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 speech in Phoenix, Arizona, Kennedy stated, ‘I am suspending my campaign and throwing my support behind Donald Trump’. He cited several reasons for his decision, including concerns about free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he termed a ‘war on our children’.Kennedy plans to remove his name from the ballot in 10 key swing states to avoid being a ‘spoiler’. However, he clarified that he is not formally ending his candidacy, and his name will remain on the ballot in most states. ‘If you live in a blue state, you can vote for me without helping or hurting President Trump or Vice President Harris,’ Kennedy said.The move has caused significant tension within the Kennedy family. His sister Kerry and other siblings issued a statement calling his support for Trump ‘a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear’. Kennedy acknowledged this tension, saying the decision was ‘agonizing’ for him.Trump welcomed Kennedy’s endorsement, calling him a ‘great man’ and a ‘phenomenal’ figure. He also hinted at the possibility of offering Kennedy a role in his administration, potentially in the Department of Health and Human Services.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. However, the extent of this impact remains uncertain, with recent polls providing conflicting information about Kennedy’s supporter base.The Harris campaign has responded to this development, with campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon reaching out to Kennedy’s supporters who are ‘tired of Donald Trump and looking for a new way forward,’ stating that Vice President Harris wants to earn their backing.
Key points
- Robert F.
- Kennedy cites concerns about free speech, the Ukraine war, and ‘a war on our children’ as reasons for his decision.
- The move has caused tension within the Kennedy family, with some members expressing disappointment and support for Kamala Harris.
- Trump has welcomed Kennedy’s endorsement and hinted at a possible role for him in a future administration.
Kennedy Jr.
has suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump.
Contradictions👾While some sources suggest Kennedy’s endorsement could significantly impact the election, others indicate that recent polls don’t provide a clear indication of his impact.
