The Spoiler Threat of R.F.K. Jr.

<p>Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was once dismissed as a fringe figure in the 2024 presidential race. But this week, as he announces an independent run for the White House, he’s striking fear within both the Democratic and Republican parties.</p><p>Rebecca Davis O’Brien, who covers campaign finance for The Times, explains why.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/rebecca-davis-obrien?smid=pc-thedaily">Rebecca Davis O’Brien</a>, a reporter covering campaign finance and money in U.S. elections for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told supporters<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/us/politics/robert-f-kennedy-jr-independent.html?smid=pc-thedaily"> he would end his campaign as a Democratic candidate and run as an independent</a>, potentially upsetting the dynamics of the 2024 election.</li><li>From July,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/06/us/politics/rfk-conspiracy-theories-fact-check.html?smid=pc-thedaily"> five noteworthy falsehoods Mr. Kennedy has promoted</a>.</li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.</p>