CNN — Environmental lawyer and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his independent candidacy for president, marking the end of his efforts to defeat President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary. Kennedy made the announcement in Philadelphia, stating that “I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States.” Speculation about Kennedy’s future in the 2024 field had been circulating for several weeks. Earlier this year, Kennedy met with the chair of the Libertarian Party to discuss shared beliefs, and last week, a super PAC supporting Kennedy’s campaign released the results of a poll testing his strength in a hypothetical three-way race with Biden and former President Donald Trump. The campaign plans to hold events in Texas, Florida, and Georgia in the coming weeks, with the goal of gaining ballot access in every state before the November 2024 general election. Independent and third-party candidates have historically struggled to gain substantial support in presidential elections. However, Kennedy expressed optimism about his chances, stating, “Today, we turn a new page in American politics. There have been independent candidates in this country before, but this time, it’s going to be different. Because this time, the independent is gonna win.” Mark Gorton, co-founder of American Values 2024, the super PAC supporting Kennedy’s campaign, emphasized the need for consistent growth in Kennedy’s support in the polls to prove viability to voters. In a hypothetical three-way race between Biden, Trump, and Kennedy, a recent poll found that 14% of voters supported Kennedy. However, with over a year until the general election, it remains uncertain whether this level of support will translate into actual votes. Kennedy hopes to win the election by drawing support from both Biden and Trump supporters. The Republican National Committee characterized Kennedy as a “radical, far-left Democrat,” while Trump’s allies and advisers plan to build opposition research against him, aiming to portray him as a “liberal parading in conservative’s clothing.” Kennedy, the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, has a long history with the Democratic Party but has chosen to run as an independent to challenge the two-party system. He criticized Biden’s age and competency as well as Trump’s legal troubles as symptoms of a corrupt political process. Kennedy’s announcement comes after he failed to gain significant support in the Democratic primary, with just 9% of likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire expressing support for him in a recent poll. Some of Kennedy’s siblings issued a joint statement denouncing his candidacy and calling it “dangerous to our country.” Kennedy’s campaign as an independent adds further complexity to an already closely contested general election race. Kennedy’s lack of mention of the Israel-Hamas conflict during his announcement event has drawn criticism, although a close friend and rabbi who introduced him defended Kennedy, stating that his involvement in the event demonstrated his stance toward Israel. Kennedy has previously faced criticism from Jewish groups for making false claims about Jews and Chinese people in relation to Covid-19 immunity. Kennedy has never held public office but has gained a following for his advocacy against public health mandates and the influence of money on government and private corporations. Attendees at his announcement event consisted of diverse ideological backgrounds, including conservatives, liberals, and independents. Supporters expressed enthusiasm for his candidacy and his stance against centralized control and influence.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces independent run for president, ending Democratic primary challenge to Biden
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