Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday that he is now running as an Independent, a major departure from the party of his historic predecessors. RFK announced his party switch outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, setting the stage for a third-party challenge to both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Ahead of Monday’s event, Kennedy teased the upcoming announcement as a “historic announcement.” Backdropped against a banner emblazoned with “Kennedy 24: Declare Your Independence,” the 69-year-old candidate condemned the two-party system and the rhetoric of national division.
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“I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate,” Kennedy told the crowd. “But that’s not all. I’m here to join you and make a new Declaration of Independence for our entire nation.”
RFK Jr declares that he’ll be running as an Independent candidate in the Presidential race.
— PBD Podcast (@PBDsPodcast) October 9, 2023
He continued by calling out the political influence of corporations and lobbyists, as well as the interference of a “mercenary media” that conspires with politicians to “get all of us to hate each other” as a part of their “scam.”
Since his campaign launch in April, Kennedy has been one of only two candidates to challenge incumbent President Joe Biden from within the Democratic Party. However, facing what he has referred to as a “rigged” process by the Democratic National Committee, Kennedy has reportedly become increasingly disillusioned with the entire system.
After declaring his new campaign outside the two-party system, Kennedy promised to pursue “peace and diplomacy,” “close loopholes that bloat our budget,” and focus on the issues that voters care about.
He also turned attention to the political realities of his third-party candidacy, addressing the concerns of Democrats and Republicans that he would act as a spoiler for their respective candidates. “I’m here to tell you today…both of them are right,” he said to thunderous applause. “My intention is to spoil it for both of them.”
(RELATED: Will RFK Steal Votes from Trump or Biden?)
While Kennedy himself has stated that he expects to draw more support away from former President Donald Trump, he also has a base of support among traditional Democrats, with whom his family name still carries weight.
Notably, no third-party candidate has ever managed to win an American election, though many have tried. “There have been Independents in American politics before, but this time it will be different,” Kennedy promised. “This time, the Independent will win.”.
Following his announcement, four of Kennedy’s siblings publicly denounced the third-party run, showing how unpopular the decision is within the Democratic Party. “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment,” sister Kerry Kennedy said on X. “Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country.”
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. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country. @roryekennedy @joekennedy @KKT_Kennedy pic.twitter.com/WJfGwSxN1z
— Kerry Kennedy (@KerryKennedyRFK) October 9, 2023
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel issued a warning attacking Kennedy from the other side, stating that “a Democrat in Independent’s clothing is still a Democrat.”
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cannot hide from his record of endorsing Hillary, supporting the Green New Deal, fighting against the Keystone Pipeline, and praising AOC’s tax hikes – he is your typical elitist liberal and voters won’t be fooled,” she added. “American families deserve commonsense leadership that will return America’s energy independence, stop Bidenflation, secure our border, and get our country back on track, which is why our Republican nominee will be the next President of the United States.”
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