Donald Trump recently expressed skepticism regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential in the ongoing presidential race.
According to Daily Wire, former President Trump has discounted Kennedy's candidacy, citing his minimal support in national polls.
In remarks made after his courtroom appearance in Manhattan where he faces allegations related to hush money payments, Trump was dismissive of Kennedy, who is currently contesting as an independent. "RFK? I don’t know anything about him," Trump stated, undermining Kennedy's standing in the five-way presidential race featuring Joe Biden, Jill Stein, and Cornel West.
"RFK is polling very low. He’s not a serious candidate," Trump commented about Kennedy's current 10% in national polls. Comparatively, Trump and Biden are leading significantly, polling at 41% and 39% respectively.
Kennedy's campaign, despite Trump's remarks, has been making strides. Recently, the independent candidate secured his position on the ballot in crucial battleground states such as Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina. This could potentially shift the dynamics of the race.
Trump has voiced mixed opinions on the effect of Kennedy's campaign on his and Biden's chances. While initially suggesting Kennedy would siphon votes from Biden, he later speculated that Kennedy might also impact his voter base. "But the numbers he’s taking away, they say will be against Biden, but I don’t know; I’m not so sure. It could be a little bit against me, but I don’t see him as a factor."
Kennedy, on the other hand, has been vocal about his criticisms of both Trump and Biden, focusing increasingly on the current president in recent remarks.
Robert F. Kennedy accused President Joe Biden of posing a more substantial threat to democracy than those questioning the legitimacy of election results. Here’s what Kennedy expressed recently:
"The greatest threat to democracy is not somebody who questions election returns, but a president of the United States who uses the power of his office to force social media companies... to censor his political critics," Kennedy argued.
Kennedy also emphatically called for President Biden to step down from the race, believing that Biden's continuation would inadvertently ensure a victory for Trump. "The president’s presence gives Trump the victory instead of Kennedy."
Despite these strong positions and gaining footholds in key states, Kennedy's overall impact on the election's outcome remains to be seen, particularly given the skepticism from figures like Trump and the broader electoral dynamics.
As the election progressed, the role of independent candidates like Kennedy could become more pronounced, especially in a tightly contested race. With Trump and Biden leading the polls and other candidates like Jill Stein and Cornel West also in the mix, the ultimate decision by American voters could hinge on various unforeseen factors.
While Trump dismisses Kennedy's chances in the presidential race, the latter's efforts to secure ballot access and vocal stance on democratic principles continue to add complexity to this electoral battle.
Their interplay of allegations, criticisms, and strategic moves will undoubtedly shape the contours of the upcoming elections.
