Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., also known as RFK, announced support for reparations. The candidate recently announced his independent bid after challenging President Joe Biden in the Democratic Party’s presidential primary.
“Communities that were specifically targeted for destruction need to be specifically targeted for repair,” his campaign website reads.
“During Jim Crow, Black banks, businesses, hospitals, schools and farms were targeted for destruction. Racists knew that without these, the Black community had no chance of building wealth. We must set federal dollars aside to rebuild Black infrastructure,” Kennedy’s platform reads.
I think we're done here.https://t.co/C6ECkvWSXh
— JWF (@JammieWF) October 18, 2023
The candidate’s website says that such programs would “complement direct redress payments or tax credits” to the descendants of “victims of Jim Crow and other victims of persecution.”
It also reads that Kennedy will “find ways to offer this redress that are legal, fair and win the approval of Americans of all races.”
RFK said in a July interview that major urban development projects would be likely to span racial gaps because they would benefit “everybody.” “Even people who are Trumpers,” Kennedy said, adding “everybody wants business to work and to flourish.”
Kennedy, the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY) gained notoriety and praise from some observers on the right.
After Kennedy exited the Democratic primary, he faced criticism from a number of supporters of President Donald Trump.
The candidate’s entry into the 2024 field could have a significant impact on the election, as he could draw voters from both the left and right. Kennedy carries a name that is particularly influential in Democratic politics. He has been an activist associated with a number of left-leaning policy positions for years.
Several polls have shown Kennedy making a difference in the race already. A recent NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll showed Kennedy bringing in 16% in a race against Biden and Trump. In this poll, Biden set a lead, despite a number of recent head-to-head polls that had Trump in front.
