Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, is considering dropping out of the 2024 race to potentially team up with former President Donald Trump, as revealed by his vice presidential pick, Nicole Shanahan. Shanahan discussed the risks of their independent party drawing votes away from Trump and leading to a Kamala Harris and Tim Walz presidency. The alternative option would be to withdraw from the race and join forces with Trump, a decision that Shanahan admitted would not be easy.
Shanahan expressed that she would feel more comfortable with Trump and his vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, running the country instead of Harris and Walz. She believed that the future of the country would be more secure under Trump’s leadership alongside prominent figures like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. A recent Fox News poll showed Trump leading Harris by one point in a head-to-head matchup, with a tie when considering third-party candidates. Kennedy’s support has decreased from previous polls, with concerns about voters supporting Trump also backing Kennedy when given the option.
As the Kennedy campaign reaches a crucial moment in decision-making, Shanahan emphasized the importance of a future vision beyond the November election. If Kennedy were to stay in the race and garner more than 5% of the vote, future independent candidates could benefit from ballot access and public campaign financing. Shanahan was optimistic about their potential to win, despite the challenges they faced in the race. Trump reportedly met with Kennedy in Milwaukee last month, discussing the possibility of a partnership and offering a cabinet or lower-level position in his administration.
Despite the discussions between Kennedy and Trump, the Harris campaign reportedly declined to meet with Kennedy and rejected any negotiations involving endorsements in exchange for a position in the administration. The 70-year-old independent candidate was willing to make a similar offer to the Harris campaign, but faced resistance from the Democratic National Committee. The decision to potentially align with Trump presents both risks and opportunities for the Kennedy campaign as they navigate the complex dynamics of the 2024 presidential race.
The implications of Kennedy potentially dropping out of the race to join forces with Trump would significantly impact the trajectory of the 2024 election. Shanahan’s comments shed light on the internal deliberations and considerations within the independent campaign, highlighting the challenges and strategic calculations involved in making such a decision. The relationship between Kennedy and Trump, along with the potential for collaboration, adds a layer of complexity to an already dynamic and competitive political landscape. As the campaign approaches a critical juncture, the decision to stay in the race or align with Trump poses significant implications for the future of the independent movement and the direction of the 2024 presidential election.
