Kennedy Family Backs Biden, Opposing RFK Jr.
TL/DR –
The Kennedy family has endorsed President Biden for re-election at a campaign rally in Philadelphia, expressing concern over independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s threat to the Democratic vote. A large number of Kennedy family members have voiced their disapproval of RFK Jr.’s candidacy, with worries that he could sway a small number of votes away from Biden in key battleground states, potentially benefiting former President Trump. Despite RFK Jr.’s refusal to criticize his family’s endorsement of Biden, his mixed policy positions and promotion of conspiracy theories have made the Democratic party wary of his influence in the upcoming election.
Coalition of Kennedy Family Endorses President Biden, Rejects RFK Jr.
A large contingent from the Kennedy family endorsed President Biden in a Philadelphia rally on Thursday, noticeably rejecting their kin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who poses a serious threat to Biden’s re-election. Amid Kennedy relatives who openly supported Biden were Joseph, Kerry, Rory, Kathleen, Maxwell, and Christopher. Approximately a dozen members of the Kennedy family were present at the rally, with Kerry Kennedy presenting Mr. Biden.
During her speech, Kerry Kennedy praised Mr. Biden, stating “He has us thriving again, believing again, behaving like good neighbors again.” She added that nearly every grandchild of Joe and Rose Kennedy backs Biden’s bid for presidency, signifying the Kennedy family’s endorsement. The strong show of support was a clear indication that America’s legendary Democratic family is deeply apprehensive about RFK Jr.’s potential to tip the 2024 election to ex-President Trump.
Many Kennedy family members have previously expressed their negative opinions about RFK Jr.’s candidacy, voicing distress about his promotion of conspiracy theories. The fear is that he could aid Trump’s win by taking even a small number of votes from Biden in key states.
Upon hearing about the endorsement, RFK Jr. refrained from criticism, posting on social media that he is pleased with his family’s political activity. As the election approaches, it’s uncertain whether RFK Jr. would draw more votes from Trump or Biden’s camp. However, polls suggest that Trump’s voter base is more solid than Biden’s, meaning some of the president’s voters could be swayed by an alternative.
Democratic Party Counters Potential Threats
The Democratic Party has assembled a team of lawyers aimed at tracking potential threats by RFK Jr., particularly in battleground states. The group is also countering other potential spoilers including progressive academic Cornel West and the Green Party.
RFK Jr.’s policy positions are a mix of liberal views on abortion, environmental matters, and income inequality, but he has also espoused false theories about vaccine safety and arguments more typically seen on the right. This month, he questioned the Justice Department’s effort to prosecute Capitol rioters, downplaying the severity of the attack.
Trump Signals Intrigue With RFK Jr.
Interestingly, Trump has indicated that RFK Jr. could potentially draw voters away from his campaign. He posted on social media that RFK Jr. was more “radical Left” than Biden, implying he’s a Democratic wolf in sheep’s clothing. Yet, Trump has also privately expressed interest in choosing RFK Jr. as his running mate — an idea those close to him consider unrealistic and that RFK Jr. himself rejected.
The Philadelphia rally marked the end of Biden’s three-day tour through Pennsylvania, where he laid out his economic and tax agenda, consistently attacking Mr. Trump as wealthy, aloof and a foe to the working class.
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