Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Taps Nicole Shanahan as VP in Independent Presidential Bid

Grayson Larkspur

Updated Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:33 AM CDT

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Taps Nicole Shanahan as VP in Independent Presidential Bid

In a striking move that could reshape the landscape of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate, has announced Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his vice-presidential running mate. Shanahan, known for her leadership at the Bia-Echo Foundation and her extensive background in science and technology, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of philanthropic endeavors to the campaign.

Kennedy, transitioning from a Democrat to an independent, has positioned his campaign against the vaccine mandates and the pharmaceutical industry while criticizing COVID lockdown measures. With 15% of registered voters backing him according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, Kennedy's anti-establishment stance is resonating with a segment of the electorate. His choice of Shanahan as a running mate underscores his commitment to health and chronic disease issues, aligning with her personal and professional interests.

Shanahan brings to the campaign her influence as a significant financial supporter of Democratic political candidates, having contributed thousands of dollars to figures like Pete Buttigieg, Marianne Williamson, and Ro Khanna. Despite her past support for various Democratic campaigns, Shanahan's shift to an independent ticket with Kennedy indicates a strategic pivot in her political involvement.

The campaign has been bolstered by substantial fundraising efforts, with Kennedy raising over $27 million and his supporting super PAC, American Values 2024, garnering over $42 million, according to the FEC. Shanahan herself funded a controversial Super Bowl ad featuring Kennedy, contributing $4 million through a pro-RFK Jr super PAC, which sparked widespread dialogue on vaccine policy.

Despite internal family disagreements over RFK Jr.'s healthcare views, as expressed by his cousin Bobby Shriver, the campaign forges ahead. Independent political groups like No Labels have gained ballot access in multiple states, and Kennedy's campaign has also secured the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot in four states, although facing challenges in Nevada.

Supporters like Julian Salas from Oak***d admire Kennedy for his authenticity and his stance on personal liberty. Shanahan's diverse political donations and her active role in philanthropy through Bia-Echo demonstrate her commitment to causes such as climate policy and reproductive health.

At 38, Shanahan is positioned as a young and innovative vice-presidential candidate, bringing a fresh perspective to the ticket. Her recent divorce from Google co-founder Sergey Brin further cements her status as an independently influential figure in both the tech and political arenas.

The involvement of donors like billionaire Timothy Mellon in Kennedy's campaign reveals the complex intersections between independent political movements and established partisan supporters. As Kennedy and Shanahan navigate the challenges of running outside the traditional two-party system, their campaign is poised to attract voters seeking an alternative to the status quo, potentially influencing the outcome of the next presidential election.|

Conservative Bias:

In a move that reeks of opportunism and political betrayal, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who couldn't cut it as a Democrat, has now cozied up to Silicon Valley elites by choosing Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. This is a clear attempt to undermine the conservative agenda by siphoning votes from the righteous path laid out by the Republican party. Kennedy, a known critic of the lifesaving measures taken during the COVID crisis, has decided to throw his lot in with a lawyer who's thrown money at leftist causes and Democratic hopefuls. Don't be fooled by this so-called "independent" bid—it's nothing more than a thinly-veiled scheme to disrupt the 2024 election and distract from the successes of conservative leadership. Shanahan's involvement is just another example of the liberal elite trying to push their radical health and climate policies on the American people. The fact that Kennedy's campaign is being bankrolled by the same deep pockets that support the Democrats shows that this independent ticket is just another arm of the radical left, trying to destabilize the country and promote their socialist agenda.

Liberal Bias:

In an audacious challenge to the stranglehold of the two-party system, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has enlisted Nicole Shanahan, a true champion of progressive values, as his vice-presidential running mate. This bold move exposes the failure of the conservative establishment to address the critical issues facing our nation, such as healthcare freedom and the environment. Kennedy's principled stand against the draconian vaccine mandates and his criticism of the pharmaceutical industry's greed is a breath of fresh air in a political landscape polluted by right-wing propaganda. Shanahan, with her record of supporting forward-thinking Democrats and her philanthropic work, represents the antithesis of the regressive conservative agenda that threatens our collective future. The substantial fundraising success of Kennedy's campaign, despite the relentless conservative smear campaign, is a testament to the growing disillusionment with the GOP's backward policies. It's high time that voters reject the fear-mongering and misinformation peddled by the right and embrace the transformative vision offered by Kennedy and Shanahan. This independent ticket is a rallying cry for all Americans who yearn for a government that truly represents their values and not the interests of the corrupt conservative elite.

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