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The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

OPINION: RFK Jr is America’s last hope for national unity

OPINION%3A+RFK+Jr+is+Americas+last+hope+for+national+unity
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For the entirety of the modern era, the two-party system has dominated politics in America. Both Republicans and Democrats have all of the power at the state and federal levels. Because of this restricting system, there is rarely ever a candidate who can persuade voters from both parties to elect them to the presidency. However, it seems that a worthy candidate has arrived to test the waters. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, is currently running for president. It’s clear that RFK has by far the best chance of finally uniting this country after years of division if he were to be elected. 

Earlier this year, Kennedy announced he was running for president as a Democrat, giving President Joe Biden some tough competition. However, even as a Democrat, Republicans were still interested in what Kennedy had to say. This led to Kennedy having a town hall event that was put on and televised by FOX News, a conservative-leaning news source that many Republican voters tend to watch. 

Anyone who follows American politics knows that Republican voters never take too kindly to Democratic candidates. The fact that RFK was able to get through to so many should be enough to put him in the immediate conversation for next year’s election. This country’s biggest current issue is divisiveness. While we have many problems that need solutions, we’ll never find said solutions unless both our government and our people start working together regardless of political belief. Bringing in a commander-in-chief who can speak to both sides and work hand-in-hand with Congress would be a tremendous step in the right direction.

Just days ago, RFK announced that he’s now running for president as an independent candidate. This inherently makes it more difficult for RFK to secure the election now that he has detached himself from the two-party system. However, his promises and views remain the same. After realizing Biden most likely wouldn’t be coming out to play before the end of the Primaries, the candidate made the bold decision. 

While Kennedy was running as a Democrat, he had many views that Republicans happily agreed on. Kennedy challenged the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and proceeded to call out Dr. Anthony Fauci and claimed he was responsible for the pandemic. 

Kennedy ultimately wrote and published a book covering the subject titled “The Real Anthony Fauci.” The book was released this past February and had many people talking. Kennedy no doubt wrote the book in an attempt to run for president in the future. By the time he made his announcement, Kennedy had all the tools he needed to once again gain traction in the political world.

RFK can also be looked at in comparison to our likely two nominees next year, former President Donald Trump and Biden. On the right side of things, Trump is toxically divisive. For every one devoted Trump fan, there’s a devoted hater who would love nothing more than to see him rot in prison. Trump doesn’t seem to mind the divide surrounding his name. In fact, he thrives on it. 

While this may not be destructive to his campaign, it negatively affects the country and only makes us more bitter with each other. This is something we may never have to worry about again with Kennedy in office and it’s sad that not enough people see it as clearly. 

Similarly, Biden is in no position to unite the country either. While that is what he ran on back in 2020, It’s not to anybody’s surprise that he didn’t keep his word. We don’t see as much of Biden as we should. His occasional remarks on TV can have many people confused and anxious, perhaps more so than before he even said anything. Rather than electing someone who cannot unite a divided nation and is the oldest sitting president, voters should elect RFK, who has an actual goal of national unity. 

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About the Contributor
Aidan Burns
Aidan Burns, Staff Writer | he/him
Aidan is a sophomore broadcast journalism major who writes articles by day and waits tables by night.

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  • M

    MillyOct 20, 2023 at 11:01 pm

    Well said, representing the collective thoughts of all of us who are supporting Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for President. We are sick and tired of the division, hate and brokenness of government from the local, state to federal levels.

    Reply
  • S

    ScottOct 18, 2023 at 5:10 pm

    Very nice piece and written well. Displaying both side of the isle . I believe we all hope that all sides alike could work hand-in-hand with Congress. Look forward to reading more of your articles.

    Reply
  • D

    Don DeHartOct 18, 2023 at 3:41 pm

    A well written article, giving the reader pause to giving serious consideration for the candidacy of RFK in the upcoming presidential election.

    Reply