RFK Jr. Considers Libertarian Presidential Run Amid Ballot Access Challenges

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the prominent environmental activist and son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is reportedly considering a run for the presidency as a Libertarian. The news comes as he continues to face challenges in securing ballot access in multiple states.

Kennedy, who has long been an advocate for environmental causes and social justice issues, has been increasingly critical of the two major political parties in recent years. In an interview with The New York Times, he expressed frustration with what he sees as the failures of the Democratic and Republican parties to address pressing issues such as climate change, income inequality, and criminal justice reform.

“I feel like the two parties are both dominated by corporate interests and big money,” Kennedy said. “I think people are disillusioned with the status quo and are looking for a third way.”

Kennedy’s consideration of a presidential run as a Libertarian comes as the party has been gaining increased attention in the wake of the 2020 election. The party’s nominee, Jo Jorgensen, garnered more than 1.8 million votes, the highest total for a Libertarian candidate in more than 40 years. This has led to growing interest in the party and its platform of limited government and individual liberty.

However, Kennedy’s potential candidacy faces significant hurdles in the form of ballot access. The Libertarian Party has struggled to gain access to the ballot in many states due to onerous and often arbitrary requirements imposed by state election laws. Even in states where the party has achieved ballot access, it has often been challenged by legal battles and other obstacles.

Kennedy’s team is reportedly working to overcome these challenges, but the process is far from easy. In some cases, the party must gather tens of thousands of signatures from registered voters in order to qualify for the ballot. This can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, particularly for a third-party candidate with limited resources compared to the major parties.

Despite these challenges, Kennedy remains undeterred in his potential bid for the presidency. He believes that a campaign focused on issues like climate change, social justice, and corporate influence in politics could resonate with voters who are tired of the same old political establishment.

“I think there’s a real appetite for something different,” Kennedy said. “I’m considering all options and I’m not ruling anything out at this point.”

It remains to be seen whether Kennedy will ultimately throw his hat into the ring as a Libertarian candidate for president. However, his potential candidacy represents a growing trend of disillusionment with the major parties and a desire for new voices and ideas in American politics. As the battle for ballot access continues, Kennedy and the Libertarian Party are making it clear that they are determined to challenge the status quo and offer a fresh alternative to the traditional political establishment.