President Joe Biden is set to accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia in an effort to undermine former President Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kerry Kennedy, a prominent member of the Kennedy family, will deliver the endorsements highlighting the family’s support for Biden. This move indicates the seriousness with which Biden’s team is taking the threat of Kennedy potentially using his last name’s Democratic magic to siphon off support from the president, worrying both Democrats and Republicans about the impact on their respective campaigns. Biden is utilizing this event to sustain pressure on Trump and strengthen his reelection effort in a critical battleground state.
The Kennedy family endorsement comes as no surprise, as they have been vocal about their political differences with Robert Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent after starting as a protest primary challenger to Biden in the Democratic party. Biden previously hosted more than 30 members of Kennedy’s extended family at the White House for St. Patrick’s Day, further solidifying their support for the president. Following the formal endorsement, Biden and members of the Kennedy family were scheduled to meet with supporters at a campaign event, with plans for the Kennedy clan to make calls to voters and knock on doors on behalf of Biden to bolster his campaign in this crucial state.
Not all members of the Kennedy family are endorsing Biden, with notable figures like U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver abstaining due to their nonpolitical professional roles. Robert Kennedy Jr. has publicly expressed disagreements with his family on various issues but maintains that these differences can be handled in a friendly manner. Despite this, the DNC has taken steps to combat the appeal of third-party candidates, including Kennedy, and filed a complaint against his campaign for alleged coordination with an affiliated Super PAC to secure his name on the presidential ballot in some states. This indicates the level of concern surrounding Kennedy’s candidacy.
The Trump campaign is also viewing Kennedy warily, fearing that he could attract GOP voters and potentially harm Trump’s chances of defeating Biden in November. While Trump has made statements expressing support for Kennedy over Biden as a Democrat, he has also criticized Kennedy as being more radical left than the current president. The Kennedy family endorsement serves as the conclusion of a three-day campaign swing for Biden in Pennsylvania, providing him with the opportunity to reconnect with his roots, starting in Scranton where he lived until he was 10 years old. He emphasized the importance of these personal connections and nostalgia during his campaign stops in Scranton and Pittsburgh. Biden also called for higher tariffs on steel and aluminum from China in Pittsburgh to protect U.S. industry, reflecting his commitment to American workers and industry.
Overall, Biden’s acceptance of endorsements from the Kennedy family underscores the importance of familial and political alliances in the race for the presidency. The support from a prominent Democratic family like the Kennedys bolsters Biden’s campaign and strengthens his position against rival candidates like Robert Kennedy Jr. By highlighting these endorsements and utilizing the connections and influence of the Kennedy family, Biden aims to secure crucial support in battleground states like Pennsylvania and continue to press forward in his reelection efforts. The ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding Kennedy’s candidacy reflect the complex dynamics at play in the current political landscape, with both parties closely monitoring the potential impact on their respective campaigns. As the race intensifies and the election draws nearer, these endorsements and alliances will play a significant role in shaping the outcome in November.
