Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the running for Libertarian Party presidential nomination as Trump fails to meet qualification requirements

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrown his hat into the ring for the Libertarian Party’s nomination, causing a stir among party delegates at their national convention in Washington, DC.

Kennedy, who was nominated by a delegate on the convention floor, accepted the unexpected honor in a video statement, expressing his gratitude and calling for an alliance of third-party and independent voters to support his campaign against President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

While Kennedy’s acceptance was met with mild applause from a small group of delegates, his surrogates faced loud boos from the audience during their speeches touting his candidacy. Some delegates, like Tim O’Brien from New Jersey, expressed skepticism about Kennedy’s intentions, accusing him of using the party for his own gain without respecting its values.

Despite initial reluctance to seek the party’s nomination, Kennedy’s strategic move to align with the Libertarians could provide him with ballot access in dozens of states where the party is already established. Kennedy believes his views on the environment, foreign policy, and Covid-19 align with Libertarian principles, making him a viable candidate for their support.

Kennedy’s rising support in national surveys, reaching 16% in a recent CNN poll, has put him on the radar of both Trump and Biden, with the former president launching attacks on Kennedy, labeling him a “Democrat plant” in a recent video.

As the election approaches, Kennedy’s candidacy poses a potential challenge for both major party candidates, setting the stage for a competitive race with implications for the future of American politics.