Robert F Kennedy Jr, the son of the former senator and scion of the Kennedy political family, is expected to shake up the 2020 presidential race by announcing an independent run for the presidency. Kennedy, who has been running as a Democrat, has raised eyebrows with his promotion of conspiracy theories and his staunch opposition to vaccines. In a statement emailed to the media, Kennedy's campaign announced that the 69-year-old will be making a "much-anticipated announcement in [an] address to the American people" on Monday afternoon in Philadelphia.

As an environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist, Kennedy has garnered a following of deep-pocketed backers and gained attention for his famous name. His lack of enthusiasm for both the leading Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and the Democratic president seeking reelection, Joe Biden, has positioned him as a potential rival capable of drawing support from both sides. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that Kennedy could potentially secure the votes of about one in seven U.S. voters.

However, despite his potential appeal, many within the Democratic Party have expressed skepticism and concern about Kennedy's candidacy. At a recent Democratic National Committee gathering in St. Louis, party members were dismissive of Kennedy, questioning his qualifications beyond his name. "Outside of his name, what does he have? He's an anathema to his family's legacy. It's sort of a disgrace," said Ken Martin, head of Minnesota's Democratic Party.

Moreover, the challenges faced by independent candidates in securing a spot on general election ballots in various states have been highlighted by Democrats. The requirement of collecting tens of thousands of signatures is seen as a significant obstacle. Charles Wilson, chair of Washington DC's Democratic Party, urged caution, emphasizing the importance of every vote in what is expected to be a close race. "We can't go into this election with rose-colored glasses," he warned.

Kennedy's anticipated announcement in Philadelphia has generated a sense of anticipation and uncertainty among political strategists and voters alike. With his unique combination of influential backers, famous name, and controversial stances, Kennedy has the potential to disrupt the current political landscape and reshape the trajectory of the upcoming presidential election. Only time will tell if his independent bid for the presidency will gain traction and have a lasting impact on the race.