Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ends Presidential Campaign and Endorses Donald Trump
In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was running as an independent candidate for the White House, has suspended his campaign and endorsed Donald Trump. The announcement came during a rally in Arizona where Kennedy appeared alongside Trump, praising the former president and expressing his support.
Kennedy, who is 70 years old and has long been associated with the Democratic Party, cited his reasons for leaving the race and backing Trump. “The same principles that drove me away from the Democratic Party are now leading me to support President Trump,” Kennedy stated during a press conference in Phoenix.
The political shift has shocked many, especially considering Kennedy’s background as a member of the Kennedy family, one of the most prominent names in Democratic politics. Despite the backlash from his relatives, Kennedy stood firm in his decision, expressing confidence and inner peace with his choice. “This decision is painful because of the impact it has on my family and friends,” he said. “But I believe it’s the right thing to do.”
Kennedy plans to withdraw his name from ballots in ten key battleground states to avoid being a “spoiler” in the upcoming election, with Arizona and Pennsylvania being among the first. However, election officials have indicated that it is too late for him to remove his name in states like Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
Trump welcomed Kennedy on stage in Glendale, Arizona, calling him “phenomenal” and “brilliant.” The former president also promised to release all remaining documents related to the 1963 assassination of Kennedy’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, if he wins the election.
Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, responded by saying she would work hard to earn the votes of Kennedy supporters. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s decision has drawn criticism from his family, with his sister, Kerry Kennedy, calling it a “betrayal” of their family’s values. “This is a sad conclusion to a story that was already difficult,” she remarked.
Kennedy’s campaign, which began in April 2023, faced several challenges, including limited media coverage and financial support. Initially, his polling numbers were promising, but they declined after Harris secured the Democratic nomination. Despite these setbacks, Kennedy maintained that his campaign aimed to challenge what he saw as corruption and censorship within the Democratic Party.
The independent candidate also highlighted Trump’s promise to negotiate peace in Ukraine as a key factor in his endorsement. “While we have significant differences on various issues, we align on some crucial points,” Kennedy explained.
The Democratic Party, however, seems largely unfazed by Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump. Mary Beth Cahill, a senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee, dismissed the endorsement, labeling Kennedy a “failed fringe candidate.”
In the final days of his campaign, Kennedy’s unconventional moves and controversial statements, including his involvement in the anti-vaccine movement and a bizarre recounting of a prank involving a bear cub, garnered attention. Reports also suggested that Kennedy might seek a role in a future Trump administration, a possibility that Trump and his son have both suggested could happen.
The news of Kennedy ending his campaign and supporting Trump underscores the complexities and unexpected turns of the 2024 presidential race, illustrating the challenges faced by candidates outside the two major parties in American politics.
