The Daily
The Spoiler Threat of R.F.K. Jr.
Oct 12, 2023
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.
29:36
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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