Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura on the RFK Jr. Vice President shortlist

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering American football quarterback Aaron Rodgers or former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura as his vice presidential running mate.

They are on a short list of possible candidates, Mr Kennedy's campaign said on Tuesday.

Campaign officials have not confirmed who else is on the list.

Mr Kennedy, 70, launched his bid for the presidency last year.

He previously considered challenging Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination and now faces a battle as an independent to get his name on the ballot in most or all of the 50 US states.

Mr Kennedy, a member of America's most famous political family, worked as an environmental lawyer before founding an anti-vaccination pressure group.

Mr. Rodgers, a star quarterback now playing for the New York Jets, was injured early in his first game last season, but has vowed to return to action in 2024.

Off the field, he has been criticized for his skepticism about vaccination and for making several controversial statements.

Mr Kennedy recently posted a picture of them hiking together.

It's unclear how the quarterback will be able to combine a vice presidential campaign with a grueling NFL season that could clash with the November election.

Mr. Ventura, a former professional wrestler and actor, was elected governor of Minnesota in 1998 as a member of the Reform Party, defeating Democratic and Republican candidates in an unexpected upset.

He served for a four-year term and after leaving office, has consistently hinted at rejoining the political fray.

Beginning in 2017, he hosted a show on Kremlin-owned RT America until the station ceased operations after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Last month he appeared at a campaign event in Arizona with Mr Kennedy.

The BBC has approached both running mates for comment.

Ballot access rules for independent presidential candidates vary widely from state to state, with most candidates required to collect signatures before the summer deadline.

Many states require independents to choose a running mate for vice president before applying for admission.

The Kennedy campaign says it has qualified so far in four states: Utah, Nevada, New Hampshire and Hawaii.

video title,

See: RFK Jr v JFK – Can You Spot the Difference?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *