Trump’s Boost from RFK Jr’s Exit Plan Stalls in Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin
In an unexpected twist in the 2024 US Presidential race, the political strategy devised by former independent candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to boost the chances of the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, in swing states, appears to be stumbling in Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Despite his decision in August to suspend his independent campaign and align himself with Trump, Kennedy’s plan to withdraw from the ballot in specific swing states has hit multiple roadblocks. The intended move, based on polling data that suggested Trump would benefit in a one-on-one faceoff with the current Vice President, Kamala Harris, has yet to be ratified in the mentioned states.
Failed Withdrawal Efforts Pose Obstacle for Trump
Efforts to remove Kennedy’s name from the election ballot within these three pivotal states have remained unsuccessful, pushing a roadblock in Trump’s tour-de-force in these regions. In line with rules pertaining to minor-party candidates, withdrawal isn’t an option in Michigan. After challenging the state’s decision, the Michigan Court of Claims rejected Kennedy’s plea. Similarly, Wisconsin’s Elections Commission and North Carolina’s State Board of Elections have resolved to retain Kennedy on the ballot, a decision he vehemently contested via lawsuits.
The resulting deadlock could potentially impede the electoral advantage expected from Kennedy’s exit, thereby truncating the electoral boost that Trump could have received in these states. With Kennedy remaining on the banner, the Trump-Kennedy coalition’s hope for a surge in support within these states seems increasingly unlikely.
How Does This Influence Trump’s Nationwide Run?
Besides North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan, poll data has exhibited the benefits of a two-way Harris-Trump face-off, devoid of Kennedy, in just two swing states: Arizona and Pennsylvania. However, the situation is flipped in Nevada and Georgia, where the polling data suggest Trump’s lead gets diminished when the number of candidates drops down to two.
While Kennedy’s withdrawal could be beneficial for Trump in Arizona and Pennsylvania, the adverse implications in Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, along with Nevada and Georgia, have the potential to counterbalance those gains. It means that the strategy of a prospective Trump-Kennedy partnership will likely remain indecisive.
Trump and Kennedy: Seeking to Sway the Undecided
Despite the evident obstacles, Kennedy’s endorsement could still provide an advantage to Trump in alternative ways. During his independent campaign, Kennedy had managed to gain influential momentum among the undecided electorate dissatisfied with the mainstream two-party candidates. It’s predicted that Kennedy’s endorsement might resonate with these voters, thereby boosting Trump’s appeal.
With just 63 days left until Election Day, the current national polling average depicts a close race with Harris slightly leading Trump with 48.1% to 46.2%, respectively. This tight electoral face-off signifies the enormous potential of even a slight sway in the voter’s preferences, making the situation increasingly unpredictable and interesting.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
