On December 20th, in Phoenix, a diverse crowd gathered outside a wedding hall to hear Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak, revealing a unique mix of political affiliations. Some had supported Donald Trump, others Joe Biden, and a few were drawn into politics by Kennedy’s podcasts or YouTube videos. Despite ideological differences, they shared a profound distrust of the media, corporations, and especially the government. What unified them was a belief that Kennedy was a rare political figure willing to speak the unvarnished truth, engaging them as adults.
The attendees expressed disenchantment with traditional politicians who, they believed, only presented selective information to serve personal agendas. A 48-year-old pharmacist, Gilbert Limon, appreciated Kennedy’s straightforward communication, stating that he imparts the majority of necessary information, a departure from the perceived fragmentary approach of other politicians.
As the possibility of a Biden-Trump rematch fails to excite voters, alternative candidates like Kennedy and movements such as No Labels gain unexpected traction. The significance of Kennedy’s presence in a 2024 battleground state underscores the unpredictable ways in which he could impact the election. Concerns from both Trump and Biden camps suggest that Kennedy’s independent bid might siphon votes in the anticipated general election rematch next year.
