Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, Silicon Valley investor Nicole Shanahan, announced a $8 million donation to their independent presidential campaign, bringing her total contribution to $10 million. Shanahan, who was formerly married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, gave $2 million shortly after being named as Kennedy’s running mate in March. These funds have helped the campaign gain ballot access across the country and put Kennedy in a position to participate in debates.
Shanahan made her announcement at a comedy fundraiser in Nashville, following performances by Russell Brand, Rob Schneider, and Jim Breuer, among others. While many performers praised Kennedy, they also criticized Covid vaccinations, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the mainstream media, and President Biden. Shanahan’s personal wealth has been instrumental in supporting the campaign, as current campaign finance laws allow candidates to give unlimited amounts of their own money to their campaign.
The expensive endeavor of gaining ballot access in all 50 states has been made possible by Shanahan’s financial contribution, as the Democratic Party and its supporters have vowed to contest the campaign’s efforts legally. Shanahan’s donation came on the same day that Biden and Trump agreed to two debates, excluding the traditional Commission on Presidential Debates. Despite efforts by both candidates to keep Kennedy off the stage, Kennedy has a chance of qualifying for the CNN debate due to his rising popularity in national polls.
To qualify for the CNN debate, Kennedy must show at least 15% support in four approved national polls between March 13 and June 20. He currently has two qualifying polls from CNN and Quinnipiac University and has another five weeks to gain more. In addition to polling requirements, Kennedy must also be placed on the ballot in enough states to potentially win the 270 Electoral College votes needed to become president. As of now, he is on the ballot in five states with 84 electoral votes.
Kennedy criticized both Biden and Trump for their exclusionary tactics, stating that keeping viable candidates off the debate stage undermines democracy. Despite facing obstacles in gaining ballot access and participating in debates, Kennedy’s increasing support in polls and Shanahan’s financial backing provide hope for the campaign’s success. The upcoming debates will be a crucial opportunity for Kennedy to present his platform and ideas to a wider audience, potentially changing the course of the presidential race.
