In a stunning turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday that he will be running as an independent candidate for the presidency of the United States. Speaking before a crowd at Philadelphia's Independence Mall, Kennedy expressed his frustration with the two-party system and declared his independence from the Democratic Party. He emphasized his commitment to making a new Declaration of Independence for the nation, stating that he was breaking away from the corporations and special interests that have corrupted the government.

Kennedy outlined his reasons for leaving the Democratic Party, citing their alignment with Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Pharma, Big Ag, military contractors, and lobbyists. He criticized the mercenary media for promoting division and fear, and accused the cynical elites of betraying the people's hope. Furthermore, Kennedy declared independence from the entire rigged system of corruption and lies that has turned government officials into servants of corporate interests, warning that if left unchecked, they would commoditize every aspect of American life.

The decision to leave the Democratic Party was not an easy one for Kennedy, as he comes from a long line of prominent Democratic politicians. His family's political dynasty includes his father, uncles, and grandfathers, who played significant roles in Boston's political landscape. However, Kennedy stated that his sacrifice is necessary to fight against the tyranny of corruption and to uphold the inalienable rights enshrined in the original Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Kennedy's independent bid for the presidency could complicate the 2024 election. With both major parties fielding candidates that a majority of Americans do not support, there is a hunger for a history-making change. A recent poll showed that three-fourths of Americans believe President Biden is too old to govern effectively, while former President Trump faces multiple legal challenges. Kennedy's combination of deep-pocketed backers, a famous surname, and his stance on issues such as vaccine skepticism has garnered him popularity among Republican voters.

Running as an independent will be an uphill battle for Kennedy, as he will need to secure ballot access in all 50 states. However, he has built a base of support among disaffected voters across the political spectrum. Some Democrats fear that his candidacy could pose a significant threat to their party, potentially siphoning votes away from their nominee. Despite his sagging poll numbers in recent months, Kennedy continues to appeal to skeptical Democrats, political conservatives, and independents.

Kennedy has been critical of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), accusing them of favoring Biden and refusing to acknowledge his campaign. He has raised concerns about the party's decision to change the first primary state from New Hampshire, where he has a base of support, to South Carolina, the state that played a crucial role in rescuing Biden's campaign in 2020. Kennedy argues that the DNC should allow for debates between Biden and himself, as the party should support the candidate chosen by its voters.

As Kennedy stood before the crowd in Philadelphia, he made a pledge to be a leader free of partisan allegiance and backroom dealings, serving only his conscience, his creator, and the American people. With his declaration of independence from the two-party system, Kennedy believes that he can restore the nation to the people and make it theirs again. The 2024 election race may witness a dramatic shift in dynamics, as an independent candidate like Kennedy seeks to challenge the dominance of the two major parties. Only time will tell if his campaign can gain enough momentum to truly shake up the political landscape.