In an emerging political battle, President Joe Biden and his Democratic associates are mobilizing against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign, anticipating potential disruptions in the upcoming November 2024 election.
The crux of the concern lies in Kennedy's candidacy potentially siphoning votes in pivotal battleground states, as USA Today reports.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has engaged legal teams to oversee Kennedy’s qualification attempts across key states. As an anti-vaccine activist and a member of the esteemed Kennedy family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s move from a Democratic challenger to an independent candidate last year has set the stage for a complex electoral showdown.
Historical precedents such as Jill Stein’s candidacy in 2016 and Ralph Nader's in 2000 serve as reminders of how third-party candidates can shift election outcomes, a scenario the Democrats are eager to avoid. Matt Corridoni, a DNC spokesperson, emphasized, "We're not taking anything for granted. No one wants to see what happened in 2000 and 2016 happen this time around, so we're putting pieces in place early."
Current polls show Kennedy drawing 11.7% of likely voters, a significant figure that could influence the electoral landscape in closely contested states. Furthermore, recent surveys suggest that Kennedy is viewed more favorably than both Biden and former President Donald Trump, highlighting his potential as a spoiler in the race.
The DNC is not only focusing on legal strategies but also on direct voter engagement. This includes deploying mobile billboards and advertisements aimed at challenging Kennedy’s positions and aligning them with fringe theories.
Adding to the complexity, Kennedy’s campaign has received substantial financial support, including a $20 million donation from Timothy Mellon, who has previously supported Trump’s Super PAC. Kennedy's press secretary, Stefanie Spear, openly acknowledges their campaign’s intent to disrupt the political status quo, targeting "the war machine, Wall Street, Big Ag, Big Tech, Big Pharma, Big Energy, and the corporate media."
In response to these developments, Dana Remus, a former White House counsel, has been recruited to expand the DNC’s operations to more effectively counter Kennedy’s efforts.
As the election approaches, the full scale of resources the DNC plans to deploy remains uncertain. Kennedy has successfully qualified to appear on the ballot as an independent in Utah and is actively gathering signatures in other states.
Notably, members of the Kennedy family have expressed their support for Biden, distancing themselves from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. This family divide mirrors the broader political fragmentation observed across the country.
Polls indicate that a considerable number of voters who hold unfavorable views of both Biden and Trump are open to supporting third-party candidates, which includes Kennedy.
In his remarks, Bernard Tamas, a professor of political science, cautioned, "Any amount of shift, any amount that RFK takes from either candidate, is a danger to them and could, in fact, flip the election." He further advised the Biden campaign to take Kennedy’s candidacy seriously, citing the unpredictability of voter behavior and potential shifts in support.
In conclusion, as the 2024 election draws closer, the stakes are high and the strategies complex. The Democrats, led by Biden, are preparing to navigate the challenges posed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent run, which has the potential to significantly alter the political landscape. Their efforts reflect a blend of legal, strategic, and direct voter engagement tactics, all aimed at securing a favorable outcome in the face of third-party disruptions.
