'We differ on many current issues': Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife on bracing for the 2024 campaign trail
Actor and wife to 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Cheryl Hines, is preparing for her life to look somewhat "different" in the coming months, The New York Times reports.
Longtime Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star to Larry David, Hines is not new to the spotlight, or to politics — as she's been married to son of the late U.S. attorney general Robert F. Kennedy for nearly a decade. However, she's never been First Lady before.
In an interview published by The Times Saturday, Hines discusses her expectations as Kennedy campaigns for the presidency.
"I support Bobby and I want to be there for him, and I want him to feel loved and supported by me," she said. "And at the same time, I don't feel the need to go to every political event, because I do have my own career."
The Messenger reports, "Upon request to clarify which issues she and Kennedy differ on," The Times noted "Hines asked for a moment to think, which stretched into a near-minute-long pause," before replying, "I see both sides of the vaccine situation."
Kennedy has been outspoken about his stance against COVID-19 vaccinations.
"There's one side that feels scared if they don't get the vaccine, and there's the side that feels scared if they do get the vaccine, because they’re not sure if the vaccine is safe. And I understand that," Hines said.
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Hines also mentioned, according to The Messenger, "her current strategy in discussing her husband's campaign is to employ deflection, using a blanket statement such as: 'This is probably something you should talk about with Bobby, although I'm happy to hear your thoughts.'"
Last year, Hines took to Twitter to speak out against a Holocaust reference her husband made, "implying that Anne Frank had more freedom in hiding from the Nazis than people have today under U.S. vaccination policies," NBC reports.
"My husband's opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues,” she wrote, later calling Kennedy's statement "reprehensible," adding, "The atrocities that millions endured during the Holocaust should never be compared to anyone or anything."
Regarding Kennedy's presidential run, Hines told The Times, she is "bracing" herself, because "this feels different," and "it feels like every word is important."
READ MORE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inoculates himself against financial disclosure
Hines "was informed that her husband is drawing media comparisons to former President Donald Trump," to which she replied, "His skin is much thicker than mine, let's just say that."
The Times reports in the outlet's interview with Kennedy, he emphasized "that he sees his wife as crucial to his success," saying, "I think ultimately if I get elected, Cheryl will have played a huge role in that. She's an enormous asset to me, and I don't think we've really unveiled her in her true power yet."
Hines noted, "Before this, really, my world was just about comedy, so I could make light of things. But now I understand people are listening in a different way."
The New York Times' full report is available at this link (subscription required). The Messenger's report is here.
