Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emerged as a wild card in the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate. Despite his troubled youth marked by drug abuse, he has become a prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine advocate. His controversial views have attracted a diverse mix of supporters and raised significant funds. Democrats have launched legal attacks against him, while former President Donald Trump has engaged in verbal attacks.
Kennedy, running as an independent, was a lifelong Democrat before challenging President Biden for the party’s nomination in 2023. He later switched to independent after accusing Democrats of corruption. His supporters have created a new party, We the People, to help him secure ballot access in several states. He has also flirted with joining the Libertarian Party to simplify the process of getting on states’ ballots.
It is unclear whether Kennedy poses a bigger threat to Biden or Trump in the 2024 election. Both sides are concerned about the impact of his candidacy, with fears among Democrats that he could split the vote and benefit Trump. This concern stems from the historical impact of third-party candidates like Ralph Nader and Jill Stein on past elections. The party is taking aggressive measures to counter his campaign and limit his influence.
As of early April, Kennedy is officially on the ballot in Utah and working to secure access in other states. Each state has different rules for ballot access, with requirements revolving around gathering tens of thousands of signatures. Running mate Nicole Shanahan, a Bay Area lawyer and investor, has provided significant financial support for his campaign. She aligns with Kennedy’s core issues, including skepticism of vaccines and environmental stewardship.
Kennedy’s supporters span a range of groups, including those who support his anti-vaccine work with Children’s Health Defense and the medical freedom movement. His criticism of government responses to the pandemic has drawn new supporters from different political backgrounds. While some are loyal Democrats attracted to the Kennedy name, others are Libertarians and independents who share his distrust of the federal government. Kennedy’s provocative interviews and anti-establishment vibe have resonated with disaffected voters from both parties.
Overall, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent candidacy has introduced significant uncertainty and concern into the 2024 election. His diverse base of supporters and controversial views on vaccines and public health measures have made both Democrats and Republicans wary of his potential impact on the race. With ongoing legal challenges and ballot access issues, his candidacy continues to be closely watched as the election approaches.
