Topline

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who suspended his presidential campaign in August and endorsed former President Donald Trump – urged people across the U.S. not to vote for him amid continued concerns that third-party candidates could influence the election results in at least two key ones states could distort.

Important facts

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Cons

Third-party candidates could also harm Harris. The Detroit Free Press poll found that Green Party candidate Jill Stein — who was accused of stealing votes from Hillary Clinton in 2016 — has 3% support in the latest Michigan poll, potentially enough to swing the outcome influence. Only 1% of self-identified Democrats in the poll said they would vote for Stein, but 13% of independents said they would vote for her, the Free Press reported. In the Marquette poll for Wisconsin, Stein — whose supporters largely preferred Harris over Trump — had less support, polling just 1% in a multi-candidate race.

Important background

Kennedy launched his presidential bid as a Democrat before running as an independent. He suspended his campaign on August 23, admitted he had no “realistic path to victory” and supported Trump. After his exit, Kennedy said he would remove his name from the ballot in states where he could be a spoilsport and was able to get away with it in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia, Arizona and North Carolina, as well as a number of other states – The However, New York Times reported that he remained on the ballot in nearly 30 states as of mid-October.

Big number

1.1. Harris was leading Trump by as many points nationally as of Monday afternoon, according to FiveThiryEight's national polling average. However, in the RealClearPolitics poll average, Trump was ahead by 0.1 points.

Crucial quote

“A disputed election result would be a catastrophe for our divided nation,” Kennedy said in the video. “President Trump must win a landslide victory, both in the Electoral College and the popular vote. He cannot do this unless my supporters join him. So look at the bigger picture. We must unite.”

tangent

Kennedy appealed to the Supreme Court to be barred from voting in both Michigan and Wisconsin, but the court denied his request late last week. Kennedy had argued that the states violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by keeping him on the ballot after he requested his removal. As usual, the Supreme Court offered no reasoning.

Further reading

ForbesRobert F. Kennedy Jr. supports Donald Trump and suspends election campaignFrom Antonio Pequeno IVForbesThird Swing State Rules RFK Jr. cannot withdraw from the voteFrom Sara DornForbesCourt delays mail-in voting in North Carolina over RFK Jr. – which could help TrumpFrom Sara DornForbesThe Supreme Court says RFK Jr. must remain on the ballot in Wisconsin and MichiganFrom Molly Bohannon