Oakland, CA (FCP) – In a move that has left liberty-minded independents scratching their heads, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has chosen lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential running mate. The announcement was made at a campaign event in Shanahan’s hometown of Oakland, California, attended by 500 people and watched by over 30,000 online.
Kennedy has spent the last 12 months diligently building interest in his campaign by strategically targeting potential Republican cross-overs and independent liberty-minded voters. Though originally running as a Democrat, Kennedy broke with his party back in October 2023 and has been running as an Independent. Appearing in interviews with Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson and a slew of other podcast and independent media shows, Kennedy’s emphasis on freedom of speech, issues like untrustworthy government bureaucracy, exemplified by his stance on vaccines, and the growing crisis at America’s southern border, has regularly brought liberty-minded conservatives and independents to pay close attention to his campaign. Likable, intelligent, and willing to openly challenge and question orthodoxy, Kennedy has a natural appeal to those who, for one reason or the other, don’t love the idea of former President Trump being the only alternative to the disastrous Biden-Harris Administration. Kennedy’s announcement strengthens Trump’s ability to fight off voter erosion and mildly weakens Biden’s position with independents and dissatisfied Democrats.
In the lead up to his VP announcement, unconventional choices like Aaron Rodgers (NFL Quarterback), Tony Robbins (Life Guru) and Mike Rowe (TV Host) were all part of feverish speculation in both legacy media and social media channels. But, more conventional choices like former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard dominated conversations in the days leading up to this announcement and seemed to be the far and away favorites of the liberty-minded crowd.
Today’s choice of Shanahan has alienated those potential Republican cross-overs and liberty-minded independents. First, Shanahan cements Kennedy’s bid as far outside the believable path for victory. Rather than choosing to add experience and some conventional balance to his ticket, Kennedy went with a person with no political experience at all. Certainly some will view this as a virtue. But it will further chill the cold feet of crossovers who question the real chances of Kennedy’s campaign. Second, Shanahan’s personal politics are defined by far-left indicators, such as her prominent support for controversial Soros-backed Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascone.
At his announcement, Kennedy praised Shanahan for her commitment to health, organic foods, and her insights into the technology industry’s manipulations using artificial intelligence, alongside her spirited athleticism and administrative talents. Yet, Shanahan’s selection is peculiar. Despite her Democrat registration, Shanahan’s lack of political or executive experience juxtaposes rather than complements Kennedy’s own outsider reputation.
Shanahan’s past contributions to Kennedy’s campaign, amounting to more than $4 million, including funding a surprisingly effective Super Bowl advertisement, raise questions about the motivations behind her selection. Her tech industry connections and significant financial contributions underscore a potential strategy by Kennedy to bolster his campaign through resources rather than political experience or alignment with the voters he so desperately needs to convince.
While Shanahan may be a high quality person with significant strengths and personal accomplishments in her own right, her choice as a running mate by RFK Jr. was underwhelming and represents a missed opportunity to connect with the broader audience of liberty-minded individuals who are looking for real hope given the disastrous state of Washington D.C.
Choosing Shanahan today left many possible Kennedy supporters feeling deflated. It means former President Trump will remain the preferred choice for most independents and less committed Republicans when political reality sinks in. Absent some major event between now and November, Kennedy missed his best chance to bolster belief in his third-party bid.
Today the Kennedy campaign did not gain ground in believability, and appears more like a far left alternative to Biden, than a possible unifying, first-ever independent path to the American Presidency.
For liberty-minded folks, Trump remains the most serious option. Kennedy has powerful personal and intellectual appeal that transcends politics. Electing him would almost certainly be better than the current administration. But, elections are ultimate about politics. Whatever his flaws, Trump currently presents the most believable path forward for those who want to see an administration stand against the lunatic leviathan targeting America’s children, destroying America’s border, undermining America’s ability to project international strength and resolve, and determined to keep printing endless supplies of money as it further undermines the experiment in self-government, that once was the United States of America.