Estranged Family... Kennedy Family Supports Biden Instead of Robert Kennedy Jr.

"Only Two Candidates Likely to Win the Presidential Election"
Concerns Over Vote Splitting in the Democratic Party
RFK Jr "Different Thoughts but One Love"

The prominent American political family, the Kennedy family, declared their support for President Joe Biden in this year's presidential election on the 18th (local time). It is interpreted as a caution against Robert Kennedy Jr., a family member running as an independent, splitting the Democratic vote and leading to the election of former President Donald Trump.

On the same day, President Biden visited the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to campaign. About 15 children of Robert F. Kennedy, including Kerry Kennedy, were present at the campaign site. They took the stage to express their support for President Biden.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Kerry Kennedy, the younger sister of Robert Kennedy Jr., said, "President Biden is a fighter who fights for all the rights and freedoms my father and uncle advocated for," adding, "Our Kennedy family believes the best way for America is to keep Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in office for four more years." Although she did not mention Robert Kennedy Jr., she emphasized, "There are only two candidates who have a chance to win in 2024."

Sharp criticism of former President Trump also followed. Kerry Kennedy described Trump as "the most anti-democratic president in American history," saying, "I can only imagine how appalled my father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, would have been by Trump's outrageous lies and actions."

President Biden welcomed this endorsement, calling it an "amazing honor." He continued, "The 2024 presidential election is a contest between two fundamentally different visions for America," emphasizing, "Trump's vision is one of anger, hatred, revenge, and retribution, but my vision is one of hope and optimism." He also said, "As Trump threatens the traditions of American democracy, it is time to not slow down but keep moving forward."

AP News assessed that President Biden showcasing the Kennedy family's support at this point, more than six months before the election, is evidence that he takes Robert Kennedy Jr.'s independent candidacy seriously. Recent polls by local media such as Fox News show Kennedy Jr. garnering around 10% support. Notably, Kennedy Jr. appears to be siphoning more votes from President Biden.

Meanwhile, Robert Kennedy Jr. appeared to refrain from criticizing his family for turning their backs on him. On social media, he said, "Today I heard that some of my family members support President Biden," adding, "Our family may be divided in thought, but our love for each other is one." He further stated, "My candidacy aims to heal America."