'Not rich enough': Internet divided as Tulsi Gabbard claims she rejected offer to be RFK Jr's running mate

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said that she turned down a chance to be the running mate for independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, the New York Post reported.

Notably, not long after her failed presidential candidacy in 2022, Gabbard quit the Democratic Party. She did not provide a reason for her decision not to seize the chance.

Tulsi Gabbard says she rejected offer to be RFK Jr’s VP

Gabbard told ABC News, "I met with Kennedy several times, and we have become good friends. He asked if I would be his running mate. After careful consideration, I respectfully declined."

Notably, for months, her name had been floated in the veepstakes rumor mill with NFL player Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, and other possible candidates.

However, the Kennedy scion ultimately chose a relatively unknown person, Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan, 38, who had been a key supporter of his presidential campaign.

Shanahan was formerly married to Sergey Brin, a co-founder of Google and the tenth richest person in the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. Earlier this year, she provided funding for Kennedy's contentious Super Bowl advertisement.

Moreover, Kennedy toyed with a long-shot run for the Democratic nomination for president, much like Gabbard. In 2020, President Biden assumed that role, and in 2024, he is certain to do it once more.

Interestingly, Kennedy declared his disenchantment with the Democratic Party and changed party allegiance to independent in October 2023, stating complaints that were similar to those of Gabbard.

A source told ABC News, "There were definitely meetings, but it didn’t work out. We talked to a bunch of people. Tulsi’s a rock star no matter what."

Moreover, Gabbard has also said that she might be open to running on former president Donald Trump's ticket as vice president. 

Notably, Kennedy's polling results have alarmed both Biden and Trump's supporters. In a three-way race, Trump received 40.7% of the vote, compared to 35.3% for Biden and 12.3% for Kennedy, per the most recent RealClearPolitics poll aggregator.

To guarantee a spot on the debate stage later this fall, Kennedy must place higher than 15% in specific polls. If he succeeds in doing so, it would be a record not reached since the 1990s.

Internet divided after Tulsi Gabbard's statement

Several internet users had mixed reactions to Tulsi Gabbard's statement where she claimed that she rejected an offer to be RFK Jr's running mate.

One user wrote on X, "Not rich enough" while another added, "Bc she wants to win with @realDonaldTrump." 

One person wrote, "She didn't want to ruin any future chances within the 2 party system."

One individual said, "I still don't understand his choice" while another added, "That would be too much crazy for one ticket."

One person stated, "I'm pretty glad it didn't work out, actually. I like Tulsi but she's obviously more in favor of Trump."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.