The Kennedy family, synonymous with Democratic politics in America, delivered a striking show of support for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid in Philadelphia, with over a dozen members endorsing his campaign in a repudiation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential run. The event, held in Pennsylvania—a pivotal battleground state—served as both an endorsement of Biden’s candidacy and a stark rejection of RFK Jr.’s polarizing bid.
Kerry Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s sister, led the charge with an impassioned speech echoing the legacy of her father and uncles, directly contrasting President Biden’s values with those of former President Donald Trump. “President Biden has been a champion for all the rights and freedoms that my father and uncles stood for,” she is set to declare, with remarks that also rebuke Trump’s “outrageous lies and behavior” that she believes would have appalled her father.
RFK Jr., once a Democrat, opted to continue his White House quest as an independent, citing disagreements with the current administration and former President Trump. Democrats have voiced concerns that his candidacy could peel away crucial votes from Biden, potentially aiding Trump’s return in a tight election. This fear is rooted in a historical wariness of third-party campaigns potentially tipping elections, as some believe occurred in both the 2000 and 2016 presidential races.
Following the endorsement, Biden and members of the Kennedy family will join local supporters and volunteers at an organizing event. Biden will deliver remarks, and then members of the Kennedy family will knock on doors and call voters.
Among those joining Kerry Kennedy in Philadelphia were notable family members including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland; Rory Kennedy, a documentary filmmaker; and former congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II, all siblings of RFK Jr., as well as Joe Kennedy III, a former congressman and Biden’s special envoy to Northern Ireland. They represent a broad spectrum of public service and activism within the family, unified in their support for Biden.
Relevant articles:
– Kennedy family to endorse Biden in Philadelphia in latest rebuke to RFK Jr.
– Kennedy family members will endorse Biden at Philadelphia event, The Washington Post, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT
– Kennedy family to endorse President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign in Philadelphia, Yahoo! Voices, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:50:18 GMT
– Biden to appear with Kennedy family for endorsements, as battle heats up with RFK Jr. over family legacy, CNN, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:49:00 GMT