Independent presidential hopeful, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has confirmed that he has chosen his vice presidential running mate. The announcement is expected within the next fortnight, Kennedy revealed in a recent interview with CNN.
According to Kennedy, his choice for vice president has been made from a shortlist of notable figures, including NFL star Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. Kennedy has recently held discussions with Ventura regarding the potential of joining his campaign.
The shortlist also features former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Republican Senator Rand Paul, and former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, as disclosed by a campaign spokesperson. Kennedy also mentioned conversations with former TV host Mike Rowe, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, and civil rights attorney Tricia Lindsay.
Speaking about his selection, Kennedy stated, “We wanted somebody who was aligned with my values, optimistic about our country and its potential, and able to run the country at a moment’s notice.”
The Washington Post was the first to report that Kennedy has made his vice presidential pick. Last month, Kennedy held a rally in Arizona with Ventura, a former Reform Party member and one of the most successful third-party candidates in recent history. Kennedy praised his long-standing relationship with Ventura, referring to him as a “friend.”
In a November interview, Ventura expressed that he would “give it serious consideration” if asked to be Kennedy’s running mate, despite their differing views on vaccines. Kennedy also recently shared a social media post of him and Rodgers on a hike, sparking further speculation.
Rodgers, who is contracted to play for the New York Jets next year, made headlines for misleading the public about his Covid-19 vaccination status and spreading misinformation about managing Covid-19 symptoms.
Kennedy cited impending deadlines in several states, which require him to name a vice presidential candidate for ballot access, as the reason for his imminent announcement. Data provided by his campaign indicates that 23 states require the announcement of a running mate before petitioning for ballot access.
Kennedy has consistently aimed to appear on the ballot in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Currently, he is on the ballot in Utah and claims his campaign has gathered enough signatures to qualify in New Hampshire, Nevada, and Hawaii. A super PAC supporting his presidential bid has reportedly collected enough signatures to qualify Kennedy for the ballot in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and South Carolina.