Independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr is set to give a speech in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday about “the present historical moment and his path forward.” According to reports from multiple media outlets, Kennedy is planning to drop his presidential bid and endorse Republican Party nominee Donald Trump during this appearance.
Kennedy, the son of liberal icon Robert F Kennedy, had initially run for the Democratic Party nomination before going independent. His decision to drop out of the race and endorse Trump could potentially boost the president’s chances in battleground states that were narrowly won in previous elections.
Opinion polls have consistently shown Kennedy drawing more support from Trump than from Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. In a recent NBC News poll, 33 percent of registered Republican voters viewed Kennedy positively, compared to just 15 percent of Democrats and independents.
While Kennedy’s campaign garnered double-digit support at its peak, it has since dropped to around 5 percent in recent weeks. Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan stated in a podcast interview that staying in the race could risk a Harris victory.
Trump, in an interview with CNN, expressed his admiration for Kennedy and stated that he would consider appointing him to a cabinet role if elected. “I like him, and I respect him,” Trump said. “He’s a brilliant guy. He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time.”
Kennedy’s decision to drop out of the race and endorse Trump is likely to shake up the dynamics of the upcoming election and could have significant implications for both candidates.
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