In an unprecedented move within the storied Kennedy clan, more than a dozen members, including six of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s siblings, are throwing their support behind President Joe Biden for a second term, bypassing their own family member’s independent bid for the presidency. This significant political endorsement comes at a time of heightened tension in the electoral race, as former President Donald Trump looms as a potential contender and the spoiler risk of a third-party candidate could sway the outcome of the upcoming election.
The family’s alignment with Biden has been months in the making, with the intent to fortify the president’s reelection campaign and mitigate the potential diversion of support that could ultimately benefit Trump. Former Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, nephew of RFK Jr., underlined the gravity of the situation, stating, “I believe that his candidacy is likely to divert support away from President Biden and end up increasing support for Donald Trump.” He acknowledged the complexity of the decision, remarking, “Bobby knows that we stand by him as a family member, while also being able to clearly communicate that his candidacy poses a risk to the country that we love.”
The fifteen family members endorsing Biden include prominent figures such as Rory Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy II, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Christopher Kennedy, and Maxwell Kennedy Sr. The Philadelphia event, where the formal endorsement took place, featured a speech by Kerry Kennedy who drew stark parallels between her father’s legacy and Biden’s leadership. “Our rights and freedoms are once again in peril,” she said, emphasizing the need for unity across political divides and invoking her father’s mission to uphold the law and protect the country.
Kerry Kennedy’s address also took aim at Trump, stating, “I can only imagine how Donald Trump’s outrageous lies and behavior would have horrified my father, Robert F. Kennedy, who proudly served as Attorney General of the United States, and honored his pledge to uphold the law and protect the country.”
Biden, who has spoken of RFK as a political hero, has welcomed the family’s support. While RFK Jr.’s candidacy raises concerns for the family, the bonds remain. “I don’t know anybody in America who’s got a family who agrees with them on everything,” RFK Jr. stated in response to family criticisms.
Relevant articles:
– Kennedy family members to endorse Biden over RFK Jr.
– Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr, The Associated Press, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:13:00 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
– Several RFK Jr. siblings set to endorse Biden today, CBS News, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT