JAKARTA - Environment lawyer Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. announced his candidacy for the 2024 United States Presidential Election through 2024 in Philadelphia, by itself canceling his candidacy through the Democratic Party.
Kennedy is trying to turn himself into a unifying and voicing voters fed up with the division and slander of United States partisans, calling it an obstacle to improving the country.
"People stopped me everywhere, at airports, hotels and on the street. And they reminded me that this country is ready to make historic changes," he said.
"I'm here today, I'm here to declare myself an independent candidate," he continued.
American Values 2024, a super PAC that supports it has raised $17 million in funds, said co-founder Tony Lyons, an increase from about $10 million reported in July, expecting an additional $10 million after the announcement.
Kennedy's announcement enlivens competition in 2024, where previously there was incumbent President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party and Donald Trump, a leading Republican candidate.
The combination of a thick-tung supporter of Kennedy, a well-known name and a lack of enthusiasm for Trump or Biden, could have a major impact on his campaign, political strategists say.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released last week, RFK could gain support from about one in seven US voters, drawing votes from Biden and Trump.
This announcement also drew reactions within the Democratic Party. At a meeting of the National Democratic Committee in St. Louis last week, party supporters underestimated and were concerned.
"Outside of his name, what does he have? He is a curse for his family's legacy. This is a kind of disgrace," said Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic Party in Minnesota.
However, there are also camps that have to pay close attention.
"This is going to be a very tight competition, so every vote means a lot. We can't enter this election with colorful glasses," said Charles Wilson, chairman of the Democratic Party in Washington DC.
The challenge of RFK to advance through independent channels is also in the spotlight, related to efforts to get votes in many states, collecting tens of thousands of signatures.
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"This is a big challenge. Two major parties have made it difficult for candidates from third parties to participate in the vote," said Diane Sare, an independent candidate for the US Senate in New York who attended Kennedy's announcement.
On the other hand, RFK's siblings, Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy and Joseph Kennedy II, criticized their male brother's candidacy in a statement.
"Bobby may have the same name as our father, but he has no equal values, vision, or judgment. Announcement today is very sad for us," they said.
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