In a series of recent interviews and statements, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about his criticisms of President Joe Biden, his defense of running mate Nicole Shanahan, and his plans to file a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) regarding his potential exclusion from an upcoming presidential debate.
In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Kennedy asserted that President Biden poses a greater threat to democracy than former President Donald Trump. Kennedy, running as an independent in the 2024 presidential race, detailed his criticisms of both Biden and Trump, but emphasized that Biden’s actions and policies are more detrimental to democratic principles. This stark critique underscores Kennedy’s broader campaign message that seeks to differentiate him from the two major party candidates.
Kennedy has also addressed recent scrutiny surrounding his vice-presidential pick, Nicole Shanahan. In an interview with Scripps News, Kennedy explained that Shanahan underwent a rigorous vetting process before being chosen as his running mate. “We did a deep, deep vetting process with Nicole and, you know, dozens of hours of interviews with many, many people,” Kennedy stated.
Shanahan, a relatively unknown Silicon Valley lawyer, has faced increased media attention since her selection in March. Reports, including a detailed piece by The New York Times, have highlighted aspects of her personal life, including alleged partying and drug use mentioned in her divorce settlement documents. Kennedy has attributed these reports to efforts by Democrats to undermine his campaign.
NBC News Senior Reporter Brandy Zadrozny has provided an in-depth look at Shanahan, exploring her background and her relationship with Kennedy. The report delves into Shanahan’s career in the tech industry and her perspectives that align with Kennedy’s independent campaign.
In another significant move, Kennedy announced plans to file a complaint with the FEC over his potential exclusion from the upcoming presidential debate. The debate, set for June 27 and hosted by CNN, requires candidates to have at least 15% support in four recognized polls and to be on enough state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes.
Kennedy alleges collusion between the Biden and Trump campaigns to prevent his participation, citing “strong evidence” reported in mainstream media. The complaint is expected to be filed on Tuesday, less than a month before the debate. Trump, when asked about Kennedy’s potential participation, stated he would have “no problem” sharing the debate stage with Kennedy if he met the polling requirements. However, Trump also noted that Kennedy’s poll numbers appear to be declining.
Kennedy’s efforts to secure a spot in the debate highlight his determination to present his platform to a broader audience and challenge the dominant narratives of the major party candidates.
