Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 2024 presidential campaign
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for President 2024 | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Campaign | 2024 U.S. presidential election 2024 Democratic primaries (until October 9, 2023) |
Candidate | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Environmental lawyer (for President) Nicole Shanahan Lawyer and technologist (for Vice-President) |
Affiliation | Independent Democratic Party (until October 9, 2023) |
Announced | April 19, 2023 |
Headquarters | Walpole, Massachusetts[1] |
Key people | Amaryllis Fox Kennedy (campaign manager) Dennis Kucinich (former campaign manager)[2] Charles Eisenstein (senior advisor)[3] John E. Sullivan (treasurer)[4] Del Bigtree (communications director)[5] Stefanie Spear (campaign press secretary)[6] |
Receipts | US$44,029,356.48[7] (April 30, 2024) |
Slogan | Declare Your Independence[8] Heal the Divide The Remedy Is Kennedy The America That Almost Was, and yet May Be America Strong |
Website | |
kennedy24 |
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his campaign for the 2024 United States presidential election on April 19, 2023.[9] An environmental lawyer,[10] writer, and member of the Kennedy family, he is known for advocating anti-vaccine misinformation[11][12][13] and public health conspiracy theories.[14] He initially ran for the Democratic Party nomination, but announced on October 9, 2023, that he would run as an independent candidate.[15]
Kennedy holds a diverse set of traditionally liberal, conservative, and libertarian views, in addition to his conspiracy theories.[11][16][17][18] Kennedy initially received support from independents and youth,[19] while also drawing generally equal support from Republican and Democratic voters; hypothetical polling suggests that his candidacy would draw further votes from Donald Trump.[20][21] His campaign has also received strong support and praise from various tech industry executives in Silicon Valley.[22][23][24] Reactions to his campaign from his extended family has been largely negative.[25][26]
On March 26, 2024, Kennedy announced Nicole Shanahan as his running mate.
Background
[edit]Kennedy is a member of the Kennedy family, four of whom have previously run for the United States presidency.[4][27][28] His uncle, John F. Kennedy, was elected president as a Democrat in 1960 after a successful presidential campaign. In subsequent decades, several other family members sought the Democratic Party presidential nomination, but have failed to be nominated. His father and namesake, Robert F. Kennedy, ran a campaign for the nomination in 1968, but he was assassinated before the party's nominating convention. His uncle-by-marriage, Sargent Shriver, was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1972, and ran for the nomination in 1976, but later withdrew from the race.[a] His uncle, Ted Kennedy, ran a campaign for the nomination in 1980, but was defeated in the primaries by then-incumbent president Jimmy Carter.
Campaign
[edit]Announcement
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Original_Robert_Kennedy_Jr_for_President_Logo.png/220px-Original_Robert_Kennedy_Jr_for_President_Logo.png)
On March 3, 2023, in a speech at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Kennedy stated that he was considering a run for president in 2024.[29] YouTube later took down a video of the speech, citing medical misinformation.[30]
On April 5, 2023, Kennedy filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).[31] He formally declared his candidacy at a campaign launch event at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston on April 19, 2023.[32][33] He chose Boston for his launch because of his family's deep political roots in the city,[34][35] and referenced in his speech that he graduated from both high school and college in Massachusetts.[36][37]
Personal security concerns
[edit]Early in his campaign, Kennedy expressed a belief that the CIA might kill him. "I gotta be careful," he said in an interview with Joe Rogan. "I'm not stupid about it and I take precautions." His comments echoed long-running conspiracy theories regarding his father and uncle's assassinations.[38]
Since then, there have been multiple potential threats to Kennedy's life during his election campaign. He had been the subject of threats from an armed man impersonating a US marshal who was arrested at a Los Angeles campaign events.[39][40][41] Kennedy has also received threatening emails indicating intentions to harm him,[42] and an intruder attempted to unlawfully enter his Brentwood home, and managed to get over its fence and into its yard before being detained by Kennedy's personal security.[43][44][45]
In 2023 Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with a bipartisan congressional advisory committee, denied Kennedy's multiple requests for Secret Service protection.[46][47]
Kennedy responded by stating that: "Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me," and "Our campaign's request included a 67-page report from the world's leading protection firm, detailing unique and well established security and safety risks aside from commonplace death threats".[48][49][50][51] As a result, Kennedy has initiated a public petition for granting him access to Secret Service protection.[52]
Separate analyses by CNN and WJNO radio found that Kennedy had not been treated differently than other presidential candidates and had not yet met the requirements to automatically receive Secret Service protection.[53][54]
Shortly after the July 13, 2024 attempted assassination of Republican candidate Donald Trump, President Biden ordered the Secret Service to provide protection for Kennedy.[55]
Financing
[edit]Kennedy has garnered financial backing from Republicans associated with former President Donald Trump.[56] An analysis of the June 30, 2023, campaign finance filings shows that of the individuals who contributed at or near the maximum, those with Republican histories exceeded those with Democratic histories.[57][58][59] About fifty percent of the total funds raised by American Values 2024, the super PAC that is supporting Kennedy's campaign, were contributed by Timothy Mellon, a longtime Republican mega-donor and Trump supporter.[60] Kennedy's campaign finance report also showed substantial support from people who have promoted conspiracy theories.[61] Steve Kirsch, a promoter of disinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, donated over $10,000.[61][62] Other notable donors include activist Abby Rockefeller of the Rockefeller family, billionaire Gavin de Becker, and anti-abortion advocate Mark Lee Dickson.[62][63][64][58]
Party affiliation and personnel changes
[edit]On September 29, 2023, Mediaite reported that Kennedy was reorienting his campaign to run as an independent rather than as a Democrat.[65] On October 9, 2023, he confirmed these reports by formally announcing that he would be continuing his presidential bid as an independent candidate. The announcement took place at an event held in Philadelphia.[66] In his announcement speech, Kennedy criticized the Democratic and Republican parties for functioning as a "uniparty".[67]
Prior to the switch Kennedy and his campaign manager, Dennis Kucinich, had expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic primary election process. Considered an underdog, he often polled around the low double digits while running for the Democratic nomination,[68] and had also been losing support in polls of Democratic primary voters. By switching to independent, he would no longer run in Democratic primary elections.[65][69]
After Kennedy abandoned his run for the Democratic nomination in favor of an independent run, his campaign experienced turnover in a number of key positions. Campaign manager Dennis Kucinich stepped down, with Kennedy's daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy taking on the leadership role.[2] In early January 2024, Del Bigtree replaced Stefanie Spear as communications director.[70][71]
Super Bowl commercial
[edit]On February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII, the American Values 2024 super PAC ran a 30-second television spot in support of Kennedy consisting of an edited version of a John F. Kennedy spot from his 1960 campaign. The ad used the same jingle and motif, replacing John F. Kennedy's images with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and replacing text that said "Vote Democratic" with "Vote Independent." It was the only campaign advertisement which aired nationally during the game and reportedly cost US$7 million. Kennedy's cousin, Bobby Shriver, criticized the advertisement for using the likeness of his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, whom he believed "would be appalled by [Kennedy Jr.'s] deadly health care views." Kennedy subsequently issued an apology on Twitter, stating the ad was created without any involvement from his campaign. Kennedy's account posted the advertisement and retweeted reactions to it before the apology was made.[72][73][74]
The impetus for the ad came from Tony Lyons, co-chair of American Values 2024, and Nicole Shanahan, who provided $4 million and helped coordinate production. Shanahan, who was later selected as Kennedy's running mate, is a tech entrepreneur who has donated to Democratic candidates. Lyons is president and publisher of Skyhorse Publishing, which publishes Kennedy's conspiracy theory books.[75][76]
Vice presidential selection
[edit]Attorney and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan was announced as Kennedy's running mate for vice president on March 26, 2024.[77] Following the announcement, the campaign said it would work on ballot access in 19 states where a running mate is a precondition for being on the ballot.[77]
The campaign had announced on March 12 that Kennedy had selected a running mate from a shortlist that included former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, professional football player Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. Other potential candidates that met with Kennedy include motivational speaker Tony Robbins, television host Mike Rowe, and civil rights attorney Tricia Lindsay.[78] On March 16, Mediaite reported that Kennedy would select Shanahan, and his campaign manager confirmed she was under consideration.[79][80] Gabbard has said that Kennedy offered her the vice presidential position, but she "respectfully declined" it.[81]
Ballot access
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Kennedy_Ballot_Access_6-21-24.png/350px-Kennedy_Ballot_Access_6-21-24.png)
The Kennedy campaign indicated in late December 2023 that it would focus its ballot access efforts in "Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York and Texas."[129] On December 27, 2023, the Kennedy campaign announced it had achieved ballot access for the first time in Utah,[130] which was confirmed the following day by the Salt Lake County clerk's office.[131] To help with achieving ballot access, Kennedy filed paperwork to establish two political parties: the Texas Independent Party in Texas, and the We the People Party in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, and North Carolina. This was to take advantage of lower signature thresholds to attain ballot access, as fully independent candidates generally need more signatures to make the ballot.[132] On January 23, 2024, the campaign announced that Kennedy had collected the requisite number of signatures to qualify for the ballot in New Hampshire.[133] The Kennedy campaign claimed on June 10 that they obtained access to enough ballots to exceed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency, though the claim has not yet been independently verified.[134] Many of those states have not yet "certified" the provided signatures.[135]
On August 9, 2024, the campaign announced that they submitted 19,000 signatures to put RFK Jr. on the ballot in the District of Columbia.[136] This total was more than the votes George W. Bush received in 2000, John McCain received in 2008, and Donald Trump received in 2016 and 2020.[citation needed]
Nominations by minor parties
[edit]Multiple minor parties have nominated Kennedy as their candidate, giving him ballot access in several states. On April 18, 2024, the campaign announced that Kennedy would appear on the ballot in Michigan as the nominee of the Natural Law Party. This was confirmed by a Michigan Secretary of State's office spokesperson.[137] On April 29, 2024, the campaign announced that Kennedy would appear on the ballot in his home state of California as the nominee of the American Independent Party.[138] On May 7, 2024, the campaign announced that Kennedy would appear on ballots in Delaware as the nominee of the Independent Party of Delaware.[139]
On May 23, 2024, Kennedy was nominated as the candidate of the Reform Party of the United States of America;[140] the party filed for ballot access in Florida,[141] which was granted on June 5.[142]
On May 31, the campaign announced that Kennedy would appear on ballots in South Carolina as the nominee of the Alliance Party of South Carolina.[143][144]
On July 2, the Libertarian Party of Colorado announced plans to place Kennedy and Shanahan on their ballot line, rather than Chase Oliver and Mike ter Maat, who were nominated as the Libertarian presidential ticket at their national convention.[145] However, the secretary of the national party filed paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State which named Oliver and ter Maat as the party's candidates to appear on Colorado's ballot,[146] which the state accepted as final.[147]
Unsuccessful attempt at Libertarian candidacy
[edit]On several occasions throughout his campaign, Kennedy openly flirted with the idea of seeking the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party.[148][149] The nomination would have secured him ballot access in no fewer than 35 states.[150]
In February 2024, Kennedy delivered a speech at the Libertarian Party of California Convention, where he also participated in a forum with two Libertarian presidential candidates. He received one vote of 95 cast in a straw poll taken among the convention's attendees.[151]
The following month, chair of the Libertarian Party Angela McArdle confirmed that she was in talks with Kennedy.[152] On April 13, Kennedy said that he would not run as a Libertarian, because he did not foresee further issues with ballot access.[153]
Despite announcing he would not run as a Libertarian, Kennedy spoke at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention and was an official candidate. He was eliminated in the first round of voting, receiving support from 19 delegates, 2% of the delegate vote.[154]
Nevada litigation
[edit]The Nevada Secretary of State's office informed the Kennedy campaign that its petition to gain ballot access did not require naming a running mate. The office subsequently also approved the Kennedy petition, which did not name a running mate. After the Kennedy campaign collected over 15,000 signatures to obtain ballot access, the Nevada Secretary of State stated that it had misinformed the Kennedy campaign and that the petition it had previously approved did require naming a running mate, potentially invalidating the signatures already collected. Kennedy threatened legal action and accused the Nevada Secretary of State of colluding with the Democratic National Committee to block his ballot access, which it denied.[155][156][157]
New York litigation
[edit]In June 2024, two citizens backed by the Democratic National Committee sued to keep Kennedy off the ballot, alleging that his signatures were collected by fraud.[158]
Clear Choice Action, a Democratic-affiliated group, also challenged Kennedy's ballot access in New York, arguing that his representation as a New York resident on campaign filings was false.[159] On August 12, 2024, a judge found in their favor, removing Kennedy from the ballot in the state. The ruling held that Kennedy was a resident of California, and his listed address in Katonah, New York (a rented room in the home of a friend) was "a 'sham' address that he assumed for the purpose of maintaining his voter registration". Kennedy's campaign said they would appeal the verdict.[160]
Deadlines
[edit]The latest deadline for states to certify their presidential candidates is September 6,[161] which is after the June presidential debate.[162]
Controversies
[edit]Alleged Super PAC collaboration
[edit]American Values 2024, the Super PAC supporting Kennedy's campaign, was accused of illegally collaborating with the Kennedy campaign and violating election rules in several states. The super PAC announced plans to spend $10 million to $15 million to help Kennedy get on the ballot in key states. In January 2024 it started hiring signature-gathering vendors for this purpose.[163] In February the Democratic National Committee filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the ballot access operation was illegal coordination with the Kennedy campaign. Super PACs are prohibited from coordinating with campaign organizations, and some states have specific guidelines that give only the campaigns authorization to collect the signatures.[164][165]
Antisemitic and racist remarks
[edit]Before announcing his bid for the presidency, Kennedy compared President Biden's COVID-19 vaccination policies to the Holocaust at a rally in Washington, DC.[166] He asserted that Anne Frank and Jews in Nazi Germany had more freedom than American citizens amid vaccine mandates in churches and schools, and business closures.[167] His Nazi analogy was condemned by both the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and his wife, Cheryl Hines.[168][169] He later apologized, while alleging that his remarks were taken out of context.[166][170]
According to a New York Post report published in July 2023, Kennedy said at a dinner party that "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese" and said that "We don't know whether it was deliberately targeted [like] that or not, but there are papers out there that show the racial and ethnic differential." Kennedy responded to the report by calling it "mistaken", said that "I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews", and said that he "never implied that the ethnic effect was deliberately engineered." He said that he was instead expressing his belief that the United States and other governments were developing "ethnically targeted bioweapons", citing a 2021 study on the genetic susceptibility of COVID-19 as proof that these types of bioweapons could be engineered. He contended that the dinner party was off the record, a claim that has been disputed by the event organizer.
Marianne Williamson, another candidate for the 2024 Democratic nomination who is also Jewish, condemned his comments. The Anti-Defamation League, the Stop Asian Hate Project, and Kennedy's sister and nephew, have also condemned his comments.[171][172][173][174] Later in July, Kennedy said that he "should've been more careful about what I said", but continued to deny allegations of racism and antisemitism, saying that "In my entire life, I have never uttered a phrase that was either racist or antisemitic. … I've fought more ferociously for Israel than anybody, and I am being censored here."[175]
Kennedy's campaign was criticized for homophobic remarks posted by his Black voter engagement director Angela Stanton King against Black Conservative Federation founder Diante Johnson. King claimed Johnson was "an open flaming Feminine closet Gay" in an April 10 post on X, further adding "How is he gonna lead heterosexual black men to the Republican Party?" Politico reported the comments continued "a pattern of behavior from Kennedy's consultants that has drawn negative attention and forced the campaign to respond," and that it could turn off voters and donors.[176]
Spoiler effect
[edit]In an April 5, 2024, meeting with New York Republicans, Rita Palma, the Kennedy campaign director for New York, said their top priority was to "get rid of Biden"[177] and prevent a Biden victory by getting Republican voters to vote for Kennedy to defeat their "mutual enemy" by being a spoiler and triggering a contingent election.[178] Plans included collecting signatures for Kennedy, volunteering with the Trump campaign in Pennsylvania, and voting for Kennedy for president.[177] The Kennedy campaign claimed Palma was a consultant for the campaign and not involved in electoral strategy, contradicting Palma's claims of being hired by the Kennedy campaign.[179] DNC spokesperson Matt Corridoni criticized the news, stating "RFK Jr.'s campaign isn't building a plan or a strategy to get 270 electoral votes, they're building one to help Trump return to the Oval Office."[177] Amaryllis Fox said on April 10 that the campaign had dismissed Palma.[180]
On Truth Social, Donald Trump called Kennedy a radical left Democrat, and "the most radical left candidate in the race," criticizing Kennedy for his running mate, economic policies, and support of the Green New Deal. Trump simultaneously stated that Kennedy's campaign was "great for MAGA" because he believed that Kennedy would take more votes away from Biden than himself.[181] In a later post, Trump again denounced Kennedy as a "Democrat plant" and urged his followers not to vote for Kennedy because "a Vote for Junior' would essentially be a wasted protest vote."[182]
Political positions
[edit]Abortion and fertility medicine
[edit]Kennedy told Reuters that abortions are a "tragedy" but abortion should be a person's right "throughout the pregnancy".[183]
Speaking to reporters at the Iowa State Fair in August 2023, Kennedy expressed support for a national ban on abortion after the first three months. He elaborated further, "Once a child is viable, outside the womb, I think then the state has an interest in protecting the child". A spokesman from his campaign later released a statement saying that Kennedy had misunderstood the question because it had been asked in a noisy and crowded exhibition hall, saying that the candidate "does not support legislation banning abortion" and is always in favor of a person's right to choose.[184]
Running mate Nicole Shanahan has been a vocal opponent of in vitro fertilization, calling it "one of the biggest lies that's being told about women's health today." She has instead advocated for women interested in having children to increase their exposure to sunlight, among other unconventional methods.[185]
Democracy
[edit]Speaking on Erin Burnett OutFront, Kennedy said that President Biden poses a bigger threat to democracy than does Donald Trump, alleging that he was the first ever president to use federal agencies to censor free speech.[186] He also expressed concern with Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, but downplayed their severity. He added that election deniers had valid concerns and should not have been demonized. Democratic National Committee advisor Mary Beth Cahill strongly rebuked Kennedy's remarks,[186] while conservative evangelist Franklin Graham praised Kennedy for being "100% correct."[187]
A campaign fundraising email sent in April 2024 said that Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and the January 6 rioters were political activists who had been wrongly "stripped of their Constitutional liberties."[188] The email incorrectly identified Assange as an American citizen (he is an Australian citizen). As for defending the January 6 rioters, the Kennedy campaign blamed the marketing firm that handles their email communications.[188] Shortly after the marketing email was sent out and during a statement to clarify his position on the Capitol attack, Kennedy said he would appoint a special prosecutor to determine if those charged were politically prosecuted, questioned whether the riot qualified as an insurrection, and stated he was "disturbed by the weaponization of government" against Trump.[189] Following Trump's conviction of 34 felonies by a jury in his New York hush money case, Kennedy, agreeing with the Republican stance, called the verdict "profoundly undemocratic" and attacked Democrats by claiming that the prosecution was politically motivated.[190]
Economy
[edit]At the start of his campaign, Kennedy said that his priority would be "to end the corrupt merger of state and corporate power that is threatening now to impose a new kind of corporate feudalism in our country."[32] He was strongly critical of the contemporary political economy of the United States, describing it as a "cushy socialism for the rich and this kind of brutal, merciless capitalism for the poor".[191]
Kennedy has proposed to enact policies that favor "small and medium businesses" and break up "too-big-to-fail" banks and monopolies: "When crisis strikes, bail out the homeowners, debtors, and small business owners instead."[192][193]
In an interview with The Hill's Rising program, Kennedy expressed support for "giving some kind of massive debt forgiveness" for student loans in order to "unleash" creative energies and "rebuild the country."[194]
Environment
[edit]Kennedy vowed to repeal segments of President Biden's climate initiatives in the Inflation Reduction Act,[195] including the bill's carbon capture and storage initiatives and the issuance of clean energy subsidies.[196]
Kennedy opposes nuclear power as a clean energy source. In a 2023 interview with Elon Musk, Kennedy called himself a "free-market absolutist" in regards to the construction of clean power generation, saying "I believe that we should take the cheapest form of energy, that we should have no subsidies, no externalities, and all the companies should internalize their costs in the way that they internalize their profits. And that means the cost of pollution."[197]
In a June 2023 speech to the Ethan Allen Institute, Kennedy proposed a plan to expand the nation's electric grid, and ensure "free energy forever," by offering incentive to state governments to reform a regulatory system, which he said is governed by "byzantine rules".[198]
Foreign policy
[edit]Kennedy has said he wants to "end the proxy wars, bombing campaigns, covert operations, coups, paramilitaries, and everything else that has become so normal most people don't know what's happening."[192] He says that "the Democratic Party became the party of war," and said "I attribute that directly to President Biden."[199]
In June 2023, Kennedy stated in an interview that on broad terms he believes that U.S. foreign relations should involve significantly reducing the military presence in other nations. He specifically said the country must "start unraveling the Empire" through closing U.S. bases in different locations worldwide.[200]
China
[edit]During an appearance on Newsmax TV in June 2023, Kennedy claimed without citing any evidence that the United States and China are engaged in an arms race to develop what he described as "ethnic bioweapons" designed to attack and harm people of a specific race. He also claimed without evidence that, despite the U.S. being a signatory to the Biological Weapons Convention, the Central Intelligence Agency has continued to undertake banned bioweapons research in secret.[201]
Israel and Gaza
[edit]On December 18, 2023, in a Breaking Points interview with Krystal Ball regarding the Gaza humanitarian crisis, Kennedy criticized the Palestinian people, calling them "arguably the most pampered people by international aid organizations in the history of the world," and compared the conflict to a hypothetical scenario where "if Mexico attacked us and we built a fence, would you blame us for caging in Mexico?"[202][203] His support for Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership earned praise from rabbi and author Shmuley Boteach, as well as from hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.[204]
During a January 26, 2024, interview on WABC (AM), Kennedy stated that he was "not a fan of the Netanyahu government," but defended Israel's response to the October 7, 2023, attacks. He claimed to have "a long history of support for Palestinians" and that he is "anti-Hamas".[205]
Kennedy has called Israel a "moral nation" that was justly responding to Hamas provocations with its attacks on Gaza, and he is against the potential six-weeks ceasefire agreement backed by President Joe Biden, calling it an excuse for Hamas to rearm and rebuild itself.[206]
Ukraine and Russia
[edit]Kennedy argues that there were agreements between United States and Russian (or Soviet) leaders emphasized that NATO would not expand eastwards, and the illegal invasion of Ukraine occurred because Russian security concerns were ignored by the United States.[207][208] He has described Russia's conduct with regards to the Minsk Agreements as "acting in good faith."[209] His son, Conor, is fighting in the conflict as a member of the Ukrainian International Legion.[210]
Kennedy has blamed the war on alleged U.S. engineering of the 2014 Revolution of Dignity;[211] wrongfully stating the war has cost the U.S. $8 trillion,[212] blamed Ukrainian President Zelensky for "provoking" Russia, claimed Ukraine had allowed the U.S. to place nuclear-capable Aegis missile launchers along Ukraine's 1,200-mile border with Russia,[213] and pushed the Ukraine bioweapons conspiracy theory.[214]
Kennedy believes that the administration of President Joe Biden in large part caused the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia due to reckless and militant action; he has specifically cited the issue of NATO expansion into Eastern Europe. At the same time, he has clarified that he refuses to connect this criticism with anything considered support of the government of Russia under Putin, particularly given Kennedy's opposition to the regime's beliefs and politics. He has remarked that "Putin is a monster" and also labeled the leader "a thug" as well as "a gangster".[200]
Gun rights and school shootings
[edit]Kennedy has stated "I'm not going to take people's guns away and I believe in gun control myself."[215][192] He has explained his position by saying "I'm a constitutional absolutist. We can argue about whether the Second Amendment was intended to protect guns. That argument has now been settled by the Supreme Court."[216] However, Kennedy has also stated that he would sign a bill banning assault weapons if it passed Congress.[217]
Kennedy has strongly suggested that antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs are to blame for school shootings. He has contended that "there's a tremendous circumstantial evidence SSRIs and benzos and other drugs are doing this." At the same time he acknowledged that there is no data to support this claim, and promised to research the subject himself. He said however that "prior to the introduction of Prozac, we had almost none of these events in our country."[218] Experts say that there is no evidence for a connection between psychiatric drugs and school shootings and point out that only a minority of school shooters were prescribed drugs.[219]
Health care coverage
[edit]In contrast to a Medicare for All system favored by many Democratic politicians, Kennedy has stated that his "highest ambition would be to have a single-payer program ... where people who want to have private programs can go ahead and do that but to have a single program that is available to everybody." He has also conceded that such a system would probably be "politically unrealistic." He also opposes the prospect of nationalizing the pharmaceutical industry or providing a public option for pharmaceuticals, and instead emphasizes the need to prevent regulatory capture.[220]
Kennedy has said he wants to make existing services available to all, including "alternative and holistic therapies that have been marginalized in a pharma-dominated system."[192]
Immigration
[edit]Kennedy has criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies, particularly regarding the management of the Mexico–United States border. He has called for stronger enforcement of immigration laws at the border, and the prevention of "noncitizen criminals" from crossing into the United States.[221] In January 2024, Kennedy vocalized his support for Texas governor Greg Abbott in his ongoing dispute with the federal government over jurisdiction to handle immigration issues in Texas.[222]
Law enforcement
[edit]Kennedy has vowed to "transform the police." He is in favor of training police officers in de-escalation tactics, mediation skills, and said, "We will incentivize them to prevent violence, not make unnecessary arrests." Additionally, he announced that he would appoint an attorney general who is tough on alleged police misconduct and hate crimes.[223]
LGBT issues
[edit]Kennedy has long supported the legalization of gay marriage.[224] He has stated that transgender people deserve respect, that he is opposed to "mean-spirited" legislation and that he supports peoples' "gender choices".[225][192] However, he is against transgender women participating in women's sports, and has supported the LGBT chemicals conspiracy theory.[226][227][228]
In a book review of The Real Anthony Fauci, psychiatrist Theodore Dalrymple observes that Kennedy often dismisses the widespread scientific consensus that HIV causes AIDS.[229][230] Kennedy continues to repeat long-debunked theories that the disease is caused by a "gay lifestyle" and the use of poppers and injectable drugs.[231]
Donald Trump
[edit]In April 2023, Vice reported that Roger Stone and others had promoted the idea of a Trump-Kennedy ticket.[232] However, Kennedy indicated that he would not join such a ticket, asserting that both Trump's and Biden's policies had failed.[233] In January 2024, Kennedy confirmed that Trump's team had reached out to him about possibly serving as vice president. Kennedy declined and also stated that he would not accept it if offered it again.[234]
Kennedy opposed the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the ballot in the state Republican primary, arguing that the move deprived voters of their right to choose.[235][236]
Vaccination and COVID-19
[edit]Kennedy is active in the anti-vaccine movement[31][34] and has espoused the pseudoscientific claim that vaccines cause autism,[237][238] contrary to the overwhelming scientific consensus that vaccines are safe and effective.[239] He is the founder and chairman of the anti-vaccine disinformation organization Children's Health Defense, which is known for promoting conspiracy theories and quackery.[240][241] He has previously aligned himself with the studies of Mark Geier, a former physician whose license was revoked for administering chemical castration medications to autism spectrum disorder patients.[238]
Kennedy is opposed to mask mandates, and compared the face mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic to Nazi medical experimentation on Jews in concentration camps.[242] Kennedy criticized former President Trump's response to the pandemic, blaming Trump for travel restrictions, mask mandates, and closing down churches.[243]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he promoted the debunked claim that hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin were effective treatments for the virus,[244] and multiple conspiracy theories related to COVID including false claims that both Anthony Fauci and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation were trying to profit off a vaccine,[245][246][247] and suggesting that Bill Gates would cut off access to money of people who do not get vaccinated, allowing them to starve.[248]
His campaign released a 30 minute advertisement, narrated by actor Woody Harrelson. The advertisement made misleading claims about vaccine safety and falsely implied a relationship between vaccines and autism, according to FactCheck.org.[249]
Public reception
[edit]Kennedy has polled at less than 10 percent, as of July 2024.[250] Time reported in May 2023 that individuals who favor Kennedy span political lines: "A YouGov poll found RFK Jr. enjoying a 48% favorability rating overall and 49% among Republicans; it doesn't stretch the imagination to assume the Kennedy brand and nostalgia are doing a lot of the work there [whereas] Biden stands at 47% in that poll overall but lagging with anemic 16% favorability among Republicans."[251] A later poll conducted by YouGov between June 10 and 13, 2023 among 1,500 U.S. citizens, and released by The Economist showed that Kennedy was viewed favorably by 49 percent of respondents, giving him the highest net favorability rating of plus 19 percent, meaning that he was viewed unfavorably by 30 percent. In comparison, President Biden and former President Trump each had the second-highest percentage of respondents viewing them favorably, with 44 percent saying so. Biden had a minus 9 percent net favorability rating, while Trump had a minus 10 percent net favorability rating.[252][253][254]
In a Harvard Center For American Political Studies-Harris poll conducted between November 15 to 16, 2023 with 2,851 participants, Kennedy held the most positive approval of all the present day public political figures it asked about, with 52 percent of respondents viewing him favorably, whereas only 27 percent held an unfavorable opinion. This gave Kennedy a net favorability rating of plus 25 percent, compared to Joe Biden at minus 2 percent and Trump at plus 7 percent.[255][256][257]
Although third party and independent candidates rarely perform as strongly in elections as they do in polling,[258] a Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey among Kennedy, Biden, and Trump released on November 1, 2023, indicated that Kennedy would win 22 percent of the vote if the 2024 presidential election were held then,[19][259] including a plurality of independents.[260][261]
In an opinion poll conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, and released on November 7, 2023, in six battleground states, Kennedy gained 24% of the total vote, compared to Biden at 33%, and Trump at 35%. Among voters under 45 in those six states, Kennedy polled at 32%, ahead of Biden at 30% and Trump at 29%. 18% of Democrats, and 16% of Republicans said that they would back Kennedy. However, 39% of independents said that they would back Kennedy, compared to 28% for Biden and 25% for Trump.[262][263][264]
A FiveThirtyEight analysis of past presidential elections found that third party support tends to decline the closer it is to a presidential election.[265]
As of April 12, 2024, an average of 116 opinion polls gave Kennedy 8.1% of the votes, Joe Biden 40.6% of the votes, and Donald Trump 42.1% of the votes.[266]
Opposition from the Kennedy family
[edit]The reaction to Kennedy's campaign from his extended family has been largely negative.[267] His sister Kerry Kennedy told Business Insider, "I love my brother Bobby, but I do not share or endorse his opinions on many issues, including the COVID pandemic, vaccinations and the role of social media platforms in policing false information."[267]
Several family members also oppose his candidacy due to his anti-vaccine views, and have publicly announced their support for Joe Biden's reelection bid.[268][269] Biden has been endorsed by Caroline Kennedy, Joe Kennedy III, and Victoria Reggie Kennedy (all of whom serve in his administration as U.S. ambassadors).[270] Caroline's son, Jack Schlossberg, called Kennedy's campaign an "embarrassment" and a "vanity project".[26] Other family members, such as Patrick J. Kennedy and Rory Kennedy, have also endorsed Biden.[25]
On St. Patrick's Day 2024, President Joe Biden took a group photograph together with 32 members of the Kennedy family who all support Biden's candidacy. Four of Kennedy's siblings wrote a letter together which read "The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third-party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country...Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment...We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country." His cousin, Stephen Kennedy Smith, also stated "This is a mistake we can not afford as a country...when RFK Jr. decided to run he didn't call me to ask for help because he knew I would oppose his candidacy due to his misguided stands on issues, his poor judgement, and tenuous relationship with the truth." DNC spokesperson Matt Corridoni said that "It's telling that the people who know RFK Jr. best are standing with Joe Biden in this election."[271][272][273][274]
Opposition from former environmental colleagues
[edit]In full-page advertisements sponsored by the group's political arm, Kennedy's former colleagues at the Natural Resources Defense Council, including four NRDC former presidents, called his campaign a "vanity candidacy" that is "only about spreading misinformation and growing his brand. He can't win." They urged him to drop out for the sake of the environment.[275][276]
Support from Republicans
[edit]Kennedy's campaign has been noted for having drawn significant support from Republican donors and Trump allies who believe he will draw enough votes to serve as a spoiler for Biden. Kennedy's campaign has received significantly more money from donors who previously supported Trump than Biden. On April 10, 2024, The New York Times reported that Timothy Mellon was the largest single donor to Kennedy's super PAC, giving $20 million over the past year and $15 million to Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc.[21]
In April 2023, CBS News reported that former Donald Trump advisor Steve Bannon "had been encouraging Kennedy to run for months", believing he could serve as a "useful chaos agent" and promote opposition to vaccines.[277] Kennedy has denied any involvement with Bannon and referred to the allegation as a "baseless lie".[278][279] Other right-wing personalities who have encouraged his campaign include Mike Flynn, Alex Jones, and Roger Stone, some of which have speculated that he could become Trump's running mate in the 2024 campaign as part of a unity ticket if he loses the Democratic primary. Since embarking on an independent campaign, Kennedy has adamantly denied this prospect.[280][279][281][282][283]
Former Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush speechwriter Douglas MacKinnon wrote in a May 2023 opinion piece in The Hill that he believed Kennedy would ultimately be the 2024 Democratic nominee, asserting that he was "still not convinced President Joe Biden will actually run for reelection".[284][c] Other conservative commentators such as Eric Bolling, Charlie Kirk, and Greta Van Susteren have also praised his campaign.[279][286][287] After Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News, Kennedy defended him as "breathtakingly courageous" and blamed his termination on the pharmaceutical industry, believing it was in retaliation for an episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight where he had lauded Kennedy's stance on vaccines.[288] In return, Carlson asserted that "There's never been a candidate for president the media hated more than Robert F. Kennedy Jr." and said that Kennedy is "winning".[289]
Endorsements
[edit]Kennedy appeared on the All-In Podcast, hosted by venture capitalists Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Friedberg, and David O. Sacks.[290][291] Sacks later co-endorsed Kennedy and Republican Ron DeSantis.[292] A report by Axios found that the Kennedy and DeSantis campaigns shared many of the same wealthy Wall Street donors.[293][294] DeSantis himself has suggested that as president, he would consider appointing Kennedy to lead either the Centers for Disease Control or the Food and Drug Administration.[295]
- Local officials
- Jamel Holley, former member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 20th district (2015–2022) (Democrat)[296]
- Notable individuals
- Russell Brand, actor[297]
- Jay Carson, former press secretary for Hillary Clinton, creator of The Morning Show[298]
- Cheryl Hines, actress and comedian (candidate's wife)[299]
- Zachary Levi, actor[300]
- Jenny McCarthy, American actress, model, and television personality[301]
- Aaron Rodgers, NFL quarterback[302]
- Ken Ruettgers, former NFL offensive tackle[302]
- Beanie Sigel, rapper[303]
- Alicia Silverstone, actress[304]
- Kevin Spacey, actor[305]
- John Stockton, former professional basketball player[302]
- Donnie Wahlberg, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer[301]
- Political parties
- Local officials
- James F. Gennaro, New York City Councilman from District 24 (2002–2013; 2021–present)[309]
- Notable individuals
- Jack Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter[310]
- David Sacks, co-founder of Craft Ventures and former COO of PayPal (co-endorsed with Ron DeSantis)[292]
- Rob Schneider, comedian and actor[311]
- Alicia Silverstone, actress (Independent)[312]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Shriver was also the last-minute Democratic nominee for vice president in 1972, replacing Thomas Eagleton.
- ^ While Kennedy Jr. has not been formally nominated, he is the presumptive nominee of the ballot-qualified Reform Party
- ^ Biden formally announced his reelection bid a month before MacKinnon's piece was published.[285]
- ^ Kennedy on the ballot in:[82]
- Alaska (3)[83]
- California (54)[84][85]
- Colorado (10)[86]
- Delaware (3)[87]
- Florida (30)[88][89][b]
- Georgia (16)[90]
- Hawaii (4)[91][92]
- Indiana (11)[93]
- Iowa (6)[94][95]
- Louisiana (8)[96]
- Maine (4)[97]
- Michigan (15)[82]
- Minnesota (10)[98]
- Nebraska (5)[99]
- New Jersey (14)[100][101][102]
- New Mexico (5)[103]
- North Carolina (16)[104]
- Oklahoma (7)[105]
- Oregon (8)[106]
- Pennsylvania (19)[107]
- South Carolina (9)[108]
- Tennessee (11)[89]
- Texas (40)[109]
- Utah (6)[110][111]
- Washington (12)[112]
- West Virginia (4)[113]
- Vermont (3)[114]
- ^ Kennedy petitioned to be on the ballot in:
- Alabama (9)[115]
- Arizona (11)[116]
- Arkansas (6)[117]
- Connecticut (7)[118][better source needed]
- District of Columbia (3)[119]
- Idaho (4)[82]
- Illinois (19)[120]
- Kansas (6)[121]
- Maryland (10)[122]
- Massachusetts (11)[123][better source needed]
- Missouri (10)[124]
- Montana (4)[123][better source needed]
- Nevada (6)[125]
- New Hampshire (4)[82]
- North Dakota (3)[123][better source needed]
- Ohio (17)[126]
- South Dakota (3)[127]
- Virginia (13)[123][better source needed]
- Wisconsin (10)[128]
- ^ Kennedy write-in states:
- Rhode Island (4)
- Wyoming (3)
References
[edit]- ^ "FEC Form 2 Statement of Candidacy". April 5, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ a b O'Brien, Rebecca Davis; Epstein, Reid J. (October 13, 2023). "Dennis Kucinich Leaves Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Presidential Campaign". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Goldberg, Michelle (July 5, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Coalition of the Distrustful". The New York Times. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ a b Bradner, Eric; Wright, David (April 5, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. files paperwork to run for president as a Democrat". CNN. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023.
- ^ Irwin, Lauren (January 2, 2024). "Leading anti-vaccine activist joins RFK Jr. campaign as communications director". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (May 11, 2024). "Here are the states where RFK Jr. says he has made the ballot". The Hill. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Report of Receipts and Disembursements – Team Kennedy". FEC. May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Kennedy24 website". October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ "Robert Kennedy Jr. Announces 2024 Presidential Campaign". C-SPAN. April 19, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (April 17, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Soon to Announce White House Run, Sows Doubts About Vaccines". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ a b The Anti-Vaxx Playbook (PDF) (Report). Center for Countering Digital Hate. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ Mnookin, Seth (January 11, 2017). "How Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Distorted Vaccine Science". Scientific American. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Michelle R. (December 15, 2021). "How a Kennedy built an anti-vaccine juggernaut amid COVID-19". AP News. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ Multiple sources:
- Oshin, Olafimihan (January 23, 2022). "Auschwitz Memorial says RFK Jr. speech at anti-vaccine rally exploits Holocaust tragedy". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
During a speech at the rally, Kennedy, a conspiracy theorist and prominent anti-vaxxer, warned of a massive surveillance network being created with satellites in space and 5G mobile networks collecting data.
- "Cheryl Hines Blasts Husband RFK Jr. for Holocaust Remark". The Wrap. January 25, 2022. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
Cheryl Hines has publicly condemned a statement made by her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a rally on Sunday, in which the environmental lawyer and conspiracy theorist likened COVID regulations to the Holocaust.
- "Guests urged to be vaccinated at anti-vaxxer Robert F Kennedy Jr's party". The Guardian. December 18, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
The younger Kennedy has campaigned on environmental issues but is also a leading vaccines conspiracy theorist and activist against shots including those approved to combat Covid-19, which has killed more than 805,000 in the US and more than 5.3 million worldwide.
- Dorn, Sara. "RFK Jr. Makes Unfounded Claims About Mass Shootings, Covid-19: Here Are All The Conspiracies He Promotes". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- Oshin, Olafimihan (January 23, 2022). "Auschwitz Memorial says RFK Jr. speech at anti-vaccine rally exploits Holocaust tragedy". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany; Zhang, Andrew (October 9, 2023). "RFK Jr. announces he will run as an independent candidate". Politico. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (October 25, 2023). "RFK Jr. lurches right with independent 2024 bid". The Hill. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ "Robert F Kennedy Jr on the Issues". On the Issues.
- ^ Pengelly, Martin (October 6, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy Jr announced as speaker at hard-right CPAC event". The Guardian. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ a b "2024 Presidential Race Stays Static In The Face Of Major Events, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; RFK Jr. Receives 22% As Independent Candidate In 3-Way Race". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
With minority and younger voters seeming intrigued, Kennedy, for now, enjoys the kind of demographic support his charismatic father and uncles generated decades ago
- ^ Shepard, Steven (July 27, 2024). "New polls show a reset 2024 race, and other takeaways". Politico. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Swan, Jonathan; Haberman, Maggie; Goldmacher, Shane; Davis O'Brien, Rebecca (April 10, 2024). "Trump Allies Have a Plan to Hurt Biden's Chances: Elevate Outsider Candidates". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ Primack, Dan (June 8, 2023). "Silicon Valley's loudest moguls get behind RFK Jr". Axios. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ Robertson, Derek (June 7, 2023). "RFK Jr. crashes the techno-politics party". Politico. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Why Silicon Valley Moguls Are Backing Kennedy's Presidential Run". The New York Times. June 29, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ a b Dovere, Edward-Isaac (April 16, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can't count on family support to take on Biden". CNN.
- ^ a b Shabad, Rebecca (July 21, 2023). "JFK's grandson calls RFK Jr.'s presidential candidacy an 'embarrassment' and 'vanity project'". NBC News.
- ^ Garrity, Kelly (April 5, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running for president in 2024". Politico. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023.
- ^ "Statement of Candidacy". docquery.fec.gov. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Browning, Oliver (April 19, 2023). "Watch live as Robert F Kennedy Jr expected to announce presidential run". The Independent.
- ^ Porter, Steven (March 10, 2023). "Will fringe Democrats dominate NH primary? A visit by RFK Jr. points to uncertain times ahead". Boston Globe.
- ^ a b Price, Michelle (April 5, 2023). "Anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. challenging Biden in 2024". Associated Press.
- ^ a b "Anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. launches presidential campaign". Associated Press. April 19, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to formally announce 2024 run for president in Boston". CBS News. Associated Press. April 6, 2023. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023.
- ^ a b Bradner, Eric (April 19, 2023). "Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches 2024 presidential bid". CNN.
- ^ Gabriel, Trip (April 19, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Makes His White House Run Official". The New York Times.
- ^ Kashinsky, Lisa (April 19, 2023). "The Kennedy campaign the Kennedys don't want to see". Politico.
- ^ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Announces 2024 Presidential Bid, the presidential announcement speech, YouTube Channel NowThis News, April 19, 2023.
- ^ Niemietz, Brian (June 15, 2023). "RFK Jr. says he takes 'precautions' to avoid CIA assassination". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Rose, Andy (September 16, 2023). "Man accused of carrying loaded weapon at RFK Jr. campaign event". CNN.
- ^ Bickerton, James (September 19, 2023). "RFK Jr., Fearing Assassination, Demands Secret Service Cover From Biden". Newsweek.
- ^ Jones, Alexis (September 16, 2023). "Armed Man Impersonating U.S. Marshal Arrested at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Presidential Campaign Event". People.
- ^ Kaminsky, Gabe (October 2, 2023). "RFK Jr. faced threats from 'known subjects' despite Secret Service protection denial". Washington Examiner.
- ^ Cadelago, Christopher (October 26, 2023). "Intruder arrested twice in same day outside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s California home". Politico.
- ^ Koretski, Katherine; Blankstein, Andrew (October 26, 2023). "Trespasser arrested at RFK Jr.'s home in California". NBC News.
- ^ Grover, Bhavik. "Who is Jonathan Macht? Intruder arrested twice in a day at Robert F Kennedy Jr's Los Angeles property". MSN.
- ^ Dicker, Ron (October 27, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pleads For Secret Service Protection After Stalker Invades Home Grounds". HuffPost.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions About Us". United States Secret Service.
- ^ RFK Jr. says DHS denied request for Secret Service protection; Julia Mueller; The Hill; July 28, 2023
- ^ RFK Jr. fumes at Biden administration over Secret Service protection; Kierra Frazier; Politico; July 28, 2023
- ^ RFK Jr. renews calls for Secret Service protection after armed man arrested at campaign event; Nicholas Kerr and Abby Cruz; ABC News; September 23, 2023
- ^ Douglas MacKinnon (November 4, 2023). "Why is Biden denying Secret Service protection to RFK Jr.?". The Hill.
- ^ "Secret Service Petition". Secret Service Petition.
- ^ Dale, Daniel (July 29, 2023). "Fact check: RFK Jr.'s misleading viral claim about Secret Service protection | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ "Q&A – When Does a Presidential Candidate Receive Secret Service Protection?". The Brian Mudd Show. 1290 WJNO. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ Miller, Zeke; Long, Coleen (July 15, 2024). "Biden orders Secret Service to protect RFK Jr. after attempt on Trump's life". AP News. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Baker, Peter (August 6, 2023). "Anguish in Camelot: Kennedy Campaign Roils Storied Political Family". The New York Times. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Otten, Tori (July 17, 2023). "RFK Jr. Sure Has a Lot of Skeezy GOP Donors for Someone Running as a Democrat". The New Republic. ISSN 0028-6583. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Ecarma, Caleb (July 17, 2023). "RFK Jr.'s Campaign Coffer Is Getting Stuffed to the Brim by GOP Donors: Report". Vanity Fair. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ Kerr, Nicholas (July 17, 2023). "Robert Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign attracts GOP-friendly donors, few celebs". ABC News. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ Piper, Jessica (July 31, 2023). "RFK Jr. super PAC got more than half its funds from GOP mega donor". Politico. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ a b Smith, Michelle; Swenson, Ali (July 31, 2023). "Debunking some of RFK Jr.'s contradictory statements". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
- ^ a b Bowman, Bridget; Marquez, Alexandra (July 31, 2023). "Republican megadonor fuels pro-RFK Jr. super PAC". NBC News. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (July 31, 2023). "RFK Jr.-aligned super PAC raked in $6 million in July". Politico. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Yang, Mary (August 2, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy Jr's campaign bankrolled by Republican mega-donor". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ a b "EXCLUSIVE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Planning to Announce Independent Run". Mediaite. September 29, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- ^ Brennan, Chris (October 9, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces independent run for president during Philly visit". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ Wendling, Mike (October 9, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy Jr is running for president as an independent. Who will vote for him?". BBC News. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- ^ "Latest Polls Democratic Primaries". RealClearPolling.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany; Zhang, Andrew (October 9, 2023). "RFK Jr. announces he will run as an independent candidate". Politico. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- ^ Irwin, Lauren (January 2, 2024). "Leading anti-vaccine activist joins RFK Jr. campaign as communications director". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Dickinson, Tim (January 2, 2024). "Anti-Vaxxer All-Star Takes Charge of Kennedy Communications Shop". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Robertson, Nick (February 11, 2024). "Kennedy PAC surprises with Super Bowl ad". The Hill. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ Koretski, Katherine (February 11, 2024). "RFK Jr. airs a Super Bowl ad that cost $7M". NBC News. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ @RobertKennedyJr (February 12, 2024). "I'm so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God bless you" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ O'Brien, Rebecca Davis (February 13, 2024). "Meet the Woman Who Helped Pay for That R.F.K. Super Bowl Ad". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ Richardson, Valerie (December 2, 2021). "Publisher blasts 'total media blackout' of Robert Kennedy's bestseller on Dr. Fauci". Washington Times. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ a b Novelo, Allison (March 26, 2024). "RFK Jr. announces Nicole Shanahan as running mate for independent presidential bid". CBS News. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron; McKend, Eva (March 13, 2024). "RFK Jr. says he will announce his VP pick on March 26". CNN. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ Falzone, Diana (March 16, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Expected to Tap Nicole Shanahan as Running Mate". Mediaite. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron (March 16, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s campaign manager says Nicole Shanahan is on VP shortlist". CNN. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
- ^ Peterson, Beatrice (April 2, 2024). "Tulsi Gabbard turned down RFK Jr.'s offer to be his running mate, she says". ABC News. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Winger, Richard. "May 2024 Ballot Access News Print Edition".
- ^ "2024 General Election".
- ^ Winger, Richard (July 25, 2024). "Ballot Access News July 2024".
- ^ "Where R.F.K. Jr. and Independent Presidential Candidates Are On the Ballot". The New York Times. July 10, 2024.
- ^ "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Qualifies for General Election Ballot". August 1, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024 – via Colorado Secretary of State.
- ^ Irizarry, Joe (May 9, 2024). "RFK Jr. lands on First State ballot through the Independent Party of Delaware". Delaware Public Media. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ Winger, Richard (June 7, 2024). "Florida Reform Party Becomes Ballot-Qualified". Ballot Access News. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Koretski, Katherine; Kamisar, Ben (June 18, 2024). "RFK Jr. is on track to miss the CNN debate amid race to get on state ballots". NBC News. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Winger, Richard (August 14, 2024). "Georgia Secretary of State Says Three Presidential Petitions Have Enough Valid Signatures". Ballot Access News. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "Green Party, We The People Party & Party for Socialism and Liberation Make the 2024 Ballot in Hawaii". Ballot Access News. February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ "RFK, Jr. is Officially on the Ballot in Hawaii". Ballot Access News. February 29, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Knight, Zach. "Indiana counties certify RFK has enough signatures for ballot access".
- ^ Hendricks, Connor (July 31, 2024). "Election 2024: RFK Jr. pushes to get on Iowa ballot". KCRG. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ "Candidate List November 5, 2024 General Election" (PDF). Iowa Secretary of State. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ "Candidate Inquiry". voterportal.sos.la.gov.
- ^ Miller, Kevin (July 29, 2024). "RFK Jr. qualifies for Maine's presidential ballot as an independent candidate". Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ "Candidate Filings". Minnesota Secretary of State.
- ^ Winger, Richard (July 26, 2024). "Nebraska Secretary of State Certifies Robert F. Kennedy, Jr".
- ^ "Unofficial List Candidates for President For GENERAL ELECTION 11/05/2024 Election" (PDF). NJ.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Wildstein, David (August 1, 2024). "Three Independent Presidential Candidates Face Petition Challenges in N.J." New Jersey Globe. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ "Kennedy remains on N.J. ballot, judge says Sore Loser Law doesn't apply". New Jersey Globe. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ Cook, Cathy (July 5, 2024). "Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. qualified to be on New Mexico ballot". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ Ingram, Kyle (July 16, 2024). "NC elections board allows Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on 2024 ballot, denies Cornel West". The News & Observer. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ Stecklein, Janelle (May 9, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy files to run as independent presidential candidate in Oklahoma". Yahoo News. Utah News Dispatch. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Bourgeois, Michaela (August 13, 2024). "We The People will appear on the ballot in three other states". KOIN. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "PA Voter Services". Sure Portal Home Page. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
- ^ "South Carolina Alliance Party Nominates Robert F. Kennedy, Jr". Ballot Access News. May 31, 2024.
- ^ Goldenstein, Taylor (August 8, 2024). "State officials say Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can appear on Texas' November election ballot". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Winger, Richard (December 27, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Petition is Valid in Utah". Ballot Access News. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Schoenbaum, Hannah (January 3, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. files as presidential candidate in Utah, the first state to grant him access". Associated Press. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Dallas, Julia (August 13, 2024). "9 presidential nominations by minor parties, independent candidates qualify for WA ballot". MyNorthwest. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Coyne, Caity (August 13, 2024). "RFK Jr. secures spot on WV ballot as independent presidential candidate". West Virginia Watch. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "Candidate Information". Vermont Secretary of State. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ Monger, Craig (August 1, 2024). "RFK Jr. collects signatures needed to gain ballot access in Alabama – 'They forced us to bear this ballot access expense'". 1819 News. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ Murray, Stephanie (August 17, 2024). "RFK Jr. submits 110K signatures to get on Arizona ballot; Cornel West hits paperwork snag". Arizona Republic. Yahoo News. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Wickline, Michael R. (August 1, 2024). "Independent Presidential Candidate Submits 13,785 Signatures in Arkansas". Arkansas Online. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ Keating, Christopher (August 1, 2024). "RFK Jr. campaign says it will qualify for presidential ballot in Connecticut. Will he be a spoiler for Trump or Harris?". Hartford Courant. MSN. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ "2024 Elections". DC Board of Elections. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Pearson, Rick (June 24, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among independent candidates filing for spot on Illinois presidential ballot". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Where are Third-Party Candidates on the Ballots in 2024?". Politico. August 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ Sears, Bryan P. (August 5, 2024). "RFK Jr., Green Party file thousands more signatures than needed to make the ballot". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Kennedy Surpasses 1 Million Signatures, Completes Petitioning in 8 More States, Will Soon Be on Ballot in All 50 States + DC". Kennedy 24. July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Dundon, Eric (July 24, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party submit signatures for November ballot in Missouri". Branson Tri-Lakes News. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign submits last filings to make Nevada ballot". KSNV. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron; McKend, Eva (May 8, 2024). "State by state, RFK Jr. pushes for nationwide ballot access". CNN. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Kennedy submits signatures for South Dakota presidential ballot". South Dakota Searchlight. August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ Broxton, Noah (August 8, 2024). "RFK Jr., Cornel West to appear on Wisconsin ballot for president". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (December 22, 2023). "RFK Jr. super PAC rolls out ballot access priorities". Politico. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ Winger, Richard (December 27, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Petition is Valid in Utah". Ballot Access News. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Corujo, Cristina (December 28, 2023). "RFK Jr. meets signature threshold in Utah to qualify for ballot". CBS News. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Leeman, Zachary (January 16, 2024). "RFK Campaign Sets Up 'We the People' Political Party in Multiple States". The Messenger. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (January 26, 2024). "Democratic concerns grow amid RFK Jr. ballot push in battleground states". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (June 10, 2024). "Democratic concerns grow amid RFK Jr. ballot push in battleground states". The Hill. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Cooper, Jonathan (June 10, 2024). "Kennedy says he has secured ballot access in enough states to win. That's not yet true". Associated Press. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Kennedy Officially on Ballot in Texas, Submits Ballot Access Signatures in D.C." Kennedy24. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Lobo, Arpan (April 18, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. qualifies for Michigan presidential ballot as 3rd-party candidate". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
- ^ Nazzaro, Miranda (April 29, 2024). "RFK Jr. qualifies for California ballot". The Hill.
- ^ a b Winger, Richard (May 7, 2024). "Independent Party of Delaware Nominates Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for President". Ballot Access News. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Carpenter, Susan (May 24, 2024). "RFK Jr. nominated by Reform Party in Florida". Spectrum News Kentucky. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Perry, Mitch (May 24, 2024). "Despite announcement, RFK Jr. is not yet on the presidential ballot in Florida". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Winger, Richard (June 7, 2024). "Florida Reform Party Becomes Ballot-Qualified". Ballot Access News. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Brams, Sophie (May 31, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be on presidential ballot in South Carolina as third party candidate". WCBD-TV. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ Kropf, Schuyler Kropf (May 31, 2024). "Robert Kennedy Jr. getting spot on South Carolina November presidential ballot, but where?". Post and Courier. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Evans, Jordan (July 2, 2024). "Libertarian Party of Colorado Partners with Kennedy Campaign, Will Place Kennedy-Shanahan Ticket on Ballot". Independent Political Report. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
- ^ Luning, Ernest (July 12, 2024). "State, national Libertarians in standoff over which can name a presidential ticket to Colorado's ballot". Colorado Politics. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Kenney, Andrew (July 25, 2024). "RFK Jr. probably won't be the Libertarian nominee in Colorado, Chase Oliver will". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ Timotija, Filip (January 27, 2024). "RFK Jr. signals he's open to running as Libertarian in 2024". The Hill. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Nehemas, Nicholas (September 23, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Flirts With the Libertarian Party". New York Times. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Winger, Richard (January 27, 2024). "January 2024 Ballot Access News Print Edition". Ballot Access News. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Weigel, David (February 26, 2024). "RFK Jr. gets a skeptical look from the Libertarian Party". Semafor. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (March 25, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. flirts with the Libertarian nomination". Politico. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- ^ Shepherd, Brittany; McDuffie, Will; Oppenheim, Oren (April 13, 2024). "RFK Jr. says he has ruled out Libertarian run for president". ABC News. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron (May 26, 2024). "RFK Jr. loses in first round of Libertarian Party's presidential nomination vote. Trump didn't file paperwork to qualify". CNN. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
- ^ "RFK Jr. threatens to sue Nevada over ballot access". CBS News. March 25, 2024.
- ^ "Lack of VP choice may invalidate RFK Jr.'s effort to get on Nevada ballot". The Nevada Independent. March 25, 2024.
- ^ "RFK Jr.'s ballot signatures could be invalid in Nevada without VP". CBS News. March 25, 2024.
- ^ Garrison, Joey (June 11, 2024). "New York voters backed by DNC sue to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. off ballot". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
- ^ Hill, Michael; Marcelo, Phillip (August 12, 2024). "Judge rules against RFK Jr. in fight to be on New York's ballot, says he is not a state resident". Associated Press. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Robertson, Nick (August 12, 2024). "RFK Jr. denied New York ballot access over residency concerns". The Hill. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Lizza, Ryan (May 17, 2024). "'Political Malpractice': The Debate Commission Chief Thinks Trump Blew It". Politico. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (May 16, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s vice presidential candidate drops $8M more into campaign". Politico. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Hillyard, Vaughn; Koretski, Katherine (January 12, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s super PAC hires signature-gathering vendors as ballot effort ramps up". NBC News. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ Timotija, Filip (February 9, 2024). "DNC accuses RFK Jr. campaign and super PAC of illegal coordination". The Hill. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ Gleeson, Cailey (February 9, 2024). "DNC Accuses RFK Jr. Of Illegal Effort To Get On State Ballots For 2024 Run Against Biden". Forbes. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "Robert Kennedy Jr apologizes for Holocaust remarks at anti-vaxxer rally". Reuters. January 25, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
- ^ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (April 17, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Soon to Announce White House Run, Sows Doubts About Vaccines". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ Oshin, Olafimihan (January 23, 2022). "Auschwitz Memorial says RFK Jr. speech at anti-vaccine rally exploits Holocaust tragedy". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ Lambert, Harper (January 25, 2022). "Cheryl Hines Blasts Husband RFK Jr. for Holocaust Remark". The Wrap. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ @RobertKennedyJr (April 22, 2023). "For the record, I never compared the government's Covid mandates to the Holocaust" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Horovitz, Michael. "RFK Jr. suggests COVID-19 was 'ethnically targeted' to avoid Ashkenazi Jews". The Times of Israel. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ Hodgman, Lucy (July 15, 2023). "RFK Jr. denies comments on 'ethnically targeted' Covid-19 were anti-Semitic". Politico. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ Cramer, Ruby (July 15, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests covid was designed to spare Jews, Chinese people". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ Luscombe, Richard (July 17, 2023). "Family members join condemnation of Robert Kennedy Jr's Covid remarks". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ Fernandez, Madison (July 25, 2023). "RFK Jr. says he 'should've been more careful' after Covid comments criticized as antisemitic". Politico. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (April 12, 2024). "RFK Jr. Black outreach director called prominent Trump ally a 'closet Gay'". Politico. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Pellish, Aaron (April 8, 2024). "RFK Jr. New York campaign official says her 'No. 1 priority' is preventing a Biden victory". CNN. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (April 8, 2024). "RFK Jr. ballot access consultant promotes strategy to throw the election to Trump". Politico. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ Kamisar, Ben; Koretski, Katherine (April 8, 2024). "RFK Jr. staffer notes how he could block Biden by sending the race to the House". NBC News. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ Cameron, Chris (April 13, 2024). "Kennedy Campaign Fires Consultant Who Sought to Help Trump Win". The New York Times. Vol. 173, no. 60123. p. A15. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Skinner, Paige (March 27, 2024). "Donald Trump 'Loves' That Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is Running For President". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Allison, Natalie; Isenstadt, Alex; Gibson, Brittany (May 1, 2024). "RFK Jr. is all over conservative media. Trump's camp is concerned". Politico. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "RFK Jr. on abortion, vaccines, housing and foreign policy". Reuters. March 20, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Vitali, Ali; Koretski, Katherine (August 13, 2023). "RFK Jr. says he'd sign a federal abortion ban at 3 months of pregnancy, then reverses course". NBC News. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (March 28, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s vice presidential pick calls IVF 'one of the biggest lies being told about women's health'". Politico. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Pellish, Aaron (April 1, 2024). "RFK Jr. argues that Biden is a bigger threat to democracy than Trump". CNN. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ "I haven't met Robert F. Kennedy, Jr—I wouldn't agree with all of his politics and I'm sure he wouldn't agree with mine either—but he doesn't beat around the bush and he comes across as honest". Facebook. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Seitz-Wald, Alex; Reilly, Ryan J. (April 4, 2024). "RFK Jr. campaign disowns its fundraising email calling Jan. 6 rioters 'activists'". NBC News. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (April 5, 2024). "RFK Jr. parrots Trump on 'weaponization' over Jan. 6 prosecutions". Politico. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ O'Brien, Rebecca Davis (May 30, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Echoing Trump, Calls Manhattan Case Politically Motivated". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ Stanton, Andrew (May 15, 2023). "How Marianne Williamson, RFK Jr. Compare to Biden on 6 Key Issues". Newsweek. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Vaccines to Ukraine: Where does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stand on key issues?; NewsNation, June 28, 2023.
- ^ Official campaign website statements.
- ^ Video on YouTube.
- ^ "RFK Jr. on abortion, vaccines, housing and foreign policy". Reuters. March 20, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Waldman, Scott (April 22, 2024). "Robert Kennedy Jr. pivots right on climate change — but sharpens his threat to Biden". Politico. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ "RFK Jr. , Elon Musk talk nuclear energy". NuclearNewswire. June 22, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Cho, Hannah (June 22, 2023). "Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses conservative think tank in Vermont". VTDigger. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Reid, J. Epstein; McFadden, Alyce; Qiu, Linda (June 5, 2023). "Robert Kennedy Jr., With Musk, Pushes Right-Wing Ideas and Misinformation". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
- ^ a b Hains, Tim (June 15, 2023). "Robert Kennedy Jr.: "Unravel The Empire" Of U.S. Military Bases Around The World". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Herrera, Alan (June 21, 2023). "RFK Jr. Claims The U.S. And China Are Developing 'Ethnic Bioweapons' In Unhinged Rant". SecondNexus. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
- ^ Meyer, Ken (December 18, 2023). "'Are You Kidding Me?' RFK Jr Throws Down With Krystal Ball After Calling Palestinians 'Pampered' While Defending Israel". Mediaite. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Hains, Tim (December 19, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Gaza: "If Mexico Attacked Us And We Built A Fence, Would You Blame Us For Caging In Mexico?"". RealClear Politics. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Sen, Sumanti (December 19, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr hailed for 'single greatest defense of Israel': 'Worth three minutes of your time'". Hindustan Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Frank Morano Interviews & More (January 26, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr". 77 WABC. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Stephanie; Gembara, Deborah (March 21, 2024). "2024 candidate Kennedy questions Gaza ceasefire, Biden energy subsidies". Reuters. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Former President Donald Trump's Answer on Ukraine in the CNN Town Hall". YouTube. May 11, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Bring it Home". Kennedy24. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Visser, Nick (June 22, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says Russia Acted In 'Good Faith' In Ukraine Invasion". Yahoo News. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ O'Kane, Caitlin (October 21, 2022). "Conor Kennedy, the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, says he secretly enlisted to fight in Ukraine". CBS News. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ Martynyuk, Leonid (June 15, 2023). "Robert Kennedy Jr. Repeats Russia's False Justification for Ukraine War". POLYGRAPH.info. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ Norton, Tom (June 19, 2023). "Fact Check: Did RFK Jr. claim that Ukraine has cost U.S. $8 trillion?". Newsweek. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ Swezey, Victor (May 3, 2023). "RFK Jr. Blames Zelensky for Russian Invasion of Ukraine". The Daily Beast. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ "Robert Kennedy Jr. Acknowledges US has biolabs in Ukraine". TASS. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ WMUR-TV Town Hall session, June 23, 2023.
- ^ Baio, Ariana; Marcus, Josh (June 6, 2023). "RFK Jr comes out against gun control and blames school shootings on 'drugs'". The Independent. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (June 28, 2023). "RFK Jr. argues gun control cannot 'meaningfully' reduce gun violence". The Hill. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Klee, Miles (June 5, 2023). "RFK Jr. Blames Anti-Depressants for School Shootings". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ Hudnall, Hannah (May 10, 2023). "Fact check: Post falsely links antidepressant use to school shootings". USA Today. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ Burgis, Ben (June 9, 2023). "Populist? RFK, Jr Doesn't Even Support Medicare for All". Jacobin. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
- ^ "Where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stands on immigration". Washington Post. November 8, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Nazzaro, Miranda (January 25, 2024). "RFK Jr. praises Texas in battle with Biden over border". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Pereira, Ivan (October 4, 2023). "Here's where the 2024 presidential candidates stand on crime and criminal justice". ABC News. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Bolcer, Julie. "RFK Jr. for N.Y. Marriage Equality". The Advocate. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ Interview with The Hill, June 17, 2023.
- ^ Graziosi, Graig (June 20, 2023). "YouTube removes Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. video featuring bizarre claim that polluted water makes children transgender". The Independent. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ Kane, Christopher (June 19, 2023). "RFK Jr. claims chemicals in the water are turning boys transgender". The Washington Blade. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ Brownworth, Victoria A. (June 21, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: The Shaming of a Legacy". Philadelphia Gay News. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ Hitchens, Antonia (June 19, 2023). "Is R.F.K., Jr., the First Podcast Presidential Candidate?". The New Yorker. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Dalrymple, Theodore. "What's Up, Doc?". Claremont Review of Books. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ McKee, Jake (June 21, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy blames AIDS on poppers and claims chemicals turns kids trans". PinkNews. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Gilbert, David (April 17, 2023). "The Far Right Really Wants Trump to Pick America's Top Anti-Vaxxer As His VP". Vice.
- ^ Carpenter, Susan (August 3, 2023). "RFK Jr. says he is 'traditional Kennedy Democrat,' won't join Trump ticket". spectrumnews1.com.
- ^ McHugh, Rich; Sinha, Urja (January 28, 2024). "'Would not take that job': Trump team approaches RFK Jr. for VP". NewsNation. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- ^ Gibson, Brittany (January 3, 2024). "RFK Jr. criticizes decisions to remove Trump from the ballot". Politico. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Mordowanec, Nick (December 20, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issues ominous warning after Trump kicked off ballot". Newsweek. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Kluger, Jeffrey (May 9, 2019). "A Smackdown in the Kennedy Clan Summons Up the History of Presidents and Vaccines". Time. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ a b Mnookin, Seth (January 11, 2017). "How Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Distorted Vaccine Science". Scientific American. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017.
- ^ "Vaccine Safety". Vaccines.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
- ^ Dorn, Sara (June 6, 2023). "RFK Jr. Makes Unfounded Claims About Mass Shootings, Covid-19: Here Are All The Conspiracies He Promotes". Forbes. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ Bond, Shanon (July 13, 2023). "RFK Jr. is building a presidential campaign around conspiracy theories". NPR News. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ Samuels, Ben (June 19, 2023). "RFK Jr. Gains Traction Amid Revelations He Compared COVID-19 Mask Mandates to Nazi Experiments". Haaretz. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Schaefer, Peder (May 24, 2024). "Kennedy turns up the heat on Trump: He 'caved' on Covid-19". Politico. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Sánchez, Lily; Robinson, Nathan J. (May 18, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a Lying Crank Posing as a Progressive Alternative to Biden". Current Affairs. ISSN 2471-2647. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
- ^ Corsi, Jerome. "Says Dr. Anthony Fauci's name appears on '4 U.S. patents for a key glycoprotein' used to 'create the current COVID-19 epidemic'". Politifact. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
- ^ "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr says Dr. Fauci and Bill Gates stand to profit from COVID-19 vaccine". IrishCentral.com. April 27, 2020. Archived from the original on August 13, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ "Robert Kennedy Jr. claims Bill Gates 'owns the WHO'". IrishCentral.com. May 7, 2020. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Porterfield, Carlie. "Debunked Bill Gates Conspiracy Gets A Boost From RFK Jr., Marla Maples". Forbes. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
The digitalized economy? We get rid of cash and coins. We give you a chip. We put all your money in your chip. If you refuse a vaccine, we turn off the chip and you starve!
- ^ Yandell, Kate (May 5, 2024). "'Who Is Bobby Kennedy?' Video Promotes Debunked Anti-Vaccine Narratives". FactCheck.org. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (July 31, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s campaign struggles with Harris in race". The Hill. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Elliott, Philip (May 1, 2023). "How RFK Jr. Could Lose But Still Throw Biden Off His Game". Time. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Gans, Jared (June 14, 2023). "RFK Jr. ranks higher in favorability than other major 2024 candidates: poll". The Hill.
- ^ The Economist/YouGov Poll June 10 - 13, 2023 - 1500 U.S. Adult Citizens.
- ^ Whitfill Roeloffs, Mary (June 14, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Tops Biden And Trump In New Favorability Poll". Forbes.
- ^ Mark Penn; Dritan Nesho; Stephen Ansolabehere (November 20, 2023). "Key Results – November". Harvard Center For American Political Studies/The Harris Poll.
- ^ Oshin, Olafimihan (November 20, 2023). "RFK Jr. leads 2024 candidates in favorability poll". The Hill.
- ^ "RFK Jr. Leads Candidates In Favorability Rating According To Poll". WIBC. November 21, 2023.
- ^ Enten, Harry (November 11, 2023). "How RFK Jr. could change the outcome of the 2024 election". CNN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ Enten, Harry (October 8, 2023). "RFK Jr. is polling high for an independent. But it may not last". CNN. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Gans, Jared (November 2, 2023). "RFK Jr. pulls more votes from Trump than Biden in three-way race: Poll". The Hill.
- ^ Zhang, Andrew (November 1, 2023). "Spoiler alert? Poll has RFK Jr. grabbing 22 percent against Biden and Trump". Politico.
- ^ "In 3-Way Race, Independent Robert Kennedy Jr. Garners 24% Across 6 Battleground States; Trump 35%, Biden 33%, Kennedy 24%; RFK Noses Ahead Among Voters Under 45];". Siena College Research Institute. November 7, 2023.
- ^ Reid J. Epstein; Ruth Igielnik; Camille Baker (November 7, 2023). "What's Behind Kennedy's Poll Numbers? Voters Dread a Trump-Biden Rematch". The New York Times.
- ^ Writer, Andrew Stanton Weekend Staff (November 8, 2023). "Why Gen Z loves Robert F. Kennedy Jr". Newsweek.
- ^ Rakich, Nathaniel. "Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoil the election for Biden — or Trump?". ABC News. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (April 10, 2024). "RFK Jr.'s bump in polling fails to materialize after VP pick". The Hill. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ a b Shoaib, Alia (April 22, 2023). "Members of the Kennedy dynasty explain why they will not support anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 2024 presidential bid against Biden". Business Insider. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Chloe (April 5, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy Jr to challenge Biden for White House". BBC News. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ Kashinsky, Lisa (April 19, 2023). "The Kennedy campaign the Kennedys don't want to see". Politico. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ Sabur, Rozina (May 20, 2023). "Robert F Kennedy Jr's surging support unmasks Democrats' disquiet at Joe Biden". The Telegraph.
- ^ Memoli, Mike; Alexander, Peter; O'Donnell, Kelly (March 20, 2024). "Kennedy family set to step up its efforts to help Biden's campaign". NBC News.
- ^ Fortinsky, Sarah (March 19, 2024). "RFK Jr. says St. Patrick's Day photo with Biden is only 'a very small percentage of my family'". The Hill.
- ^ O'Brien, Rebecca Davis (March 18, 2024). "Kennedy Family, Sans R.F.K. Jr., Poses With Biden at the White House". The New York Times.
- ^ Tapp, Tom (March 18, 2024). "Kennedy Family Takes St. Patrick's Day Photo With Biden At White House — Without RFK, Jr". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Friedman, Lisa (April 19, 2024). "R.F.K. Jr.'s Environmental Colleagues Urge Him to Drop Presidential Bid". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
- ^ "NRDC Action Fund: Earth to RFK, Jr" (PDF). nrdcactionfund.org. April 19, 2024.
- ^ "Anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenging Biden for presidency in 2024". CBS News. April 5, 2023.
- ^ Kennedy, Robert F. Jr [@RobertKennedyJr] (April 8, 2023). "Is it a sign of my campaign's strength that the Elite of DC's establishment media simultaneously and shamelessly published an orchestrated and baseless lie to smear me, even before I announce my presidential campaign?" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c Seitz-Wald, Alex (April 28, 2023). "Why Steve Bannon and Alex Jones love Robert F. Kennedy Jr". NBC News. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
- ^ Carpenter, Susan (August 3, 2023). "RFK Jr. says he is 'traditional Kennedy Democrat,' won't join Trump ticket". Spectrum News.
- ^ Gilbert, David (April 17, 2023). "The Far Right Really Wants Trump to Pick America's Top Anti-Vaxxer As His VP". Vice News. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ Dovere, Edward-Isaac (April 20, 2023). "Why Biden's orbit isn't worried about Robert F. Kennedy's 2024 campaign | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Mordowanec, Nick (April 24, 2023). "Steve Bannon Eyes Democrat for Trump's Vice President". Newsweek. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ MacKinnon, Douglas (May 27, 2023). "Why I believe RFK Jr. will be the 2024 Democratic nominee". The Hill. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Cadelago, Christopher; Lemire, Jonathan (April 25, 2023). "Biden dives back in, announces reelection bid". Politico. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ Lewis, Bobby (May 2, 2023). "Right-wing media are exploiting RFK Jr. as a spoiler candidate against Joe Biden". Media Matters for America. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ Dicker, Ron (April 20, 2023). "Tucker Carlson Embraces Anti-Vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Campaign For President". HuffPost.
- ^ Chamlee, Virginia (April 24, 2023). "Democrat RFK Jr. Says Tucker Carlson Is 'Breathtakingly Courageous' in Wake of Fox News Departure". People. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Das Mahapatra, Tuhin (June 23, 2023). "'Bobby Kennedy is winning,' Tucker Carlson claims Robert F. Kennedy Jr. more hated by media than Trump". Hindustan Times. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "E127: Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in conversation with the Besties". YouTube. May 5, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Trudo, Hanna (June 7, 2023). "RFK Jr.'s rising profile sparks Democratic jitters". The Hill. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ a b "E126: Big Tech blow-out, Powell's recession warning, lab-grown meat, RFK Jr shakes up race & more". April 28, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023 – via www.youtube.com. [time needed]
- ^ Cai, Sophia; Doherty, Erin (July 12, 2023). "The big-money donors backing DeSantis — and RFK Jr". Axios. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ Schwartz, Brian (June 21, 2023). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Presidential Run Gets Support from Wall Street Veteran Omeed Malik". CNBC. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ Zhang, Andrew (July 26, 2023). "DeSantis suggests he could pick RFK Jr. to lead the FDA or CDC". Politico. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ Wildstein, David (October 9, 2023). "Jamel Holley backing Kennedy's independent presidential bid". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "RFK Jr.'s incredible disappearing campaign". NBC. August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Cartwright, Lachlan (November 20, 2023). "RFK Jr. Endorsed by Ex-Clinton Aide, Creator of 'The Morning Show'". TheDailyBeast.com.
- ^ Kurtz, Judy (January 18, 2024). "Cheryl Hines says she'd embrace being RFK Jr's first lady: 'Let's do it'". The Hill. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ Harris, Raquel "Rocky" (June 5, 2024). "Zachary Levi Backs RFK for President: 'The Best We've Had in a Long Time'". Wired.com.
- ^ a b Lloyd, Sophie (May 28, 2024). "Jenny McCarthy, Donnie Wahlberg's RFK Jr. endorsement sparks fury". Newsweek. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c Keene, Houston (November 14, 2023). "RFK Jr scores endorsements from 3 high-profile athletes". Fox News. Retrieved November 20, 2023.[better source needed]
- ^ Saponara, Michael (October 26, 2023). "BEANIE SIGEL ENDORSES UNLIKELY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: 'I BELIEVE HE'S HONEST'". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ Parks, Kristine (June 8, 2023). "Alicia Silverstone endorses RFK Jr., says she's no longer a Democrat: 'Disappointed with political leadership'". Fox News. Fox. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ Garrison, Joey (May 6, 2024). "'Loyal friend': Kevin Spacey endorses Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in presidential election". USA Today.
- ^ Hatch, Jenavieve (April 29, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will appear on California ballot with this small, far-right party". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ Luning, Ernest (July 3, 2024). "Colorado Libertarians designate RFK Jr. to state's November ballot after snubbing party's own ticket". Colorado Politics. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ Hensley, Nicholas (May 23, 2024). "Reform Party Nominates Robert F. Kennedy For President" (Press release). Reform Party. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ Coltin, Jeff (April 24, 2023). "NYC Council Member James Gennaro is endorsing RFK Jr. for president". City & State. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ Betz, Bradford (June 4, 2023). "Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey endorses Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in 2024 presidential race". Retrieved June 4, 2023 – via www.foxbusiness.com.
- ^ Kurtz, Judy. "Rob Schneider backs RFK Jr.: 'Inspiring, hopeful, courageous'". The Hill. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ Parks, Kristine (June 8, 2023). "Alicia Silverstone endorses RFK Jr., says she's no longer a Democrat: 'Disappointed with political leadership'". Retrieved June 8, 2023 – via www.foxnews.com.[better source needed]