Democrats Declare War on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Threat to Biden’s Re-Election
In a surprising turn of events, Democrats have declared war on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., viewing him as a major obstacle in Joe Biden’s path to re-election. According to polls, the scion of the historic Democratic dynasty, known by the acronym RFK Jr, is seen as more damaging to Biden’s campaign than Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The fear of independents, who have proven influential in past elections, is driving the Democrats’ aggressive stance against Kennedy. Political scientist Donald Nieman warns that hyperpolarization and the influence of third-party candidates could sway the election in just a few key swing states.
With Kennedy’s popularity hovering around 10% in polls, the Biden campaign is facing a tough challenge in maintaining its strategy of framing the election as a choice between him and Trump. Kennedy, known for his opposition to vaccines and the son of former Attorney General “Bobby” Kennedy, is gaining momentum with his goal of appearing on the ballots in multiple states.
The Democratic offensive against Kennedy includes mobile billboards targeting his rallies and legal actions to prevent him from appearing on the electoral ballots. Despite their efforts, the impact of Kennedy’s candidacy on the election outcome remains uncertain.
Drawing parallels to businessman Ross Perot’s impact on the 1992 election, when he secured 19% of the vote and potentially cost George Bush Sr. his re-election, Kennedy’s views and policies have garnered support from the Trumpist movement. However, Trump himself sees Kennedy as a threat to Biden rather than to his own campaign.
Kennedy’s decision to run as an independent candidate has raised concerns among political strategists on both sides. While some view Biden’s alienation of Kennedy as a strategic mistake, others warn about underestimating the impact of independent candidates in crucial swing states.
As the election season unfolds, the dynamics between Biden, Trump, and Kennedy are shaping up to be a close and unpredictable race. With Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan adding a new dimension to the campaign, the outcome of the 2024 election remains uncertain. Both Democrats and Republicans are advised not to overlook the influence of independent candidates on the final outcome.