Maria Shriver has opened up about the complexities of her relationship with her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and how the lessons she learned from her late father, Sargent Shriver, have helped guide her through the challenges. In an exclusive interview, Maria discussed how she and her siblings have worked to keep their family united despite their differing political views, especially after RFK Jr. announced his bid for the 2024 presidential election. 
RFK Jr. has faced significant opposition from other members of the Kennedy family, including Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, as well as Maria’s brothers, Tim and Anthony Shriver. Despite these tensions, Maria and Tim are relying on the values instilled in them by their father, particularly the importance of family loyalty and treating others with dignity, even when disagreements arise.
Maria shared, “We were raised on family loyalty. Daddy brought people of different faiths, different political parties, and different skin colors to the table. That was the table.” Her brother Tim added that while the Kennedy family, like many American families, struggles with political differences, they are working hard to maintain civility and find common ground. 
The release of Sargent Shriver’s posthumous memoir, We Called It a War, has provided additional context to the family’s guiding principles. The book offers a rare look at Sargent’s leadership during the War on Poverty, shedding light on the community-based programs that continue to have a positive impact today.
Maria and Tim both hope the lessons in their father’s memoir will inspire others to find ways to heal divisions, noting that the mission of the War on Poverty was to unite Americans rather than divide them. “This book is timely because it’s all about healing and strengthening the core of this country, not putting Americans against Americans,” Tim said. 
Their comments come amid a growing rift within the Kennedy family following RFK Jr.’s public statements and political stances. Maria’s openness about the situation highlights the personal and public challenges she faces in balancing family loyalty with differing political views.
Read more here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk
