Robert F. Kennedy Declares His Independent Candidacy In Philadelphia
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Former Democratic Candidate For President Of the United States held a rally in Philadelphia, on the grounds of the National Constitution Center. He was there to make an announcement. He said goodbye to the Democratic Party and has entered the race as an independent.
During his hour long speech, Kennedy said that the media would call him a “long shot”.He was correct. With the democrats in love with Joe Biden, and the republicans still holding the standard for Donald Trump, being an independent is the only way to go. He has the money go get the campaign off the ground but can he get the votes? Can he continue to make a difference and most importantly, should he advance in the campaign will people keep listening to him.
The rally started a bit before noon. Some notable speakers came out to talk before him.Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Cheryl Hines, (who could wind up being the first lady) if Kennedy is successful. . Fan fans will know her as Cheryl from Curb Your Enthusiasm. On that show, she was the voice of reason to neurotic Larry David, until her character got a divorce. Her character was on a plane about to crash and she called Larry to hear his voice. David,on the other hand could not be bothered to deal with her as he had a cable repairman in the house at the moment. Comedic brilliance.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo- Actress and possibly future First Lady Cheryl Hines speaks during the rally.
Hines spoke about the lawsuit that Kennedy won against Monstanto, who made Round Up, which got a man sick. Thousands of others were sick from Round Up as well, Hines said. “He listened to this man”,she said of her husband’s client,and took on a billion dollar company and won.
A politician should know the audience. They have to factor in time that those coming to hear him speak might have to get back to work. .Even on Columbus Day, some of Kennedy’s supporters needed to leave early to get back to work. They could not sit and listen to him drone on, no matter how much sense he was making.
“The Democrats and Republicans will only tell you that I am hurting their campaigns. I am taking votes from President Biden and President Trump. Well, they’re right,”Kennedy said . As an independent, he said he does not have to loyal to any party or idea. He will have to convince congress and the senate that his way is best.
It is very difficult to get legislation passed that you are in favor of, when people like Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi do not like that idea and try to keep it tied up in committee.
For this rally, his campaign was smart, giving out free t shirts. However, they ran out of large and extra large. .Those are the two most popular sizes. Perhaps the campaign should have ordered another 10,000 and kept those sizes nearby, so people can get what they want. They want t shirts, not buttons.
Several buses were parked on Arch Street, and some served as Kennedy Merch headquarters, where people could buy a hat or t-shirt for $25.00. They better sell a lot of them because campaigns are expensive to maintain.. There is no Secret Service protection for Kennedy or his family. The security was provided by Gavin deBecker and Associates. If Kennedy has a good showing in polls and fundraising it is very likely that he would be given his own secret service detail.,
A politician needs to meet their constituents. That is paramount, especially one trying to overcome huge odds like Kennedy is. At the end of a speech, it is customary to do a rope line to shake hands and take selfies with people. Neither Kennedy or Hines came out to meet people.
ALEX LLOYD GROSS Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Robert Kennedy speaks in Philadelphia.
If Joe Biden who is the current President of the United States can hold a rope line and Donald Trump who hates to meet people can do it, then Kennedy better get used to pressing the flesh or people will lose interest quickly.