Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a surprising turn of events at the Libertarian Party’s convention on Sunday, where he was eliminated from contention for the party’s presidential nomination. Despite a last-minute nomination and acceptance, Kennedy received just 2.07% of delegate support in the first round of voting.
The convention also saw former President Donald Trump being nominated on the floor, but he was ruled unqualified due to not submitting nominating papers. Trump’s presence at the convention was met with boos, particularly when he asked for support.
In a twist, adult film actress Stormy Daniels received a vote from one delegate, highlighting the unconventional nature of the proceedings. Candidates who received less than 5% of the vote were eliminated in the first round, setting the stage for subsequent rounds of voting.
Kennedy, a former Democrat, had been courting Libertarian officials in a bid to secure ballot access in multiple states. His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, expressed hope for collaboration with the Libertarian Party, emphasizing shared values and the potential for success.
As the election landscape heats up, Kennedy’s White House bid is gaining traction, with national surveys showing double-digit support. His campaign is seen as a potential threat to both Trump and President Joe Biden, leading to increased attacks from the former president.
Despite the setback at the convention, Kennedy remains determined to rally third-party and independent voters in a bid to challenge the traditional Republican-Democrat duopoly. The road ahead may be challenging, but Kennedy’s persistence and appeal to Libertarian values could shape the upcoming election in unexpected ways.