WASHINGTON − Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made a name for himself as a notable influencer.

This became evident during two days of Senate confirmation hearings assessing his qualifications to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

The grand, wood-paneled hearing rooms were filled to the brim, with additional crowds spilling into hallways and overflow areas. The majority of attendees were women there to show support for “Bobby.”

Conversely, there were protestors present, some donning hats that read: “Say NO to RFK Jr.” On the first day, a protestor yelled “He lies!” during Kennedy’s introductory remarks, leading to their immediate removal. The supportive chants of “We love you, Bobby!” largely drowned out the dissenters in attendance.

In the front row, Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was observed wearing an amused smile as Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., questioned her husband. Her expression was reminiscent of the one she often displays while portraying the cantankerous wife of Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” David has frequently impersonated Sanders on “Saturday Night Live,” and the two have even worked together.

With a large backdrop displaying two baby onesies with anti-vaccine slogans, Sanders humorously inquired: “Are you supportive of these onesies?”

This prompted laughter from the audience.

Sanders aimed to highlight Kennedy’s contentious stance on vaccine safety − the onesies being sold by Children’s Health Defense, an organization founded by Kennedy.

Supporters and Critics Nationwide

With a background as an environmental lawyer but no medical experience, Kennedy has garnered significant support, particularly from mothers, for criticizing food companies over unhealthy additives and artificial dyes. His campaign is dubbed “Make America Healthy Again.”

He has promised to “reshape federal health agencies to focus on chronic disease and eliminate the influence of Big Pharma,” as well as to ban numerous food additives and chemicals that are already prohibited in other countries.

Melissa Bordes from Florida, identifying herself as a MAHA Mom, wore a “Confirm RFK Jr.” hat as she exited the hearing room.

“He will actually have the opportunity to investigate what’s been happening,” Bordes stated. “There’s so much corruption from pharmaceutical companies that have made it hard for mothers to speak out about our children’s health.”

Activist and food influencer Vani Hari, who has over 2 million Instagram followers, sat directly behind Hines.

Dressed in a striking fuchsia pantsuit, she nodded in agreement as Kennedy discussed the “chronic disease epidemic” and the impact of additives.

“I lost faith in my government and regulatory bodies because I had to directly lobby food companies for changes they weren’t making,” she expressed after the first hearing. “The FDA has allowed such issues to persist.”

She is associated with a group named Moms for America and expressed a desire for government officials to step up, mentioning that Kennedy had already “heard the call.”

“It shouldn’t solely fall on citizen activists like myself to hold these companies accountable,” she remarked. “Our politicians in Washington need to take action too.”

However, Kennedy has also been associated with numerous discredited theories, such as claims that Wi-Fi causes cancer, fluoride in public water leads to bone cancer and lower IQs, and that COVID-19 was “ethnically targeted” against “Caucasians and Black people” while supposedly sparing “Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese” individuals.

Laura Anderko, a registered nurse from Annandale with a Ph.D. in public health and extensive experience, attended to protest Kennedy’s confirmation.

She expressed concern regarding his reliance on “junk science and conspiracy theories,” and his potential to influence public health decisions, particularly concerning vaccines, pointing out that Kennedy has made debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.

During the hearings, Kennedy declared that he is not against vaccines but is “pro-safety.”

“Both chronic and infectious diseases are equally important,” she added.

Dr. Manan Trivedi, an internist practicing in the D.C. area, attended Wednesday’s hearing in opposition to Kennedy, wearing a white lab coat.

“The hearing felt like a circus,” he remarked. “He was treated like a rockstar with people cheering for him.”

Trivedi expressed concern over Kennedy’s comprehension of the healthcare system.

“His remarks felt like a random jumble of thoughts,” he commented.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., who chaired the Thursday committee, mentioned that he had not reached a decision about supporting Kennedy.

However, he acknowledged Kennedy’s significant influence.

“You have a following, man,” Cassidy, a former physician, acknowledged during the hearing, noting that many look to Kennedy for guidance on vaccinations.

He then encouraged Kennedy to “clearly state” that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.

“That would have a tremendous impact,” he added. “That’s your strength.”

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent . You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal