As former President Donald Trump returns to Wisconsin after nearly two years, Democrats are closely monitoring the potential impact of third-party candidates, particularly Robert Kennedy Jr., on the upcoming general election in this critical battleground state. Kennedy’s independent candidacy is seen as a wild card that could disrupt the expected rematch between President Joe Biden and Trump. Progressive voices in Wisconsin are expressing concerns about the possibility of third-party candidates affecting the head-to-head electoral math between Trump and Biden.
The threat of third-party challengers in Wisconsin is a serious consideration in the Biden-Trump rematch, as evidenced by the impact of Green Party candidates in previous elections. With Kennedy, Jill Stein, and Cornel West offering alternative options to voters dissatisfied with the main party candidates, there is a growing concern that these candidates could alter the outcome of the election. Progressives are urging Democrats not to throw away their votes and to focus on supporting their party’s nominee to prevent potential spoilers in the election.
Kennedy’s message on reducing the national debt and ending foreign wars resonates with some voters, leading to concerns among Democrats that his candidacy could siphon support from Biden. As progressives express reservations about Biden’s policies, there is a division within the party over support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The volatility of the upcoming general election is highlighted by a national poll that shows both Biden and Trump losing support when third-party candidates are included in the equation.
Supporters of Kennedy in Wisconsin are organizing to gather the signatures required for him to qualify for the presidential ballot in the state. Their efforts reflect a broader discontent in the electorate with the choices offered by the two major parties and highlight the potential impact of a third-party candidacy in the election. Kennedy’s protest candidacy is seen as a possible alternative for voters dissatisfied with both Trump and Biden, regardless of their political leanings.
As the Wisconsin Republican Party assesses the impact of third-party candidates on the election, it is believed that Kennedy could present a bigger challenge to Biden than to Trump. The Democratic National Committee is actively working to combat Kennedy’s candidacy, recognizing the uncertainty and risks that third-party candidates can bring to the election. Democrats in Wisconsin are acutely aware of the close margins in previous elections and the potential impact of third-party candidates on the outcome.
With the memory of Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016 still fresh in the minds of Wisconsin Democrats, there is a cautious approach to the impact of third-party candidates on the upcoming election. The lessons learned from past elections, where third-party candidates played a decisive role in delivering the victory to Trump, are informing the party’s strategy this year. Democrats are focused on ensuring that voters are aware of President Biden’s accomplishments and are not taking any chances in the pivotal battleground state of Wisconsin.
