The Kennedy Wildcard

How RFK Jr.'s family feels about his candidacy. May 17, 2024 As the presidential election inches closer, we’re zooming in on the third party candidate who's been getting a lot of attention. Here’s how RFK Jr.’s campaign could sway the race and [what his famous family thinks about him running](. Then we’ll give [an update on where abortion is banned]( across the country and share [10 books that’ll change the way you think about American history](. All that, plus [the new Golden Bachelorette’s outlook on dating](, right here!   In the News [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]( Getty Images The Kennedy Wildcard Could Robert F. Kennedy Jr. be a spoiler? A new poll finds the independent candidate’s appeal could shake up this election. Here’s a closer look: How’s he polling? Higher than any third-party candidate in decades, according to a new NYT/Siena poll. In six key battleground states, he’s drawing about 10% of votes. Who’s voting for him? The independent candidate’s faring particularly well with two groups that traditionally lean Democrat — voters under 30 and Latinos — putting President Biden’s campaign on high alert. Who does he hurt more? In Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona, the surveys found that RFK Jr. would cut into President Biden’s support. In Michigan, he’d siphon votes away from Donald Trump. Even though he hasn’t yet qualified to be included on ballots in most states, both Biden and Trump do view him as a threat. RFK Jr.’s campaign has created a rift among the Kennedy clan, and many of his siblings and cousins have been quite vocal about why they won’t vote for him. We took [a dive into this family feud](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fkennedy-family-members-rfk-jr-campaign-2024%2F   More Stories [Michael Cohen emerging from shadows]( Cohen reportedly kept calm during the heated questioning. (Getty Images) Donald Trump's attorney Todd Blanche grew agitated while cross-examining Michael Cohen during the hush money trial yesterday, blasting Cohen's account of an alleged phone call with Trump about Stormy Daniels in 2016 as "a lie!" (Need a bit of a breakdown on Michael Cohen? [We've got you covered.)]( An upside-down American flag, widely recognized as a symbol of the "Stop the steal" movement, flew over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's front lawn after the 2020 election, the New York Times reports. This comes as the court prepares to hear two momentous cases involving the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. At least four people are dead as severe storms batter the Houston area. Nearly a million people are without power in Texas, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire said that “some twisters” were “mixed into strong winds.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pardoned Daniel Perry, an Army sergeant who was convicted of murdering Black Lives Matter protester Garrett Foster in 2020. "I feel like I’m in a Twilight Zone episode," Foster's mother told the New York Times.   By the Numbers We asked Wake-Up Callers for your thoughts on the presidential debate scheduled for June 27, and there was a fascinating dichotomy in the answers: While 71% said they plan to watch the Biden-Trump showdown, a whopping 88% said the debate won't affect their vote, as they've already decided who they're supporting in November. (And 79% agreed that they're satisfied not to see Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participating, even though he's accused the major parties of "colluding" to keep him off the stage.) As for what you're most hoping to hear about? Here's a look at the leading topics our community said they're looking out for at the debate... [A blue and purple pie chart depicting the issues Wake-Up Call readers want to hear about at the debates] Two items we were surprised to see at the bottom of the list, given how often they're mentioned in the media: Only 4% of respondents said they were most eager to hear discussion about the legal cases against Trump — and less than 1% said the same about the candidates' ages.   Must-Reads [Joan Vassos]( Words of Wisdom Joan Vassos, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, dishes on what she's learned about marriage, dating later in life, and a whole lot more. [Read More »]( [Stamped from the Beginning; Mediocre; Lies My Teacher Told Me book covers on yellow and orange gradient background]( Think Again Want to move beyond the myths about U.S. history and get to the truth about our country’s past? This reading list has you covered. [Read More »]( [Signs in front of the Supreme Court that say #DismantleRoe and Keep Abortion Legal]( Rights Watch It's been nearly two years since Roe v. Wade fell. Here's where abortion access currently stands in states across the country. [Read More »](   Inside the Situation Room [Katie Couric and George Stephanopoulos]( Getty Images George Stephanopoulos is a powerhouse who's been at the forefront of American media and politics for decades. I had a wide-ranging conversation with George about his new book, The Situation Room; how the media should cover Donald Trump this time around; and more. I hope you'll [check it out]( and [pick up a copy of his book]( — it's a must-read.   Reclaim Your Time The average woman spends 55 minutes getting ready every morning, but you can look just as glamorous without setting up camp in front of the mirror. We've got [tips on how to speed up your usual makeup routine]( (and snag the superb products required at a fabulous discount). 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