Recent polls indicate that Republicans have a more favourable opinion of independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr compared to Democrats. Allies of former President Donald Trump are urging Kennedy to drop out and endorse Trump, as Kennedy’s support wanes amid recent political shifts, including President Joe Biden’s withdrawal and Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination.
According to the Associated Press, polls show that Kennedy’s presence doesn’t significantly impact support for either major-party candidate, as his approval now hovers in the mid-single digits.
Kennedy’s struggle to maintain momentum
Kennedy, the 70-year-old son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is struggling to solidify his stance in a complex race. He plans to speak in Phoenix on Friday about “the present historical moment and his path forward,” following his running mate’s discussions about potentially endorsing Trump instead.
In a July AP-NORC poll conducted before Biden exited the race, Americans were evenly divided in their views of Kennedy, reflecting a decline from February when more people viewed him favourably. About 2 in 10 US adults lacked enough information about Kennedy to form an opinion in the most recent poll.
Kennedy’s appeal among independents falters
Republicans are more inclined than Democrats and independents to view Kennedy favourably. Among those who have a positive impression of Kennedy, 52 per cent also have a favourable view of Trump, compared to 37 per cent for Harris.
However, Kennedy has not been successful in winning over political independents. Despite running as an independent, about 4 in 10 independents remain uninformed about him, and those who do have an opinion are equally divided between favourable and unfavourable views.
Family legacy fails to propel Kennedy forward
Kennedy’s initial appeal stemmed from being an alternative to Biden and Trump, a matchup many voters hoped to avoid. A Pew Research Center poll in July found that half of Kennedy supporters backed him mainly because he wasn’t Biden or Trump, while about 30 per cent were drawn by his characteristics or policies.
Harris’ elevation to the Democratic nomination seems to have further hurt Kennedy’s campaign. An August Pew poll suggests that Harris gained support from some women and non-white voters who might have otherwise supported Kennedy.
Kennedy’s family name has been a significant factor in his appeal. Many Democrats considered supporting him due to his connections to the Kennedy family, including his father and uncle, former President John F. Kennedy. Despite this, numerous Kennedy family members endorsed Biden before his withdrawal from the race.
Legal challenges add to Kennedy’s troubles
John F Kennedy remains highly regarded across party lines, with a Gallup retrospective approval rating revealing that 9 in 10 Americans approve of his presidency. This admiration spans Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike.
Adding to his political difficulties, a New York judge ruled last week that Kennedy should not appear on the ballot in the state due to a “sham” address listed on nominating petitions. Kennedy has appealed this decision and faces several similar challenges across the country.
With diminishing support and increasing complications, Kennedy’s political future appears uncertain as his campaign contemplates the next steps.
According to the Associated Press, polls show that Kennedy’s presence doesn’t significantly impact support for either major-party candidate, as his approval now hovers in the mid-single digits.
Kennedy’s struggle to maintain momentum
Kennedy, the 70-year-old son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, is struggling to solidify his stance in a complex race. He plans to speak in Phoenix on Friday about “the present historical moment and his path forward,” following his running mate’s discussions about potentially endorsing Trump instead.
In a July AP-NORC poll conducted before Biden exited the race, Americans were evenly divided in their views of Kennedy, reflecting a decline from February when more people viewed him favourably. About 2 in 10 US adults lacked enough information about Kennedy to form an opinion in the most recent poll.
Kennedy’s appeal among independents falters
Republicans are more inclined than Democrats and independents to view Kennedy favourably. Among those who have a positive impression of Kennedy, 52 per cent also have a favourable view of Trump, compared to 37 per cent for Harris.
However, Kennedy has not been successful in winning over political independents. Despite running as an independent, about 4 in 10 independents remain uninformed about him, and those who do have an opinion are equally divided between favourable and unfavourable views.
Family legacy fails to propel Kennedy forward
Kennedy’s initial appeal stemmed from being an alternative to Biden and Trump, a matchup many voters hoped to avoid. A Pew Research Center poll in July found that half of Kennedy supporters backed him mainly because he wasn’t Biden or Trump, while about 30 per cent were drawn by his characteristics or policies.
Harris’ elevation to the Democratic nomination seems to have further hurt Kennedy’s campaign. An August Pew poll suggests that Harris gained support from some women and non-white voters who might have otherwise supported Kennedy.
Kennedy’s family name has been a significant factor in his appeal. Many Democrats considered supporting him due to his connections to the Kennedy family, including his father and uncle, former President John F. Kennedy. Despite this, numerous Kennedy family members endorsed Biden before his withdrawal from the race.
Legal challenges add to Kennedy’s troubles
John F Kennedy remains highly regarded across party lines, with a Gallup retrospective approval rating revealing that 9 in 10 Americans approve of his presidency. This admiration spans Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike.
Adding to his political difficulties, a New York judge ruled last week that Kennedy should not appear on the ballot in the state due to a “sham” address listed on nominating petitions. Kennedy has appealed this decision and faces several similar challenges across the country.
With diminishing support and increasing complications, Kennedy’s political future appears uncertain as his campaign contemplates the next steps.