Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced support for Donald Trump’s legal battle to remain on the ballot for the 2024 election. Kennedy, an attorney, emphasized that Trump has not been convicted of insurrection and called for fairness in the democratic process. Speaking at a press conference in Utah, where he is actively securing a place on the state’s ballot, Kennedy expressed concern that excluding Trump could lead to frustration among his supporters. Kennedy faces his own challenges in gaining ballot access, navigating diverse legal procedures across 51 jurisdictions, and has hired a legal team to address these complexities.
Kennedy’s Position on Trump’s Ballot Access
Kennedy, an independent candidate aiming to be on the ballot in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., stressed the importance of a fair and inclusive democratic process. He cautioned against anti-democratic forces influencing candidate access to ballots, drawing parallels between his own challenges and those faced by Trump. The president of the super PAC supporting Kennedy, Tony Lyons, emphasized the negative impact on democracy if candidates like Kennedy and Trump are excluded from ballots.
Legal and Financial Challenges
Securing ballot access for independent candidates involves complex legal procedures and significant financial resources. Kennedy’s campaign is actively gathering signatures in states like Arizona, Missouri, Maryland, and Nevada. The super PAC supporting Kennedy, American Values 2024, has committed up to $15 million to assist in gaining ballot access in seven states, including Georgia. The legal team, led by campaign counsel Paul Rossi, has been instrumental in addressing legal hurdles, such as extending signature gathering deadlines.
Disruption in Election Strategies
Kennedy acknowledged that even single-digit support for an independent candidate can disrupt traditional election strategies. With a polling average of around 13 percent, according to RealClearPolitics, Kennedy expressed confidence in his ability to garner the necessary support over the next 11 months. He outlined the possibility of winning the presidency with minority support, highlighting the winner-takes-all nature of the electoral system.
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