In a world beset by numerous serious national and global issues, from the deteriorating US economy to the horrific catastrophes in Ukraine and Gaza, the leadership of the United States is under heightened scrutiny from sceptics, raising concerns about the competence of the current president. Donald trump persistently criticises Joe Biden denouncing what he calls a “deadly combination of incompetence, radicalism and weakness” which, in his view, has characterised Biden’s tenure in power. This viewpoint is shared by many critics of the Biden administration.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - Nephew of Former President Kennedy
For some time, it appeared that the 2024 presidential election would be a rematch between Trump and Biden, akin to their contentious rivalry in 2020. Trump maintains a steady grasp on the Republican party over current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the other 9 candidates. The same goes for Joe Biden, who has only two competitors to face.
A welcome addition for these presidential elections is former president's John F. Kennedy's nephew, Robert Kennedy Jr. Identifying as a hardline libertarian who promises to bring back individuality and freedom of choice to the American people, Kennedy began his campaign running as a member of the Democrat party. However, as his campaign progressed Kennedy found it difficult to align himself with the values of the neo-liberitarian democrat party and therefore decided to break ties with the party this October, instead deciding to run independently. It seems to me that Kennedy can serve as a political leader who aspires to do better and desires to vouch for the interests of the American people even if those interests conflict with the state.
In terms of his professional background, Kennedy has served as an environmental lawyer, who has had a remarkable impact on various conservation efforts. For example, his pivotal role in negotiating the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement in 1997 was a landmark achievement in the city's history, safeguarding upstate New York’s reservoir system and drastically improving New York City’s drinking water quality. His success in winning settlements against corporate giants, such as DuPont and Monsanto, for toxic dumpling and glyphosate use in weed-killer products, underlines his effectiveness in holding powerful entities accountable for environmental harm. This has potential to extend beyond environmental work as he has expanded his work into humanitarian sectors. He has spent many years in an attempt to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for abuse of power post Reagan's amendment in 1989 which made it difficult to pursue legal actions against pharmaceutical companies. In my opinion, taking significant environmental and humanitarian action has become increasingly important in today’s world, and many political leaders have failed to do so, in attempt to full fill other interests. He has conveyed the idea that God communicates with humanity through various elements, “but nowhere with such detail and grace and colour and joy as through creation”.
Kennedy Jr.'s words and actions bear great resemblance to the principles and ideals of his uncle, the late President John F. Kennedy, who was renowned for his commitment to truth and the welfare of the American people. Just as his uncle's legacy shaped the course of American history, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to draw inspiration from that heritage, as he sets out to address important issues, tackle corporate influence, and advocate for a more just and equitable society. Kennedy is unapologetically outspoken about the influence of big corporations in the American Government, exposing corruption and asserting his commitment to helping Americans regain their freedom and independence through the power of the law.
As a result, mainstream media has criticised many of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ideas, labelling them as conspiracies or simply lies. It is important to recognise that in a democracy, every individual has the freedom to form their own beliefs and agree or disagree with political figures like Kennedy. However, the issue of censorship and its impact on the public's ability to access diverse perspectives is particularly important. Kennedy Jr.’s resilience to corporate opposition and his ability to confront corruption can be demonstrated through all the environmental legal cases he has fought and won. The decision to run as an independent candidate is significant. He has referred to a "rising tide of discontent" in the country, echoing the sentiments of many who feel that the current political system is dominated by corporate influence, media bias and the duopoly-like rule of the two major political parties. In proposing to make a "new declaration of independence" separate from these powerful entities Kennedy addresses the central concerns of Americans in recent times regarding the state of American democracy. By running as an independent, he seems to provide hope for those who believe that it's time for a change; an opportunity for voters to break free from traditional party politics and corporate control. While public opinion on Kennedy and his ideas may vary, the importance of his candidacy and his resilience in the face of adversity cannot be denied.
As a result of his controversy Kennedy Jr.’s campaign has faced some challenges. The Secretary of Homeland Security, part of the Biden Administration, has refused Kennedy Jr.’s requests for Secret Service protection twice. It seems quite concerning that Kennedy Jr. isn’t receiving secret service protection with the assassination of Robert Kennedy, the father of Kennedy Jr, still fresh in the memory of Americans. To be clear, “By law, the secret service is authorised to protect major presidential candidates within 120 days of a general presidential election”. This time hasn’t arrived yet for the 2024 elections, however this is the first time that an administration has refused requests for protection from a rival candidate. Although this decision doesn’t pose legal issues, it is concerning as RFK Jr. has faced physical threats during his campaign, and both his father and uncle were assassinated as candidate and president. This situation also reflects his hostile relationship with the current state and shows his unpopularity within government organisations.
In terms of funding, it is well known that running for president of the United States entails a significant expense. The 2020 election cost an unprecedented $14 billion. Sources of finance include Super PACs, donations, and personal funding. It appears that the US democracy at present depends more on the financial support of wealthy donors and special interests, rather than promoting candidates based on their merit. Kennedy Jr. has received donations from many individuals/professionals in the health and entertainment industries. By law, an individual isn’t allowed to donate more than $3,300 to a candidate. However, he managed to raise $5 million from the US public as he has made it clear to the American people that he will not be funded by big corporations and donors, unlike other candidates. This establishes a profound level of integrity in his relationship with the American public, something which many voters have yearned for in recent years.
In closing, I believe that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s embodies a hopeful voice that can bring on profound change. He stands as a unique presidential candidate, displaying courage to confront and challenge the deception and corruption of those who have hijacked the government and have exerted control over it. Hence, our shared objective should be to empower the people once more, rekindling the core principles of democracy—where governance is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.