The Democratic Party has intensified its criticisms of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in recent days, marking a significant effort by either party to influence public opinion surrounding his potential candidacy in a rematch of the 2020 election.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has taken several actions to depict Kennedy as a spoiler who could aid Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in defeating President Joe Biden. The DNC argues that Kennedy is primarily funded by wealthy donors aligned with the former president.
Last week, the DNC filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) alleging illegal coordination between Kennedy’s campaign and American Values 2024, a PAC supporting his White House bid. Kennedy’s campaign has denied any coordination with the group.
RFK Jr. (Credits: CNN)
DNC adviser Ramsey Reid, in a call with reporters discussing the complaint, attributed Kennedy’s transformation into a “stalking horse” to Trump and his donors, who allegedly funded the PAC. Reid expressed concern that Trump was undermining the democratic process.
The DNC has focused on donations to the PAC from billionaire Tim Mellon, a prominent banking heir who has been a significant donor to pro-Trump and GOP causes.
Mellon contributed approximately $15 million to American Values 2024 last year and $20 million to America First Action Inc., a leading pro-Trump group, in 2020.
During a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, the DNC ran advertisements on four billboards accusing Kennedy of being “powered by MAGA/Trump.”
Additionally, after a Kennedy-aligned PAC released a new TV ad during the Super Bowl, repurposing an old spot from President John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign, the DNC highlighted Mellon’s funding of the PAC.
DNC rapid response director Alex Floyd stated, “It’s fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump’s largest donor this cycle.”
Kennedy’s campaign countered the Democratic attacks, stating that donors from various political backgrounds support Kennedy as they are tired of corruption in the two-party system.
Kennedy’s spokeswoman, Stefanie Spear, emphasized the need for an independent candidate to address issues such as division, restoring the middle class, ending wars, and tackling corporate influence.
DNC adviser Lis Smith explained that the party’s efforts aim to educate voters about the Trump-Kennedy connections while recognizing Kennedy’s potential impact in the general election. Smith suggested that Trump and his allies view Kennedy as a useful candidate who could help Trump win in November.
While Kennedy’s independent campaign faces significant challenges, his candidacy could sway the outcome of a Biden-Trump rematch if he gains enough support in critical states.
Recent polling indicates a close race between Trump and Biden, with Trump leading among registered voters in a CNN/SSRS poll released earlier this month.
Kennedy’s effect on a potential Biden-Trump matchup remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether he would draw more support from historically Republican or Democratic voters. An NBC News poll found that 34% of registered voters could see themselves supporting Kennedy.
Kennedy’s allies have targeted Biden and Democrats as they seek to gain momentum in the race. American Values 2024 co-founder Mark Gorton criticized the DNC for its attacks on Kennedy, suggesting that voters should have a choice beyond Biden as the alternative to Trump.
Gorton emphasized Kennedy’s integrity, bravery, and track record in fighting corporate corruption, portraying him as a candidate who can stand up to corporate interests.
