In Glendale, Arizona, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who abandoned his independent presidential run three weeks ago, is now actively supporting Donald Trump’s campaign. Kennedy is teaming up with former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, known for her following on the right. Their joint efforts aim to sway voters towards Trump, especially those who are skeptical of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate.
During an event in suburban Phoenix, attendees included committed Trump supporters, some even wearing apparel from Kennedy’s previous campaign. Jacob Cutler, a former Biden voter, expressed his concerns about a potential Harris presidency, leading him to support Trump as the “lesser of two evils.”
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump, a prominent figure from a Democratic dynasty, gives the Republican candidate a bipartisan boost. Winning over even a small fraction of Democrats could be crucial in swing states like Arizona, which Biden narrowly won in 2020.
Both Trump and Kennedy have aligned on a message of “making America healthy again,” a slogan inspired by Kennedy’s focus on rising chronic illnesses and skepticism towards vaccines. Kennedy addressed his critics within his own family at a recent Trump campaign event, attributing their disapproval to manipulation and division tactics.
Partisan switches like Kennedy’s can carry significant weight, earning them respect from activists and making them valuable surrogates. Trump supporter Henry Slayton hailed Kennedy and Gabbard as champions of the American people, rather than self-serving politicians.
On the other side, Harris has garnered support from unexpected allies, such as prominent figures from the Republican Party, showcasing the complex alliances forming in the current political landscape.
Kennedy, known for his environmental activism and anti-vaccine stance, initially challenged Biden for the Democratic nomination before turning independent. Gabbard, a vocal critic of her party’s establishment, brought her experience from the 2020 presidential race to aid Trump in debate preparations against Harris.
Their roles in Trump’s campaign could potentially lead to influential positions in his administration should he be re-elected, shaping future policies and government decisions. Both Kennedy and Gabbard emphasized the need for unity and peace in their campaign efforts.
Kennedy’s stance on issues like arming Ukrainians in the context of the conflict with Russia and Trump’s rejection of expert opinions have attracted attention. Despite widespread consensus on vaccine safety, Kennedy commended Trump for listening to concerns from mothers who believe their children were harmed by vaccines.
Kennedy’s organization, Children’s Health Defense, is currently involved in a lawsuit against various news outlets, including The Associated Press, alleging antitrust violations related to COVID-19 misinformation.
