Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pitched a meeting with Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss gaining a role in her administration if she wins the 2024 race for the Oval Office, in exchange for Kennedy's endorsement, multiple outlets reported on Wednesday.
The Context
Kennedy in July met with former President Donald Trump in Milwaukee amid the Republican National Convention, according to The New York Times. Kennedy campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear later confirmed the reports: "Yes, Mr. Kennedy met with President Trump today to discuss national unity, and he hopes to meet with leaders of the Democratic Party as well," while adding RFK Jr. does not plan to drop out, the Times also reported.
Kennedy's reported interest in meeting with Harris comes as national polls place her near or ahead of Trump in key battleground states. Newsweek has reached out to the Kennedy and Harris campaigns via email for comment Wednesday night.
What We Know
As first reported by The Washington Post, Kennedy wanted to discuss possibly serving as Cabinet secretary if Harris wins, in exchange for his endorsement of her over Trump. According to the Post, Harris' campaign has not responded to the request for a meeting.
Kennedy reached out to the Harris campaign via "intermediaries," according to the Post. CNN also reported that the Kennedy campaign attempted to contact Ron Klain, President Joe Biden's former White House chief of staff, via intermediaries as well, but did not succeed.
According to CNN, citing a Kennedy campaign official, the independent candidate "remains open" to stepping aside from the 2024 presidential race if he can help serve the United States in "another way."
In an emailed response to Newsweek on Thursday morning, the Kennedy campaign sent Kennedy Jr.'s post on X, formerly Twitter, saying in part that "VP Harris's Democratic Party would be unrecognizable to my father and uncle and I cannot reconcile it with my values.
"I've spent years battling government corruption and lies. VP Harris spent years gaslighting Americans about the health of our Commander in Chief. I have no plans to endorse Kamala Harris for President. I do have a plan to defeat her."
VP Harris’s Democratic Party would be unrecognizable to my father and uncle and I cannot reconcile it with my values.
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 15, 2024
The Democratic Party of RFK and JFK was the party of civil liberties and free speech. VP Harris‘s is the party of censorship, lockdowns, and medical coercion.…
Views
Kennedy recently landed the praise of podcast host Joe Rogan last week, as Rogan said, "I am a fan. He's the only one to make sense to me. He's the only one that doesn't attack people. He attacks actions and ideas, but he's much more reasonable and intelligent."
Kennedy responded on X, thanking Rogan: "From one 'legitimate' guy to another, thank you."
Kennedy recently called out Harris on social media, saying on X: "Kamala has not been transparent on her policy stances, but one thing she's been very clear on is how she feels about 18-24 year olds," while sharing a clip of Harris talking about college-age students.
He also denounced Trump and Harris, saying he is the candidate "willing to do whatever it takes to build a bridge to both sides," questioning if Harris and Trump can.
What's Next
The 2024 Democratic National Convention takes place next week in Chicago. It is not known to Newsweek if Kennedy plans to attend or connect with Harris there.
Update 8/15/24, 3:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with the Kennedy campaign's response, which includes RFK Jr.'s post to X on Thursday.
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About the writer
Anna Commander is a Newsweek Editor and writer based in Florida. Her focus is reporting on crime, weather and breaking ... Read more
