The Kennedy Family Endorses President Biden Amid Concerns Over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s White House Bid
In a dramatic turn of events, the Kennedy family made a powerful endorsement of President Biden on Thursday, signaling their strong support for his re-election campaign. The elaborate rollout included talk-show interviews, a campaign event with the president, and door-knocking by Kennedys across Philadelphia. This move comes as the Biden camp grows increasingly concerned about the independent White House bid of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which poses a serious threat to the president’s re-election prospects.
Despite Mr. Kennedy’s estrangement from much of his family due to his controversial views on Covid vaccines and conspiracy theories, the Biden campaign has now actively promoted the Kennedys’ endorsement to discredit any lingering Democratic credentials Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may have due to his family name.
The endorsement event in Philadelphia, attended by about 150 people, saw Kerry Kennedy, one of Mr. Kennedy’s siblings, standing next to Mr. Biden and emphasizing the values her father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, stood for. She highlighted the family’s support for Biden, stating that nearly every grandchild of Joe and Rose Kennedy endorses the president.
In response, Mr. Kennedy took to social media to acknowledge his family’s endorsement of President Biden, stating that while they may have differing opinions, they are united in their love for each other.
The debate over the impact of a Kennedy candidacy on the election remains open, with Mr. Biden’s advisers arguing that as voters learn more about Mr. Kennedy’s promotion of conspiracy theories and ties to a major Trump donor, support for him will wane. Polling data shows increasing disapproval of Mr. Kennedy, particularly among independents and Republicans in battleground states.
As the campaign intensifies, Mr. Biden’s team is working to define Mr. Kennedy as more aligned with Mr. Trump than with the Kennedy legacy. The hope is to ensure that any support for Mr. Kennedy comes mainly from voters who would otherwise back Mr. Trump, thus bolstering Mr. Biden’s chances.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has privately considered choosing Mr. Kennedy as his running mate, though it remains unclear if he is serious about the idea. The contrast between Mr. Biden campaigning in Pennsylvania and Mr. Trump facing legal challenges in New York further underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election.
