Who is Robert Kennedy Jr. and How Can He Influence the Elections in the U.S.?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes a statement about the future of his campaign in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., August 23, 2024.
REUTERS/Thomas Machowicz
Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Machowicz
Can He Be a Trump Asset?

Independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. has officially announced his exit from the race, declaring his support for Republican candidate Donald Trump. This came as a shock to many, as just a year ago, the idea of an alliance between a member of one of the most famous families in the U.S. and Trump seemed utterly unimaginable. Kennedy filed the appropriate statement in court in Pennsylvania, explaining his decision.

“I no longer believe I have a realistic path to victory in the election”, he stated at a press conference in Arizona.

 This announcement was made just before Trump’s scheduled campaign rally in nearby Glendale, where a “special guest” was anticipated, although the identity of this guest remained unknown.

Challenges of Kennedy's Campaign

Although Kennedy became well-known not only because of his surname but also due to his active stance on environmental issues, in recent years he found himself at the center of controversies as a proponent of conspiracy theories and an opponent of vaccination. His accusations against the U.S. government and pharmaceutical companies regarding collusion became part of his public image.

Despite his famous family background, his campaign as an independent candidate faced serious challenges. Support ratings were declining, financial backing was limited, and donors were reluctant to contribute. Furthermore, there was an active campaign against Kennedy, undermining his positions among voters.

Collaboration with Trump

Given the difficulties of his campaign, Kennedy began to reassess his political alliances. In recent weeks, discussions regarding a possible coalition between his team and Trump’s campaign have intensified. It became apparent that Kennedy shares Trump’s views on key issues, including the war in Ukraine.

Kennedy emphasized that he is ready to support Trump, as he believes their positions on Ukraine are aligned.

“I think he can compel Russia and Ukraine to negotiate, and that justifies my support for his campaign,” said Kennedy.
Reaction to Trump Support

Kennedy’s alignment with Trump elicited positive reactions among his supporters. Some expressed joy, asserting that Kennedy is a remarkable individual eager to do much to improve healthcare in the U.S. Trump is also reportedly willing to invite Kennedy to his future administration to work together on healthcare issues and investigate the causes of chronic diseases in children.

However, despite the positive feedback, Kennedy's support for Trump faced criticism from his family. His sister, Kerry Kennedy, stated that this decision betrays the values they uphold, and she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kennedy's Political Prospects

Despite his declared support for Trump, Kennedy's chances of winning remained low. According to recent polls, his support among voters was around 2%. Following his decision to exit the race, his name will be removed from ballots in ten "swing" states that could significantly impact the election outcome.

Analysts believe that even a small number of votes from Kennedy could be crucial for Trump in the fight for the White House. The U.S. presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024, and the intrigue surrounding it continues to grow.

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