A powerful coalition of US soft-drink and snack-food corporations has launched a coordinated campaign to undermine Robert F Kennedy Jr's "Make America Healthy Again" movement, seeking to curb Americans' consumption of soda and ultra-processed foods. The American Beverage Association is leading the effort, which involves a network of for-hire pollsters, strategists, and political financiers with ties to the national Republican party.
The companies behind these beverages have come under criticism from health experts over their role in contributing to rising rates of obesity and diabetes in the US. Kennedy's movement aims to address this issue through legislation aimed at limiting access to unhealthy foods and promoting healthier eating options.
However, the soda industry has taken a different approach. In an effort to influence public opinion, the American Beverage Association has hired Maga-aligned influencers to promote their interests on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These influencers have been paid to share talking points that downplay the health risks associated with drinking soda and emphasize the importance of individual choice.
Industry lobbyists are also working directly with lawmakers, using a network of veteran GOP strategists to push back against the Maha movement. This includes companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, which are among the largest soft-drink corporations in the US.
The American Beverage Association has been accused of attempting to intimidate lawmakers by threatening to mobilize its base if they do not oppose the Maha movement. The group's CEO, Kevin Keane, has made public statements emphasizing the importance of individual choice and criticizing government intervention in matters of nutrition.
However, critics argue that this approach is misleading and ignores the overwhelming scientific evidence on the health risks associated with drinking soda. Many experts believe that Kennedy's movement has a strong argument for limiting access to unhealthy foods, particularly given the significant impact they have on public health.
Despite the efforts by the American Beverage Association, the Maha movement has gained traction at the state level, with several dozen states having requested waivers from federal regulations allowing them to restrict food dyes in school meals. Additionally, a half-dozen states have passed legislation restricting food dyes in school meals.
While the soda industry's campaign may be successful in undermining the Maha movement at the national level, it is likely that the issue will continue to gain momentum at the state and local levels. As Kristen Chevrier, a Republican state representative who sponsored a bill to restrict food dyes in her state, noted, "It's easier for the big food industries to control the federal government than it is for them to control a whole bunch of different states."
The companies behind these beverages have come under criticism from health experts over their role in contributing to rising rates of obesity and diabetes in the US. Kennedy's movement aims to address this issue through legislation aimed at limiting access to unhealthy foods and promoting healthier eating options.
However, the soda industry has taken a different approach. In an effort to influence public opinion, the American Beverage Association has hired Maga-aligned influencers to promote their interests on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These influencers have been paid to share talking points that downplay the health risks associated with drinking soda and emphasize the importance of individual choice.
Industry lobbyists are also working directly with lawmakers, using a network of veteran GOP strategists to push back against the Maha movement. This includes companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, which are among the largest soft-drink corporations in the US.
The American Beverage Association has been accused of attempting to intimidate lawmakers by threatening to mobilize its base if they do not oppose the Maha movement. The group's CEO, Kevin Keane, has made public statements emphasizing the importance of individual choice and criticizing government intervention in matters of nutrition.
However, critics argue that this approach is misleading and ignores the overwhelming scientific evidence on the health risks associated with drinking soda. Many experts believe that Kennedy's movement has a strong argument for limiting access to unhealthy foods, particularly given the significant impact they have on public health.
Despite the efforts by the American Beverage Association, the Maha movement has gained traction at the state level, with several dozen states having requested waivers from federal regulations allowing them to restrict food dyes in school meals. Additionally, a half-dozen states have passed legislation restricting food dyes in school meals.
While the soda industry's campaign may be successful in undermining the Maha movement at the national level, it is likely that the issue will continue to gain momentum at the state and local levels. As Kristen Chevrier, a Republican state representative who sponsored a bill to restrict food dyes in her state, noted, "It's easier for the big food industries to control the federal government than it is for them to control a whole bunch of different states."
, have u seen this? so like these big soda companies are trying to stop RFK Jr from making america healthy again by hiring their own pollsters and strategists to trash his movement on social media 
, but honestly who do they think they're fooling? we all know soda is super bad for us 
, and it's so cool that these states are pushing back against the industry's efforts to control our food choices 
. i mean, it's like when u try to tell a friend their favorite pizza joint is actually really unhealthy, but they still want to eat there lol 
. so like, what's up with these soda companies trying to discredit robert kennedy jr? aren't they like, super bad for your health or something? 
they're basically saying it's all about personal choice and individual freedom... but honestly who wants to choose between life & death over a tasty soda pop? 
i mean, come on guys, the science is clear: soda is poison. 
let's not be fooled by their fancy marketing tricks and paid influencers trying to sway public opinion 
. i'm still all for kennedy's movement - we need to take back control of what goes into our bodies! 
. We need to take care of our health as a society, not just leave it up to individual choice 
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. It's like they're trying to silence critics and prevent any real progress from being made 
. But I'm hopeful that the Maha movement will continue to gain traction at the state level, where they can actually make a difference in people's lives 
. Like, come on! We need to wake up and see the science behind this stuff 
. These companies are profiting off our sicknesses and it's disgusting 
"individual choice" this and "personal responsibility" that... meanwhile, we all know what's really going on here. corporations just don't want to lose money 
. They're hiring social media influencers and paying them to promote their interests 
, and the top soda companies are making over $13 billion in annual profits 
The soda industry has increased its lobbying spending by 45% since 2020
The number of people using public health services to treat obesity-related conditions has risen by 25% in the past decade 
Robert F Kennedy Jr's movement has already won over 20 state-level bills aimed at restricting unhealthy foods 
. The American Beverage Association might try to downplay these risks, but the data is clear: their interests are not aligned with public health 
. It's not like they're being forced to give up their favorite treats, they can still choose to drink water or make healthier options if they want. The science is pretty clear that soda is bad news and it's time to take action 
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. And don't even get me started on the lobbyists trying to influence lawmakers - it's just so frustrating 
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. So yeah, I think Kennedy's movement has some solid reasoning behind it 
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. I mean, if we can't regulate food dyes in school meals at the federal level, maybe we should be looking at ways to empower states and local governments to take action 
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I mean, think about it: when you've got healthy folks, they're more productive, they're more engaged... they're more likely to vote! 
And let's be real, some of these big food players have been dodgy on their claims for years. It's like they're trying to spin a narrative that says "we care about your health"... but we all know the truth 
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. Bring on the real change, not just a bunch of PR spin! 
. like, isn't it already hard enough getting laws passed without them throwing money at our reps? and now they're using social media influencers to spread misinformation about the health risks of soda? give me a break 
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. It's not a coincidence that their talking points are all about individual choice and free market forces - that's just corporate speak for "we don’t want to be held accountable" 
. And let's not forget, the science is clear: soda and ultra-processed foods are killing us 
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u guys are just trying 2 cover ur own tracks and silence ppl who dont wanna be part of ur sick business model 
even if they rnt able 2 pass legislation at the fed level, its happening at the state level n thats where it matters