Rebecca Davis O’Brien, a campaign finance reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uphill battle for ballot access as he transitions to an independent presidential run. She discusses the unconventional tactics he’s employing, including a Super Bowl ad, and the political ramifications for both major parties. O’Brien also highlights the Democrats' fears of losing votes to Kennedy and the broader implications for voter choice in a polarized political landscape.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shifted from Democrat to independent, aiming to broaden appeal and attract disaffected voters.
Democratic and Republican parties actively opposed Kennedy's candidacy, viewing him as a spoiler and a threat.
Deep dives
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Transition to an Independent Candidate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. transitioned from a protest candidate within the Democratic party to an independent candidate, aiming to broaden his platform and appeal. By declaring independence and emphasizing a need for a change from the current political system, he sought to attract disaffected voters. His strategy included a $7 million ad campaign during the Super Bowl and selecting a vice presidential candidate with significant financial resources to fund the campaign.
State-by-State Ballot Access Challenges and Successes
Getting on the ballot in each state involved complex procedures such as gathering thousands of signatures under specific conditions. Kennedy managed to secure ballot access in states like Utah, Hawaii, and Michigan, a critical swing state. Utilizing an unconventional approach, Kennedy successfully got on Michigan's ballot through the Natural Law Party, avoiding the extensive signature-gathering process.
Political Parties' Reactions and Strategies
The Democratic Party has actively opposed Kennedy's candidacy due to fears of him being a spoiler. It engaged in legal interventions and worked to prevent Kennedy from getting on swing state ballots. Conversely, the Republican Party initially viewed Kennedy as potentially beneficial in drawing votes from Biden but later shifted to seeing him as a threat. Both parties faced challenges in dealing with Kennedy's anti-establishment appeal and efforts to position himself as an alternative to the traditional party system.
As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tries to get on the presidential ballot in all 50 states, he’s confronting fierce resistance from his opponents.
Rebecca Davis O’Brien, who covers campaign finance and money in U.S. elections for The New York Times, discusses the high-stakes battle playing out behind the scenes.
Guest: Rebecca Davis O’Brien, a reporter covering campaign finance and money in U.S. elections for The New York Times.
Here’s where third-party and independent candidates are on the ballot.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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