Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing an uphill battle in his campaign, with dwindling support and a lack of ballot access in several key states.
Kennedy is reportedly exploring potential alliances with former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris as a way to remain relevant in the political landscape, as Just the News reports, and his decision could prove devastating to one of the major party's prospects.
Kennedy, whose campaign has encountered several setbacks, has seen his support plummet since President Joe Biden withdrew from the Democratic ticket in favor of Harris.
Initially polling at 8.7% with Biden in the race, Kennedy’s numbers have since dropped to an average of 5.5% with Harris as the Democratic frontrunner. In comparison, Harris and Trump are locked in a tight race, with Harris leading at 45.6% and Trump close behind at 44.6%.
The Kennedy campaign’s struggles are compounded by difficulties in securing ballot access. While he is on the ballot in key states such as Texas, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, Kennedy will not appear on the ballot in a majority of states, including electoral heavyweights like New York and California. A recent ruling by a New York state court judge has further hindered his chances by blocking his name from appearing on the New York ballot.
Kennedy’s campaign has been dogged by rumors of a potential deal with either the Trump or Harris campaigns in exchange for a role in their administration. Reports suggest that Kennedy is seeking a cabinet position to maintain influence in policymaking, but neither campaign has shown interest in such a partnership. Despite these rumors, Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan has denied any ongoing negotiations with the Harris campaign, referring to them as a “lost cause.”
On the other hand, Democratic National Committee spokesperson Matt Corridoni dismissed any potential talks with Kennedy, labeling him a “MAGA-funded fringe candidate” and criticizing his perceived willingness to collaborate with Trump.
Amid the swirling rumors, Kennedy has publicly denied any plans to endorse Harris. In a post on X, he criticized the Democratic leadership, stating, “I have no plans to endorse Kamala Harris for President. I do have a plan to defeat her.” He emphasized his long-standing efforts to fight government corruption, contrasting his record with Harris’s tenure as Vice President.
The Kennedy campaign’s strategy appears to be focused on portraying him as a unifying figure capable of bridging the gap between opposing political factions. Following a recent meeting with Trump, Kennedy’s spokesperson Stefanie Spear confirmed the discussion centered on national unity and reiterated that Kennedy is not dropping out of the race. However, leaked footage of the meeting has fueled speculation that Kennedy might be seeking a role in a potential Trump administration.
Despite these overtures, Trump’s campaign has not shied away from criticizing Kennedy. Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung equated Kennedy’s policy platform to that of Harris, calling him a “radical leftist” and disparaging his environmental policies as extreme.
The future of Kennedy’s campaign remains uncertain as he continues to struggle with low polling numbers and limited ballot access. His attempts to position himself as a viable alternative to the major party candidates have so far failed to gain traction. The lack of support from both Trump and Harris further complicates his efforts to secure a meaningful role in the 2024 election.
As Kennedy seeks to stay relevant, his campaign is emphasizing his pro-environment, pro-choice, and anti-war stance, arguing that these positions make him the only candidate capable of defeating Trump in a head-to-head contest. However, without broader support and a clear path to victory, his prospects look increasingly bleak.
In conclusion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign is facing significant challenges, from dropping poll numbers to limited ballot access in key states. Reports of potential alliances with either the Trump or Harris campaigns have been met with skepticism, and Kennedy’s attempts to secure a role in a future administration have so far been unsuccessful. As the election approaches, Kennedy’s path forward remains uncertain, with his campaign struggling to maintain its relevance on the national stage.
