Trump to Target RFK Jr. at Libertarian Party Convention

Donald Trump is set to address the Libertarians’ national convention on Saturday night in an attempt to attract conservative voters who have been skeptical of him in the past. He aims to prevent party activists from being swayed by independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

During the convention in Washington, where Libertarians will choose their White House nominee, Kennedy, who previously ran in the Democratic primary, spoke on Friday but has indicated he is not vying for the Libertarian nomination.

Recent polls indicate that most voters, including a majority of Democrats, do not want to see a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. This could lead to increased support for alternative candidates like the Libertarian nominee or Kennedy, with concerns that he may act as a spoiler in the election.

In previous elections, Libertarian candidates like Gary Johnson and Jo Jorgensen garnered a small percentage of the national vote, potentially drawing support from disaffected Republicans and individuals on the left who oppose government overreach.

Trump’s appearance at the convention has raised questions about the party’s core values, with some suggesting it has shifted from its libertarian roots. However, Trump’s campaign sees this as an opportunity to reach out to voters beyond traditional Republican strongholds.

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine activism, is trying to appeal to a wide range of voters by positioning himself as a champion for the middle class and a voice against powerful interests. His stance on vaccines and other issues has garnered support from some on the right.

While Trump previously praised Kennedy, he has now criticized him, urging voters not to waste their vote on the independent candidate. Both Trump and Biden have faced scrutiny over their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Kennedy accusing them of infringing on personal liberties.

Despite the controversy surrounding vaccines, health officials maintain that they are safe and effective, with vaccines credited for preventing millions of deaths each year. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine group is involved in a lawsuit against various news organizations for alleged antitrust violations related to COVID-19 misinformation.

As the election approaches, both Trump and Biden are working to secure support and undermine their opponents. Biden has garnered endorsements from members of the Kennedy family, while Trump is targeting potential defectors by criticizing Kennedy’s positions.