US Election: Kennedy Jr picks Silicon Valley lawyer as vice president candidate

OAKLAND: United States Presidential Election candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr (RFK Jr) announced his selection of Silicon Valley attorney Nicole Shanahan as his candidate for the position for vice president or “running mate” during a rally in Oakland, California late on Tuesday.

The presidential hopeful described Shanahan as a “fierce warrior mom” with a background in law, science, and technology.

According to political analysts, Kennedy Jr aims to leverage her nomination to fast-track his campaign’s efforts to secure ballot access in various states. With nearly half of these states requiring a vice presidential pick for candidacy advancement, the Silicon Valley attorney’s role will also ensure broadening Kennedy’s appeal to voters.

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The move is expected to also aid in Kennedy Jr’s fundraising efforts, especially in light of criticism and legal challenges the independent candidate is facing from the Democratic Party.

Kennedy Jr’s decision to enlist Shanahan as his running mate comes amid increasing pressure from Democrats, who perceive his independent bid as a potential issue that will favour former president Donald Trump’s nominations at the ballot boxes.

During the rally in Oakland, Shanahan voiced her commitment to supporting Kennedy’s goal of securing ballot access in all 50 states and the country capital Washington DC. She also criticised the Democratic Party, citing its prioritisation of the upper classes over the concerns of ordinary Americans as her reason for leaving the party.

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Shanahan’s background and expertise in technology and philanthropy is seen by many as offering a contrast to Kennedy’s political lineage as a member of US’s most prominent political dynasty.

Despite her limited political experience, the Silicon Valley attorney’s nomination is viewed as an attempt by Kennedy to appeal to younger voters. Her decision to address pressing issues such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology, particularly in the face of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) that poses challenges to traditional job markets, is also seen to resonate with the under-40 demographic.

However, Shanahan’s selection also sparked concerns among some Democrats, particularly regarding her alignment with anti-vaccine views. Shanahan has expressed scepticism about the safety of vaccines in past.

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Kennedy’s campaign so far has encountered a number of issues, including legal disputes in several states brought on by the Democratic Party, whose members object to his nomination as an independent.

Despite all obstacles, Kennedy said he is optimistic about his election prospects and is determined to challenge both Biden and Trump in the upcoming US presidential election.

The 2024 United States primary elections are slated to be held on November 5 this year.