The co-hosts of ABC’s “The View” were in a frenzy on Monday morning as they opined about Robert Kennedy Jr.’s potential third-party presidential bid. However, co-host Sara Haines was not convinced, expressing concerns about the impact this could have on President Joe Biden’s re-election bid.
During their discussion, host Whoopi Goldberg turned to Sunny Hostin, asking if she shared Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s worries about a third party contender. Hostin replied that she was “very concerned,” citing the 2016 election where Green Party candidate Jill Stein potentially played a decisive role in ensuring Trump’s victory.
Ana Navarro, who often identifies as a Republican, also joined the conversation, bringing up the impact independent candidate Ross Perot had on President George H.W. Bush’s chances for re-election in 1992. Navarro described both Bush and his opponent, Bill Clinton, as “normal and sane” compared to Trump.
She went on to claim that Trump’s supporters are “cult members,” while Biden’s are “normal human beings.”
Haines chimed in, portraying Kennedy’s campaign as a threat to the two-party system and insisting that now is “not the time for a third party.” She argued that change happens slowly in the country, and there is “no room” for an independent candidate in this year’s election.
However, Gov. Newsom’s concerns are not unfounded. In a recent interview on ABC’s “This Week,” he expressed his worries about potential spoilers in the presidential race.
With so many contenders vying for the presidency from outside of the two main parties, it’s no wonder he’s concerned. Aside from Kennedy, Stein is again seeking the Green Party nomination, and left-wing social critic Cornel West is also running as an independent candidate. And on the opposite side of the political spectrum, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is also considering jumping into the race.
Despite the fears of “The View’s” co-hosts, a third party candidate could potentially have a significant impact on the election. With the country still deeply divided, and the two major parties at odds, a new contender could shake things up and attract votes from both sides of the aisle.
Kennedy himself has expressed his frustration with the current political climate, stating that he feels “both parties have failed us.” He believes that the country needs a leader who can bring people together, rather than further dividing them.
SHOULD DEMS BE WORRIED ABOUT A THIRD PARTY CANDIDATE? After California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed concerns to @ABC News' @jonkarl that third party candidates could be “spoilers” for Democrats and Pres. Biden come November, #TheView co-hosts weigh in. https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/eBXvnxHZTv
— The View (@TheView) January 29, 2024
It’s no surprise that Biden and his supporters may view Kennedy’s campaign as a threat to his chances for re-election. However, many Americans are tired of the current state of politics and are looking for a change. A third party candidate who can connect with voters and offer a fresh perspective may just be what the country needs.
In the end, it’s up to the American people to decide who will lead the country for the next four years. As Gov. Newsom said, we must focus on what we can control and ensure that everyone exercises their right to vote. The upcoming election will undoubtedly be a crucial one, and the presence of a third party candidate may just shake things up and lead to a surprise outcome. As for the co-hosts of “The View,” their panic may just be a sign that Kennedy’s campaign is worth keeping an eye on.