Kennedy son may steal votes from Biden, Trump

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now running as an independent for the United States presidential elections next year, threatens to take votes from reelectionists President Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Political analysts say the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of assassinated president John F. Kennedy taking even a few votes from Biden in swing states could spell disaster for the Democrat.

At the same time, they see the long-time anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and a darling of the right-wing US media, as potentially harming Trump more than Biden.

He has proved more popular among Republicans than Democrats in opinion polling.

Kennedy Jr. declared his independent run to supporters in Philadelphia on Monday, quitting the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. He has been languishing on an average of less than 15 percent in major primary polls, 47 points behind Biden.

"I've come here today to declare our independence from the tyranny of corruption which robs us of affordable lives, our belief in the future and our respect for each other. But to do that, I must first declare my own independence: Independence from the Democratic Party, from all other political parties," 69-year-old former environmental lawyer said.

Four of Kennedy's siblings released a statement calling his announcement "dangerous" and "deeply saddening."

"Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment," they said.

Republicans, meanwhile, called Kennedy a "Democrat in Independent's clothing."