WASHINGTON — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday launched his most scathing attack of the campaign against former President Donald Trump. Both Kennedy and the presumptive Republican nominee are seeking to win over the libertarian base.
Kennedy, 70, largely avoided criticizing Trump directly, instead aiming his harshest words at Biden, who has attacked RFK Jr. as an “extremist” and a “Democratic operative” out to steal votes from the Republican standard-bearer and ensure Biden’s reelection on Nov. 5.
But RFK Jr. was unapologetic when he addressed delegates to the Libertarian Party National Convention at the Washington Hilton.
“President Trump has allowed health officials to mandate social distancing measures that have no scientific basis,” Kennedy said, charging that the 45th president has done nothing to protect the freedoms of speech, assembly and worship during the COVID-19 pandemic from “the greatest restriction of civil liberties this country has ever seen.”
Kennedy also criticized Trump for not intervening while in office on behalf of both WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whom he described as a “hero,” and former National Security Agency contractor and anti-surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden.
“On my first day in office, I will pardon Edward Snowden and drop all charges against Julian Assange,” the Independent said, prompting shouts of “Free Assange!” from the audience.
Trump is due to address the delegates on Saturday evening, but his speech is expected to be disrupted by protesters who want a one-on-one debate between the former president and RFK Jr.
Biden and Trump have agreed to hold two in-person debates on June 27 and Sept. 10. Under terms set by the incumbent’s campaign, third-party candidates cannot participate.
Trump said earlier this month that he would debate Kennedy, calling him “more astute and intelligent than Biden.”
During his speech, RFK Jr. challenged Trump about the debate, saying he hoped the former president would have the “courage” to speak out on issues.
The Trump campaign launched its attack on Kennedy at the convention before the independent candidate took the stage, running mobile billboard attack ads around the Hilton calling him an “extremist” and highlighting his left-wing policy proposals.
