Republican commentator Scott Jennings advised caution to former President Donald Trump’s campaign in response to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent endorsement of Trump. Kennedy, who had been running as an independent for the 2024 presidential election, announced that he was suspending his campaign, citing internal polling that suggested his continued participation could help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Following this, Kennedy endorsed Trump, a move the former president welcomed as a “great honor.”
Jennings, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, expressed concern that Kennedy’s endorsement might not be entirely beneficial for Trump. While Kennedy’s supporters are likely to shift toward Trump, Jennings pointed out that Kennedy’s reputation as a conspiracy theorist could alienate some voters, potentially harming Trump’s chances in the general election.
He advised Trump to be cautious in handling the endorsement and avoid making commitments that could be difficult to fulfill.
Kennedy, the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has garnered attention for his controversial views, particularly his skepticism about COVID-19 vaccinations. He has also been involved in several scandals, including admitting to dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park and facing accusations of past misconduct.
Donald Trump
These controversies have contributed to Kennedy’s complex public image, which may complicate his endorsement’s impact on Trump’s campaign.
Despite Kennedy’s withdrawal from the race, it remains uncertain how this will influence the broader electoral landscape. Polling data indicated that Kennedy had about 5 percent support nationally before he suspended his campaign, a decrease from earlier in the race when his support was in the double digits.
His influence might be most significant in battleground states, where even a small shift in voter support could have a noticeable effect.
However, according to a recent survey by The New York Times and Siena College, if all of Kennedy’s supporters were to back Trump, it would only result in a 1 percentage point increase for Trump in key swing states. In contrast, Harris maintained a 2 percent lead over Trump on average in these states, suggesting that Kennedy’s endorsement might have a limited impact on the overall outcome of the election.
