Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Anticipated to Withdraw from Democratic Presidential Primary, Eyeing Independent or Third-Party Candidacy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known anti-vaccine activist, is poised to declare on Monday that he will withdraw from the Democratic primary for the 2024 presidential election. Instead, he plans to enter the race as either an independent or third-party candidate. This development introduces a new element into an already volatile electoral landscape, which seems to be shaping up for a rematch between the incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Kennedy’s campaign has been hinting at the impending announcement with a series of teasers leading up to a scheduled speech on Monday afternoon in Philadelphia. In a recent video message, Kennedy lamented what he perceives as corruption entrenched in the leadership of both major political parties. He expressed a desire to alter the prevailing norms and practices that govern American politics.

This anticipated change in his campaign strategy follows a report by Mediaite that indicated Kennedy was considering an independent run for office. Kennedy, a member of one of America’s most iconic Democratic families, has been engaged in an uphill battle within his party’s primary. Notably, his approval ratings appear to be higher among Republicans, casting uncertainty on how this Republican support would fare in a general election—especially when Donald Trump is likely to be the GOP’s nominee. Spokespersons for both Biden and Trump have at times speculated that Kennedy’s candidacy could be detrimental to their respective campaigns.

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Kennedy has long accused the Democratic National Committee (DNC) of manipulating the primary process against him, even suggesting that he might explore alternative avenues. Campaign communications have been rife with his criticisms of the DNC’s decisions, including the absence of debates between Biden and other Democratic candidates, as well as the controversial move to place South Carolina ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire in the primary schedule.

A recent development further complicating the 2024 presidential landscape was progressive activist Cornel West’s decision to end his Green Party campaign in favor of an independent run. Concurrently, the centrist group No Labels is diligently working to secure ballot access for a yet-to-be-identified candidate.

Kennedy has amassed a following among far-right and anti-vaccine circles, having appeared on platforms managed by conspiracy theorists and fringe groups. Polling data indicates that Kennedy enjoys greater approval among Republicans than Democrats, a trend further solidified by his skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines—despite substantial scientific evidence affirming their safety and efficacy.

Kennedy’s organization, Children’s Health Defense, has an ongoing legal case against various media outlets, including The Big Big News, accusing them of antitrust violations for efforts to identify and counter misinformation, specifically concerning COVID-19 and its vaccines. Kennedy, who took a hiatus from the organization for his presidential campaign, is listed as an attorney in the lawsuit.

Contributor Notes

Michelle Smith and Will Weissert of Big Big News contributed to this report.

Funding Information

Big Big News receives financial backing from multiple private foundations aimed at amplifying its analytical coverage of elections and democratic processes. The Associated Press bears sole responsibility for the content published.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Independent Run

More about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Independent Run

• Kennedy’s Planned Independent Run Announcement
• Mediaite’s Report on Kennedy’s Potential Independent Bid
• 2024 Presidential Election Outlook
• Cornel West’s Shift to Independent Run
• No Labels’ Efforts to Secure Ballot for Independent Candidate
• Children’s Health Defense Lawsuit Against Media Outlets
• Democratic National Committee’s Response to Kennedy’s Campaign
• Kennedy’s Criticisms of DNC Primary Process