Politics
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Expected to End Presidential Campaign and Endorse Donald Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to end his campaign for the presidency of the United States and endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump, according to various media outlets.
Sources from The New York Times, CNN, ABC News, and NBC News have indicated that Kennedy, who is the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, may announce the conclusion of his campaign during an appearance in Phoenix, Arizona, this Friday.
Initially running for the Democratic Party nomination before transitioning to an independent candidacy, Kennedy’s withdrawal could significantly impact the upcoming election, potentially enhancing Trump’s prospects, particularly in key battleground states.
Polling data suggests that Kennedy garners more support from Republican voters compared to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. An NBC News poll from July revealed that 33 percent of registered Republicans view Kennedy positively, while only 15 percent of registered Democrats and independents share that sentiment.
At his campaign’s peak, Kennedy’s support was in the double digits but has since declined to around 5 percent in recent weeks. In a podcast interview, Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, indicated that continuing his campaign might pose a risk of a Harris victory.
In a recent CNN interview, Trump expressed a willingness to consider Kennedy for a cabinet position if he were to be elected again, stating, “I like him, and I respect him. He’s a brilliant guy.”
JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, mentioned that Trump is actively seeking Kennedy’s endorsement, emphasizing that there is no arrangement for a cabinet position in exchange for this support.
Vance clarified that any explicit offer of a government position for an endorsement would be unethical, reiterating the importance of seeking endorsements without such trade-offs.
With the political landscape shifting, Vance noted that many voters could be attracted to the Trump campaign, especially those who feel disconnected from the current Democratic leadership.