CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Politics

Shock Poll: RFK Jr. Ranks Among Nation’s Most Popular Political Figures

11:55 PM, 12/08/2025
Shock Poll: RFK Jr. Ranks Among Nation’s Most Popular Political Figures

The Harvard-Harris poll of 2,204 registered voters (Dec. 2–4) finds Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with a 43% favorability and 40% unfavorable rating, giving him a net +3. Kennedy ranked among the poll’s highest-rated figures alongside Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance and Gavin Newsom. His favorable ratings stand in contrast to widespread bipartisan criticism of his vaccine-related claims. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician, called links between vaccines and autism "fringe" and affirmed that vaccines are safe.

A new national Harvard-Harris poll finds Robert F. Kennedy Jr. registering unexpectedly strong public ratings, despite controversy surrounding his views on vaccines.

The survey, conducted Dec. 2–4 and polling 2,204 registered U.S. voters, placed Kennedy among the top-rated political figures along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President J.D. Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

Key Findings

Kennedy posted a 43% favorable rating versus 40% unfavorable, yielding a net +3 favorability. Vance registered an even split at 40% favorable and 40% unfavorable. By comparison, former President Donald Trump scored 45% favorable and 49% unfavorable in the same poll.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and well-known public figure who has drawn attention for his criticism of vaccines, has maintained a degree of public support that many observers found surprising given the bipartisan criticism of some of his claims.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a physician, told CNN: "Let me say what is most important to the American people, speaking as a physician, vaccines are safe. As has been pointed out, it’s actually not disputed. It’s actually quite well proven that vaccines are not associated with autism. There’s a fringe out there that thinks so, but they’re quite a fringe."

Despite the controversy, Kennedy continues to lead the Make America Healthy Again movement, which advocates changes to food and medicine policy and promotes natural-health approaches. That movement has sustained notable support among some parents who favor his proposed reforms.

Analysts caution that favorability ratings measure public impressions, not policy endorsement or electoral strength; however, the poll underscores an unusual level of positive sentiment toward a figure whose views on public health have been widely contested.

Similar Articles

Trending