Article Summary –
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has chosen Nicole Shanahan, a wealthy attorney and entrepreneur, as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Shanahan, who has previously contributed to Kennedy’s campaign, shares his concerns over the US food supply and skepticism of medicine and vaccines. This announcement comes at a significant time as independent presidential candidates face various rules for getting on state ballots, with many requiring a named running mate, and current poll results suggest Kennedy may play a substantial role in swing states.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Announces VP Candidate
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has named Nicole Shanahan, a notable San Francisco Bay Area attorney and entrepreneur, as his vice presidential running mate. Despite never having held elected office, Shanahan brings a wealth of experience in tech and advocacy to the campaign.
Shanahan’s Background
Shanahan, who once contributed to Kennedy’s super PAC, was introduced to the political scene during an event in her hometown of Oakland. As an athlete from a diverse background, she is believed to bring balance to Kennedy’s campaign. Kennedy praised Shanahan’s qualifications, stating, “I am confident that there’s no American more qualified to play this role than Nicole Shanahan.”
Shanahan’s Ideals
In her address, Shanahan criticized the Democratic Party, expressing skepticism of medicine and vaccines. She also emphasized concerns over the U.S. food supply, aligning with Kennedy’s well-known stance on these matters. She expressed concern about the cumulative impact of prescriptions and vaccines throughout childhood, and raised the issue of “electromagnetic pollution,” hinting at a conspiracy theory about the health effects of 5G and Wi-Fi signals.
Re-aligning the nation’s focus to its unifying values was a key message in Shanahan’s speech. She energetically endorsed Kennedy’s vision and committed to focusing the next seven months on gaining ballot access in all US states.
Kennedy’s Campaign Progress
Despite the challenge of individual state rules for independent candidates, Kennedy’s selection of a running mate comes at a pivotal point for his campaign. His current polling results outshine those of other third-party candidates, suggesting possible influence in critical swing states like Arizona, Michigan, and North Carolina.
Shanahan’s Previous Campaign Involvement
Shanahan, who previously played a part in the production of a Super Bowl ad supporting Kennedy, informed The New York Times that she contributed $4 million to the super PAC American Values 2024 last month for airing it. Her move to join Kennedy’s ticket allows her to directly inject her wealth into the campaign, potentially aiding in gathering petition signatures for ballot access.
Shanahan’s Career and Personal Life
A tech lawyer and entrepreneur, Shanahan founded ClearAccessIP, which was acquired by IPwe in 2020. Following a divorce from Google co-founder Sergey Brin, she focused on philanthropic work through her Bia-Echo Foundation. Despite having an autistic daughter, she supports Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and has funded research into the disorder’s causes.
Controversy and Anti-Vaccine Advocacy
Kennedy, who took a leave from his role as head of the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense, has staffed his campaign with anti-vaccine activists. The announcement event featured other notable figures opposing Covid mitigation measures. Critics from both Trump and Biden camps targeted Kennedy post-announcement, sparking further controversy.
—
Read More Kitchen Table News
