Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign manager confirmed the firing of New York campaign staff member Rita Palma after she allegedly told GOP voters that preventing President Joe Biden’s victory was her main priority and encouraged them to volunteer for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Palma was let go for misrepresentation and inaccurately describing a conversation that did not happen. Palma acknowledged her termination and maintained that Kennedy is still the best candidate. She expressed gratitude for her time with Team Kennedy and looks forward to seeing Kennedy succeed.
Palma reportedly urged voters to collect signatures for Kennedy, vote for him in New York, and volunteer for Trump in Pennsylvania to block Biden from winning the presidency. Palma identified herself as the Kennedy campaign’s New York state director during the meeting and social media posts. The Kennedy campaign downplayed her role, referring to her as a “ballot access consultant.” There are concerns that Kennedy’s campaign could act as a spoiler and benefit Trump in the upcoming election, as Democrats and Biden allies are actively opposing Kennedy.
Despite efforts from Democrats to combat Kennedy’s campaign, the Trump campaign has largely ignored the independent candidate’s campaign. Trump himself has expressed support for Kennedy, calling him the most radical left candidate in the race. The Kennedy campaign views obtaining ballot access in New York as a critical step towards qualifying for the ballot in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Organizers are working in all 62 counties in New York to gather 45,000 valid signatures within a six-week window to secure ballot access.
The Kennedy campaign manager mentioned that Palma’s termination was due to misrepresentation and an inaccurate description of a conversation that did not occur. Palma expressed her continued support for Kennedy and acknowledged that the focus on her comments can be seen as a distraction. She emphasized that she dealt with the campaign honestly and has nothing to defend, as truth defends itself. Palma thanked the campaign for her time with them and looks forward to Kennedy’s future success.
Palma’s urging of voters to support Kennedy in New York and volunteer for Trump in Pennsylvania has raised concerns about the impact of Kennedy’s campaign on the upcoming election. The Biden campaign believes that Kennedy’s campaign could ultimately benefit Trump. Despite the challenges and criticisms faced by the Kennedy campaign, organizers are working diligently to secure ballot access in New York, with a specific focus on gathering 45,000 valid signatures within a six-week timeframe. The Trump campaign has largely ignored Kennedy’s campaign, and Trump himself has expressed support for Kennedy as a candidate in the race.
