Kennedy’s cousin wants to run as an independent presidential candidate: ‘We are still counting our dead’

The nephew of former US President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, no longer wants to run for the Democrats as a presidential candidate, but instead wants to enter the race as an independent candidate. “I am here to declare myself an independent candidate for president of the United States,” the 69-year-old told supporters in Philadelphia on Monday. The avowed anti-vaccination activist has been widely criticized by Democrats and other members of his family for spreading conspiracy myths and contacts with far-right politicians.

Kennedy must now try to meet the necessary requirements in all fifty states to get on the ballot. In the US, candidacies that are not tied to either party are considered hopeless, but in the often tense White House elections they can deny Democratic and Republican candidates decisive percentages.

President Joe Biden (80) is clearly regarded by Democrats as the most promising candidate to win the primaries. 71-year-old author Marianne Williamson also wants to run for the party, but is considered completely hopeless. Among Republicans, Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump (77) is far ahead in the polls. Theologian and philosopher Cornel West would also like to stand as an independent candidate. (sda/dpa)