Democrats and Republicans chastised the selection of Silicon Valley lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan.
OAKLAND, Calif.—Moments after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced Silicon Valley lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on March 26, the independent presidential candidate saw backlash from both Democrats and Republicans for the selection.
In Oakland, where Ms. Shanahan grew up, Mr. Kennedy called the ticket a spoiler for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Citing polls that indicate more than half of American voters do not want to see a rematch between the two presidents, Mr. Kennedy said, “Millions of Americans are not going to vote at all if they’re not given another choice. They’re simply withdrawing from democracy. Well, Nicole and I are going to give those millions another choice.”
After Ms. Shanahan was announced as Mr. Kennedy’s running mate, President Trump expressed his view on Truth Social.
“RFK Jr. is the most Radical Left Candidate in the race, by far. He’s a big fan of the Green New Scam, and other economy killing disasters. I guess this would mean he is going to be taking votes from Crooked Joe Biden, which would be a great service to America. His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, is even more ‘Liberal’ than him, if that’s possible. Kennedy is a Radical Left Democrat, and always will be!!! It’s great for MAGA, but the Communists will make it very hard for him to get on the Ballot. Expect him, and her, to be indicted any day now, probably for Environmental Fraud! He is Crooked Joe Biden’s Political Opponent, not mine. I love that he is running!”
The criticism marked a sharp contrast to the early stages of his campaign when Mr. Kennedy was opposing President Biden in the Democrat Party primary.
President Trump called Mr. Kennedy “a very smart person” and noted “he’s hit a little bit of a nerve,” “his heart is in the right place,” and “he’s doing really well.”
The former president’s sentiments changed when Mr. Kennedy announced last October he would run as an independent.
President Trump and Mr. Kennedy have similar views on topics like protecting the U.S.-Mexico border and ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
COVID-19 is the topic where Mr. Kennedy and President Trump differ the most as Mr. Kennedy has criticized the former president for “not asking the questions he should have” during the pandemic.
President Trump “knew that lockdowns were wrong” and then “agreed to lockdowns,” Mr. Kennedy said.
