RFK Jr. announces independent presidential candidacy and denounces “tribal thinking”

He has abandoned the Democrats.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially announced Monday that he would run for president in 2024 as an independent, urging Americans to embrace “the freedom from the reflex of having to take sides.”

The 69-year-old announced in Philadelphia that he would withdraw from the Democratic primary, where polls showed him trailing President Biden, despite polling as high as 20% in some polls.

Launching an independent candidacy, the environmental lawyer and vaccination advocate said, would allow him to pursue an agenda that “puts peace and diplomacy first,” would “close the loopholes that inflate our budget,” and “bail out debtors instead.” to the banks.” ”

“I’m going to ask people, what do you care?” She promised the son of the late New York attorney general and senator. “What do your children need? What is it like to be you? That you love?”

RFK was expected to make the announcement Monday.AP

Four of RFK Jr.’s brothers issued a statement criticizing his ongoing candidacy, calling it “dangerous to our country.”

“Bobby may share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment,” Sister Kerry Kennedy said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. “We denounce his candidacy and believe it is dangerous for our country.”

Political strategists from both parties told The Post over the weekend that Kennedy’s name recognition and unorthodox positions could hurt next year’s presidential election by allowing him to steal votes from both major party candidates.

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Supporters listen as presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks during a campaign event at Independence MallSupporters listen as presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks during a campaign event at Independence Mall in Philadelphia.AP

With this in mind, the Republican National Committee also issued a statement attacking Kennedy following his announcement.

“Make no mistake: A Democrat masquerading as an independent is still a Democrat,” Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

“RFK Jr. can’t hide his record of endorsing Hillary, supporting the Green New Deal, fighting the Keystone pipeline, and praising AOC tax increases; he’s your typical elitist liberal and voters won’t be fooled,” he added. . “American families deserve common-sense leadership that will restore America’s energy independence, stop Bidenflation, secure our border, and get our country back on track, which is why our Republican candidate will be the next president of the United States.” .

Kennedy’s move means President Biden’s only major rival for the Democratic nomination is self-help author Marianne Williamson.

Monday’s announcement came days after left-wing professor Cornel West declared an independent candidacy, opting not to seek the Green Party nomination.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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