Kennedy shakes up US presidential race

Just a day after the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention, in which Vice President Kamala Harris was confirmed as the Democratic nominee for November’s presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday announced the suspension of his independent presidential campaign. His decision to endorse former President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the political landscape and introduced new challenges for both the Democratic and Republican campaigns.
Kennedy is a member of one of America’s most famous political families. He is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the former attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968 while running for the presidency. His uncle, John F. Kennedy, served as the 35th president of the US until his assassination in 1963. The Kennedy family name is synonymous with the Democratic Party, making his move to endorse Trump all the more startling.
Kennedy departed from the race after months of struggling to gain traction as an independent candidate. Despite his famous last name, his campaign faced significant challenges, including what he described as “relentless, systematic censorship and media control.” Acknowledging these difficulties, Kennedy conceded: “In my heart, I no longer believe that I have a realistic path of electoral victory.” Faced with this reality, he decided that he could no longer, in good conscience, ask his supporters, staff and donors to continue backing a campaign that he knew could not succeed.
His decision to endorse Trump marked a significant shift in his political trajectory. Kennedy, who had once been a prominent Democratic challenger, explained that his decision to support the Republican candidate was driven by three key issues: defending free speech, opposing US involvement in the Ukraine war and focusing on children's health. He expressed deep concern about the impact of ultraprocessed foods and chemicals on children’s health, issues that he believed could be better addressed by aligning with Trump.
Despite suspending his campaign, Kennedy clarified that he was not completely stepping away from the race. “I am not terminating my campaign,” he emphasized. Instead, he planned to stay on the ballot in several states, though he would remove his name from critical battleground states where his presence could be a spoiler for Trump. This strategic move aimed to avoid a scenario whereby his candidacy might unintentionally benefit the Democratic ticket by pulling votes away from Trump in those key states.

Kennedy’s decision to endorse Trump marked a significant shift in his political trajectory. 

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Republicans enthusiastically welcomed Kennedy’s decision. They made their support abundantly clear, with party members and supporters alike rallying behind the move, viewing it as a powerful boost to their efforts heading into the election. Their excitement was palpable, signaling that Kennedy’s endorsement had struck a chord within the GOP ranks.
At a rally in Glendale, Arizona, Trump welcomed him onstage with enthusiastic praise just hours after Kennedy’s announcement. “He has a lot of votes that he could have gotten … I think he’s going to have a huge influence on this campaign,” Trump told the energized crowd at the Desert Diamond Arena. Kennedy’s presence has injected new momentum into Trump’s campaign, particularly as he aims to regain ground in critical battleground states.
Trump took the opportunity to honor Kennedy’s family legacy, announcing plans to establish an independent commission on assassination attempts if reelected. This commission would focus on releasing all remaining documents related to the assassination of Kennedy’s uncle — a promise Trump acknowledged he did not fulfill during his first term. This gesture was seen as a way to align himself with Kennedy’s personal history, while also appealing to those suspicious of government opacity.
Kennedy’s endorsement fueled the former president’s broader message of fighting entrenched political interests, which both men argue have taken control of the Democratic Party. By aligning with Trump, Kennedy has positioned himself as a force aiming to “end the grip” of these interests, consolidating support for Trump among voters who feel alienated by the political establishment.
Meanwhile, Trump sharpened his focus on Harris, the new face of the Democratic Party. In a shift from previous attacks, Trump mocked her recent convention speech and dubbed her “Comrade Kamala,” aiming to undermine her credibility. He criticized Harris for avoiding critical issues like inflation and hinted at the internal struggles within the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race.
For Harris and the Democratic Party, the timing of Kennedy’s exit and his endorsement of Trump present a significant challenge. Although Harris solidified her position as the Democratic nominee at the convention, Kennedy’s sudden pivot toward Trump altered the electoral calculus. His endorsement raises new uncertainties about voter behavior, particularly among those who were disillusioned with both major parties.
Kennedy’s endorsement and his attendance at Trump’s rally are crucial moments for the former president, offering a boost in both visibility and potential voter support. With Kennedy by his side, Trump sought to solidify his standing in key states and expand his appeal to voters frustrated with the current political landscape. The rally in Arizona marked a new chapter in Trump’s campaign strategy, blending populism with personal connections to rally support ahead of the election.
Kennedy’s backing of Trump could change the course of the 2024 election in favor of the GOP.

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is executive director at the American Center for Counter Extremism.