Who is independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and why are former President Donald Trump and President Biden worried about him? Read on to learn more about Robert F. Kennedy Jr..
Mr. Kennedy is the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy and son of former senator Robert Kennedy Sr. Born the third of eleven children, Mr. Kennedy was 9 years old when his uncle was assassinated, and 14 years old when his father was assassinated. Mr. Kennedy graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in American History and Literature in 1976, before attending the London School of Economics, and later at the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1982, and finally earning a Master’s egree in Environmental Law from Pace University in 1987.
Mr. Kennedy joined the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association in 1984, leading to a career as an environmental lawyer and activist. One notable example of this was Mr. Kennedy’s crucial role in the NYC Watershed Memorandum of Agreement in 1997 which created “NYC land acquisition requirements, sets more stringent New York City Watershed Rules and Regulations, activates the NYC Watershed Protection and Partnership Council and other partnership committees, initiates NYC watershed protection and partnership programs, and details other watershed protection provisions” according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Kennedy has been accused of using his platform as a prominent environmental lawyer and activist to promote anti-vaccine beliefs.
Mr. Kennedy has enjoyed falconry since the age of 11 and has continued to pursue it as a passion as he has gotten older. Another interest of his is whitewater kayaking. Additionally, Mr. Kennedy is married to actress Cheryl Hines and has 6 children from 2 previous marriages.
Mr. Kennedy announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for the presidency in April 2023, but lacking a clear path to the nomination, he decided to pursue an Independent run in October 2023. Mr. Kennedy is a clear alternative for voters disillusioned with former President Trump and President Biden. According to a recent poll by Gallup, he holds a 52% favorability rating which is 10 points higher than Trump and 11 points higher than Biden. For those displeased with the ages of Mr. Trump, 77, and Mr. Biden, 81, Mr. Kennedy, 70, is 7 years younger than the former, and 11 years younger than the latter. Mr. Kennedy tends to be a moderate on most issues, billing himself as an advocate for the middle class. He is expected to choose a vice presidential candidate on March 26th. He has previously stated that former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers are at the top of his VP list.
In conclusion, Mr. Kennedy presents an option for voters disenchanted with both major party candidates, making him a major force to be reckoned with as the race for the presidency continues to shape up.
