"US Independent Kennedy May Support Trump After Quitting Presidential Bid"

[Image source=AFP News Agency]

Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. is reportedly considering withdrawing as early as this week, according to ABC News on the 21st (local time).

ABC News, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that "Kennedy Jr. is leaning toward supporting former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate." However, the sources added, "No final decision has been made yet, and there is a possibility that his mind could change." Earlier, Kennedy Jr.'s running mate for vice president, Nicole Shanaahan, stated in an interview with 'Impact Theory' on the 20th that Kennedy Jr. was considering abandoning his independent candidacy to join former President Trump's camp.

Foreign media also suggest that Kennedy Jr. may announce his withdrawal during a public speech scheduled for the 23rd in Phoenix, Arizona. The scenario envisions him joining a rally for former President Trump later that day in Arizona.

Having declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential primary in April last year, Kennedy Jr. announced his intention to run as an independent in October amid President Joe Biden's dominant lead. He is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy, and the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

Kennedy Jr. was considered a significant variable in this election, showing support rates exceeding 10% when the race was framed as a showdown between President Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, after President Biden's withdrawal, the race has been reshaped into a contest between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump, diminishing Kennedy Jr.'s influence. Notably, Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy registration in New York was invalidated due to the use of a 'false address,' which proved to be a critical blow.

Nonetheless, given the razor-thin contest between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, there is analysis that if Kennedy Jr. withdraws midway and supports Trump, it could significantly impact the outcome of the presidential election.