RFK Jr amasses $1.4 mil debt for private security

[Redban]

He has to spend his own money for private security because the Biden admin won’t grant him secret service protection. Haley had security service protection, which she received after one application. Ben Carson in the fall of 2015 got secret service. But RFK Jr has been denied 5 times

 how is this act not corrupt, sleazy, and unfair? To run for president requires security, and private security requires millions. So by denying RFK Jr secret service, Biden’s admin is basically sending the message that a person who wants to run for president must have millions set aside for their private security? Is that behavior appropriate for the party that claims to champion the poor and middle class?

In addition- there is the obvious corruption in the act of forcing your political rival to spend millions on private security, as Biden benefits from his rival’s having less money.

[Redban]

Historically, only "major candidates" are given secret service protection. RFK is not a major candidate. Haley likely received secret service protection because she was running against Trump, whose supporters have a history of violence. The threat against her was unique.

RFK Jr is a major candidate. He is averaging 15% in three way race, and he has raised $28 million since his campaign began

But even dismissing that — people need to spend money to become a major candidate, and purchasing private security costs more money than most people have (ie millions).. So you get a catch 22, by your claim. You need to become a “major candidate” to get secret service protection, but the road to becoming a “major candidate” is impossible for many people without secret service protection. What if RFK Jr didn’t have the money to hire his own security? His campaign has to end cause Biden didn’t want to give him protection?

[Redban]

Historically, only "major candidates" are given secret service protection. RFK is not a major candidate. Haley likely received secret service protection because she was running against Trump, whose supporters have a history of violence. The threat against her was unique.

RFK Jr is a major candidate. He is averaging 15% in three way race, and he has raised $28 million since his campaign began

But even dismissing that — people need to spend money to become a major candidate, and purchasing private security costs more money than most people have (ie millions).. So you get a catch 22, by your claim. You need to become a “major candidate” to get secret service protection, but the road to becoming a “major candidate” is impossible for many people without secret service protection. What if RFK Jr didn’t have the money to hire his own security? His campaign has to end cause Biden didn’t want to give him protection?

RFK is polling at 11.2% in the RCP average, and he has yet to make the ballot in all 50 states. He is not a major candidate. In fact, it would be unprecedented for him to receive secret service protection right now. This isn't some conspiracy by Biden to hurt RFK.

15% in RCP in the three  way

https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-biden-vs-kennedy

[Redban]

He doesn't need security because the risk of someone trying to harm him is very low.

He comes from a family where multiple people have been assassinated, and there have been stalkers arrested multiple times at his residence since he began his campaign: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trespasser-arrested-twice-rfk-jr-home-same-day

[Redban]

Kennedy's team sends fiery letter to DHS, hinting that they may "commence an action."

As noted before - Ben Carson in 2015 got Secret Service protection, as did Haley this year. But this letter says that Rick Santorum in 2012 got Secret Service protection too. Was Santorum 2012 really more fit for secret service than RFK Jr now?

https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1775566812257677639

[Redban]

Kennedy's team sends fiery letter to DHS, hinting that they may "commence an action."

As noted before - Ben Carson in 2015 got Secret Service protection, as did Haley this year. But this letter says that Rick Santorum in 2012 got Secret Service protection too. Was Santorum 2012 really more fit for secret service than RFK Jr now?

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To repeat part of what I quoted upthread:

Whether, during and within an active and competitive major party primary, the most recent average of established national polls, as reflected by the Real Clear Politics National Average or similar mechanism, the candidate is polling at 15% or more for 30 consecutive days;

    Whether the candidate is the formal or de facto nominee of a major party for President or Vice President;

    Whether the candidate is an independent or third-party candidate for President polling at 20% or more of the Real Clear Politics National Average for 30 consecutive day

In 2012, Santorum was polling well over 15% from January through April. Similarly, Carson was polling right behind Trump for much of 2015.

Kennedy, after bailing on the Democratic Primary he seemed unlikely to win, is running as an independent and has trouble breaking 10%.

Even if I didn't despise their vile politics, one of the right's most disgusting traits is the endless aggrieved whining when they have to follow the same rules everyone else does.  

Your own quote says, "the Secretary has broad discretion and may consider a variety of factors." The 15-20% polling figures (and all the other 'requirements' listed) are just guides, not hard rules or benchmarks that candidates must meet. Mayorkas can use his discretion as he sees fit.

He can consider, for example, whether 15-20% is too stringent; whether the cost of private security is too much to ask for RFK Jr to cover with his own money; and the multiple incidents in which people have made attempts on RFK Jr since he announced his candidacy