PHOENIX (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long argued that the biggest hurdle of his presidential campaign is the perception that independent candidates can’t win. He has looked to the debates as a singular opportunity to stand alongside Joe Biden and Donald Trump in front of a massive audience.
But to make the first debate stage, he’ll have to secure a place on the ballot in at least a dozen more states and improve his showing in national polls in one month.
With a famous name and a loyal base, Kennedy has the potential to do better than any third-party presidential candidate since Ross Perot in the 1990s. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns, who fear he could play spoiler, bypassed the nonpartisan debate commission and agreed to a schedule that leaves Kennedy very little time to qualify for the first debate.
Publicly, Kennedy is expressing confidence that he will make the stage.
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
Patrick Reed withdraws from US Open qualifying and ends streak of playing the majors
Tamara Ecclestone is criticised as her daughter Fifi, 10, heads out wearing heavy make
It's no wonder parents are taking their children on holiday during term time! Sky
Dame Judi Dench's tears as she receives Sycamore Gap tree seedling at Chelsea Flower Show
How Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could make the first debate stage
Dame Judi Dench's tears as she receives Sycamore Gap tree seedling at Chelsea Flower Show
Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova reveals she doesn't know if she's on the show's 2024 line
Culture festival showcases integration
UN Security Council rejects Russia
Brewers starter Joe Ross leaves after first inning vs. Marlins with lower back strain
Sophie Morgan suddenly quits ITV show Loose Women as she reveals plans for emigration