I dont think you know the body politic in ny back then. He was as famous and well known as ever. Forming an exloratory committee is throwing hat in ring, except legally. Anyone in politics knows this. Its like kneecapping a runner in a foot race before it officially starts. They say "runners, on your marks, get set..." but he is beat up before they say "go," And then claiming, "well he didnt technically enter the race yet." Saying he wasnt running is a destraction. Hillary didnt spontaneously announce her candidacy either. She too had her exploratory set up. Officially announcing has legal advantages and other ramifications.
Not as well known, Caroline Kennedy also later explored ny senate (against hillary) but bowed to pressure, instead taking some ambassador position years later.
Here is discussion on JFK Jr:
https://people.com/politics/jfk-jr-would-have-been-president-friend-says/
Uncle in law died of stroke Mother in law died of cancer Aunt suffering from vertigo and other light sensitive headaches problem Cousin can't get pregnant Friend has myocarditis and cyst on kidney. Currently on work leave resting.
Here is everything explained in one sentence: our friends and family don't have faith in themselves to trust their own wits over what they imagine "authority" is.
That's it.
They've found security in resting their faith in bad actors and are not capable of detecting bullshit. Their observational skills are dull because there is blissful security in it. It has worked for them in the past but it suits them very poorly now.