Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t pass the first round in the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee race. He only managed to grab 2% of the vote, promptly booting him from the competition. This result dashed hopes that he might secure backing from a major party.
Well, what did Kennedy expect? Did he think the Libertarians would roll out the red carpet for him? It’s almost comical to see someone who’s barely a blip on the radar think they could waltz in and steal the show. Maybe next time, RFK Jr. should try starting with something smaller, like running for neighborhood watch captain. Even there, he might need to work on getting more than just a handful of votes.
The Libertarians had a crowded field of candidates vying for the nomination, including Kennedy and political activist Chase Oliver. On May 27, after seven rounds of voting, the party’s delegates selected Oliver as their candidate. Kennedy’s lackluster support of just 19 delegates saw him out in the first round.
In the aftermath, RFK Jr. thanked the party for considering him. In a May 27 social media post, he mentioned that it was an unexpected honor, and he would have accepted the nomination to help independents and third parties unite against the corrupt two-party system.
At the Libertarian National Convention on May 24, Kennedy highlighted that despite some policy differences, he and the Libertarian Party were natural allies on key issues like peace, free speech, and civil liberties. He emphasized a shared goal of breaking what he termed the “Uniparty,” a system where Democrats and Republicans allegedly conspire to maintain a single establishment grip on power.
Kennedy also spoke about his presidential ambitions, promising to pardon whistleblowers like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, dismantle wasteful bureaucracies, and restore the Bill of Rights. In his speech, he criticized President Trump and President Biden for handling the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that neither respected the Constitution, with Trump initially resisting but eventually caving to lockdown pressures and Biden intensifying the constitutional assault with various censorship cases.
Despite his Libertarian bid falling, Kennedy found a new political home with the Reform Party, which nominated him this past week. The Reform Party, dedicated to ending the two-party system, aligns closely with Kennedy’s vision. Party Convention Secretary Richard Kasa praised Kennedy’s vigor and maturity, contrasting him favorably against both Biden and Trump.
Polls, however, tell a challenging story for Kennedy’s presidential hopes. An average of multiple polls by RealClear Polling shows that in a three-way race, Trump leads with 43.7% support, Biden follows with 38.7%, and Kennedy lags at 12%. These figures underscore Kennedy’s uphill battle despite his vigorous calls for a political shake-up.
Kennedy also criticized the exclusionary nature of the upcoming debates, where only Trump and Biden will square off. He argued that keeping viable candidates off the debate stage undermines democracy, pointing out that 43% of Americans identify as independents. According to Kennedy, now is the time to break free from the two-party system’s grip.
Oh, please. Maybe RFK Jr. should focus more on why he can’t get any traction rather than whining about not being invited to the big boys’ table. If he can’t even get his party to take him seriously, why should the rest of America? It’s easy to blame the system, but it’s hard to admit you’re just not cutting it.
In a recent post, Kennedy argued that including a third candidate in debates would provide a fresh perspective, transcending the usual polarized views and divisive rhetoric. He believes this would offer a way to address issues with more nuance and less partisanship.
As the election draws closer, the political landscape remains charged. Both Trump and Biden ramped up their campaigns, mainly targeting black voters. Meanwhile, Kennedy continues to rally for broader participation and representation, highlighting many Americans’ dissatisfaction with the entrenched two-party system.
