The Kennedy family endorsement of President Biden on Thursday sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as it highlighted the growing concern in the Biden camp over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent White House bid.
The elaborate rollout of the endorsement included talk-show interviews, a campaign event with the president, and planned door-knocking by Kennedys across Philadelphia. This marked the first time that the Biden campaign had been so actively involved in promoting the Kennedys’ support, signaling a serious effort to discredit Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy.
Despite the estrangement between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and much of his family, including his siblings who have already expressed support for Mr. Biden, the endorsement event in Philadelphia was a powerful display of unity within the Kennedy clan. Kerry Kennedy, one of the independent presidential candidate’s siblings, emphasized the values that her father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, stood for and how they align with President Biden’s platform.
While Mr. Kennedy responded to his family’s endorsement with grace on social media, the Biden campaign is not taking any chances when it comes to the potential threat posed by his candidacy. With worries growing about Mr. Kennedy’s attacks on the president and his ability to win ballot lines in critical battleground states, the Biden camp is working hard to define him beyond his family name.
As the campaign heats up, both sides are ramping up their efforts to sway voters. While Mr. Kennedy’s resemblance to his father and uncles may evoke nostalgia for some voters, the Biden campaign is working to paint him as more aligned with Mr. Trump than with the Kennedy legacy.
The events on Thursday underscored the high stakes of the upcoming election, with both campaigns pulling out all the stops to secure victory. The Kennedy family endorsement may have been a powerful show of support for President Biden, but the battle for the White House is far from over.
