In a country the size of the United States where hundreds of cultures coexist, it is paradoxical that only two major parties have dominated the political scene since 1796: Democrats and Republicans. 227 years ago when the election was held between the so-called Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party (DRP), the preamble of what we now know as the Democratic and Republican Party. Although it is true that currently there are other options, the so-called ‘third parties’ such as the Green Party or the Libertarian Party, these groups only collect votes of anger and protest from the population. Faced with the current polarization and political conflagration coloring American society, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the former senator of the same name who was assassinated in 1968 and nephew of former President JFK, saw an opportunity for success and launched. himself to the conquest of those who navigate political uncertainty. The recently announced independent candidate has left the Democratic Party to begin his journey to the White House for those looking for a new option beyond the next Biden Vs Trump chapter. In an unexpected shift in strategy, Kennedy Jr. presented his party as “a populist movement that challenges the divide between left and right,” a slogan that appeals to disaffected voters in both parties.
The announcement comes at a time when the country is more polarized than ever, and the ‘Achilles heel’ of the main parties is well known. Democrats continue to bet on an 80-year-old candidate who is languishing in the polls with an impeachment trial facing him and a son with constant legal problems. For their part, the less conservative Republicans have yet to identify a more moderate option that can defeat Donald Trump, so on both sides Kennedy Jr.
“Democrats are afraid that he will destroy the election for President Biden, and Republicans are afraid that he will destroy it for Trump,” the new 69-year-old independent candidate told a crowd of supporters outside the National Constitution Center. , in Philadelphia. The most interesting thing about the event is the crowd it draws, followers from both sides of the bipartisan political spectrum. The event includes former non-conservative Republicans who are looking for change and do not accept the tiresome radicalism of Donald Trump, and curious Democrats who are open to hearing other speeches. There is also no shortage of lovers of the liberal political dynasty represented by Kennedy Jr. And here the descendants spoke loud and clear, making sure that they will not support this new candidacy. “Bobby may share the same name as our father, but he doesn’t share the same values,” the children of the former US president said in a statement, “we criticize his candidacy and believe that it is dangerous for our country .”
Kennedy Jr. ran as the Democratic candidate in April, accusing his own party of abandoning its principles. At that time the polls gave him 20% support. He has the support of some followers who, although they recognize the long career and political experience of the current president Joe Biden, know that the time has come for the octogenarian to make way for the bags generation. From the ranks of the Republicans they also seem to be afraid of what the Kennedy family can do. “23 Reasons to Oppose RFK Jr.,” was the title of an email sent by the Republican National Committee on Monday, highlighting the democratic ways Kennedy Jr. represented.
The environmental lawyer is not bothered by his fall in popularity in recent weeks or the lack of support he has received from the Democratic Party. Kennedy came in stride and distanced himself further from ideas that had nothing to do with the liberal aspects of his forebears. According to Reuters, “American Values 2024”, one of the groups supporting his candidacy, has raised $17 million so far, and they hope to collect $10 million after announcing his independent candidacy. Kennedy Jr. is a staunch opponent of vaccines and strongly opposes giving them to children. He has criticized incarcerations during the COVID-19 pandemic, defended conspiracy theories, and has named his opponents. “Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Pharma,” he said to the applause of his followers, “the blasphemous elites, the mercenary media,” “the whole system is rigged,” affirming the new American political option. which is over a year away. for the country’s presidential elections to be held.
