Jill Stein, a prominent environmental advocate, is making a bold move by announcing her 2024 presidential candidacy as a Green Party representative, conjuring memories of her 2016 campaign that some believe may have contributed to influentially paving the way for Donald Trump’s narrow victory.
In a video statement released on Thursday, the 73-year-old Stein declared that the current political system is fractured, and her quest for the presidency serves as an alternative to the failing two-party structure. The launch of her campaign has raised concerns among Republican and Democratic officials, especially in light of the striking unpopularity of the projected nominees, incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Trump. Stein’s considerably liberal platform poses a potential threat to Biden’s campaign.
Stein’s previous run for president in 2016 saw her garner approximately 1% of the national vote as a Green Party candidate, with some Democrats arguing that her candidacy diverted votes from Hillary Clinton, potentially aiding Trump’s victory in key states like Wisconsin. Additionally, Stein had previously run for president in 2012.
Having been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions and a proponent of terminating U.S. aid to the country, Stein has called for an investigation into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza post the Oct. 7 conflict. She emphasized the role played by Biden and other U.S. leaders in assisting Israel during the conflict.
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll revealed that nearly half of Democrats disapprove of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, reflecting a substantial divide among Democrats on U.S. support for Israel.
Delving into her political background, Stein has never secured success in attaining any statewide or national political office. Furthermore, she faced criticism for her participation in a 2015 dinner in Moscow hosted by Russian media outlet RT, where she was seated at the same table as the Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout these controversies, Stein has maintained that her attendance at the Moscow dinner was driven by a message of promoting peace, diplomacy, and collaboration in the Middle East.
By diving into Stein’s controversial political history and her bold presidential ambitions, one thing is for certain—her candidacy will undoubtedly be closely watched as she navigates a political landscape that seems increasingly volatile and divided.
