Robert Kennedy Jr to run as independent, could complicate Trump, Biden 2024 contest | Reuters
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his independent run for the U.S. presidency, abandoning his Democratic primary challenge against President Joe Biden. Kennedy revealed his decision in Philadelphia after weeks of speculation and discussions with the Libertarian Party. He faces the challenging task of gaining ballot access in all states for the 2024 election.
Independent candidates historically struggle in presidential elections, with Ross Perot being one of the few to achieve notable success, receiving 8% of the vote in 1992. Despite this, Kennedy expressed optimism, vowing that this time an independent candidate would win.
Kennedy’s campaign could complicate the closely contested general election race, as a recent poll showed him with 14% support, while Trump and Biden had 40% and 38% respectively. Kennedy hopes to draw support from both sides, though critics argue he may merely siphon votes.
His decision to run independently has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Some family members, including Rory Kennedy, disapprove of his candidacy.
Kennedy, a former lifelong Democrat, cited his dissatisfaction with the two-party system, questioning the competency of Biden and the legal issues facing Trump. He plans to create a tamper-proof election system and expand voting rights while advocating for peace and unity.
Kennedy’s event drew supporters from various political backgrounds, indicating potential appeal across ideological lines, with some hoping he can offer a fresh, unifying approach. However, his past associations with anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and controversial statements about Israel could pose challenges in gaining broader support.
#Kennedy2024 #IndependentCandidate #Election2024 #PoliticalChange #UnityForAmerica