It’s been an extended period since any member of the Kennedy clan pursued the presidency in Washington DC. The iconic banner stating “Kennedy for President,” emblazoned in red, white and blue, continues to provoke and even inflict wounds on those who recall the era of the 1950s and 1960s.
This renewed Kennedy dynasty figure, however, is distanced from the liberty-conscious Democratic Party that venerates his late father and uncle. The 70-year-old son of Robert F Kennedy is devoted to an independent campaign, which has been disregarded by many of his immediate family members, but not all.
Situated outside the prestigious Hilton hotel in Dupont – a city marker where legends such as Hendrix performed and where President Regan was targeted by John Hinkley – are mobile displays unmasking Kennedy’s true character. Despite being submerged in a sea of adverse publicity, Kennedy’s campaign continues to gather momentum.
Here in this place, Robert F Kennedy Jr seeks to charm the Libertarian Party’s delegates. This party has been a minor entity in American politics since its inception in 1971. The gathering is a diverse and vibrant mix, with a convention slogan of “Become Ungovernable.”
Imagine a gathering that brings together hardcore Grateful Dead supporters, Marvel comic enthusiasts, advocates for Julian Assange, technology nerds, off-radar independents, and even a fan of the punk band Violent Femmes, all sharing a grand ballroom on a sunny afternoon – you’ve got the picture.
There’s even a chap parading about in a loincloth, and another in a full mourning suit with a bowler hat. Whether they’ve unintentionally wandered into the wrong event, it’s uncertain, but they appear content. The bar is bustling, and an atmosphere of anything-goes prevails as Bobby Kennedy Jr, endeavours to convince the assembled that he is the solution they seek.
To this purpose, his speech is crafted to conform with their ideological beliefs. Even though his tardiness in appearing on stage after a 45-minute delay tries the patience of the Libertarian audience, he swiftly cuts to the core issue, detailing his planned discussion on the US constitution, especially the Bill of Rights – the first 10 amendments.
“In the beginning, Madison felt there was no necessity for the Bill of Rights, as it was clear to him that the government could not exercise authority that the constitution had not delegated to it.” he adds in his characteristic hoarse voice.
“However, as all present in this assembly are aware, state administrations are fond of extending their influence rather than limiting it. They are perpetually seeking to exert and seize fresh powers.” Kennedy’s words stir a ripple of wry chuckles of approval as he delves deeper into this topic.
Notwithstanding The Kennedys supporting Biden despite Robert Kennedy’s endeavour to enter the Oval Office, Robert Kennedy’s selection for vice-presidential candidate has undoubtedly widened his enticement in the race to the presidency.
“Regrettably, it’s a tale as old as time that our leading figures have repeatedly disregarded this. Be it the Red Scares of the 1920s, Joe McCarthy’s influence in the 1950s, the Vietnam War and civil rights unrest of the 1960s, the campaign against drugs in the 1970s, the post-2001 ‘war on terror’, or the recent Covid outbreak”, states Kennedy.
“I may have forgotten due to a memory lapse but I don’t remember any clause in the US constitution stating a pandemic would merit an exception. If the administration can revoke them at whim, these are merely privileges handed out or withdrawn by a governing power. Is that the America you want to reside in?”
Both the committed supporters of RFK and the Libertarians vociferously refuse this notion. It’s evidently seen that Kennedy is leading the crowd through a journey recounting the suspension of civil liberties, granted by the Amendments, during the pandemic. He harshly criticizes the Biden administration and informs the gathering that Donald Trump capitulated in face of the pandemic.
Trump, who receives his share of heckling and booing, addresses the convention on a Saturday evening.
This speech is but an extension of his manifesto, a mix which pledges a government devoid of corporate corruption, fortified boundaries, cessation of the ceaseless wars, safeguarding reproductive rights and foregrounding the environmental issues he has spent the majority of his adult life fighting for.
This spectrum of proposals, with a vast appeal, seemingly outweighs the accusations from many, including family, regarding Bobby’s indulgence in perilous conspiracy theories, especially those involving the Covid vaccines and misinformation. His advocates suggest that such portrayal is a result of mainstream media prejudice.
John Burk Stringfellow, alongside his wife Erin Leithold, hails from Wisconsin and is a staunch supporter of Robert Kennedy Jr. As a regular signature collector, he aggressively campaigns for Kennedy Jr with a focus on Virginia. Often, he struggles with individuals who hold baseless prejudiced views against the latter. He implores them to conduct proper research and usually, they end up with a positive impression.
Both Stringfellow and Leithold perceive Kennedy Jr as an alternative choice, mirroring the sentiments of many Americans under 40. As for Leithold, the element of independence in Kennedy’s candidature resonates with her. Despite coming from a non-political religious family and being new to the world of independent candidates, through discussions with her husband, she has become hopeful that Kennedy Jr could bring about significant change.
Robert Kennedy Jr doesn’t need to dwell on his storied roots in his discussions. His inherited features – the striking blue eyes, distinct gait, and profile, his uncanny resemblance to the men from his past, become most apparent when he takes the stage. His appearance vividly recalls what his father and uncle could’ve aged like, stirring emotions in the audience.
The campaign banners and lapel pins, reminiscent of his family’s 1960s campaigns, subtly recall the Kennedy legacy. The presence of Robert Kennedy Jr in the tumultuous political scenario of 2024 elicits mixed feelings, especially among those who hold dear the democratic values his father once upheld. For some, this candidature could taint that legacy, while to others, it heralds a hopeful revival.
Joanne Gorlick from New Jersey, outfitted in a dated-style purple tee decorated with the catchphrase “Boomers for Kennedy”, recalls being just four years old when Kennedy’s uncle was tragically taken from them. She distinctly recalls a sense of optimism being abruptly snuffed out. However, when Kennedy declared his independent run the previous year, Gorlick had a revelation; the possibility of a brighter future was back on the table after a seemingly interminable six-decade pause. For Gorlick, Kennedy’s importance goes beyond just being a candidate; he could disrupt a system currently dominated by shared corporate influences between both parties. An independent candidate, in her view, could potentially shake things up and provide an opportunity for democracy’s reinvention.
Following Kennedy’s widely-discussed speech, the Democratic National Committee issued a statement criticising it as a ‘narcissistic spectacle’, to little acclaim. Subsequent polls revealed surprising data about Kennedy’s standing: In a Marquette Law School Poll running five candidates, Trump led at 40%, narrowly followed by Biden at 37%. Kennedy lagged at 17%, with Jill Stein and Cornel West, the other independents, polling at a mere 3% each.
Although still fiercely campaigning for a spot on all state ballots, Kennedy might land a spot in a potential CNN-presidential candidate debate scheduled for the 27th of June. This could provide him with a major stage for his inaugural public showcase. There’s ongoing speculation about whether his potential votes could predominantly harm Biden or Trump. Nonetheless, his faithful supporters maintain that Kennedy is much more than just an agent of pandemonium.
Joanne Gorlick confidently claims, “he’s got a chance to win”. She passionately argues that the nation is split between a dislike for Trump and disdain for Biden. She firmly believes that once Kennedy’s campaign starts getting traction with his message reaching more people, they will respond positively to the prospect of renewed hope.