- Report suggests Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reconsiders support for Donald Trump's electoral triumph.
The situation is shifting, leaving behind a significant piece of votes that could potentially swing the outcome. Around 5-9% of Americans would currently pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as president, depending on the survey. This level of backing is hardly ever seen for the third candidate in a U.S. presidential race. His share is substantial enough to sway the decision in favor of one of the remaining candidates in several tight-knit states and help them secure the White House.
Kennedy Endorses Trump
Subsequently, Kennedy has declared his exit from the race: "I no longer have faith in my ability to win," he declared. Instead, he will back the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. To demonstrate his newfound commitment, Kennedy joined Trump on stage in Glendale, Arizona.
Appearing rather uneasy, he conversed with Trump about subjects that are not typically high on most American's priority list: chemicals in food and an "independent presidential commission on assassination attempt investigations." This commission, he suggested, should "re-examine all surviving records pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy."
Arizona's Significant Role
Kennedy announcing his Trump endorsement in Arizona was no mere coincidence. The upcoming election is expected to be close in numerous locations, with even a handful of votes potentially deciding the victory of one contestant over another. Similar to Arizona, where in 2020, Joe Biden prevailed over Donald Trump by just 10,457 votes. Without this narrow victory, the Democrat may not have occupied the White House today. And whoever intends to occupy the White House this year must also win in Arizona.
Kennedy's Shift towards Trump
Kennedy's affinity towards the Republican Trump is a recent development. The Kennedys have long been associated with the Democratic Party. His father, the late Robert F., and his presidential uncle, John F. Kennedy, both belonged to the liberal party. More recently, almost the entire family publicly endorsed Joe Biden.
Initially, Bobby Jr. followed in his family's footsteps and planned a career in line with their values. However, all potential positions were filled, even for a Kennedy. Now retired at the age of 70, the environmental lawyer decided to run for U.S. president independently. Normally, independent candidates have little chance in the two-party system. But not Robert F. Jr.
Kennedy's Success Only in the Biden vs. Trump Contest
In his best moments, he garnered 10% support. Undeniably, his family name played a role, but so did the general discontentement of Americans towards the candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. That Kennedy espoused conspiracy theories did not seem to deter many. He asserted, for instance, that vaccinations cause autism, Wi-Fi causes cancer, and chemicals in the environment turn children into transgender individuals. That someone with such beliefs aligns with the Trump camp is no longer surprising.
Quite successful Kennedy was only as the third man in a presidential race between Biden and Trump. With Biden's withdrawal and Kamala Harris's entry into the race, the election campaign dynamics have changed. Since she entered the race, Kennedy's popularity has dwindled significantly. Perhaps he was just the figurehead of the "Doublehaters," those who dislike both Biden and Trump.
Whether his supporters will now shift towards Trump is uncertain, but it certainly won't hurt the conservative presidential candidate.
In light of Kennedy's decline in popularity after Kamala Harris entered the race, it remains uncertain whether his supporters will shift towards Trump. Regardless, the endorsement from Kennedy, a prominent figure with controversial views, is likely to bolster Trump's campaign in some capacity.
Following his declaration of backing Trump, Kennedy joined the Republican nominee on stage in Glendale, Arizona, emphasizing their shared stance on certain unconventional topics. This public display of unity could potentially sway undecided voters in the closely contested Arizona election.
