RFK Set to Endorse Trump, Impacting Harris Campaign Significantly

This Friday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to make waves by delivering a significant address in Phoenix — coinciding with President Donald Trump’s rally at the same time and location. After switching from his Democratic candidacy to running as an independent, Kennedy will take the stage at 2 p.m. ET to discuss “the present historical moment and our path forward.”

Sources close to Kennedy indicated to news outlets that he plans to withdraw from the presidential race by the week’s end, possibly endorsing Trump in the process. However, Kennedy has remained vague about his intentions, stating, “I will not confirm or deny that,” when questioned by reporters.

“We are not talking about any of that,” Kennedy emphasized. While insiders suggest that a decision is imminent, it remains open to change, as Kennedy evaluates his strategic options amid the evolving political landscape. One insider highlighted Kennedy’s urgency in dropping out, in part to mitigate any momentum generated by the Democratic National Committee.

Expressing his discontent with the democratic process, Kennedy stated, “I think it was a coronation, it’s not democracy. Nobody voted. Who chose Kamala? It wasn’t voters.” He criticized the rapid rise of Kamala Harris’s profile in the Democratic Party, further alleging, “She went in four weeks from being the worst liability for the Democratic Party to the second coming of Christ without giving one interview, without showing up for a debate, without a single policy that anyone thinks isn’t ridiculous. It’s not democracy.”

Amid associations of Kennedy potentially sharing the stage with Trump in Phoenix, sources caution that Kennedy’s plans may still evolve. Trump’s team is yet to finalize any arrangements for Friday. Amaryllis Fox, Kennedy’s campaign manager, sent communication to top staff shortly before this report, commending contributions but noting that a conclusive strategy remains under review.

Fox wrote, “There are a couple potential paths forward, not only two, and I can bear witness to the care, examination that Bobby has invested in the consideration of each.” This illustrates Kennedy’s thoughtful approach to navigating this pivotal juncture.

Securing ballot access has proven challenging for Kennedy due to strict state regulations for independent candidates, which frequently necessitate thousands of signatures or support from smaller parties. On Tuesday, Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, hinted at two strategic routes: continuing their campaign or possibly aligning with Trump to avert a Harris-Walz presidency.

“If we get over 5% of the vote, we actually establish ourselves as a party,” Shanahan remarked, highlighting the long-term implications of remaining within the race. “There are two options that we’re looking at.” The first strategy entails continuing their campaign while laying the groundwork for a formidable third-party challenge in 2028. This option would allow the party to strategically allocate resources without the high costs associated with ballot access. “Or we walk away right now and join forces with Donald Trump,” she added.

In a recent NBC News interview, Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), disclosed that there has been “a lot of communication back and forth” between Kennedy and Trump’s campaign. Vance stated, “I haven’t spoken to RFK personally, but I know there’s been a lot of communication back and forth between RFK, between the campaign, between this campaign.”

Vance continued by framing a compelling argument for Kennedy: “If you want a Democratic Party that protected American workers and stood for strong borders, maybe disagreed with Republicans on things like tax policy, that party doesn’t exist anymore.” His comments reflect Trump’s intentions to court disaffected Democrats.

Vance clarified that while there has been substantial dialogue, “It’s completely separate from whether RFK gets a Cabinet position,” emphasizing the need to reach out to Democrats feeling disenfranchised by the current leadership.

As the election season heats up, recent polls suggest a competitive landscape, primarily between two leading candidates. Kennedy currently lags significantly, polling at approximately 3% in many surveys. Challenges and controversies faced by his campaign have notably diminished both visibility and polling strength.

“If we don’t get those numbers up, we will not be a factor in the election,” Shanahan lamented. “We have to remain relevant.”

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