UNITED STATES: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of a former senator and environmental lawyer, said in Philadelphia on Monday that he is withdrawing his candidature as a Democrat for the presidency and will instead run as an independent.
Kennedy sought to position himself as a unifying figure and a voice for voters who are tired of the bitterness and partisanship in the US, describing it as an obstacle to progress.
“People stop me everywhere, in airports, hotels, and on the street. And they remind me that this country is ready for a history-making change… I’m here today. I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate.” Kennedy spoke to a crowd of several hundred people gathered in front of the National Constitution Centre.
Kennedy’s declaration adds complexity to the 2024 election, which was already shaping up to be a rematch between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Both continue to be unpopular among the majority of Americans.
On Monday, Kennedy’s siblings—Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy, and Joseph Kennedy II—denounced their brother’s candidature in a statement, saying, “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision, or judgment. Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us.”
Kennedy’s candidature may have clout because of his well-heeled supporters, well-known name, and disinterest in Trump or Biden, according to political strategists.
At a recent Democratic National Committee event in St. Louis, party members had mixed reactions to Kennedy’s candidature.
Ken Martin, leader of Minnesota’s Democratic Party, said, “Outside of his name, what does he have? He’s an anathema to his family’s legacy. It’s sort of a disgrace.”
On the other hand, others expressed warning.
Charles Wilson, chair of Washington, DC’s Democratic Party, stated, “It’s going to be a very, very close race, so every vote counts. We can’t go into this election with rose-coloured glasses.”
Many Democrats highlight the hurdles independent candidates face when trying to secure a spot on general election ballots in numerous states, which often involves the daunting task of collecting tens of thousands of signatures.
Diane Sare, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in New York who was present at Kennedy’s announcement, remarked, “It is a huge challenge. The two major parties have made it impossible for third-party candidates to get on the ballot.”
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