Longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his bid for the presidency as an independent candidate, abandoning his Democratic primary campaign. Kennedy's decision has sparked both support and concern, particularly among Republicans who worry he could split the vote with former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. While Republicans attack Kennedy's liberal background and label his campaign as a "vanity project," national Democrats have remained silent.

BREAKING: Robert Kennedy Jr. (@RobertKennedyJr) declares for President of the United States as an independent candidate. WATCHpic.twitter.com/6oL4VwZbBp

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) October 9, 2023

Kennedy, however, insists that he is leaving both political parties behind and aims to make a "new declaration of independence" from corporations, the media, and the two major political parties. Kennedy made his announcement in Philadelphia's Independence Mall, where he emphasized his intention to unify disillusioned Democrats, Trump voters seeking change, and political outsiders who feel their ideas do not align with any one party. As Kennedy seeks to garner support from diverse groups, including those disenchanted with both major parties, his campaign will face significant challenges in terms of funding, support, and experience compared to the Trump and Biden campaigns.

Moreover, the timing of Kennedy's announcement coincides with the decision of other candidates, such as progressive activist Cornel West and the centrist group No Labels, to run as independents. Kennedy's candidacy has stirred controversy among Republicans, who have begun circulating opposition research to damage his standing among potential conservative supporters. The Republican National Committee published a fact sheet highlighting Kennedy's support for liberal politicians, conspiracy theories about COVID-19, and claims of stolen elections related to the 2000 and 2004 presidential contests.

Meanwhile, Biden's allies have dismissed Kennedy's primary campaign as unserious, and the Democratic National Committee has declined to comment on his independent run. Despite facing opposition from both major parties, Kennedy remains optimistic about his chances. The announcement of his independent bid follows weeks of accusations against the DNC for rigging the primary against him, highlighting Kennedy's dissatisfaction with the two-party system. While Kennedy has longstanding ties to the Democratic Party and frequently invokes the legacies of his late father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, he has also built relationships with far-right figures in recent years.

This has garnered him favorability ratings among Republicans but has also led to criticism from some Democrats who view his candidacy as a threat to the party. Kennedy's anti-vaccine activism, including his vocal distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, has further solidified his support among far-right conservatives but drawn criticism from health experts. His organization, Children's Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against news organizations, including The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by identifying misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.

While Kennedy has distanced himself from the group during his campaign, he is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit. As Kennedy's independent bid for the presidency gains momentum, it remains to be seen how his candidacy will impact the 2024 race and the possibility of a rematch between Trump and Biden. Many view Kennedy as a potential spoiler, challenging both major parties and offering voters an alternative option. However, his success will depend on his ability to gain widespread support and overcome the well-funded campaigns and established political power of his opponents. Kennedy's announcement has marked the beginning of a new chapter in the upcoming election, further highlighting the divisions and discontent within American politics.