Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday, August 23, 2024, that he is suspending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing Republican candidate Donald Trump. In a press conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Kennedy stated, ‘I am suspending my campaign and throwing my support behind Donald Trump’. However, he clarified that he is not formally ending his candidacy, and his name will remain on the ballot in most states.Kennedy cited several reasons for his decision, including concerns about free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he termed a ‘war on our children’. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, which he left in October 2023, criticizing it as ‘the party of war, censorship, corruption, big pharma, big tech, big agriculture, and big fortunes’.The move comes after Kennedy’s campaign faced significant challenges, with recent polls showing his support at less than 5%. Kennedy has taken steps to withdraw his candidacy in key battleground states, including Arizona and Pennsylvania, to avoid potentially helping Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.Trump welcomed Kennedy’s endorsement, stating he would be ‘honored’ to receive it and describing Kennedy as ‘a very intelligent and good person’. Trump also hinted at the possibility of offering Kennedy a role in his administration.The decision has sparked controversy, particularly within the Kennedy family. Representatives of the family called it ‘a betrayal of the values that his father and other family members have fought for’. Despite this, Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, emphasized that she is an ‘independent American’ and not a ‘Trump Republican’.Political analysts suggest that Kennedy’s endorsement could have a significant impact on the closely contested election between Trump and Harris, scheduled for November 5, 2024. The move is seen as potentially benefiting Trump more than Harris, especially in states where Kennedy had been polling well.
Key points
- Robert F.
- Kennedy cited concerns about free speech, the war in Ukraine, and dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party as reasons for his decision.
- The move has sparked controversy within the Kennedy family and could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election.
- Kennedy will remain on the ballot in most states but is withdrawing from key battleground states.
Kennedy Jr.
has suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump.
Contradictions👾While Kennedy announced he is ‘suspending’ his campaign, he also stated that he is not formally ending it and will remain on the ballot in most states.
This creates some ambiguity about the status of his candidacy.
