Kennedy’s bid for the Democratic nomination has been marked by his controversial stance as a well-known anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist. He is challenging incumbent President Joe Biden within the Democratic Party. In recent weeks, he has explored the possibility of a third-party run, even meeting with the chair of the Libertarian Party, signaling a potential departure from the Democratic Party that has long been associated with his family name.
Despite his candidacy, Kennedy lags significantly behind President Biden in the polls. However, there is speculation that his third-party run could siphon votes away from Biden, potentially benefiting former President Donald J. Trump. It remains uncertain which candidate, Biden or the Republican nominee, would be more adversely affected by Kennedy’s independent run.
Kennedy’s campaign has garnered mixed reactions, with polls indicating that Republicans have a more favorable view of him than Democrats. Some Democrats have described him as “crazy,” “dangerous,” and “insane,” and associated him with conspiracy theories. Conversely, conservative media outlets have been more supportive of his campaign, with some suggesting he should run as a third-party candidate.
The announcement of Kennedy’s independent run sets the stage for a potentially divisive and unpredictable dynamic in the 2024 presidential race, with the potential to impact the fortunes of both major party candidates.
