At a lively rally in Oakland, California, Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a bold move, announcing attorney and tech entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. Kennedy, with a notable lineage as the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, introduced Shanahan as a powerhouse, describing her as a brilliant scientist, technologist, and a fierce warrior mom.
Kennedy's selection of Shanahan is strategic, aimed at accelerating his ballot access efforts across the nation. With nearly half the states requiring a vice presidential pick for ballot access, Shanahan's role becomes crucial not only in expanding Kennedy's appeal but also in fundraising for his ambitious campaign. Speculation is rife that Shanahan might dip into her own pockets, given her wealth and previous marriage to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, to bolster Kennedy's bid for the presidency.
Kennedy emphasized that his choice of Shanahan was based on their shared values on critical issues like agriculture, health care, and the role of Big Tech. He highlighted Shanahan's qualities, including being a gifted administrator with a curious, open mind and the ability to change opinions based on evidence, as well as her spiritual depth, compassion, and idealism.
While the announcement of a vice presidential nominee is typically closer to the nominating conventions, Kennedy's early move is aimed at transitioning his campaign into its next phase of ballot access efforts. His goal is to qualify for the ballot in all 50 states and Washington, DC, with current ballot access limited to Utah, though progress has been made in New Hampshire, Nevada, and Hawaii. The campaign is actively collecting signatures in several states and beginning petition gathering in others.
Shanahan expressed her commitment to the campaign, stating that she plans to dedicate the next seven months to helping Kennedy achieve his ballot access goal. However, hurdles remain, particularly in Nevada, where an error in communicating ballot access guidance could impact Kennedy's candidacy. Despite challenges from Democrats, including accusations of being a spoiler candidate, Kennedy remains focused on his vision and the groups he aims to represent, including younger voters and the working poor.
Kennedy's campaign faces financial challenges, with fundraising totals significantly lower than his competitors. However, both Kennedy and Shanahan remain undeterred, focusing on their mission to offer a voice to those who feel disillusioned and marginalized in the current political landscape.
Login