In a recent encounter at a dining establishment located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip, the erstwhile President Trump joyfully acknowledged the endorsement he received from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This public recognition came just after RFK Jr. announced the cessation of his third-party campaign run. Noting the strategic realities of the election, RFK Jr. wished to prevent the potential scenario where he might unintentionally influence the final outcome. Trump spoke at the Il Toro E La Capra restaurant, expressing gratitude to ‘Bobby’ before a group comprising of workers within the service industry and various backers.
The former commander-in-chief publicly confirmed the endorsement from Kennedy, promising his audience that he intends to shed further light on the matter during an upcoming rally in Glendale, Arizona. Interestingly, Veep Harris had chosen the same location for a sizable public gathering not long ago. In the same breath, Trump dropped tantalizing hints about a potential ‘surprise guest’ making an appearance at his event.
Donald J. Trump Thanks RFK Jr. For “Big” Endorsement
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As Trump went on with his thanksgiving, he singled out Kennedy for praise, expressing sincere gratitude for the endorsement. ‘That was really lovely,’ Trump noted, emphasizing the significance of RFK Jr.’s move. ‘He’s a remarkable person, someone held in high regard by all.’ This endorsement, he continued, was a momentous occasion for his campaign.
RFK Jr.’s decision to back Trump was publicly announced just moments before Trump began his engagement in Las Vegas. Kennedy detailed his strategy to remove his name from battleground state ballots, while maintaining a presence in staunchly Republican and Democratic territories, during a planned press conference in Glendale.
Kennedy initially entered politics driven by three main passions. The same motivations, he explained, were what led to his withdrawal from the Democratic Party and his decision to make a standalone run for office. Now, they were guiding him to extend his support towards Trump. Kennedy summarized these three factors as the defense of free speech, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and the need to protect the younger generation.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with his former party, RFK Jr. accused the Democratic National Committee (DNC) of persistent legal attacks on Trump and himself. Moreover, he critiqued the DNC for preventing any meaningful primary competition against Biden until after he had clinched the party’s nomination. Following this, he opted for an abrupt exit from the race in July, choosing to back Harris instead.
The Harris campaign, securing its position, extended an invitation to RFK Jr.’s former supporters. The appeal, carried by Fox News, read, ‘We welcome any American weary of Donald Trump’s reign and searching for a fresh path. Our campaign is motivated by the needs of hardworking people, those feeling excluded and left behind. We need a steadfast advocate who will work for the American people rather than their own self-interest, seeking to unite us rather than dividing.’
Demonstrating a readiness to listen, the Harris campaign continued its outreach by affirming, ‘Even if we do not agree on every single point, Kamala Harris believes fundamentally in our shared principles: respect for our rights, public safety, preservation of our liberties, and equal opportunity for all. Vice President Harris is eager to win your trust and support.’
Reacting to RFK Jr.’s transition from competition to endorsement of Trump, DNC senior advisor Mary Beth Cahill adopted an air of disdainful indifference. ‘Good riddance,’ she responded tersely in a public statement, reflecting her view of the redundant nature of RFK Jr.’s candidacy.
Cahill was dismissive of the endorsement, suggesting that as voters became more familiar with RFK Jr. and his stances, their perspective on him dimmed. She perceived no advantage for Trump but instead saw him being saddled with the public image of an unsuccessful third-party candidate.
‘Donald Trump has not succeeded in obtaining an endorsement that will aid in broadening his base. Instead, he has taken on the baggage and fallout of a fringe candidate who failed in his endeavor,’ Cahill said, implying that RFK Jr.’s endorsement came with unwelcome political repercussions rather than a positive boost.
Overall, the reaction to RFK Jr.’s endorsement of Trump has been a mixed bag. While it has certainly injected some unexpected dynamism into the Trump campaign, its impact and value remain to be seen in the lead-up to the election.