Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers a keynote speech at the FreedomFest Vegas event Friday, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
- Nicole Shanahan revealed two potential paths for the Kennedy campaign: staying in the race to split votes or endorsing Trump to block Harris.
- Kennedy's campaign sought a meeting with Kamala Harris to negotiate roles in her administration, reflecting a strategic pivot.
- Kennedy faces challenges with ballot access and ongoing legal efforts to keep him off the ballot in several states.
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In an interview on Impact Theory, Nicole Shanahan, running mate for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., outlined two potential paths for their campaign.
Since clips are going viral of @RobertKennedyJr ‘s VP @NicoleShanahan announcing on my show that they’re considering dropping out and endorsing @realDonaldTrump, here’s a longer clip that gives the full context. pic.twitter.com/f7cN36q5VO
— Tom Bilyeu (@TomBilyeu) August 20, 2024
Shanahan suggested they could either remain in the race, potentially leading to a Kamala Harris presidency by drawing votes away from former President Donald Trump, or drop out and endorse Trump to hinder Harris’s chances.
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Did Kennedy Actually Meet With Harris Campaign?
Shanahan’s comments come amid a series of notable events. Last week, Kennedy’s campaign attempted to arrange a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss possible roles in her administration should she be elected.
The effort, according to Kennedy campaign officials, was aimed at negotiating Cabinet positions in return for Kennedy’s support. This move indicates a strategic shift in Kennedy’s campaign, as he appears to be exploring alternative ways to influence national policy given the difficulties of his independent bid.
The push for a Harris administration position followed by a possible Trump endorsement suggests Kennedy may not have achieved his objectives with Harris. However, in the Impact Theory video, Shanahan refutes claims of any discussions with the Harris campaign about endorsements or positions.
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Kennedy Issues Mounting
Adding to his challenges, Kennedy’s campaign is struggling with ballot access issues. Currently, he is listed on the ballot in all states except Wyoming, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Rhode Island according to his campaign website. Petitions to qualify in these states close in early September, with Wyoming’s deadline set for late August.
Shanahan claimed in the interview that they have qualified for all ballots. However, there are ongoing efforts to keep Kennedy off the ballot in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Delaware, and Georgia.
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Kennedy’s campaign has been marked by controversies, including a health-related incident that drew media attention. In 2010, Kennedy reported severe memory loss and mental fog. A subsequent medical consultation revealed that he might have suffered from a brain worm that caused damage before dying.
This revelation, along with other controversies such as an alleged photo of Kennedy eating a dog, has impacted public perception of his candidacy.
Shanahan claimed that the DNC has made it impossible for the Kennedy campaign to be a serious contender.