Whoa: New Poll Shows RFK Jr. Siphoning More Support From Trump Than Biden

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy’s presence on the ticket could spell major trouble for former President Donald Trump.

A new poll shows President Joe Biden leading Trump 44% to 37%, with Kennedy notching 16%.

Released by Marist in partnership with NPR and PBS Newshour on Tuesday, the poll shows a five-point drop among Democrats for Biden with Kennedy in the race. Meanwhile, the survey indicates a 10-point drop among Republicans for Trump with RFK Jr. on the ticket.

“Although it’s always tricky to assess the impact of a third-party candidate, right now Kennedy alters the equation in Biden’s favor,” said Lee M. Miringoff, Director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “What this does speak to, however, is that about one in six voters are looking for another option especially independents.”

The poll was conducted on Oct. 11 among 1,313 U.S. adults

Biden and Trump remain the runaway favorites to win their party’s respective nominations.

Kennedy, who dropped his challenge to Biden for the Democratic nomination, announced his independent run earlier this month. Though, the political scion holds a host of liberal views, his criticisms of the Democratic Party, tech platforms, and vaccines have made him popular on right-wing outlets such as Fox News and Newsmax. That is likely to change – and indeed is already beginning to [go] forward.

Last week, Sean Hannity conducted a brutal interview on Fox News after giving him several friendly discussions, including a town hall in July.