May 27th 2024.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate, had his presidential aspirations cut short during the Libertarian Party's convention on May 26. Despite a surprise nomination, Kennedy was eliminated in the first round of voting, receiving support from only 19 delegates (2.07%). The eventual nominee, Chase Oliver, was selected after seven rounds of voting, according to CNN. However, Kennedy faced boos from some delegates and was quickly ousted.
The convention also saw former President Donald Trump, who was disqualified from consideration due to a lack of paperwork, receive six write-in votes. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels even received one vote as a show of disapproval towards Trump, according to ABC News. Kennedy, on the other hand, urged Libertarians to support his campaign, despite not agreeing on all issues.
After his elimination, Kennedy took to social media to express his gratitude for the unexpected nomination attempt and emphasize the importance of third parties and independents uniting against the current two-party system. Although Kennedy did not initially plan on seeking the Libertarian nomination, he had previously met with party officials to discuss shared beliefs. However, some delegates felt that Kennedy was using the party for personal gain without truly respecting its values.
In his statement, Kennedy said, "What an unexpected honor to wake up this morning to a groundswell in the Libertarian Party seeking to nominate me. I would have accepted the nomination if offered because independents and third parties need to unite right now to reclaim our country from the corrupt two-party system." His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, also acknowledged the relevance and potential success of collaborating with the Libertarian Party, though she did not speak at the convention following Kennedy's elimination.
Despite the setback, Kennedy remains determined to continue his campaign, focusing on issues that appeal to Libertarians such as free-market approaches, anti-war stances, and support for constitutional rights. He is positioning himself against both Trump and President Biden in the upcoming election. In fact, Kennedy recently made headlines for promising to pay black farmers $5 billion in reparations, despite facing a ruling that deems it unconstitutional.
As Kennedy continues to campaign, it is clear that he is not backing down from his beliefs and is determined to make a difference in the current political landscape. Only time will tell if his message will resonate with voters and lead to a successful independent candidacy.
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