Politics Kennedy runner-up: thinking about joining forces with Trump
The vice-presidential candidate of the independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy has brought a merger with former President Donald Trump into play. There are now two options, Nicole Shanahan said in an interview. Either stay in the race and risk Democrat Kamala Harris winning the presidential election on November 5. Or join forces with the Republican Trump now. This is clearly "not an easy decision". She added: "I'm not in talks with Trump, I just want to make that clear."
20.08.2024, 21:54
SDA
Kennedy: I am willing to talk to all parties
It remained unclear to what extent Shanahan had discussed the positioning with Kennedy. Without elaborating on the interview, the nephew of legendary former President John F. Kennedy wrote on X: "As always, I am willing to speak with leaders of all political parties to advance the goals I have championed for 40 years in my career and in this campaign." Over the weekend there had been reports that Kennedy wanted to support Harris in the election campaign - in return for a cabinet post after her possible election victory.
Shanahan rejected this. There had "definitely never" been any discussions with Harris, she said. "Trump has shown a genuine, sincere interest in our chronic illness policy. He takes the issue seriously," she said, praising the 78-year-old. Now it is a matter of looking at how high the risk of a Harris presidency is and whether Trump can be trusted.
No chance - but not without influence
Kennedy has no chance in the presidential election in November - polls put him at an average of only around 5 percent. However, both the Democrats and the Republicans are looking at him with concern. The election is tipped to be a neck-and-neck race between Trump and Harris - Kennedy could steal decisive percentages from the Republican or Democrat with his candidacy. At the moment, it looks as if his candidacy is more likely to hurt Trump.
As an activist and lawyer, Kennedy has campaigned for environmental issues such as clean water. In the recent past, the avowed anti-vaccinationist has often been criticized by Democrats and members of his family for spreading conspiracy myths and associating with far-right politicians.
In March, he brought businesswoman Shanahan to his side. The 38-year-old wealthy lawyer and entrepreneur was married to Google co-founder and billionaire Sergey Brin from 2018 to 2023. The 38-year-old grew up in modest circumstances as the daughter of a Chinese immigrant.
