RFK Jr. must be removed from North Carolina ballots, state Supreme Court rules
NBCSep 24
RFK Jr. Wins Removal from NC Ballot, Loses Michigan Bid
Image copyright: Roy Rochlin/Contributor/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Facts
Former independent candidate for US president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday received mixed results in his attempt to be removed from the ballot in certain swing states since he withdrew from the race and endorsed the Republican nominee, former Pres. Donald Trump.
In Michigan, the state Supreme Court reversed a lower-court decision and ruled Kennedy must stay on that state's ballot. In a brief order, the court said Kennedy "has not shown an entitlement to this extraordinary relief."
The Spin
Republican narrative
In places like Michigan, where the state Supreme Court is led by Democrats, confusion is sure to reign because of rulings that are meant to protect Harris from Kennedy voters switching to Trump. Keeping Kennedy off the ballot in such a partisan manner is sure to further reduce the public's faith in US election integrity.
Democratic narrative
Kennedy may think this is a political game he can control in order to steer voters to the candidate of his choice, but states can't just change direction based on the pleas of one man. Trump and Kennedy have no choice but to hope electors where Kennedy's lawsuits have failed don't vote for someone who pulled out of the race months before the election.