'Poor judgement': Internet divided as Kennedy family endorses Joe Biden over RFK Jr's independent bid

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: More than a dozen members of the Kennedy family have endorsed President Joe Biden's re-election bid over their family member Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is running as an independent candidate, NBC News reported.

The Kennedy clan, who holds a rich Democratic Party heritage, joined the president at a campaign event at Martin Luther King Recreation Center Philadephia on Thursday, April 18. 

"We want to make crystal clear our feeling that the best way forward for America is to re-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to four more years," Kerry Kennedy said, announcing the endorsement on behalf of 15 family members.

Alongside Kerry, RFK Jr's five other siblings, Rory Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy II, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Christopher Kennedy, and Maxwell Kennedy Sr, were present at the event.

Kennedy family steps up to unite America

The support from the most famous political family in the country is aimed at uniting the voters for Biden amidst the fears that RFK Jr could split the votes, paving the way for former President Donald Trump's victory in November. 

Speaking in an interview, the independent contender's nephew, former Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, claimed his uncle's candidacy is a threat to the country and its values. "I believe that his candidacy is likely to divert support away from President Biden and end up increasing support for Donald Trump," he added.

Joseph, who is currently a special envoy to Northern Ireland under the Biden administration, said his family is aiming to reduce the impact of third-party votes, which could reduce Biden's support.

In her speech, Kerry mirrored a similar stance: "We can say today, with no less urgency, that our rights and freedoms are once again in peril. That is why we all need to come together in a campaign that should unite not only Democrats but all Americans, including Republicans and independents who believe in what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature."

She further attacked Trump, claiming how his "outrageous lies and behavior" would have terrified her father, Sen Robert F Kennedy.

Biden expressed his gratitude for the endorsement, which has been "months in the making," calling it an "incredible honor to have the support of the Kennedy family."

The president's campaign said the family will also engage in voter outreach, including making calls and door-to-door canvassing.

Responding to his family's support for Biden, RFK Jr said on X that he was "pleased they are politically active." He also claimed that many family members are supporting his campaign but did not mention any names.

Social media debates

Netizens split into two camps weighing on the Kennedy family's Biden endorsement. One side lauded them for choosing the nation, while the other denounced their decision.

One user wrote, "Country over family." While another remarked, "Here we have a family that's built their entire legacy on the idea of public service and political leadership, and now they're tearing each other apart over who should be the next leader of the free world."

"They are Patriots through and through," a third user lauded the Kennedy family. Whereas a fourth response read, "Even more reason to vote for RFK Jr. He represents the People over the Kennedy Cult."

Someone else opined, "Of course, RFK Jr disgraces the family name on a daily basis!" On the other hand, an individual claimed, "It is not shocking that they would prioritize politics over family."

"The Kennedy family knows a lot more about #RFKJr than anyone in the world. Why do you think they won't endorse him?" one questioned. Another remark read, "Another example of poor judgement from the Kennedy family."

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.