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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to want to withdraw from the US election. © Matt Slocum/AP/dpa
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears to want to give up his candidacy in the US election. This could influence the match between Trump and Harris.
Washington, DC – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had big plans. He wanted to become president, just like his famous uncle. But now John F. Kennedy’s nephew seems to be running out of steam. A few weeks before the US election, the independent presidential candidate wants to drop out of the race for the White House, according to media reports.
Die New York Times reported citing anonymous sources that Kennedy would give up his candidacy and then possibly support Donald Trump. Also according to the broadcaster ABC News Kennedy tends to support Trump, but he has not yet made a final decision.
Withdrawal from US election? Kennedy announces speech
In fact, Kennedy has announced a speech in the state of Arizona for Friday. The 70-year-old wants to “address the nation” there, it is said. on his website. Accordingly, it is about the “current historical moment” and Kennedy’s “further path” into the future. Trump also has a campaign appearance on this day in the area that is so important for the election outcome. Swing State.
Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan had previously also suggested joining forces with Trump. Shanahan explained in an interview earlier this week that Kennedy’s team had two options: either they could stay in the race and risk Democrat Kamala Harris winning the US election, or they could support Trump now. It remained unclear to what extent Shanahan had discussed the positioning with Kennedy.
Trump himself reacted positively to Shanahan’s statements. TV-Sender CNN he called Kennedy “brilliant” and said he was open to giving Kennedy a role in his administration if he won the election. “I like him and I respect him,” Trump said.
Polls between Harris and Trump before US election: How Kennedy’s exit would affect
But how would Kennedy’s withdrawal affect the election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump? In the national polls, Kennedy is currently leading the average number of candidates, according to the news website FiveThirtyEight According to the report, the figure is 4.7 percent. This is much less than just a few weeks ago, when it was still in the double-digit range.
Nevertheless, it is clear that Kennedy could take decisive votes from both sides. At the moment, his candidacy seems to be more damaging to Trump. In other words, Kennedy’s withdrawal would tend to be good news for the Republican. Data expert G. Elliot Morris, who is the editorial director of FiveThirtyEight holds, clarified on Xthat the differences are marginal: Harris’ lead over Trump in the national polls is shrinking from 3.3 to 3.1 points.
Kennedy spreads conspiracy myths
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of former Attorney General and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968, like his brother John F. Kennedy five years earlier. As an activist and lawyer, Kennedy campaigned for environmental issues such as clean water.
Things are getting exciting in the US election campaign
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He is also considered a spreader of conspiracy myths. Just three points are mentioned here: According to Kennedy, vaccinations lead to autism, WiFi causes cancer and chemicals in the environment turn children into transgender people. Most recently, he caused irritation with a bizarre story about a bear corpse that was dumped in New York’s Central Park. (cs)
