Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who had been running as an independent presidential candidate, announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump on August 23, 2024.
RFK Jr hails from a family of Democrat heavyweights. He is the son of former Senator Robert F Kennedy and the nephew of former President John F Kennedy.
The unexpected endorsement, delivered during a speech in Phoenix, is perceived as one of the key moments in the 2024 presidential race, just weeks before Election Day.
The Endorsement
RFK Jr’s decision to back Trump was framed around shared grievances against what he described as the “Democratic Party’s abandonment of democracy.”
He criticized the media and Democrats for what he perceives as a conspiracy to sideline his campaign, accusing them of using legal and political warfare to suppress his voice.
Mr. Kennedy’s endorsement speech was laden with criticism for Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he accused of running a campaign devoid of policy substance, focused solely on opposing Trump.
What effect would RFJ Jr have on the 2024 election?
While some polls suggest Kennedy’s supporters could lean towards Trump, the real impact on voter turnout and preference is hard to predict.
Analysts like David Paleologos have noted that Kennedy’s exit might not significantly alter national polls, but demographic analyses indicate a potential shift, particularly among independent voters.
Conservative media outlets have celebrated the endorsement as a potential game-changer, suggesting it could sway undecided voters toward Trump. Conversely, liberal media has focused on the controversies surrounding Kennedy’s campaign, questioning the strategic wisdom of his move.
The endorsement has led to a public rift within the Kennedy family, with several members denouncing RFK Jr.’s decision as a betrayal of their family’s values.
Why back Trump?
Mr. Kennedy’s endorsement is seen as a strategic retreat rather than a full one. He specified that he would only remove his name from the ballot in key battleground states, potentially aiming to maintain a presence in the race while minimizing his role as a spoiler.
This nuanced approach suggests Kennedy might still be playing a long game, possibly eyeing a role in a Trump administration or positioning himself for future political endeavors.