RFK Jr. Switches Affiliation to Independent Party
On Monday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he is switching from Democrat to Independent in a desperate move to breathe new life into a dying campaign.
“I’m here to declare myself an independent candidate,” Kennedy told a crowd of supporters in Philadelphia.
“I must declare my own independence. Independence from the Democratic Party,” he said to loud cheers. “And from all other political parties.”
Kennedy has formally rivaled President Biden from within the party since the spring, but he has not made a dent against the White House incumbent. His switch theoretically puts him closer to voters who are unhappy with both political parties, hyper-partisan politics, and want an alternative to the expected Biden-Trump options next November.
“People suspect that the divisions are deliberately orchestrated,” he said. “They’re fed up with being fooled and they’re ready to take back power.”
Kennedy has been a frequent critic of the Democratic National Committee and has regularly lamented its decision not to hold debates with Biden as the presumptive nominee, throwing around claims that the party is “rigging” things in the president’s favor.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel slammed RFK Jr. over his switch.
“Make no mistake – a Democrat in Independent’s clothing is still a Democrat,” McDaniel said in a statement.
“RFK Jr. cannot hide from his record of endorsing Hillary, supporting the Green New Deal, fighting against the Keystone Pipeline, and praising AOC’s tax hikes – he is your typical elitist liberal and voters won’t be fooled,” McDaniel said.
