It appears that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign may be coming to an end.
Reportedly, independent presidential hopeful and Kennedy family scion Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to withdraw from the race and potentially endorse Donald Trump. This move could potentially sway votes in crucial swing states.
According to reports, Kennedy Jr., who is aged 70, will be addressing the nation on Friday about the current situation and his future plans. The event will happen in Phoenix, Arizona, where Trump also has a scheduled event.
Kennedy's running mate, Nicole Shanahan, previously suggested a merger with former President Trump, who is aiming to reclaim the White House as a Republican candidate. Sources close to the situation told ABC News that Kennedy is considering pulling out of the race and backing Trump. However, he has not yet made a definitive decision.
In a recent interview, Shanahan hinted that Kennedy's team faces a choice: continue the race, risking a Democratic victory through Kamala Harris, or endorse Trump immediately. It's unclear to what extent Shanahan's statement was coordinated with Kennedy, but it came shortly after Trump praised him and offered him a cabinet position.
Trump's backing could tip the scales in swing states
Despite his standing as one of the most successful independent candidates to date, Kennedy's chances of capturing the White House are considered slim. He is only on the ballot in 19 out of 50 states and his poll numbers have plummeted to just 5% in recent weeks due to the loss of several donors and financial strife.
However, both Democrats and Republicans are keeping a close eye on Kennedy. He has garnered a considerable number of potential voters in swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin. Kennedy's endorsement of Trump could prove crucial in these states. Data shows that Trump has lost more potential voters to Kennedy than Biden has.
As an activist and lawyer, Kennedy has been vocal in his advocacy for environmental causes like clean water. In recent years, he has gained notoriety as a self-proclaimed anti-vaxxer. Despite his long-standing and decades-long affiliation with the Democratic Party, Kennedy announced his independent candidacy last October. He has been met with criticism from many Democrats and family members for peddling conspiracy theories and associating with far-right politicians.
After Kennedy's potential endorsement of Trump, the United States of America could see a shift in votes in crucial swing states. Given Kennedy's influence in states like Michigan and Wisconsin, his backing of Trump could be decisive in these battleground areas.
