RFK Jr's sister Rory Kennedy warns sibling's candidacy might secure Trump's victory in 2024, Internet says 'let's hope so'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rory Kennedy, the sister of Robert F Kennedy Jr, voiced apprehensions about her brother's independent presidential bid, fearing its potential to divert votes from President Joe Biden and inadvertently bolster the chances of former president Donald Trump's reelection. 

The concerns were aired during an interview on ABC's 'Good Morning America' on Monday, April 1, 2024, offering a glimpse into the growing unease within the Kennedy family and the broader political landscape.

Rory Kennedy concerned over electoral impact

Rory Kennedy, a documentary filmmaker, conveyed her worries regarding her sibling's candidacy. “My biggest concern with Bobby’s run is that he is going to take votes away from Biden, and I think this election is going to come down to a handful of votes in a handful of states,” Rory, 55, told host George Stephanopoulos. 

“And I am concerned that voting for Bobby is going to take votes away from Biden and lead to a Trump election. And I’m very concerned what that will do to our country and to the world over the ensuing four years," she added.

Her apprehension stems from recent polls indicating that Robert F Kennedy Jr's candidacy could siphon off votes from President Joe Biden, potentially altering the electoral landscape.

The Kennedy family, known for its deep-rooted ties to the Democratic Party, had previously denounced RFK Jr's bid, labeling it as "dangerous to our country."

In a joint statement released in January, Rory Kennedy, along with siblings Kerry Kennedy, Joseph P Kennedy, and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, expressed their disapproval of Robert F Kennedy Jr's decision to run as an independent candidate.

“Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision, or judgment,” they said in a statement posted on X. “Today’s announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country,” they added.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, an environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic, garnered attention during the Democratic presidential primary, where his progressive platform resonated with a segment of voters. However, recent developments saw him switch his party affiliation, intensifying concerns within Democratic circles about the potential impact of his candidacy.

Polling data from key swing states in November revealed significant support for RFK Jr, raising alarms among Democratic strategists.

The emergence of a hypothetical five-way race, including former president Trump, President Biden, RFK Jr, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and independent candidate Cornel West, has further complicated the electoral landscape.

Recent surveys indicated Trump leading in battleground states and nationwide, with RFK Jr's candidacy potentially altering the dynamics of the race.

Trump's welcomed PFK Jr's candidacy

Former president Trump, seizing the opportunity to exploit divisions within the Democratic Party, welcomed RFK Jr's candidacy, portraying him as a disruptive force.

“He is Crooked Joe Biden’s Political Opponent, not mine,” Trump said about Kennedy on Truth Social after the latter announced last week his running mate would be Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan, a former Democrat and donor to his campaign.

“I love that he is running!” Trump said of Kennedy. “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,” the former president added.

“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,” he wrote.

Despite facing challenges in securing ballot access, RFK Jr's campaign remained steadfast, advocating for a progressive agenda that resonated with a segment of the electorate.

“Our campaign is a spoiler, all right,” RFK Jr admitted while announcing Shanahan as his running mate. “It is a spoiler for the war machine. It is a spoiler for Wall Street, Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Pharma, the corporate media, and all of the corrupt politicians and corporations,” he added.

However, the Biden campaign and Democratic National Committee launched efforts to thwart RFK Jr's candidacy, filing complaints against his super PAC and portraying him as a pawn in Trump's political maneuvering.

The resurgence of third-party candidacies evoked memories of past elections, notably the 1968 election, where George Wallace's candidacy disrupted the political landscape.

Similarly, Ross Perot's independent bid in 1992 showcased the potential of third-party candidates to influence electoral outcomes, raising questions about RFK Jr's impact on the current race, the New York Post reported.

Social media reactions

Social media was inundated with reactions after Rory Kennedy voiced concerns about her brother's candidacy inadvertently helping Trump's campaign.

"Let’s hope so," one posted on X.

"That's fine with me," a comment read.

"Another concerned family member… what are the odds?" another asked.

"She should be more concerned that her brother is being denied Secret Service protection. She should do a 'documentary' on that," someone else chimed in.

"He's the only good Kennedy. And he's marginal," yet another opined.

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.