Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to break ties with the Democratic Party and announce his independent candidacy for the presidency, as reported by Mediaite on Friday. Kennedy’s official announcement is scheduled for October 9th in Pennsylvania, and his campaign intends to initiate a series of “attack ads” aimed at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to clear the path for his candidacy.
According to an insider from Kennedy’s campaign, the decision to go independent stems from Kennedy’s belief that the DNC is altering the rules to exclude him from the race, leaving him no alternative but to pursue an independent bid. Kennedy had previously voiced concerns about the DNC’s efforts to limit his participation in the political process, as he hinted at the possibility of running as an independent during a recent exchange with a South Carolina voter.
Kennedy confirmed his upcoming “major announcement” in a video posted online, revealing his plans to make the revelation in Philadelphia on October 9th, emphasizing the historical significance of the location. Although he did not disclose the specifics of the announcement, he hinted that it would provide insights into his path to the White House and how the nation could collectively contribute to healing.
Kennedy expressed the need to challenge the established norms and practices of American politics, asserting that the existing rules are rigged to serve corrupt powers and vested interests. Instead, he advocated for rewriting assumptions and changing the habits that define American politics.
Despite President Joe Biden enjoying a significant lead in the polls over Kennedy, the latter has experienced a surge in early primary states like South Carolina. Nevertheless, Democratic strategists are apprehensive that Kennedy’s independent candidacy could divert votes from Biden’s support base. Matt Bennett, co-founder of the Democratic group Third Way, cautioned against third-party candidates in closely contested elections, believing they could potentially harm the incumbent president.
Kennedy’s political affiliations have shown some flexibility, as he met with Libertarian Party chair Angela McArdle in July, emphasizing his commitment to running as a Democrat while identifying with libertarian values. They shared common ground on several issues, particularly their concerns about the “deep state.” McArdle expressed her intention to stay in touch with Kennedy in case he decides to pursue an alternative candidacy.
