Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued an apology after a video surfaced online showing a private phone call between him and former President Donald Trump. The leaked video captured Trump sharing debunked claims about childhood vaccines, a topic that has garnered Kennedy a devoted following among individuals who question the established scientific consensus on vaccine safety.
In the video, Trump can be heard urging Kennedy to endorse his campaign, expressing confidence in their potential success. Kennedy, mostly silent during the conversation, later expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the call was recorded without his consent and should not have been shared publicly.
The video was initially posted by Kennedy's son and has since been circulating on social media despite its removal. Kennedy's campaign, focused on securing ballot access in all 50 states without party support, remains ongoing despite concerns from both Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden about its impact on the upcoming election.
Third-party candidates historically receive only a small percentage of the vote, but their presence can influence election outcomes. Democrats, in particular, fear that Kennedy's candidacy could draw anti-Trump voters away from Biden, potentially benefiting Trump's reelection bid.
Trump, in the leaked call, discussed a recent assassination attempt against him and a subsequent call from Biden, describing the incident as akin to a large mosquito buzzing by. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics at play as the presidential race intensifies.
