Trump Cheers Kennedy's Determination to Finish: "Will Steal Biden's Votes"

Robert Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election this November, has shown his determination to complete the race by naming a vice-presidential candidate, drawing a positive reaction from former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate. It is interpreted that Trump believes Kennedy Jr., a Democrat, could siphon votes away from Biden.

On the 27th (local time), former President Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, "Kennedy Jr. is a fervent supporter of the climate crisis theory and the most radical left-wing candidate in this election," adding, "The more votes he takes away from Biden, the better it is for America and me."

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election this November

He also described Kennedy’s vice-presidential pick, Nicole Shanahan, announced the day before, as "more progressive than Kennedy Jr." Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy Jr.'s running mate, is the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin and has donated $4 million to Kennedy Jr.'s supporting super PAC.

The appearance of a third-party candidate like Kennedy Jr. is considered a variable in this election, where President Biden and former President Trump are expected to have a tight race. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, initially announced his intention to run in the Democratic primary but changed his mind last October to run as an independent. An environmental lawyer by profession, he has recently recorded around 10% support in local media polls such as Fox News.

Especially in hypothetical multi-candidate matchups including the two major party candidates and Kennedy Jr., it appears that Kennedy Jr. siphons more votes from President Biden. Consequently, some Democrats have reportedly begun to take a defensive stance, using aggressive language such as "spoiler" and "conspiracy theorist" against Kennedy Jr. at recent Democratic National Committee meetings.

Meanwhile, members of the politically prominent Kennedy family within the Democratic Party oppose Kennedy Jr.'s independent candidacy. Kerry Kennedy, Kennedy Jr.'s sister, stated on X, "President Biden is creating a better world," urging, "You must add strength through your actions." Steven Kennedy Smith, nephew of John F. Kennedy, also criticized, saying, "Kennedy Jr. is fostering social distrust through misinformation and conspiracy."