The political landscape is always shifting, and in a surprising turn of events, it appears that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering an unprecedented move in the current presidential race. Reports have surfaced that Kennedy, running as an independent candidate, is contemplating ending his campaign to potentially join forces with Donald Trump. This news has sparked a flurry of discussions and speculations among political analysts and voters alike about the impact that the move might have on the result of the November election.
Kennedy, a highly controversial candidate given to the spinning of outlandish conspiracy theories, initially sought the Democratic nomination, but when that proved to be problematic as he failed to garner any support, he later decided to run as an independent. Now, in his latest opportunistic attempt at finding the best niche for a successful outcome, he is swinging over to the opposite end of the political pole from his initial Democratic stance and possibly going Republican. Even as an independent Kennedy has struggled to get on the ballot in many states and his support stands at only around 4%. While this may be a risible number when considering a hypothetical win, it is still a significant amount of voters that he may influence. With such a tight matchup, these swing voters might determine who sits in the Oval Office from 2025 to 2029.
His decision to potentially align with Trump has raised eyebrows, given his family’s deep-rooted Democratic legacy and his own previous stances on various issues. The move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate support against an invigorated Democratic ticket, currently led by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
The implications of such a coalition are vast. Kennedy’s support base, which stands at 4% according to recent polls, could significantly bolster Trump’s campaign. Moreover, Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has hinted at the possibility of Kennedy taking up a role in Trump’s administration, potentially as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. This position could provide Kennedy with a platform to influence healthcare policies, an area he has been passionate about throughout his career but an appointment that would horrify those who have followed his many extreme theories on Covid, climate change, autism and other serious issues. Kennedy generally ignores or denies the solid science that they are founded on in favor of quackery and “alternative” theories that bear no scientific credibility.
Indeed, Kennedy has been repudiated by almost all the Kennedy clan who have accused him of trading in on the “Camelot image” and of soiling the Kennedy name. Some, like his cousin Jack Schlossberg–son of Caroline– have taken to actively working against him to expose the danger posed by his candidacy. The New York Times reported that, “In a series of Instagram posts…[Schlossberg] variously called Mr. Kennedy, 70, a ‘prick,’ suggested he was using steroids, said he was ‘lying to us’ and portrayed him as a Russian stooge and a stalking horse for Donald J. Trump.”
The potential alliance also raises questions about the future of independent candidates in U.S. presidential races. With the current two-party system dominating American politics, the move by Kennedy could set a precedent for how independent candidates navigate their campaigns and leverage their influence. In short, they could effectively be either “spoilers” or “king makers” where a small number of voters undermine the will of the majority.
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s vice-presidential pick, has stated that as independents she and Kennedy ran the risk of drawing support from would-be Trump voters and clearing the way for Democrats Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to win the November election. She did not explain why, despite running on the independent ticket, their primary concern seems to be preventing doing any damage to the Trump ticket. Indeed, despite being a former Democrat and the heir to the emblematic Democratic political dynasty, he seems to be determined to harm the Harris ticket.
When asked about their campaign plans by the Los Angeles media company Impact Theory, Shanahan stated, “Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump”. Asked when they would make a decision, she did not say.
Trump’s response, as shared to CNN on Tuesday, was that he would “certainly be open” to Kennedy playing a role in his administration if the independent candidate drops out of the race and endorses him.
“I like him, and I respect him,” Trump told the network in an interview after a campaign stop in Michigan.
As the political drama unfolds, one thing is certain: the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most complex and unpredictable in recent history, offering as many twists and turns as the best of thrillers.
