Silicon Valley investor Nicole Shanahan has once again stepped up to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign, this time with a whopping $8 million donation. This generous contribution, announced at a comedy fund-raiser in Nashville, brings Shanahan’s total contribution to the campaign to $10 million.
Shanahan, who was previously married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has been a crucial financial supporter of Kennedy’s campaign. Her substantial donations have helped fund the expensive endeavor of gaining ballot access across the country and pushing Kennedy onto debate stages.
During the fund-raiser event at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Shanahan made a lighthearted remark about being chosen for her money, drawing laughter from the crowd. The event featured performances by comedians like Russell Brand, Rob Schneider, and Jim Breuer, who not only praised Kennedy but also used their time onstage to criticize Covid vaccinations, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the mainstream media, and President Biden.
Shanahan’s wealth has been a significant asset for Kennedy, as campaign finance laws limit individual donations to $6,600 but allow candidates to contribute unlimited sums of their own money. Her financial support has been crucial as the campaign works towards getting on the ballot in all 50 states, facing potential legal challenges from the Democratic Party and its allies.
The announcement of Shanahan’s donation coincided with news that President Biden and former President Donald Trump had agreed to two debates, excluding Kennedy. However, Kennedy still has a chance to qualify for the CNN debate by meeting polling requirements and getting on the ballot in enough states to potentially win the 270 Electoral College votes needed to be elected president.
Kennedy criticized Biden and Trump for trying to exclude him from the debates, stating on social media, “Keeping viable candidates off the debate stage undermines democracy.” With Shanahan’s continued support and Kennedy’s determination, the independent presidential campaign continues to push forward in its quest for national recognition and support.
