Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ("RFK Jr."), has a high opinion of himself: "In an honest system, I believe that I would have won the election." On Friday, August 23, the independent candidate, a controversial member of America's most famous political family, announced that he was suspending his campaign. Speaking from Phoenix, Arizona, he threw his support behind Donald Trump, which comes as no surprise whatsoever.
"RFK Jr." has only the Kennedy name, not the Kennedy convictions. Formerly a lawyer specialized in environmental issues, this nephew of former president John Fitzgerald Kennedy has become a mouthpiece for conspiracy theories, particularly on health issues such as vaccines. Despised on the left, he was very much appreciated in the MAGA ("Make America Great Again") world.
RFK Jr. clarified that his name would remain on the ballot in states assured for the Republicans or Democrats, but that it would be withdrawn in a dozen other battleground states, whose results could come down to a few tens of thousands of votes. By staying on the ballot in these states, he explained, "I would likely hand the election over to the Democrats with whom I disagree on the most existential issues – censorship, war and chronic disease." In athletics, a hare is a runner responsible for leading well into the first part of the race, before withdrawing to benefit the favorite. This is exactly what Kennedy has just accomplished, in exchange for one commitment: his entry into a possible second Trump administration, to deal with health and food issues. Trump has refused to confirm this promise, while welcoming his ally's endorsement.
During his address on Friday, Kennedy reserved all his blows for the Democratic National Committee – for subjecting him to judicial harassment intended to prevent him from running in numerous states – together with the federal government and the media, those "stenographers for the organs of power."
According to him, his former party, which he left to run as an independent candidate, had become "the party of war, censorship, corruption." RFK Jr. also went on a lengthy rant about the war in Ukraine. He claimed not to "excuse" Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who "had other options" than invasion. But, according to RFK Jr. "Ukraine is a victim in this war, and it is victim of the West." He also denounced American neoconservatives, the military-industrial complex and the media.
In the spring of 2023, when he entered the race, RFK Jr. was relying on favorable but impressionistic polls. They promised him potentially close to 20% in the Democratic primaries. But the lack of financial resources, a serious campaign team and a coherent strategy prevented him from getting off the ground. His wealthy running mate, Nicole Shanahan, nevertheless spent $12.5 million on their campaign. RFK Jr. also claimed the involvement of 100,000 volunteers – an unverifiable figure.
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