Donald Trump and Joe Biden have dominated the news and the polls ahead of the 2024 presidential election, but an anticipated third party or independent run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has so far campaigned as a Democrat, could be announced Monday.
What Happened: Kennedy announced his presidential campaign as a Democrat in April. Many voters and Americans know the lawyer and anti-vaccine activist best thanks to his last name and the political history of the Kennedy family.
On Monday, Kennedy is expected to announce a run for the 2024 presidential election as a third party or independent candidate. The announcement was teased by his campaign, and Kennedy has a speech planned in Philadelphia at 12 p.m. ET.
Kennedy has said there is corruption in both the Republican and Democratic parties and he would like to “rewrite the assumptions and change the habits of American politics,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Related Link: Chamath Palihapitiya Hosts Fundraiser For Robert Kennedy Jr
Why It’s Important: In August, a poll from Morning Consult showed Kennedy's favorability rating gaining among GOP voters, while his favorability declined among Democratic voters.
A poll of Democrats in September showed Biden leading the way with 76% of the vote and Kennedy ranking second with 9%, with Biden gaining support and Kennedy losing support from the previous poll.
In the betting odds, Kennedy remains one of the frontrunning candidates listed at odds of +1,400, tied with Michelle Obama for fourth place, and trailing only Trump, Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
With the 2024 presidential election expected to be a rematch of the 2020 election that saw Biden defeat Trump, a well-known third-party candidate could change the dynamic of the race.
In the 1996 election, Ross Perot of the Reform Party landed 8.4% of the popular vote, the only non-Republican or Democratic candidate to receive over 5% since 1968. Perot was said to have taken votes from Republican Bob Dole, helping Bill Clinton win the election.
Photo via Shutterstock.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
