Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist crackpot, has launched an independent bid for the White House. While Republicans wasted no time attacking Kennedy’s liberal background, Democrats remained silent, leaving us all to wonder how Kennedy’s candidacy will screws the Democrats in 2024. Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee criticized Kennedy, labeling his campaign as a “vanity project” and accusing him of cashing in on his family’s name. Kennedy’s decision to run as an independent f’s up the 2024 race, which is expected to be a rematch between Defendant Trump and President Joe Biden.
Kennedy, a member of the famous Hyannisport Kennedy family, had been running a long-shot primary bid and unsurprisingly held better favorability ratings among Republicans than Democrats. This portends that Kennedy will be a spoiler for both Biden and Trump. In a speech in Philadelphia, Kennedy made it clear that he wanted to distance himself from both political parties, declaring a “new declaration of independence” from corporations, the media, and the two major political parties. His supporters, a mix of disillusioned Democrats, Trump voters, and political outsiders, believe that Kennedy has the potential to unify the country. Kennedy is coming off the highs of September when Beatles stalker, Eric Clapton, raised $2 million for RFK, Jr.’s campaign.
However, Kennedy’s effort faces some challenges, including the lack of committed big-money funding, support, and campaign experience compared to the Trump and Biden organizations. Trump allies, aware of the potential impact Kennedy could have on the Republican vote, have already started circulating opposition research to damage his standing among conservative supporters. This will not be a challenge.
The Republican National Committee published a fact sheet highlighting Kennedy’s support for liberal politicians, conspiracy theories, and his anti-vaccine stance. On the other hand, Biden’s allies have dismissed Kennedy’s primary campaign as foolish, while Kennedy’s own family released a joint statement denouncing his candidacy.
