Facing Declining Poll Numbers, RFK Jr. Ends Independent Candidacy and Endorses Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ends Presidential Bid and Endorses Donald Trump
Washington, D.C.:
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he is concluding his presidential campaign and endorsing Republican candidate Donald Trump. This decision marks the end of a campaign that initially began as a challenge to President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination.
Kennedy, a prominent figure from one of America’s most renowned political families, launched his campaign in April 2023 with a focus on addressing voter dissatisfaction with both President Biden and former President Trump. Initially running as a Democrat, Kennedy’s campaign quickly gained attention. However, as the race progressed, he pivoted to an independent run, driven by the shifting dynamics of the political landscape.
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump comes after months of campaigning and several meetings between Kennedy, Trump, and their respective aides. According to Kennedy, they found common ground on critical issues such as border security, free speech, and ending military interventions. “There are still many issues where we strongly disagree, but we are aligned on key topics,” Kennedy stated during a press conference announcing his decision. As part of his withdrawal, Kennedy will also remove his name from the ballot in 10 crucial battleground states, although he intends to remain a candidate in other states.
Kennedy, who is both the son and nephew of the assassinated political icons Robert F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, entered the presidential race motivated by dissatisfaction with both major party candidates. His campaign gained significant momentum, drawing attention with a high-profile advertisement aired during the February 2024 Super Bowl. In the ad, Kennedy invoked the legacy of his late father and uncle, a move that drew criticism from some family members. Kerry Kennedy, his sister, expressed her disappointment, calling the endorsement a betrayal of the family’s values. “It’s a sad ending to a sad story,” she remarked on social media.
Initially, Kennedy’s candidacy was seen as a potential disruptor for both Biden and Trump. His presence in the race prompted concern that he could attract enough support to influence the election’s outcome. However, the dynamics of the race have shifted significantly over the past two months. Trump survived an assassination attempt, and Biden, facing internal party pressure, transferred his campaign responsibilities to Vice President Kamala Harris.
These changes contributed to a decline in Kennedy’s support, which recently fell to just 4%, according to an Ipsos poll. Despite this decline, Trump welcomed Kennedy’s endorsement during a campaign event in Las Vegas, expressing gratitude. “I want to thank Bobby. That was very nice. He’s a great guy, respected by everybody,” Trump said. In contrast, Democrats have downplayed the endorsement, with Mary Beth Cahill, a senior adviser for the Democratic National Committee, commenting, “Donald Trump isn’t gaining meaningful support. He’s just taking on the baggage of a failed fringe candidate.”
Political analysts suggest that Kennedy’s endorsement is unlikely to have a major impact on the election. William Rosenberg, a political science professor at Drexel University, argued that Kennedy’s low polling numbers make his endorsement less significant. “If he had made this move three months ago, it might have had a bigger effect,” Rosenberg said. Nevertheless, Trump’s pollster Tony Fabrizio noted that Kennedy’s supporters in key battleground states might be more inclined to back Trump rather than Harris.
Kennedy’s endorsement also comes with speculation about his future role in a potential Trump administration. According to sources associated with a super PAC supporting Kennedy, he is hoping for a position in a future Trump administration in exchange for his endorsement. During his campaign, Kennedy had promised to repeal parts of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, close the southern U.S. border to illegal immigration, and strongly support Israel.
Kennedy’s campaign has been marked by several controversies, including a recent admission of a past incident involving a dead bear in Central Park, which he arranged to suggest a bicycle collision. Additionally, Kennedy disclosed in an online video that he had suffered from a brain parasite over a decade ago, though he has since fully recovered. These revelations, along with past accusations of sexual misconduct, have contributed to public scrutiny and ridicule.