Cenk Uygur, host of progressive Young Turks TV show, is running as an independent presidential candidate and could radically alter the 2024 race if successful in running an effective independent campaign. But Cenk has an uphill climb ahead of him before his bid can become reality.
His campaign has been dogged by controversy, with charges that Covid-19 targets white and black people more than others; national Democrats remain mostly silent.
What is the House of Representatives?
The House of Representatives is one of two chambers that comprise the United States Congress. Comprised of 435 representatives elected for two-year terms based on population size, each state elects certain numbers to the House depending on how populous its area is. Furthermore, this chamber possesses exclusive powers including initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials.
The Framers of the Constitution created the House to be more responsive to ordinary citizens, acting as an outlet for their political priorities, while the Senate provided for more cerebral deliberation. The House is led by its Speaker who sets legislative priorities for them while overseeing deliberations sessions.
House staff include several non-member officers, such as a clerk responsible for maintaining public records and document preparation; a chief administrative officer overseeing junior officials (including pages until their discontinuance in 2011); as well as committees such as the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that provide advisory recommendations.
How does it decide the presidential election?
Constitutionally, in the event no candidate earns a majority of electoral votes, their election winner would be determined by the House of Representatives. This has happened twice previously: in 1800 and 1825. Since Biden is already leading polls, forcing Congress to choose one would give him the presidency.
Most political players have thus far ignored Kennedy’s campaign. Yet his name and platform remain familiar to voters and popular with some liberals alike, making his campaign notable despite receiving attacks from both Republicans and Democrats alike. Even though Kennedy promotes conspiracy theories about Covid-19 and suggests the election was stolen, many people continue searching his posts and podcasts because his credibility poses a credible threat for both parties – they know if he wins they’ll likely need to address issues they hold dearer.
What is RFK’s plan to force the House to elect a president?
On Monday, Patrick Kennedy of the Kennedy political dynasty decided to change course and run as an independent. His decision shocked many who supported his candidacy – in particular those with strong associations to right-wing figures as well as controversial viewpoints such as an association between vaccines and autism.
Speaking from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall – where America’s founding documents were adopted – where America’s founding documents were adopted – RFK Jr. informed his listeners that he would take steps to take back control from both major parties. He likened Democrats and Republicans to teenagers fighting over who will control an out-of-control car while both are programmed by lobbyists with GPS routes programmed into them by GPS navigation systems.
Still, it remains to be seen if RFK will attract enough voters to make an impactful statement next year. Independent candidates tend to win less than 20% of the popular vote and this doesn’t translate into electoral votes because only one candidate from each party wins by majority vote.
What is RFK’s plan to make sure no other candidate wins?
RFK announced his intent to run as an independent candidate, prompting outrage from members of his own family. Four out of the eight surviving siblings issued a joint statement condemning his entry into the race as it “saddened us all”.
If no candidate wins 270 electoral votes in a presidential election, it is decided by the House of Representatives – something which has happened twice previously in American history.
Kennedy has announced his intention to use a procedural mechanism known as the Contingent Rule in order to force a House vote if needed. For this to work successfully, they need ballot access in ten states which they believe they have accomplished by creating their own party and decreasing signature requirements.
Third party candidates offer voters the opportunity to select their president; but could also ensure neither Biden or Trump wins. RFK, Green Party candidate Cornel West or even a hypothetical nominee from No Labels may pull support away from either Biden or Trump, thus handing the presidency to someone on the other side.
