SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drew hundreds from across the political spectrum to a rally in the Utah state capital Thursday night, as the political dynasty criss-crossed the US in an effort to get to the polls in all 50 states.
Spectators lined up outside SKY nightclub an hour early to get a good seat, with some telling The Post they felt energized enough to get politically involved for the first time in their lives.
“I’m definitely for Kennedy,” said Lynn Cleland, who added that some of her fellow Republicans are also on board with the 69-year-old.
“I have never voted freely in my life. Not only did I vote, but I applied to volunteer, to get signatures. I have bought all the signs. I never did, and I’m 74 years old.”
With less than a year to go before Election Day, the son of the attorney general and US senator from New York — and niece of President John F. Kennedy — averaged 15.8% national support in a four-way race against President Biden, former President Donald Trump and friends independent Cornel West, according to RealClearPolitics.
Kennedy’s goal was to be on the ballot in every state and to advance to the debate stage for the general election debate. Diana Glebova for the NY Post Kennedy supporters stretch the block an hour before the rally in Salt Lake City. Diana Glebova for the NY Post
That number could rise higher, as a New York Times/Siena College poll of swing state voters found last month that Kennedy averaged 24% support in a three-way fight against Trump and Biden.
Meanwhile, a Quinnipiac University poll from July showed 47% of Americans would consider a third-party candidate if Trump and Biden were the Republican and Democratic nominees next year.
When questioned by The Post, Kennedy supporters said they were excited or intrigued by his platform, as well as his background in environmental activism and his skepticism about vaccines — including the COVID-19 shot.
The venue changed several times to accommodate the number of Utahns who registered, according to the Kennedy campaign. Diana Glebova for the NY Post
“He’s a breath of fresh air. I’ve listened to a lot of political debates and he’s the only person I really understand what he’s saying,” said Kelley Tyburski. “I think just the basics, who he is, I just connect with him. Value over everything.”
Marie Carmel and Lisa Draper said they were intrigued by RFK Jr.’s lack of “arguing” with other candidates and his focus on the middle class.
“This is the first time we’ve done any kind of rally, so it’s a big deal for us,” Carmel said, while Draper noted this was the first election cycle when he didn’t want to vote for either of those possibilities. main party candidate.
Donald Trump leads the GOP primary by more than 40 points over his nearest challenger, Ron DeSantis. AP
Another rally attendee, Autumn Doyle, told The Post she was “raised” on the left, but feels she doesn’t fit in with either Republicans or Democrats. For him, Kennedy’s past as an environmental lawyer gave him points.
“I would say I’m in camp,” he said. “If he participates in the vote, I will vote for him. Maybe I can convince some family members too.”
Another way RFK Jr. can appear before voters is if he makes three general election debates scheduled for next fall. If his national support remains above 15%, he will become the first third-party candidate to advance since Ross Perot in 1992.
Aleksi Hernandez-Nietling poses in a Kennedy 2024 shirt. Diana Glebova for the NY Post
“Definitely, absolutely, put him on that debate stage,” said Aleksi Hernandez-Nietling, 22. “He’s going to show the world.”
Looking at the size of the crowd, Hernandez-Nietling added, “That’s the energy he’s created across the country. Just energy, excitement, hope for the future.”
Other attendees liked Kennedy’s views but were hesitant to make a full pledge a year after the election.
Kennedy argued “no other candidate has rallied a crowd like this other than President Trump.” Diana Glebova for the NY Post
“I like this guy. I started following him when the epidemic started, and he was right about everything,” said Dan Brett, who added he “tested” Kennedy, and previously voted Republican.
“He actually saw an issue that we care about,” said Julie Neville, who lined up an hour before the event started. “I’m really happy that people are coming out of their little bubbles because I feel like a lot of people are wearing blinders.”
The Kennedy campaign will strategically go to states with voting deadlines looming and that do not require candidates to make a vice presidential pick or select their electors, spokeswoman Stefanie Spear told The Post.
On stage, Kennedy recalled the state of America under his late uncle and criticized US intervention abroad and rising inflation at home.
“I draw equally from the Republican and Democratic parties,” Kennedy told reporters. “I attract more independents than any other candidate.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
