Rebecca Davis O’Brien, a campaign finance reporter for The New York Times, dives into the surprising independent run of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the 2024 presidential race. She discusses how his shift from a fringe candidate to a significant player threatens the two-party system, attracting disillusioned voters from both sides. O’Brien also highlights Kennedy’s controversial transformation from environmental advocate to vaccine skeptic during the pandemic, and examines the broader implications of his candidacy on American politics.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent candidacy for the presidency has raised concerns for both the Democratic and Republican parties, as his appeal has the potential to draw votes from both sides.
Kennedy's decision to run as an independent candidate has the potential to act as a spoiler in critical swing states, impacting the election outcome and disrupting the two-party system.
Deep dives
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces independent run for president
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., previously dismissed as a fringe figure in the 2024 presidential race, has announced his independent candidacy for the White House. His entry into the race has raised concerns from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as his appeal has the potential to draw votes from both sides. With the possibility of a Donald Trump versus Joe Biden rematch, both candidates, who have bases of support but are also unpopular among segments of the population, fear that Kennedy's campaign could cost them crucial votes in a three-way race. Third-party and independent candidates have acted as spoilers in the past, impacting election outcomes.
RFK Jr.'s background, evolution, and conspiracy-fueled platform
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. comes from a family with a storied political legacy. His troubled youth was followed by a successful career as an environmental lawyer, where he fought against corporate polluters and gained prominence. However, he later turned to vaccine skepticism and became a vocal critic of the government and pharmaceutical industry. Kennedy's skepticism extended beyond public health issues, as he began questioning American history and alleging large-scale conspiracies and corruption in the government. His anti-government and conspiratorial stance gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by growing public skepticism of lockdown measures and vaccine safety. Kennedy's transformation has drawn support from a wide range of Americans, including those alienated by politics, conspiracy theorists, and those attracted to the Kennedy name.
RFK Jr.'s impact as an independent candidate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to run as an independent candidate for president has raised concerns for both the Democratic and Republican parties. While he faces challenges in getting on the ballot in all 50 states, it is the possibility of him being a spoiler in critical swing states that worries the parties the most. With voter margins in states like Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania likely to be small, Kennedy could potentially draw votes away from the major party candidates or discourage people from voting, influencing the overall election outcome. His goal is not to win the presidency, but rather to impact and disrupt the two-party system, making both parties fearful of his potential impact.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was once dismissed as a fringe figure in the 2024 presidential race. But this week, as he announces an independent run for the White House, he’s striking fear within both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Rebecca Davis O’Brien, who covers campaign finance for The Times, explains why.
Guest: Rebecca Davis O’Brien, a reporter covering campaign finance and money in U.S. elections for The New York Times.
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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