In battleground Arizona, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. draws Biden and Trump voters united by distrust

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In the pivotal state of Arizona, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has garnered support from a diverse range of voters, some of whom had previously voted for Donald Trump, while others had cast their ballots for Joe Biden. A few individuals, previously disinterested in politics, were drawn to Kennedy’s message through podcasts and YouTube videos.

What unites these voters is a profound distrust—of the media, corporations, and especially the government. They perceive Kennedy as a rare political figure willing to speak the unvarnished truth. Gilbert Limon, a 48-year-old pharmacist from Phoenix, appreciates Kennedy’s straightforward approach, valuing his ability to convey vital information comprehensively. He contrasts this with other politicians who, in Limon’s view, offer fragmented information tailored to their agendas, a sentiment shared by many.

While enthusiasm for a potential Biden-Trump rematch is lacking among these voters, alternative candidates like Kennedy and the No Labels third-party movement see an opportunity. Kennedy’s presence in Arizona in 2024 underscores his potential impact on the upcoming election. Both Trump and Biden supporters express concerns that Kennedy’s independent bid might siphon votes away from their candidates in the expected general election rematch.

Historically, candidates from outside the Republican and Democratic parties face steep challenges in making a significant impact on the electoral landscape. However, Kennedy’s famous last name and existing support network set him apart. His rigorous campaign efforts include collecting over a million signatures nationwide to secure access to the 2024 presidential ballot, a costly and complex process that varies by state.

American Values 2024, a super PAC supporting Kennedy, has committed $15 million to aid his ballot access in ten states, achieving success in Utah where the deadline for qualification was extended after legal action. Kennedy’s political journey has taken him from his Democratic family roots to closer ties with the far-right, aligning with their conspiratorial and isolationist views.

Enriqueta Porras, a physician from Phoenix, embodies the dilemma faced by voters torn between their beliefs and strategic voting. While she admires Kennedy, she also wants to ensure Biden’s defeat, leading her to consider strategic voting.

Kennedy’s presidential campaign is bolstered by a loyal following of anti-vaccine activists who reject the scientific consensus on vaccine safety and efficacy. His organization, Children’s Health Defense, is currently pursuing legal action against news outlets, accusing them of antitrust violations related to COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation.

Among the Kennedy supporters in Phoenix, a common thread is their concern about the excessive influence wielded by corporations, particularly pharmaceutical companies. Debra Sheetz, who voted for Biden in 2020, now seeks a candidate who aligns with her views on freedom of speech, which she perceives as being eroded.

Curt Eastin, who voted for Biden in 2020, resonates with Kennedy’s trustworthiness and honesty, even if he disagrees with some of his positions. He views Kennedy as a candidate he can genuinely rely on, unlike others.

Kennedy acknowledges that his support base prefers alternative sources of information over mainstream media. He notes that young people are especially drawn to his message, in contrast to older generations who rely on traditional news outlets.

While third-party and independent candidates typically face uphill battles in presidential elections, Kennedy’s unique position and message may make him a contender in 2024. He aims to bridge the partisan divide and promote cooperation—an idea that resonates with voters like Michael Chacon, a 23-year-old student in Tempe, who sees potential in Kennedy’s approach to unite a divided political landscape.

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• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• 2024 United States presidential election
• Independent presidential candidates in the United States
• Anti-vaccine movement
• Ballot access in the United States