In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his decision to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election. This pivot has been met with swift resistance from Republican leaders, who view Kennedy's campaign as a potential threat to their vote share in the upcoming election.
Kennedy's announcement was made during an outdoor rally in Philadelphia, where he portrayed his campaign as an effort to challenge the divisive tactics of partisan leaders. He emphasized the need for a political environment that isn't dominated by binary debates and called for unity among Americans. "Americans are wary and tired of the culture war, the phony slogans, the politicians who use the partisan blame game,” Kennedy remarked, adding that the divisions are orchestrated and that fostering hatred is part of a larger scheme.
However, the Republican National Committee (RNC) was quick to challenge Kennedy's new political stance. In a press release, the RNC described him as “just another radical, far-left Democrat.” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel further criticized Kennedy, stating, “RFK Jr. cannot hide from his record of endorsing Hillary, supporting the Green New Deal, fighting against the Keystone Pipeline, and praising AOC’s tax hikes — he is your typical elitist liberal and voters won’t be fooled.”
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump's campaign, echoed these sentiments, labeling Kennedy's campaign as a "vanity project" and cautioning voters against being deceived by his purported conservative values.
Interestingly, while Republicans have been vocal in their criticism, Democrats have largely remained silent on Kennedy's decision. This silence is believed to stem from a growing belief among Democratic strategists that Kennedy, as an independent, poses minimal threat to President Biden's reelection bid. Recent polls have shown that Kennedy's approval ratings are higher among Republican voters than Democratic ones.
Kennedy's campaign has not been without controversy. He has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration, accusing it of creating the conditions for the war in Ukraine and suppressing freedom of speech. He has also made false claims about the COVID-19 vaccines, suggesting they have caused more harm than good.
The Kennedy family itself appears divided on RFK Jr.'s political ambitions. While some family members were present to support him during his announcement, four of his siblings — Rory Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy II, and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend — released a statement denouncing his independent bid. They described it as “dangerous for the country” and emphasized that while he may share the family name, he does not embody the values and vision of their father.
Republicans had initially welcomed Kennedy's Democratic campaign, with figures like Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praising aspects of his platform. However, as his campaign evolved and his poll numbers among Democrats dwindled, the GOP's stance shifted. Now, with Kennedy's move to run as an independent, Republicans are gearing up for a battle, fearing he could siphon votes away from their nominee.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Kennedy's campaign promises to be a significant point of contention, with both major parties closely watching his every move.