Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance criticized Democrats for attacking Green Party nominee Jill Stein while simultaneously fighting to keep Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on the ballot even after his endorsement of Donald Trump. Vance argued that Kennedy had more support than Stein and Democrats should be worried about spoilers. Kennedy has since launched litigation to remove his name from the ballot as lawsuits were previously filed to keep him off by Democrats. Stein has faced criticism for continuing her candidacy in 2024 as the race tightens.
Stein, who ran for president on the Green Party line in 2012, 2016, and 2024, has been labeled a Russian “useful idiot” by the Democratic National Committee. The party accused Stein of parroting Kremlin talking points and claimed that a vote for her is a vote for Trump. Stein has faced backlash for her continued candidacy and has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans. Kennedy, on the other hand, has been fighting to remove his name from the ballot after endorsing Trump, sparking controversy.
Various Democratic figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell, have criticized Stein for her role in bringing Trump to power. O’Donnell claimed that Trump’s rise was due in part to the Electoral College and Jill Stein. Stein’s third-party bid has been characterized by her refrain of fighting for the greater good rather than choosing the lesser evil. Democrats have been accused of trying to aid ballot access for other third-party candidates for similar reasons to Republicans who support Stein.
Stein dismissed the Democrats’ smear campaign, claiming it has actually helped bring attention to her campaign. She criticized Democrats for their actions and highlighted the need for genuine change rather than choosing between two evils. Stein has been embroiled in controversy as the election narrows, with both Republicans and Democrats criticizing her candidacy. Kennedy’s attempts to remove his name from the ballot have added another layer of complexity to the third-party dynamics in the 2024 election.
The New York Times published a piece chronicling the controversy surrounding Stein’s candidacy, including an encounter with a heckler and criticism from her own family. Stein continues to advocate for her third-party bid, emphasizing the importance of fighting for positive change rather than settling for the status quo. Despite facing opposition from both major parties, Stein remains steadfast in her commitment to her campaign and has made headlines for her continued presence in the race. The role of third-party candidates like Stein and Kennedy in the upcoming election continues to be a point of contention and debate among political figures and voters.
