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The Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Effect
The known unknowns of the 2024 election.
It has been an intense month for U.S. politics. A disastrous debate disappointment, a surprising change in candidacy, an assassination attempt, and it isn’t even October yet.
With all eyes on former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s been easy to forget about the other myriad factors likely to impact the outcome of the 2024 election.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his determined efforts to remain in the race are not least among those factors. Kennedy has promised to appear on the ballot in all 50 states, though whether he will be able to achieve this goal is far from certain.
The scion of one of America’s most storied political families, Kennedy has emerged as an unconventional candidate, challenging the norms of modern politics.
Kennedy, long known for his controversial views on vaccines and his sharp critiques of government institutions, is drawing an eclectic mix of supporters. From disillusioned Democrats to libertarians and independents, his appeal cuts across traditional political lines.
“RFK Jr. notches endorsements from top podcasters,” noted Brittany Gibson for POLITICO on August 9, 2024 (Incorrectly, as it turned out. And as yet uncorrected.) “Two major names in the podcasting universe…