Private Story
What does the Kennedy name mean now?
Perhaps Camelot, as a political metaphor, used to feel like an actual castle: sturdy stone walls, beautiful gardens, and admirers strolling on hallowed grounds tended by generations of Kennedys, ever since Jackie first verbalized the symbolism in the days after her husband’s assassination.
But at the moment, you might argue that Camelot is represented not by a turreted castle but by a squat nightclub named Vibe outside of Annapolis, Maryland, where disco balls illuminated the eager faces of hundreds gathered last week to see the most prominent — or most visible — member of the family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now running an independent campaign for president.
Inside, “BOBBY! BOBBY!” chants broke out as people waited for him to arrive. Some took pictures with a backdrop that said “Kennedy 24: Declare Your Independence.” Some took pictures with a neon sign that read “B*tch, don’t kill my vibe.”
There are dueling visions of Camelot competing for Americans’ attention this month, which marks 60 years since President John F. Kennedy was killed. On one side are the documentaries and public memorializing of Kennedy and his legacy. On the other side is his 69-year-old nephew, RFK Jr., who has spread falsehoods about vaccines and, according to the New York Post, claimed that the coronavirus was “targeted” to sicken Black and Caucasian people and spare Chinese people and Ashkenazi Jews.
Photo Editor: Lauren Bulbin
Reporter: Maura Judkis
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