The $7 million spot, which was funded by American Values 2024, generated online buzz and criticism about the independent presidential candidate.
Featuring a catchy jingle and nostalgic images that mirrored John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign ad, a surprise 30-second spot funded by a super PAC aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aired during the Super Bowl on Feb. 11.
American Values 2024 paid $7 million for the ad that ran nationally just before halftime of the game eventually won by the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime, according to the super PAC’s co-chairman Anthony Lyons.
Mr. Kennedy—who is also known by his initials, RFK—announced last October that he would leave the Democrat primary and run for president as an independent. He is the nephew of John F. Kennedy, who was shot and killed on Nov. 22, 1963, during a campaign stop in Dallas.
The original black-and-white spot from 1960 included a song that repeats “Kennedy” over and over in the chorus, along with lyrics that are accompanied by photographs of Mr. Kennedy and U.S. citizens.
The Super Bowl ad funded by American Values 2024 showcased the same song and a vintage appearance that features RFK Jr.’s photo in vintage form and the same “Kennedy for President” phrase.
Google Trends showed that internet searches for “RFK” soared after the spot was broadcast, with terms related to Mr. Kennedy receiving about 100 times more searches than average.
The spot generated criticism from political strategist Robert Shrum, who was a speechwriter and consultant for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s uncle.
“This RFK Jr. Super Bowl ad is a straight out plagiarism of JFK ad from 1960. What a fraud- and to quote Lloyd Bentsen with a slight amendment, ‘Bobby, you’re no John Kennedy.’ Instead you are a Trump ally,” Mr. Shrum wrote on social media platform X.
One Kennedy family member expressed displeasure with the spot.
“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s. She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, & health care equity were in her DNA. She strongly supported my health care work at @ONECampaign & @RED which he opposes,” Bobby Shriver, son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, wrote on X.
