Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. arrived in Annapolis, Maryland, last night to a crowd of roughly 700 supporters. The event kicked off Kennedy’s nationwide ballot access initiative, with him needing over 10,000 signatures from registered voters in Maryland to get on the ballot.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds election rally in Annapolis | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/NpLLCQEr67

— WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (@wbaltv11) November 7, 2023

Kennedy announced his departure from the Democrat party last month. This segue into becoming an Independent has people on both sides questioning if he truly can “heal the divide.”

Pumped for his speech and delivering a warm reception, the audience in Annapolis represented a diverse base of Marylanders from across the political spectrum. Some were there to show support for a man they had long championed as a pioneer in environmental law and a leader in the health freedom community. 

Most were there because they support Kennedy’s message and believe he can become the next president of the United States. But can he? 

A Quinnipiac poll published last week predicted that,  in a hypothetical three-way race, “Biden receives 39 percent support, Trump receives 36 percent support, and Kennedy receives 22 percent support.” 

In other words, the base for Kennedy is growing, and it appears he may be more of a spoiler for Biden than former President Donald Trump — contrary to recent media spin.

Plenty of Republicans were on deck in support of getting Kennedy on the ballot, too. Maryland hasn’t voted Republican in the presidential election since former President George H. W. Bush won in 1988. In a traditionally “blue” state, many conservatives want Kennedy on the ballot to increase the odds that President Joe Biden loses Maryland. 

Kennedy delivered an impassioned speech, touching on topics from both sides of the aisle. He claims to be ready to address inflation and healthcare issues plaguing Americans, but the audience cheered when he made it clear where he stands on Ukraine.

Kennedy said, “The White House admits the big bills are going to come after the war. We’re giving out these huge contracts to rebuild Ukraine, and we’re going to pay for that. We’re going to pay for rebuilding Ukraine when we need to rebuild this country.”

Bobby Kennedy addresses the elephant in the room in Annapolis, Maryland last night: Hamas #informedchoicemaryland pic.twitter.com/5Ye4wdklSa

— Danielle Lasher (@lasherdani) November 8, 2023

The energy was palpable at that moment. Throughout the evening, many of Kennedy’s supporters remarked that this is the time for change and they believe it can happen in 2024.

The takeaway from Monday night in Annapolis? He can win Maryland, but only if he’s on the ballot. Kennedy told the crowd, “This is very doable, but I can’t do it alone. I need your help.”