Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s bid for the presidency is under financial strain.
Politico reported that the ongoing cash difficulties threaten the sustainability of his campaign despite considerable support from his running mate, Nicole Shanahan.
Kennedy, a notable third-party contender, has endeavored to change the political landscape with his presidential campaign. Despite his aspirations, the initiative is hindered by financial and organizational limitations, making it unlikely to wield substantial influence in the forthcoming general election.
Kennedy’s team has deployed fundraising tactics to combat financial deficiencies, such as raffles and memorabilia auctions, to draw attention and funds. Beginning in December, the campaign introduced a raffle program, followed by monthly auctions of new items starting in February. However, these strategies have not yielded the anticipated results. In April, the campaign’s efforts brought in merely half of the targeted $100,000 funds, prompting a cessation of auctions in May.
Financial struggles persist as innovative methods fail to meet expectations, exacerbated by the lack of robust supporting structures that typically benefit established party candidates.
The shortfall is stark compared to his two-party rivals, who benefit from established organizational support. Despite significant donations from a few affluent contributors, Kennedy's Super PAC, American Values 2024, mirrors the campaign's broader fundraising challenges.
Attempting to revitalize their financial approach, the Kennedy campaign recently introduced an affiliate program to leverage commissions to bolster fundraising. This strategy echoes an approach used by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in the last year’s GOP primary.
Despite repeated attempts to innovate financially, Kennedy's preparations are consistently overshadowed by his competitors' established infrastructures. Jeffrey Rose, a volunteer fundraiser, pointed out, "There’s no DNC machine. There’s no RNC machine," highlighting the systemic disadvantage independent campaigns face.
Ben Manski, a political sociologist at George Mason University, emphasized the importance of perceived viability for success in national elections. He noted, "For the dynamics of this election to change — so that people look around and they say, ‘Hey, this candidate has a chance,’” sparking discussions about what it takes to disrupt the traditional two-party dominance.
Stefanie Spear, spokesperson for Kennedy’s campaign, remains optimistic despite the odds. She stated, “We never planned to outspend the establishment. We planned to out-people them, and that is exactly what we are doing every day.” This sentiment underscores the campaign's focus on grassroots mobilization over financial firepower.
Critics argue that more than financial maneuvers are needed for a successful presidential run. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP candidate, commented on Kennedy adopting his fundraising strategies. "There’s more to being a presidential candidate than cultivating a vibe. If he wants to copy methods from my campaign, here’s the most valuable one: adopt actual policy positions," he advised, pointing towards a more substance-based approach.
Tony Lyons, co-founder of American Values 2024, expressed frustration over the skepticism surrounding independent candidates. He stated:
So many Republicans and Democrats now have been making the point, time after time, that Bobby Kennedy — or that any third-party candidate or any independent candidate — can’t win. And they’ve been trying very hard to convince people of that.
As the election nears, the challenges for Kennedy’s campaign become increasingly apparent. Financial issues, compounded by a lack of organizational depth, position the campaign at a significant disadvantage against the well-oiled machines of his Democrat and Republican counterparts. Overall, Kennedy’s campaign continues to innovate in its fundraising strategies but must overcome significant hurdles to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming general election.
