Speculation on RFK Jr. Supporting Trump: Disappointing Yet Unsurprising

California Governor Gavin Newsom has weighed in on the growing speculation regarding Robert Kennedy Jr. and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, potentially dropping out of the race and endorsing Donald Trump. Newsom described the scenario as “extraordinarily disappointing, but increasingly unsurprising.”

The speculation took center stage following an interview where Shanahan suggested that the pair might reconsider their third-party campaign in favor of supporting Trump this fall. This remark has raised concerns within political circles.

During an interview with The Hill on the second evening of the Democratic National Convention, Newsom addressed the implications of Kennedy’s potential backing of Trump. He noted that while he doesn’t believe Kennedy endorsing Trump would complicate the election, he recognizes that Kennedy posing as a wild card remains a possibility.

Newsom stated, “I don’t think it does,” when asked if such an endorsement would add challenges to the election landscape. He followed up by pointing out that Kennedy’s presence in the race is often overlooked. “Honestly, he’s not been particularly consequential,” he noted.

However, Newsom also acknowledged that Kennedy could still influence the race. “He hasn’t been particularly successful getting on a lot of ballots,” the governor said. “That said, the ballots that he is on and they are on could be consequential in a very tight race. So I am cautious about that.”

The governor expressed his concerns about the implications of supporting a candidate like Trump, pointing out that it reflects poorly on Kennedy’s campaign. “It says everything you need to know that they would even consider supporting someone who doesn’t believe in climate change, someone that tried to light democracy on fire, someone that tried to vandalize this country, someone that’s trying to take away the rights of women and girls,” he stated.

In expressing his disappointment, Newsom emphasized that this is not the version of RFK Jr. that he has known. “This is not the RFK Jr. I know,” he remarked, suggesting a disconnection between Kennedy’s current actions and the legacy of his famous father.

He further commented on the situation with Shanahan, saying, “I don’t know her well, but it’s, I think, extraordinarily disappointing, but increasingly unsurprising.” This sentiment encapsulates the struggle both candidates face as they attempt to carve out a distinct identity amidst a crowded political landscape.

With the election cycle heating up, Kennedy and Shanahan are contending with limited traction in their bid as a third-party option against the established candidates, Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Current polling data from Decision Desk HQ reveals a significant gap in support, with Harris leading at 48 percent, Trump at 44 percent, and Kennedy trailing far behind at just 3 percent.

This political climate indicates that while Kennedy and Shanahan aim to position themselves as viable alternatives, they may be facing an uphill battle against established party candidates who hold stronger public support.

As candidates continue to jockey for position in the lead-up to the election, the implications of potential endorsements and the evolving narratives around third-party campaigns will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping voter sentiment and preferences.

In a time when the political atmosphere is charged with uncertainty, the decisions made by Kennedy and Shanahan will be closely scrutinized by both supporters and opponents alike.