On Thursday, Dr. Jill Stein officially entered the 2024 presidential race, positioning herself as a formidable opponent to the perceived shortcomings of the bipartisan establishment. The announcement was made on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, where Stein, a Green Party candidate, underscored her commitment to offering an alternative to the prevailing two-party system, emphasizing the need for a political entity that genuinely serves the interests of the people.
In a video shared on social media, Stein addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, urging for an investigation into what she referred to as war crimes committed by the Netanyahu regime. She also raised concerns about the involvement of President Joe Biden and other U.S. leaders in supporting these actions, stressing the urgency of putting an end to the ongoing atrocities.
Stein’s declaration comes in the aftermath of the deadliest Palestinian militant attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, leading to a significant escalation in violence. Israel responded with its most substantial airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in a reported death toll exceeding 10,000 in Gaza and 1,400 in Israel as of Thursday.
The Green Party candidate’s position diverges sharply from the Biden administration’s pro-Israel stance, exemplified by the recent approval of a nearly $14.5 billion military aid package by the House of Representatives. Stein’s candidacy aligns with a pro-worker, anti-war, and climate emergency agenda, as detailed on her campaign website.
Notably, Stein gained prominence in the 2020 election as a third-party candidate. While the impact of her candidacy on the outcome remains uncertain, she garnered attention, particularly in key states where Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton lost to Republican Donald Trump.
Dr. Stein is not the only third-party contender in the upcoming election. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently declared his independent candidacy, explicitly stating his intention to “spoil” the race for both Biden and Trump.
Recent polls indicate Kennedy receiving 22 percent of votes in a hypothetical three-way race, with Trump at 36 percent and Biden leading at 39 percent, according to Quinnipiac University. Another poll from Sienna College and The New York Times shows Kennedy leading among voters under 45, with 34 percent support compared to 30 percent for Biden and 29 percent for Trump.
As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, the entry of third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adds a layer of complexity, challenging the dominance of the two major parties.