Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in his bid to carve out a path as an independent presidential contender, seems to be accomplishing the opposite by choosing a radical left VP pick. Nicole Shanahan is steeped in leftist ideologies, having not only supported Joe Biden and various Democrats financially but also championed far-left “criminal justice” causes.
Despite RFK Jr.’s dramatic departure from the Democratic fold in October 2023, proclaiming a break from not just the Democrats but all political affiliations, Shanahan’s political leanings and contributions tell a different story. Shanahan has been a generous donor to Democratic endeavors, including a hefty $25,000 to Biden’s campaign in 2020. Her commitment to Democrat causes runs deep, contradicting the independent stance RFK Jr. aims to embody.
Shanahan’s advocacy doesn’t stop at monetary support for Democratic campaigns. She’s also a vocal backer of left-leaning criminal justice reforms. In 2021, she touted her substantial contribution to Measure J in Los Angeles County, a measure rerouting funds from law enforcement to community development and alternatives to incarceration.
It’s safe to say Shanahan is a far-left pick for RFK Jr. According to Charlie Kirk, she is also a major donor to George Gascon, a Soros-backed prosecutor blamed for escalating crime rates in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Shanahan has massive potential to alienate common-sense independents drawn to RFK Jr.’s campaign, dismayed by rising crime rates and Shanahan’s radical positions.
It is clear that RFK Jr.’s independent run and choice of running mate is stirring the pot in unexpected ways. His VP selection is poised to siphon off Biden supporters who’ve woken up to the realization that Biden is not the ideal candidate after all. This turn of events might just serve up an unexpected advantage for Trump if it ends up diverting voters away from Biden.
By aligning with Nicole Shanahan, a figure deeply rooted in leftist politics and activism, Kennedy seems to undercut his own narrative of independence. Her endorsements and contributions, notably to figures and policies that veer sharply from moderate or conservative values, risk alienating the very voters Kennedy seeks to captivate. This strategy could very well dilute RFK Jr.’s appeal among independents, underscoring the complexities of navigating America’s polarized political landscape.
