In a move that has highlighted internal campaign dynamics and external political strategies, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign discharged a staffer, Rita Palma, who overtly expressed her mission was to thwart President Joe Biden’s reelection.
Rita Palma, who had been working as a ballot access consultant for Kennedy’s campaign, positioned herself as a strategic ally for those opposing Biden. She explicitly noted, “Whether you support Bobby or Trump, we all oppose Biden,” signaling a shared objective amongst Biden’s adversaries. Her public stance was promptly denounced by the Kennedy campaign.
The Kennedy camp took definitive action when it announced Palma’s termination. Campaign director Amaryllis Fox specified the grounds for dismissal, stating, “We terminated her contract for misrepresentation immediately upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen.”
Distancing the campaign from Palma’s remarks, spokesperson Stefanie Spear clarified, “Rita Palma is a ballot access consultant responsible for scheduling volunteer shifts for our upcoming signature collection drive in the Empire State. She is not involved in electoral strategy, nationally or in New York.”
However, Palma’s inflammatory rhetoric did not exist in isolation. CNN unearthed social media posts revealing Palma’s participation in “Stop the Steal” rallies post the 2020 election and her presence at a pro-Trump rally near the Capitol on January 6. Her online activity included promoting conspiracy theories regarding election rigging and expressing fondness for Trump.
Trump himself has relished Kennedy’s candidacy, calling him “the most radical left candidate in the race” and expressing enthusiasm about his bid. Meanwhile, the Kennedy campaign continues to underscore the significance of securing ballot access in New York, which is seen as a crucial step in the quest for a national presence on the ballot.
While the Kennedy campaign insists on an agenda independent of any covert alignment with Trump supporters, the ousting of Rita Palma for her anti-Biden commentary has undoubtedly stoked speculations about the campaign’s strategic underpinnings, leading observers to question whether RFK Jr.’s bid might serve as a spoiler in the upcoming election.
Relevant articles:
– RFK Jr. Campaign Fires Staffer Who Said the Quiet Part Out Loud
– RFK Jr. New York campaign official says her ‘No. 1 priority’ is preventing a Biden victory, CNN, Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:53:00 GMT
– RFK Jr. New York campaign staff member Rita Palma has been fired, KEYT, Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:23:51 GMT
– RFK Jr.’s Adviser Has Frightening Ties to Trump World, The New Republic, Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:31:00 GMT