US Kennedy Junior Runs as Independent Instead of Democrat...A Blow to Biden?

Amid expectations that a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will take place in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Kennedy family, a prominent Democratic political dynasty, has declared his independent candidacy.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others, Kennedy Jr. announced on the 9th (local time) in Philadelphia his plan to run as an independent candidate, not as a Democrat, in next year's presidential election. He stated, "I declare independence from the two parties (Democratic and Republican) and the corrupt interests and systems that control them." He added that leaving the Democratic Party is painful but that he has freed himself from 'partisan loyalty.'

Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, and the son of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. Earlier in April, he submitted his candidacy for the Democratic presidential primary and had been considered a potential competitor to President Biden and former President Trump.

With the emergence of a third candidate from the Democratic camp, there are forecasts that President Biden could face challenges in next year's election. Since the Kennedy family is a prominent Democratic political dynasty, it is analyzed that this could influence some voters who have been concerned about Biden's re-election bid due to his age and other factors.

However, the WSJ analyzed that Biden's camp has largely dismissed the impact of a third candidate on the 2024 election, believing that most voters will choose between 'Biden and Trump.' A recent poll conducted by the outlet showed that 48% of Republican supporters had a favorable view of Kennedy Jr., while only 21% of Democratic supporters did.

Meanwhile, President Biden's campaign has not made any specific statements regarding Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy.