Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California has called on Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, to step down from the campaign, warning that supporting Kennedy could potentially lead to the re-election of former President Donald Trump. Khanna shared a letter with CBS News outlining his concerns, though he had not yet sent it to Shanahan. He emphasized the importance of preventing a second term for Trump, which he believes would be disastrous for the environment and could undo progress made under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Shanahan responded to Khanna’s letter by posting her thoughts on social media, expressing disappointment in his actions. She defended her decision to run alongside Kennedy, citing her belief in empowering the American public to make their own decisions in a democratic society. Shanahan accused Khanna of changing his stance under pressure from the Democratic Party and questioned the anti-democratic nature of his request for her to step down. She emphasized her commitment to the people rather than corporate interests.
Khanna’s letter to Shanahan highlighted concerns about polling data suggesting that Kennedy’s candidacy could sway swing states in favor of Trump. He urged Shanahan to consider the implications of another Trump presidency on the environment, an issue that Shanahan has been vocal about in her decision to join the Kennedy campaign. Shanahan, who described herself as a “disillusioned Democrat,” had already donated $4 million to support Kennedy’s campaign and had known Khanna for years due to their shared interest in environmental protection.
Democrats are concerned about Mr. Biden’s ability to defeat Trump in battleground states where the margin of victory in 2020 was small. Some Democratic groups have been working to prevent third-party candidates, including Kennedy, from running against the president. Khanna stressed that he respects every individual’s right to run, but believes that Shanahan should consider joining the broader Democratic coalition. He decided to publicize the letter in an effort to draw attention to the potential dangers of Kennedy’s campaign and to encourage Shanahan to reconsider her role.
In summary, the interaction between Rep. Ro Khanna, Nicole Shanahan, and the Kennedy campaign reflects the complexity of third-party candidacies in presidential elections. Khanna’s letter to Shanahan, urging her to step down from the campaign, highlights concerns about the potential impact of Kennedy’s candidacy on the election outcome. Shanahan’s response emphasizes her commitment to democratic principles and her determination to empower the American public through her participation in the campaign. The situation underscores broader tensions within the Democratic Party regarding the challenge of defeating former President Trump in swing states and the role of third-party candidates in the electoral process.
