A Michigan judge ruled that independent presidential candidate Cornel West must appear on the state’s ballot, a move that could draw votes away from President Joe Biden in the crucial swing state. “Our children are now the unhealthiest, sickest children in the world,” Kennedy emphasized, highlighting his campaign’s focus on combating corporate influence in government.
Judge James Robert Redford ordered that West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, be placed on the ballot, overturning an earlier decision by state officials that cited notary issues with West’s paperwork. The court’s ruling allows West to compete in Michigan, barring any disqualification following a review of petition signatures.
The Fair Election Fund, a group backing West’s efforts, praised the ruling as a blow against what it labeled as voter suppression. West echoed these sentiments, stating on X that the decision is a victory for democracy and all voters seeking an alternative to the major parties.
Michigan, a swing state with a history of razor-thin election margins, could see significant shifts in the vote due to West’s presence on the ballot. Progressive voters and those dissatisfied with the two-party system may be drawn to West’s campaign, potentially weakening Biden’s support in a state he narrowly won in 2020. With the election fast approaching, every vote in Michigan is crucial, and West’s candidacy adds another layer of complexity to the race.
