Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s unexpected rise in the Democratic presidential primary is causing a stir among Republicans, who see his candidacy as a potential vulnerability for President Biden. Even former President Trump has offered Kennedy a subtle endorsement, praising him as a "smart guy" and a "common sense guy" during a radio interview.
Trump acknowledged Kennedy's surprisingly strong polling numbers, stating, "He’s doing really well, I saw a poll, he’s at 22. That’s pretty good!" This seemingly amicable gesture from a political rival underscores the potential disruption Kennedy poses to the Democratic establishment.
Kennedy, a nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, launched his 2024 presidential bid as a Democrat in April. Initially dismissed as a long-shot candidate due to his controversial stances on vaccines and other issues, Kennedy's double-digit polling figures in mid-June have forced a reassessment of his potential impact.
Republican strategist Brian Seitchik, formerly with the Trump campaign, believes that any media attention on Kennedy is detrimental to Biden. "The more chatter about Kennedy is just bad for Biden," Seitchik stated. "There’s an alternative out there with a serious name." He added that Trump is adept at capitalizing on such situations, and any focus on Kennedy benefits Republicans.
Longtime GOP operative Roger Stone echoed this sentiment, drawing a parallel to Jimmy Carter's primary challenge by Ted Kennedy in 1980. Stone suggested that even if Biden fends off Kennedy's challenge, the primary battle could weaken him significantly for the general election against Trump.
While Stone expressed personal admiration for Kennedy, calling him a "great American" and a "man of enormous courage," he believes Kennedy's campaign will ultimately benefit Trump by weakening Biden's position.
