The Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently found itself in a frenzy over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s choice of vice president, Nicole Shanahan. The announcement of Shanahan, a California-based attorney and entrepreneur, as Kennedy’s running mate in his independent presidential campaign, has sparked intense debate and criticism within the party.
Kennedy’s supporters believe that the selection of Shanahan, a philanthropist and patent attorney, will create a buzz for his campaign as it heads into the general election. Additionally, having a running mate is a requirement in several states for an independent candidate to qualify for the ballot. However, many supporters of President Biden within the party view Kennedy as a “spoiler” and accuse him of being fueled by GOP finances and conspiracy theories.
During a conference call hosted by the DNC, elected Democrats from swing states expressed concerns about Kennedy’s candidacy and its potential impact on Biden’s chances of defeating Trump. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis called Kennedy a “spoiler” and emphasized that he has no realistic path to victory in Pennsylvania.
Not only are Biden supporters criticizing Kennedy’s choice, but Republicans who support Trump are also expressing their concerns. They fear that Kennedy’s independent candidacy could erode Trump’s popularity. Alex Pfeiffer, a spokesperson for the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc., wrote a statement shortly after Kennedy’s announcement, calling Kennedy a “far-left radical” and criticizing Shanahan for her support of left-wing causes.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk also chimed in, stating that Kennedy’s VP choice, Nicole Shanahan, has supported policies that cut dangerous criminals loose and divert funding from law enforcement. These attacks from both sides of the political spectrum highlight the contentious nature of Kennedy’s VP pick.
In response to Kennedy’s announcement, a super PAC called Clear Choice launched a website called rfkjrfacts. The website aims to highlight Kennedy’s alleged ties to Trumpism and includes composite photographs of Kennedy and Trump, as well as members of Trump’s orbit, such as Steve Bannon. The landing page of the website claims that Kennedy is a MAGA-backed candidate who pushes conspiracy theories and has a history of making divisive remarks.
Clear Choice also produced a new commercial that seeks to underscore Kennedy’s links to Trumpism. The commercial features video footage of Kennedy stating that he is “proud” that Trump “likes” him. Matt Bennett, executive vice president for public affairs of the Democratic group Third Way, commented on the commercial, stating that Kennedy and Shanahan have only one chance of seeing the inside of the Oval Office: if Trump wins and invites them in to say thank you.
The announcement of Kennedy’s VP pick has garnered significant attention and analysis from journalists and political commentators. Journalist Nick Sortor argues that Kennedy’s choice of Shanahan should not be underestimated and suggests that she may attract left-wing voters who are disillusioned with Biden. On the other hand, Kyle Becker, a prominent political commentator, believes that Biden’s base is more vulnerable than Trump’s base and that Kennedy’s pick could potentially harm Biden’s chances in the 2024 race.
According to sources allegedly close to the Kennedy campaign, Shanahan’s financial support could be a significant factor in their decision to choose her as the VP. She may be infusing millions of dollars into the campaign to help fund the ballot initiative, which is crucial for Kennedy’s chances of competing in the election. However, critics argue that while she may be attractive financially, she lacks the qualifications to fulfill the role of vice president effectively.
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