By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s family members have condemned his decision to suspend his 2024 presidential election campaign and endorse Republican Donald J. Trump, with whom he appeared at a political rally for the first time.
Max Kennedy, his brother, wrote in the Los Angeles Times newspaper that Trump was “exactly the kind of arrogant, entitled bully” that his father, former U.S. senator and attorney general Robert F Kennedy, stood against before being assassinated in 1968 as he pursued the Democratic presidential nomination.
Kennedy’s move also drew sharp criticism from the rest of his family. That includes his wife, actor Cheryl Hines, whom Kennedy has acknowledged was “very uncomfortable” with his support of Trump despite her statement that she “deeply” respected her husband’s decision.
Shortly after his announcement, his younger sister, Kerry, released a statement on behalf of his siblings — herself, Kathleen, Courtney, Rory, and Chris — saying that they “believe in [Democratic presidential nominee Kamala] Harris and [running mate Tim] Walz.”
The “personal statement” she shared on social media platform X stressed: “We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise, and national pride. We believe in Harris and Walz. Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.”
They added, “It is a sad ending to a sad story,” in the statement signed by
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Chris Kennedy and Rory Kennedy.
POLITICAL RALLY
The statement came as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared with Trump at a political rally in Arizona, where he formally backed the former president.
Trump clinched the Republican nomination despite his conviction on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels, among various other legal problems.
Kennedy said he planned to remove his name from the 2024 presidential election ballot in swing states to boost Trump’s chances of retaking the White House. However, he added that he would remain on the ballot in other states that are not expected to decide the presidential race.
In an interview with broadcaster Fox News on Sunday, Kennedy claimed his campaign was undermined by the media’s “censorship” and that he was not included in the June presidential debate that preceded Joe Biden’s decision to halt his presidential re-election bid.
He also described his periodic talks with Trump before Thursday’s endorsement announcement, including one hours after the failed assassination attempt of the former president in July.
While they agreed that they would be able to continue criticizing each other on issues on which they disagreed, Kennedy said of Trump, ”He invited me to form a unity government.”
DIFFERENCES REMAIN
And, “We are both in this to do what’s right for the country,” Trump added in separate remarks later commending Kennedy for having “raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country.”
With Kennedy standing nearby, Trump invoked his slain uncle and father, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, saying he knows “that they are looking down right now and they are very, very proud.”
Trump said that if he won this fall, he would establish a new independent presidential commission on assassination attempts that would release all remaining documents related to John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
He repeated his pledge to establish a panel — “working with Bobby” — to investigate the increase in chronic health conditions and childhood diseases, including autoimmune disorders, autism, obesity, and infertility.
A year ago, some would have thought it inconceivable that a member of arguably the most storied family in Democratic politics would work with Trump to keep a Democrat out of the White House.
Even in recent months, Kennedy accused Trump of betraying his followers, while Trump criticized Kennedy as “the most radical left candidate in the race.”
LONG HISTORY
Kennedy, the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, had seen his campaign’s momentum slip.
He first entered the 2024 presidential race as a Democrat but left the party last fall to run as an Independent.
Kennedy built an unusually strong base for a third-party bid, fuelled in part by anti-establishment voters and vaccine skeptics who have followed his anti-vaccine work since the COVID-19 pandemic.
But he had since faced strained campaign finances and mounting legal challenges.
These difficulties include a recent ruling from a New York judge that he should not appear on the ballot in the state because he listed a “sham” address on nominating petitions.
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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