Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has selected Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential candidate for his independent White House run. This decision marks a significant moment in the 2024 election cycle, given Kennedy’s departure from the Democratic Party and his assertion that it is the party that has changed, not his own values. Shanahan, a lawyer and philanthropist with deep roots in Silicon Valley, brings a fresh but politically inexperienced perspective to the ticket. Kennedy’s choice is seen as an attempt to bridge divides and appeal to a younger demographic disillusioned with the current political landscape.
“I’m grateful that Nicole has put her self-interest aside and made the momentous and very, very difficult decision to embark with me on this extraordinary crusade to win back our country,” Kennedy stated. During his remarks, he touched on Shanahan’s commitment to issues like healthy food access, skepticism of government agencies, and a developed understanding of technology and artificial intelligence.
Outside the sphere of politics, Shanahan’s philanthropic efforts in reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, and environmental causes have made her a noteworthy figure. Critics, however, question the impact of her selection, pointing out the uphill battle Kennedy inevitably faces in mounting a successful third-party bid. “The chances of this person becoming vice president are close to zero,” noted Peter Ubertaccio, a professor of political science.
Notably, Shanahan donated $4 million to a super PAC aligned with Kennedy, which was responsible for his controversial Super Bowl ad. The advertisement, which borrowed themes from a campaign ad of Kennedy’s uncle, John F. Kennedy, led to disputes within the family and scrutiny from without. Allegedly, Shanahan played a significant role in producing the ad, not just funding it.
Kennedy’s independent bid continues to be concerning to Democrats who are all to aware of the potential for his campaign to siphon votes from President Joe Biden in what promises to be a tightly contested race. Despite these challenges, Kennedy and Shanahan’s campaign pushes forward, hoping to present an alternative to voters dissatisfied with the current options.
