Kennedy Jr.'s faction considered withdrawing, Trump immediately 'pulled'

Fox News on August 21 quoted Ms. Nicole Shanahan, running with independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying that the two campaigns are considering withdrawing to support former President Donald Trump, in order to prevent Vice President Kamala Harris from being elected.

“We are taking a very serious look at ensuring that those who have damaged our free and fair democracy are not allowed to hold office,” she said.

She said the campaign was considering two options: continuing the race to emphasize the role of independent candidates or withdrawing to support Mr. Trump in the 2024 US election.

The Washington Post recently reported that Mr. Kennedy Jr. contacted Ms. Harris's team to discuss the possibility of working in a future government if she is elected. However, Mr. Kennedy Jr. denied this information.

"That's fake news. I didn't ask Ms. Harris to give me a position in the government, but I contacted all the candidates. I met some of them," he said.

Similarly, Ms. Shanahan also denied that information and said that the media tried to paint the party they thought was good.

Harris' campaign has not responded to a request for comment on the reports.

Meanwhile, CNN quoted Mr. Trump as saying that he was "certainly" open to the possibility of Mr. Kennedy Jr. having a place in his future administration if he withdrew from the race to support him.

"I like him and respect him. He's a great guy and he's very smart. I don't know if he's considering leaving, but if he is, I'd certainly be open to that," Trump said.

The former president also played down the possibility of a backlash from Republicans over the appointment of Mr Kennedy Jr, who has taken some radical stances. “I like smart people, and Republicans like me,” Mr Trump said.