(PatriotSpotlight.org) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate for the U.S. presidency, has reached the threshold to be included on California’s November ballot, a major victory for his burgeoning campaign.
Kennedy, alongside his VP pick Nicole Shanahan, is officially endorsed by the American Independent Party (AIP), permitting them to run in the most populous state for the 2024 presidential election. California’s size means it has the most electoral college votes of any state, making it a key place for any wannabe president. With his ballot qualification in the major blue state, Kennedy will no doubt be hoping to fulfill his wishes of providing an alternative to traditional Democratic and Republican candidates as political apathy regarding the two main parties grows.
Via a video announcement, Kennedy explained that the AIP had shifted significantly in the wake of its 1968 founding by ex-Alabama Governor George Wallace, well-known for his backing of racist segregationist laws. Kennedy stressed that the party has evolved dramatically over the years, coming to represent “compassion, unity, idealism, and common sense.” “The American Independent Party has had a rebirth,” he claimed, adding: “They have revised their charter to support independent candidates who seek to unite America without being hindered by the traditional two-party system.”
Despite only qualifying in California, Utah and Michigan thus far, Kennedy’s team are continuing to work to qualify across all 50 states. The campaign has even gathered enough signatures to be offered ballot access in seven more states, including New Hampshire, Nevada, Hawaii, North Carolina, Idaho, Nebraska, and Iowa. Kennedy was an environmental lawyer by profession before exiting the Democratic Party, of which his family occupied many prominent positions, to run as an independent. The nephew of assassinated U.S. president John F. Kennedy has offered frank public criticism of the traditional two-party system. He argues that neither President Biden nor ex-President Trump are well-placed to continue as President, citing the need for someone new to lead the country.
Despite gaining ground on the critical issue of ballot access, his polling numbers continue to lag far behind the major party runners. Fresh data shows Kennedy on some 8.5 percent support, with Trump leading with more than 42 percent and Biden close runner up on almost 41 percent. The Kennedy campaign has said it plans to heighten its campaigns in key battleground states ahead of the 2024 election. Kennedy has been particularly outspoken about the risks of Covid-19 vaccines and has controversially claimed links between other vaccines and autism spectrum disorders.
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