By yourNEWS Media Staff
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s popularity appears to be growing, as indicated by recent surveys. A Suffolk University/USA Today poll shows that Kennedy has a favorable view from 49% of respondents, whereas 30% hold an unfavorable opinion. In comparison, President Trump received a 49% favorability rating with 46% unfavorable, and President Biden received a 45% favorability rating with 49% unfavorable.
The same Suffolk University/USA Today poll, released on Oct. 23, revealed that 37% of registered voters would back President Biden, 36% would support President Trump, and 13% expressed interest in Mr. Kennedy. Independent candidate Cornel West garnered 4% support.
Further data from the poll highlighted Mr. Kennedy’s appeal across various voter groups. He received support from 23% of independent voters, 9% from Republicans, and 7% from Democrats. As a second choice for president, 26% selected Mr. Kennedy, 16% chose Mr. West, 6% preferred President Trump, and 5% opted for President Biden.
Previously, a Harvard CAPS/Harris survey also detailed a three-way race showing President Trump with 39% support, President Biden at 33%, and Mr. Kennedy at 19%. Nine percent remained undecided, but when prompted to choose, the results were 42% for President Trump, 36% for President Biden, and 22% for Mr. Kennedy.
Moreover, a large portion of participants, including 68% of Democrats, 57% of Republicans, and 78% of Independents, expressed a desire for a presidential choice beyond Trump or Biden.
Upon announcing his intention to run as an Independent in Philadelphia on Oct. 9, Mr. Kennedy expressed confidence in his unique position. He stated, “There have been independent candidates before. But this time is different. This time, the independent is going to win.”
At multiple tour stops, Kennedy addressed doubts about his campaign, asserting, “They say my impact is only going to draw votes from the other candidates… The truth is, they’re both right.”
Prior surveys reflected these recent trends. After a House hearing on censorship, a Harvard-Harris poll showed Mr. Kennedy’s favorability rating surpassed other candidates. In July, he had a 47% favorable rating and 26% unfavorable. Former President Trump had 45% favorability and 49% unfavorability. A poll from The Economist/YouGov in June also showed Mr. Kennedy with a high net favorability among 2024 presidential candidates.
Having initially planned to challenge President Biden for the 2024 Democrat nomination, Kennedy clarified his stance in April, saying, “I’m a Democrat,” when asked about running as an independent or third-party candidate.
However, a Zogby Strategies poll, commissioned by the American Values 2024 political action committee and released on Oct. 2, presented a scenario where Kennedy as an Independent garnered 19% support, with both President Biden and President Trump receiving 38%.
Commenting on the results, Tony Lyons of American Values 2024 mentioned that Kennedy is pulling support from both Biden and Trump equally.
Following Kennedy’s announcement to run as an Independent, the Republican National Committee and President Trump’s campaign both released statements questioning his authenticity and commitment to certain policies.
Kennedy, countering such remarks, described himself as a unique “anti-establishment candidate” with the ability to transcend traditional political boundaries. During an event in Cincinnati, Ohio, attendees from various political backgrounds shared their opinions about Mr. Kennedy, highlighting the diverse appeal he seems to have among voters.
Lastly, addressing media portrayals, Mr. Kennedy acknowledged potential biases in coverage and urged voters to seek direct interactions and diverse information sources to form an informed opinion about his candidacy.