Did RFK, Jr. Betray Independent Voters?

The most popular independent campaign in decades "turns on voters."

I’d like to welcome this guest post by Leonard Cavallaro about Robert Kennedy, Jr.’s decision to join the Trump administration, and what it could mean for independent politics. Personally, I look forward to the day outsider campaigns prosper without joining a major brand because I think the greatest value of campaigns is to introduce new ideas. However, Bobby is a complicated guy and not your usual independent. Leonard makes an interesting argument for why this was good for the future of independent politics—and after all, I’m always saying a promising course for reform is to infiltrate the two-party system!

Leonard also writes at Substack at Biased Journalist, where he writes intentionally provocative pieces from every political bias and angle, left, right, and center. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check him out.

Frank

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Bobby Kennedy was seen as the man destined to disrupt the entrenched two-party system. No candidate had polled so impressively since Ross Perot, and the buzz surrounding him was undeniable. The media were simultaneously eager to capitalize on his momentum and dismiss it outright.

After all, both Trump and Biden were historically unpopular candidates, and there seemed to be a unique opportunity.

Biden vs. Trump: The 2024 race a historic number of Americans don’t want - Headline, CNN

The controversial idea of an independent presidency lingered in the minds of political dreamers and third-party hopefuls alike. It had been centuries since the first and only independent president, George Washington, a man who rose above partisanship and was electorally rewarded for it.

Bobby promised country before party and people before politics. He embodied the independent dream, and many believed he could deliver on that vision.

Although the odds were stacked against him, Bobby's hand still appeared strong. He was on the ballot in major states, polling robustly, and building a genuine political movement.

A Few Challenges

Of course, the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington despised him. Yes, Democrats formed task forces and shadow groups to sabotage his campaign, and both parties actively blocked his ballot access at every turn with frivolous, draining lawsuits.

Furthermore, most media outlets refused to host him while platforming anyone willing to smear his reputation.

It all looked chaotic, but the attacks and sabotage only underscored that he was onto something! Bobby Kennedy was a worthy candidate, and he still had a strong hand.

Failed Campaign

Then, in August, Bobby folded. The two dominant parties were never going to play fair, and he could not compete any longer. So, he stopped pretending and stepped back.

This is where the real criticism begins. Many wished he had simply walked away from the political poker table and returned to lawyering—or ideally, retired altogether. He had given them hope as an independent, and they yearned for his legacy to conclude on a high note.

That’s not what unfolded. Instead, Bobby spent all his political capital on one last daring move. He endorsed Trump, forever altering the race and this country.

Final Straw

It was the final straw for many in his uneasy independent populist, anti-establishment coalition. They felt betrayed by the man they had hoped would facilitate change, now endorsing the billionaire they believed had broken the system.

But to others, like myself, it was one final stroke of brilliance. It underscored his mission to improve America, effectively acknowledging the mandate his supporters had given him to make real change. Endorsing Trump appeared to be the only route to Washington that would allow him to implement his vision.

Thus, Bobby furthered his Make America Healthy Again movement by joining forces with a man most in his family despised. He campaigned for him, worked alongside him, and fought for him in the lead-up to the election.

Trump was elected for many reasons, but Bobby Kennedy’s unflinching support is undoubtedly one of them.

Success Story?

Now, Trump has nominated Bobby Kennedy as his Secretary of Health and Human Services—a role overseeing roughly a quarter of the U.S. budget. This position will place him in direct opposition to the vested interests and pharmaceutical powers he long vowed to challenge. It is here that he can truly begin his MAHA mission.

Independents supported Bobby Kennedy because they sought change in Washington. Blame the major parties, media, and billionaires for their sabotage and sinister shutdown of his campaign.

Do not blame Bobby for fighting back the only way he could.

His endorsement of Trump granted him entry into Washington, where he has a real chance to make change. To the independent-minded Americans who feel betrayed, I understand your anger. However, this is the greatest step forward we have witnessed in decades.

Save Your Anger

Save your anger for now, as Bobby has not compromised on his values—not yet, at least. Judge him by his actions in the Trump cabinet and the changes he brings about.

Do not judge him for simply positioning himself to make change. Do not judge him for placing people before politics. Do not judge him for offering a genuine political endorsement.

Bobby didn’t betray independents. He put himself in a position to fight for us like never before.

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About the Author

Leonard Cavallaro, known as The Biased Journalist, offers critical takes and cutting insights into American politics. Over at his own publication, he crafts purposefully biased articles from every side of an issue (here’s why…). That’s why he was thrilled to write a guest post for Renew the Republic and share his honest opinion on politics for once.

Was RFK Jr. good for independents? Join the conversation in the comments. If you’re interested in more guests posts or would like to guest, let us know!