Article Summary –
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that President Biden poses a greater threat to American democracy than former President Trump, citing the Biden administration’s efforts to counter misinformation as a form of “censorship.” Kennedy, known for promoting vaccine misinformation, has been criticized by democracy experts who highlight Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his incitement of the Capitol riot as greater threats to democracy. Kennedy’s comments have raised concerns among Democrats, as his presence in the election could potentially draw votes away from Biden.
Trump’s Stance on 2020 Election Loss and Robert F. Kennedy’s Views on Biden
Despite refusing to accept his 2020 election loss and making plans to deny 2024 election results if he loses, former President Donald Trump is viewed by independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr, as less dangerous to American democracy than President Biden. Democracy experts consider this viewpoint “absurd” and “preposterous”.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Political Position
Having built his political career promoting vaccine misinformation and government conspiracy theories, Kennedy claims the Biden administration’s efforts to combat misinformation pose a significant threat to American democracy. He labels this as censorship, a concept he prioritizes above others in the political system.
Kennedy’s Comments on Biden and Trump
Last week, Kennedy compared Biden and Trump, saying that to young Americans, they “look like two sides of the same coin.” He also suggested that Biden’s actions pose a larger threat to democracy than Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election loss, his instigation of political violence, and his efforts to amass executive power. He denied that he was making these arguments, instead, suggesting that these are points he could raise.
Critiques of Kennedy’s Claims
Scholars of democratic governments have dismissed Kennedy’s claims as nonsensical. They highlight the importance of politicians accepting election results and rejecting political violence, arguing that these are more significant to democracy than regulating social media. Sheri Berman, a political science professor, said that Kennedy had downplayed the threats posed by Trump’s election denial and inflated Biden’s actions.
Kennedy’s Lawsuit on Social Media Censorship
Kennedy previously filed a lawsuit alleging that the Biden administration had used threats of regulatory action to induce social media companies into restricting speech. A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on the issue, but the Supreme Court allowed the government to continue contact with major social media companies until a ruling in a related case is made.
Democratic Reaction to Kennedy’s Remarks
Democratic National Committee senior advisor, Mary Beth Cahill, dismissed Kennedy’s claims as “MAGA talking points” and labeled him as a spoiler candidate. She stressed that there is no comparison between Biden’s actions and Trump’s incitement of a mob at the Capitol and his promise to be a dictator on his first day back in office.
Kennedy’s Campaign Against Biden and the Democratic Party
Amid his criticism of the Biden administration and the Democratic party, Kennedy’s campaign has described the party as corrupt and has resisted its efforts to challenge his ballot access and its refusal to allow a debate between him and Biden. Both Levitsky and Berman argue that those who spread misinformation about democracy are contributing to the assault on our democratic system.
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