President Joe Biden is set to receive endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political dynasty during a campaign visit to Philadelphia on Thursday, strategically aimed at countering former President Donald Trump‘s influence and mitigating the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kerry Kennedy, daughter of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and niece of former President John F. Kennedy, will deliver the endorsements on behalf of Biden’s campaign.
The decision to showcase the Kennedy family’s support this early in the election cycle underscores the seriousness with which Biden’s team regards the potential threat posed by Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy, which could leverage the enduring appeal of the Kennedy name to draw support away from the president.
RFK Jr. (Credits: NBC News)
Democrats and Republicans alike are concerned about the potential impact of Kennedy’s campaign on their respective nominees. Kerry Kennedy’s remarks, prepared for the event, invoke the legacy of her father’s commitment to justice, human rights, and freedom, aligning these values with President Biden’s platform.
The endorsement, while expected, carries outstanding weight, given the Kennedy family’s prominent status within the Democratic Party. Absent from the endorsements are Caroline Kennedy, the U.S. Ambassador to Australia, and Maria Shriver, both of whom cited their nonpolitical professional roles as the reason for not endorsing.
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy, although at odds with his family politically, has sparked concerns within both the Democratic and Republican camps.
Biden (Credits: The New York Times)
The DNC has taken measures to counter the appeal of third-party candidates, particularly Kennedy Jr., while the Trump campaign views him as a potential threat to their voter base.
Biden’s visit to Pennsylvania serves as a platform for reconnecting with his roots, starting with a visit to his childhood home in Scranton before proceeding to Pittsburgh. In Scranton, Biden reminisced about his upbringing, while in Pittsburgh, he advocated for protectionist measures to safeguard American industries.
Biden’s efforts to connect with voters in Pennsylvania, along with the Kennedy family’s endorsement, highlight the critical importance of swing states and the impact of family political legacies on election results.
