U.S. Election: Kennedy Temporarily Halts Campaign and Holds Talks with Trump
"I've come to realize that I don't have a solid shot at winning the election," Kennedy declared at a press event in Arizona. He wasn't planning to compete in several tightly contested states and would instead back the Republican nominee, Trump.
The 70-year-old, known for espousing baseless beliefs, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, to which he had been loyal. He particularly criticized the selection of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, following Joe Biden's withdrawal, without participating in primary contests.
Shortly after the press conference, Kennedy showed up at a Trump rally in Glendale, Arizona, aligning himself with the Republican. The occasion was marked by fireworks and the Foo Fighters song "My Hero". On stage, Kennedy stated his intention to collaborate with a potential President Trump to "eliminate harmful chemicals from our food".
Trump spoke of their shared goal to combat "the corrupt political establishment" and "restore power to the people" of the nation. He welcomed Kennedy's decision as "gracious support" and praised him as "an excellent individual".
Standing beside Kennedy, Trump announced plans to launch an "autonomous presidential commission on assassination attempts" concerning Kennedy's family. This would aim to uncover all remaining documents on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The controversial shots that struck Kennedy's nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in 1963, continue to fuel numerous conspiracy theories.
Kennedy's family condemned the 70-year-old's endorsement of Trump, labeling it a "betrayal of the values we cherish as a family". Kerry Kennedy, a human rights activist and Kennedy's sister, expressed this sentiment on an online platform. "It's a melancholic conclusion to a sad tale," their statement concluded, also signed by four other siblings.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Attorney General and presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy, is known for propagating conspiracy theories. As an environmental lawyer and anti-vaxxer, he has claimed that vaccines cause autism, Wi-Fi causes cancer, and environmental chemicals transform children into transgender individuals. Recent news featured his statements regarding a worm consuming part of his brain.
Experts remain divided on the impact of Kennedy's decision on the campaign trail. With his current approval ratings hovering between 4-5%, he clarified that his name would remain on the ballot in most states, except for around ten particularly contentious ones, where his presence would be disruptive.
In the present tight presidential race between Trump and Harris, a slight margin in some of the decisive "swing states" could sway the election outcome. Consequently, Harris' campaign is reaching out to Kennedy's supporters, promising to "win your backing," as stated by campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon. "Regardless of our disagreements, Kamala Harris recognizes that we share more common ground than what divides us."
Kennedy chose to abandon his own election campaign and endorse Trump in certain states, voicing his agreement to collaborate with the Republican nominee on reducing harmful chemicals in food. Despite his controversial decision, Harris' campaign is trying to connect with Kennedy's supporters, highlighting shared values and common ground.
