‘You can’t eat if you’re dead’: Dems eye RFK Jr. as their 2026 boogeyman – Politico

Key Takeaways:

• RFK Jr. is viewed by Democrats as a serious concern for the 2026 cycle.
• The MAHA movement may offer Republicans a much-needed boost.
• Various media outlets, including Politico, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are investigating RFK Jr.’s broadening influence.
• GOP strategists hope MAHA will revitalize midterm prospects.
• The standout quote—“You can’t eat if you’re dead”—reflects the urgency Democrats feel.

Democrats’ Growing Concern

Democrats have begun eyeing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a central figure to watch in 2026. With some referring to him as a “boogeyman,” they are grappling with how to confront his influence. The Politico headline—“You can’t eat if you’re dead”—neatly conveys their sense of alarm, underscoring how urgently they believe their party must respond.

The MAHA Movement’s Potential

According to commentary in the Baltimore Sun, RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement—seen by some conservatives as a galvanizing force—could make or break Republican efforts to recapture voters. This movement is highlighted in The Wall Street Journal, which notes that allies of both Trump and RFK Jr. are hopeful it could deliver a “midterms boost.”

Wider Media Perspectives

A glance through various outlets paints a vibrant picture of the political landscape. Genetic Literacy Project pins the GOP’s waning popularity on mission fatigue and shifting demographics, suggesting that the MAHA movement might be a critical lifeline. POLITICO Pro also cites internal Democratic debates on how best to counter RFK Jr.’s message without amplifying it.

Facing a 2026 Showdown

As 2026 approaches, both Democrats and Republicans see the stakes rising. Republican strategists are banking on MAHA’s appeal, while Democrats are weighing broad strategies to neutralize RFK Jr.’s momentum. For now, “You can’t eat if you’re dead” resonates as a stark reminder of the urgency in these high-stakes political maneuvers.