Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is set to reveal his choice for vice president on Tuesday in Oakland, California. Kennedy is expected to name attorney and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate, as reported by sources close to his campaign. Shanahan was selected after careful consideration of several potential candidates.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a prominent environmental activist and vaccine skeptic, is seeking to challenge the dominance of the two major political parties in the upcoming presidential election. He aims to become the first independent candidate to win the presidency since George Washington.
Prior to the announcement, there were speculations about other potential running mates, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, and TV personality Mike Rowe.
The addition of a vice presidential candidate could bolster support for Kennedy's campaign, which faced skepticism from some within the Democratic establishment. Kennedy initially entered the race as a Democrat but switched to an independent candidacy after the DNC backed President Biden.
Concerns within the Democratic Party about Kennedy's impact on Biden's re-election prospects led to the formation of a dedicated team to counter his campaign, along with those of other independent and third-party candidates.
Having a running mate is crucial for Kennedy to qualify for the ballot in all 50 states. While his name is confirmed in Utah and he has gathered enough signatures in New Hampshire and Hawaii, challenges have arisen in Nevada due to potential issues with collected signatures.
Recent polling data suggests that Kennedy is polling at 15% in a three-way race against Biden and Trump, with Trump holding a slight lead. In a five-way race including other third-party candidates, Kennedy's support stands at 11%, with Trump maintaining a narrow advantage over Biden.
As Kennedy prepares to announce his vice presidential pick, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with the race for the presidency heating up as the election draws closer.
