Washington D.C: Robert F. Kennedy Jr has chosen Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for his independent White House Campaign.
Kennedy on his official account on X wrote, “I am proud to introduce you all to the next Vice President of the United States, Nicole Shanahan.#KennedyShanahan.
I am proud to introduce you all to the next Vice President of the United States, Nicole Shanahan. #KennedyShanahan24 https://t.co/EPd0sJLLdM
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) March 26, 2024
WHO IS NICOLE SHANAHAN?
Nicole Shanahan, 38 is a California lawyer and philanthropist, and brings fresh energy to Kennedy Jr’s bid, focusing on issues such as women’s reproductive science, criminal justice reform, and the environment through her Bia-Echo Foundation. Kennedy Jr., a former Democratic member, highlighted their mutual exit from the party by pointing to a change in the party’s principles. Shanahan’s upbringing in Oakland, California adds a personal touch to this campaign.
Kennedy Jr. said that his and Nicole’s values didn’t change but the Democratic party changed. In the 2024 Presidential polls, Robert F Kennedy Jr. emerged as a notable independent candidate, shaking the traditional bipartisan landscape dominated by the Democrats and the Republicans. Kennedy’s opinions on vaccines and conspiracy theories deviate from the mainstream, which appeals to a group of people who are fed up with the political system, despite his Democratic background.
The independent campaign of Kennedy has put Democrats in a spot of bother as it could siphon votes from Biden and aid Trump. Without party backing, getting on ballots across the states is challenging. Kennedy has chosen a running mate to comply with the state’s rules, aiming for access in swing states like Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia.
Shanahan’s support for revolutionary technology and her Silicon Valley expertise balance Kennedy’s criticisms about the tech industry’s influence. Despite hurdles, Kennedy asked voters to trust their campaign, aiming to challenge the dominance of major parties. He said that if he and Nicole could get the Americans to refuse to vote out of fear then they could be in the White House in November. Supporters see a promise in the duo for their bid for the White House.
His candidacy’s feasibility and potential impact on the election are questioned by some inside the Kennedy family and political circles. A few of his relatives have openly criticized his opinions. In a picture that his sister Kerry Kennedy shared on social media, dozens of Kennedy family members posed with Biden during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the White House, sending a message. Republicans fear that Kennedy’s anti-establishment stance and doubts regarding the response to COVID-19 could sway people away from Trump.
Both Republicans and Democrats are preparing to oppose third-party options as the Campaign develops traction. Kennedy is 69 and is the youngest among Trump and Biden whose age is a concern among the voters. Joe Biden and Donald Trump have won nominations for the Democratic and Republican party setting a rematch after the 2020 polls. However, Kennedy remains undeterred, banking on his family legacy and Shanahan’s support to make the mark in the upcoming US Presidential elections.
