Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s bid for a Cabinet position through a strategic endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris has been met with silence from the Harris camp.
At a Glance
- RFK Jr. sought a meeting with VP Harris to discuss endorsing her in exchange for a Cabinet post
- Harris has shown no interest in meeting with Kennedy or considering his proposal
- Kennedy’s support has declined from 15% last November to 6% in a recent Fox News poll
- An Albany court ruled that Kennedy will not appear on New York ballots due to residency issues
- Kennedy remains open to meeting leaders from both parties for a “unity government”
Kennedy’s Unsuccessful Bid for Harris’s Attention
In a bold move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has attempted to secure a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris. His goal? To discuss the possibility of endorsing her in exchange for a coveted Cabinet position. However, Kennedy’s efforts have thus far been met with a wall of silence from the Harris camp.
Kennedy’s strategy, while ambitious, appears to have backfired. The Vice President has shown no interest in entertaining his proposal or granting him an audience. This rebuff comes at a time when Kennedy’s campaign is facing significant challenges, including declining poll numbers and difficulties in securing ballot access in all 50 states.
Declining Support and Legal Hurdles
Recent polls paint a grim picture for Kennedy’s presidential aspirations. A Fox News poll indicates that his support has plummeted from 15% last November to a mere 6% in recent surveys. This decline in popularity is coupled with fundraising struggles, forcing Kennedy to consider potential exits from the race.
“I think they ought to be looking at every opportunity,” he said. “I think it is going to be a very close race.” https://nypost.com/2024/08/14/us-news/rfk-jr-sought-meeting-with-kamala-harris-to-discuss-cabinet-job-in-exchange-for-endorsement/
Adding to Kennedy’s woes, an Albany court has ruled that he will not appear on New York ballots due to residency issues. This decision deals a significant blow to his campaign’s goal of appearing on ballots in all 50 states. Despite these setbacks, Kennedy remains determined to push forward with his campaign, emphasizing the importance of dialogue across party lines.
Kennedy’s Vision of a “Unity Government”
Despite the cold shoulder from Harris, Kennedy maintains that he is open to meeting with leaders from both major parties to discuss the possibility of a “unity government.” This approach aligns with his campaign’s message of bridging political divides and fostering national unity.
“From the beginning of this campaign, we were saying people should be talking to each other,” Kennedy told the outlet. “That is the only way of unifying the country.” https://nypost.com/2024/08/14/us-news/rfk-jr-sought-meeting-with-kamala-harris-to-discuss-cabinet-job-in-exchange-for-endorsement/
Kennedy’s willingness to engage in dialogue extends beyond the Democratic Party. In July, he met with former President Donald Trump to discuss national unity, demonstrating his commitment to bipartisan engagement. However, his relationship with the Democratic National Committee remains strained, with Kennedy noting that his only contact with the DNC has been through litigation.
Impact on the 2024 Race
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Kennedy’s role as a third-party candidate could have significant implications. Polling data suggests that his presence in the race may actually benefit Harris in some surveys when compared to a direct matchup with Trump. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate web of political calculations surrounding the upcoming election.
With Kennedy on the ballot as an independent in multiple states totaling over 200 electoral votes, his impact on the race cannot be underestimated. As the campaign progresses, all eyes will be on how Kennedy’s unconventional approach to politics will shape the narrative and potentially influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
Sources:
1.RFK Jr. reached out to Harris campaign about administration role in exchange for endorsement
2. Kennedy Sought Meeting With Harris To Discuss a Cabinet Post
3. RFK Jr. sought meeting with Kamala Harris to discuss cabinet job in exchange for endorsement
