Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, is emerging as an unexpected factor in the 2024 presidential elections, causing uncertainty in a country accustomed to the traditional duel between Democrats and Republicans. His success in getting on the ballot in two states signals a possible shift in the American political paradigm. In a polarized political scene with two candidates who fail to convince all of their parties, Kennedy is defying expectations by seducing disenchanted voters.
Current surveys reveal an unusual picture. By running as an independent candidate, he has managed to capture the attention and support of a significant segment of the electorate. He has the highest voting intentions of any independent or third-party candidate in more than three decades.
Kennedy initially filed to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2023, but in October of last year took an unexpected turn by resigning from the party and declaring himself an independent candidate. He argued that the two-party political system is “corrupt” and “fixed.”
Gaining access to the ballot in every state is a challenging and expensive process. He recently obtained the necessary signatures to compete on the ballot in Utah and New Hampshire, and announced the launch of a new political party called “We the People” in California, with the objective of gathering the necessary signatures and competing against the Democratic and Republican candidates in that state.
Despite his achievements, Kennedy still has a long way to go. It’s unclear how many states he will qualify for ballot access. Each state sets its own requirements, and the process of gathering signatures and overcoming legal hurdles can be costly for candidates who don’t have the backing of the major parties.
Kennedy’s candidacy raises fundamental questions about the future of the American political system. Can an independent candidate really influence a presidential election? What impact will it have on the dynamics between Democrats and Republicans? It still remains to be seen.