Republican strategist has raised concerns that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could potentially impact the outcome of the 2024 election in favor of Joe Biden due to his controversial statements and ideas. This speculation comes amidst growing differences between Kennedy and his vice-presidential running mate, Nicole Shanahan.
Shanahan, a relatively unknown figure in national politics, was chosen by Kennedy as his running mate despite their apparent lack of prior acquaintance. Questions have arisen regarding their alignment on key issues such as abortion. While Kennedy supports abortion limits up to fetal viability at 23-24 weeks, Shanahan has expressed support for restricting abortion between 15 and 18 weeks.
Additionally, discrepancies have emerged in their views on Israel's conflict with Hamas, with Kennedy advocating for a defensive stance and Shanahan appearing less clear on the matter. Critics have pointed out Shanahan's lack of political experience and raised concerns about her liberal leanings compared to Kennedy.
Shanahan's significant financial contributions to Kennedy's campaign have also drawn attention, with reports indicating that a substantial portion of the campaign's funds came directly from her. Despite their differences, the campaign maintains that both candidates align with the national consensus on abortion, supporting restrictions only after a certain point.
Despite these challenges, Kennedy continues to garner support as a third-party candidate, polling at 17% in a recent survey, trailing behind Trump and Biden. The campaign faces scrutiny over potential implications for Biden's re-election prospects, with critics suggesting that Shanahan's involvement may be more financially driven than ideological.
