On Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Democrat and a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, filed his statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, declaring his intention to run for president. His committee is called Team Kennedy, which launched his website at this link. His formal announcement will be made April 19 in Boston, Mass.
Kennedy, the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy, both deceased. However, his own family members and the media have distanced themselves from him due to what they consider controversial views on vaccines and their link to autism. He became a spokesperson against Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic and opposed mask and vaccine mandates.
Kennedy Jr. has had a career as an environmental lawyer and has worked for many years with the Natural Resources Defense Council. He is the founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance and has served as an adjunct professor of environmental law at Pace University School of Law.
Kennedy Jr. was nine years old when JFK was assassinated while serving as president, and 14 when his own father was shot dead during his presidential campaign in 1968.
Marianne Williamson, a New Age self-help guru, has already declared her challenge to President Biden, who has not yet declared his reelection candidacy. On the Republican side, several candidates have announced their candidacy, including former President Donald Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Several politicians are weighing jumping in, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott, former Ambassador John Bolton, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has spent his life fighting for American democracy and the liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. He has battled against corporate greed and government corruption to protect our children, our health, our livelihoods, our environment, and above all, our freedom,” his website says. “With integrity, courage, and self-sacrifice, he has led Americans in an ennobling fight to restore our country as an exemplary nation, and to end the toxic polarization that divides us and enriches the elites.
“His character and unique history fighting crooked bureaucracies make RFK, Jr. the only person who can bridge the divide and fix our country,” according to his campaign.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
