Allies of President Joe Biden are delving into the personal life of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, despite concerns that Kennedy’s campaign could draw votes from Biden, potentially affecting the election outcome.
James Carville, a former Clinton aide, has been reaching out to prominent figures in Silicon Valley regarding Shanahan’s background, particularly her two marriages, which have attracted attention in tech circles.
Her recent divorce from Sergey Brin, which left her with huge funds, has raised eyebrows, especially as she has contributed financially to Kennedy’s campaign.
Carville’s inquiries are part of a vetting process undertaken by the SuperPAC American Bridge, aiming to ensure transparency and address concerns about Shanahan’s past, including her views on various issues and her alignment with conspiracy theories.
The organization emphasized the importance of vetting any candidate challenging the president, irrespective of political affiliations.
Shanahan’s background includes founding ClearAccessIP, a patent analytics company, and making great contributions to initiatives such as the Buck Institute for Female Reproductive Longevity and Equality. She has also invested in climate-related startups through her venture capital firm, Planeta Ventures.
However, Shanahan’s entry into the public arena has brought scrutiny to her personal life, particularly past relationships and rumors. The focus on her marital history and alleged affairs has intensified due to her role as Kennedy’s running mate, with American Bridge conducting thorough research into her past.
While Shanahan has faced challenges regarding her private life that have affected her professional endeavors, such as speaking engagements and reputation, she has remained focused on issues related to her work and ideas.
The scrutiny on Shanahan reflects broader trends in Silicon Valley, where the private lives of tech elites have become subjects of interest and investigative reporting, highlighting the intersection of personal backgrounds and public roles in politics and business.