Robert F. Kennedy’s party change this week from a Democrat to independent sparked an influx of donations, a super PAC affiliated with his campaign announced on Tuesday.
American Values, the political action committee boosting Kennedy’s presidential bid, said that it raised $11 million just six hours after the candidate reintroduced himself to voters as an independent White House aspirant.
“Americans don’t like censorship or propaganda and they are tired of being lied to,” said Tony Lyons, who co-founded the American Values PAC, in a statement.
“It’s clear that Bobby is inspiring a populist movement that unites left and right, black, and white, rural and urban, young and old,” Lyons said. “His campaign is a movement built for and by the people, not corrupt politicians and corporations. You can see it from town to town across the country: There is real electricity and a palpable desire for change.”
Kennedy, who comes from a wealthy dynasty, is not hard-pressed for money. But the large fundraising sum is the latest indication that he could have staying power in the unpredictable 2024 presidential race.
Kennedy’s lack of spark as a Democratic candidate against President Biden may not necessarily translate to poor traction as an independent candidate, with both sides of the aisle waking up to the possibility that he could be a force in the general election.
“Millions of independent-minded Americans are seeing through the most powerful censorship and propaganda campaign against any candidate in American political history,” Lyons added while announcing the fundraising total. He said the group has brought in a massive haul of $28 million since last year.
The anti-vax lawyer and activist has also seen signs of popularity in polls with voters who are displeased with the probable choice between Biden and former President Trump.
He sought to address what he views as a false choice between the existing two-party structure on Monday when teeing off his formal change to an independent at a rally in Philadelphia.
“The Democrats are frightened I’m going to spoil the election for President Biden, and the Republicans are frightened I’m going to spoil it for President Trump,” Kennedy said during his roughly hour-long speech. “My intention is to spoil it for both of them.”