Environmental lawyer and potential 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has hinted at a “major announcement” in the coming weeks, fueling speculation that he may drop his bid to challenge President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary and instead run as an independent or on a third-party ticket. Kennedy’s presidential campaign has been controversial, aiming to challenge both Biden and the Democratic Party. Despite polling suggesting openness to alternatives to Biden, Kennedy has struggled to gain traction with Democratic voters, with only 1% of Democratic-aligned voters surveyed in a recent CNN poll naming him as their choice for the nomination. Additionally, Kennedy’s campaign has failed to gain significant support in New Hampshire, a key state, with only 9% support compared to Biden’s 78%.
In a two-minute video announcing an upcoming event, Kennedy criticized government corruption on both sides of the aisle and vowed to change the norms of American politics. He highlighted his concerns about corruption in the executive branch, Congress, and the leadership of both political parties. Kennedy’s campaign has also attracted attention due to his views on Covid-19 and the vaccine. As a prominent anti-vaccine activist, Kennedy has frequently promoted vaccine skepticism and has garnered support from voters of both parties who align with his views on the pandemic. Kennedy’s meeting with Libertarian Party Chair Angela McArdle has also sparked speculation about a potential alliance or running as a Libertarian Party candidate, although no official commitment has been made.
Despite the challenges faced by Kennedy’s campaign, he remains determined and optimistic about the possibility of national transformation through the goodness of the American people. With his upcoming announcement and the ongoing speculation surrounding his candidacy, Kennedy’s potential bid as an independent or on a third-party ticket presents an intriguing possibility for the 2024 presidential race.