's a virtual signal vote because

just saying I support Trump because I'm

cool you're making no impact whatsoever

your vote is wasted but if you add on to

that 5% or that 10 percent if Kennedy

gets 10 15% of the vote now he has power

they have to listen to him now they

might put him in a cabinet shut him up

yeah once he gets if he gets like 2% of

the vote they're going to ignore him

forever I know I've got 2% I've been

ignored I know how that works you get

10% 15% they have to keep talking to you

the Press gets back in your face again

now he says I want to be whatever a

secretary of X Y and Z they say well I

shut you up you can be it he now has

leverage so your vote matters if you

live if you live in a swing state I get

why you're scared I still think you

should vote Kennedy but I get it I

understand that but if you live in New

York or Idaho why the hell would you

vote one of too it's a done New York is

3 to one Democrat to Republican right no

Republican has won a Statewide election

in New York state in 22 years nothing

not Governor attorney general Senator

nothing in 22 years New York is going

Harris no matter what Republicans will

lie and say New York's in play that's

utter lie garbage they want to raise

money off of not gonna happen Harris

wins New York Harris wins California

vote Bobby Kennedy and make some impact

stop virtual signal voting

you might have convinced me a little bit

because so I was going to vote Jill

Stein as my protest vote I know Harris

is going to win my state so so I'm I'm

wanting to Signal my but now that I'm

thinking about it really what am I

signaling so yes it would be a signal to

the Democrats if a bunch of us vote Jill

Stein here in the state of California

then the Democratic party might say oh

well you know people in California

becoming more liberal that's what their

that's what their thinking would be

right they would say well they want more

green policies well they're gonna yeah

they're going to they're going to inter

they're not going to say oh they were

protesting Palestine they're going to

say they're not going to they're not

going to equate it to that right they're

say right they're gonna say they're more

liberal they want more of these policy

they want more green deal new green deal

policies they're gonna want they want

more of these things and so we got to

get more we got to do more of that and

that would not then then I'd be like

that's not what I was saying with my

vote right correct that's but if I vote

for Kennedy there that's not what I'm

saying either obviously when it comes to

Palestine but at least they would see

that I was saying something about the

anti-establishment they're not going to

interpret it hold on they won't care

about that what they will care about is

residual and what I mean by that if he

breaks five 10 if if California if he

breaks 10% in California that's millions

of votes there what do you guys do 20

million votes every time whatever your

number is huge chunk over there right so

that's like two million votes or

something right that kind of Leverage

means people will have to pay attention

to what he says but more importantly

people in California will run locally

as Independents that will scare them

yeah that's the point because then

they're going to start losing California

State Senate seats they're gonna start

using California Assembly seats here or

there and when it gets closed right now

in my state I'm assuming it's the same

in yours the Democrats right now have a

veto proof super majority Democrats in

my state they lose that super majority

because Independence pop in they'll

startop paying attention yeah that's

what they care about that's where

there's actual impact the local people

after Bobby Kennedy breaks a in his

system that's what matters if we fail

and that's that'll be on us if we fail

to run and support local independent

candidates after Bobby Kennedy does what

he does that's our fault that's our

fault he will have done his bit will we

do

ours every time I have you on you

convince me a little bit more to go back

towards Robert Kenn which I guess is

your you kind of your point I'm

literally a Libertarian and I'm telling

you to vote for Bobby Kenny Jr why this

is a special time I'm telling you I have

I've done it I know done voting I don't

want to waste it that's my point hey

guys this was just a clip of a longer

show catch the full show by going to Kim

Iverson show.com it is free it airs

Monday through Friday 5 p.m. Pacific

8:00 p.m. Eastern you could go back now

and watch this full interview I highly

recommend it again go to Kim Iverson

show.com thank you so much for

watching for