(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a significant move that could rattle the 2024 presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has abandoned the race for the Democratic Party nomination, opting instead to run as an independent candidate.
The Washington Times reports that RFK Jr. made the long-anticipated announcement before a crowd of supporters in Philadelphia, urging America’s voters to “reclaim” the nation from the two major political parties.
He accused both the Democrats and the GOP of warmongering, forsaking unity, and underdelivering on crucial issues like health care, environmental protection, and housing.
The son of assassinated US Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and nephew of assassinated President John Kennedy blasted extreme factions and “corrupt leaders” for manipulating the system to their benefit, leaving demographic groups like older adults and veterans in the lurch.
“The most hateful voices of course are always the loudest but there are a lot of quiet Americans who are looking with disgust at the vitriol, the name-calling, and the venom,” RFK Jr. declared.
“Something is stirring in us, that says, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way. And that’s why I’m here today. I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States,” he stated.
The Times notes that Kennedy’s independent presidential bid follows that of the Green Party’s Cornel West announced in June, a path that requires meeting various state-specific filing criteria and deadlines to secure ballot spots.
It adds that despite limited success in his Democratic nomination bid, often drawing about 15% of primary support away from President Joe Biden, Kennedy could be a significant spoiler in the upcoming election. However, analysts are divided over which side might feel the impact more.
“My intention is to spoil it for both of them,” Kennedy declared regarding Biden and the most likely GOP presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump.
In a call to arms against varied corporate interests and “the mercenary media,” Kennedy called for a new form of independence.
“Finally, we declare independence from the two political parties and the corrupt interests that dominate them and the entire rigged system of rancor, of rage, of corruption, of lies that has turned government officials into indentured servants for their corporate bosses,” Kennedy stated.
