Can Kennedy Rescue Trump?
RFK Jr. has thrown his support behind the Republican candidate, but will it be sufficient to challenge the media's spotlight on Kamala Harris? Read Full Article at RT.com.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., formerly an independent, has endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, significantly energizing efforts to oppose Kamala Harris.
For many dedicated Democrats, it was a striking moment. On Friday, Kennedy made headlines as he shared the stage with Trump at a large rally in Arizona, shortly after suspending his own independent presidential campaign. This came as Kennedy confirmed his support for the former president.
At 70, Kennedy clarified his intentions, stating he is “not terminating my campaign, I am simply suspending it and not ending it. My name will remain on the ballot in most states.”
Crucially for Trump as he faces Harris, Kennedy announced he would remove his name from the ballot in 10 battleground states where his presence might otherwise siphon electoral votes from Trump.
The question remains: Will Kennedy's involvement substantially impact Trump’s bid in November? The initial polls suggested a desire for an alternative voice in a contest between two elderly white men, evident in Kennedy’s earlier support. However, as Kamala Harris has risen in prominence, buoyed by media attention, Kennedy’s support has seen a decline.
Currently, polls show Kennedy's backing at a mere 2%—a figure that could still be pivotal in a closely contested election. In key swing states, however, the situation appears more favorable for him, with support reported at 6% in Arizona and Nevada and 5% in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Historical data indicates just how narrow margins can be: Arizona and Georgia were decided by fewer than 12,000 votes each in 2020, and Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes in both the last two presidential elections.
This development prompts Republicans to consider how to best utilize Kennedy, a member of one of America’s most prominent political families. Trump has hinted at potential roles for Kennedy, suggesting he could lead a commission to access classified documents related to the assassinations of both John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, as well as Trump’s own recent assassination attempt. Kennedy has long asserted the CIA’s involvement in his uncle’s assassination.
A Gallup poll highlights public sentiment surrounding JFK’s assassination, with over 60% of Americans believing it was orchestrated by a government conspiracy, despite the CIA’s denials of involvement.
Kennedy's skepticism toward Covid vaccines and related mandates also positions him to attract a different voter demographic. Despite Trump's past advocacy for the Covid vaccine through “Operation Warp Speed,” his support did not resonate broadly with his base, who remain generally skeptical of government interventions.
During one rally amid the pandemic, Trump faced rare backlash, with boos erupting from the crowd when he encouraged vaccinations. Kennedy's stance could provide a counterbalance to Trump’s messaging while also potentially drawing criticisms from more mainstream factions.
Kennedy has voiced sharp criticism regarding the media's portrayal of the political landscape, particularly in its handling of Kamala Harris. He described her rise as lacking substance, stating, “No policies, no interviews, no debates, only smoke and mirrors and balloons in a highly produced Chicago circus.”
This critique may resonate with voters who recall Harris’s previous unpopularity during the 2020 campaign when her support dropped to the single digits. The key question is whether voters will remember her past shortcomings or if they have been swayed by media portrayals of her as an exceptional candidate.
While it’s uncertain how much of a difference RFK Jr. will make in the upcoming election, it is likely he will draw in a variety of disillusioned voters who see a flawed political process, heavily influenced by the media. This could potentially provide Trump with just enough momentum to secure a second term in the White House.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News