CNN
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Robert F. Nicole Shanahan, a running mate of Kennedy Jr., said the Kennedy campaign was considering dropping out of the race and endorsing former President Donald Trump, framing the choice in hopes of reducing the “risk” of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president.
In an interview with podcast host Tom Billew on Tuesday, Shanahan acknowledged the Kennedy campaign’s recent conversations with the Trump campaign, which centered on the possibility of Kennedy endorsing Trump in exchange for a role in Trump’s administration. He framed the decision whether or not to endorse Trump on Harris’ chances of victory in November, arguing that Kennedy was getting more votes from Trump than Harris.
“We’re looking at two options, one is creating that new party, but we have Kamala Harris — Kamala Harris and (Tim) Walls at risk for the presidency. Because we get votes from Trump, or somehow we get more votes from Trump,” he said. “Or we Walking away now – joining Donald Trump.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, Shanahan weighed in on the choice to stay in the race through a similar framework, discussing whether Trump’s openness in releasing key issues, particularly on vaccine efficacy and safety, made supporting Trump a more attractive option for the Kennedy campaign than Harris’ “risk.” success
“The question is … is it worth it for us to stay in the Harris-Wallace presidency? That’s the question we have to ask ourselves now,” he said.
Asked about Kennedy’s possible role in a future Trump administration, Shanahan said he was “very optimistic” that he might be willing to take on a role as secretary of health and human services in a future administration. The sector can be monitored.
Trump said Tuesday that Kennedy would “certainly” be willing to play a role in his administration if the independent candidate drops out of the 2024 race and endorses the former president.
“He’s a smart guy. He’s a very smart guy. I’ve known him for a very long time,” the Republican presidential candidate told CNN’s Kristen Holmes in an interview after a campaign stop in Michigan. If so, I’d certainly be up for it.”
Asked if he would consider appointing Kennedy to a role in his administration if Kennedy wins in November, Trump said he “probably would.”
“I really like him. I have a lot of respect for him,” Trump said. “Probably, I would if something like that happened. He’s a very different guy — very smart. And, yes, I’d be honored by that recognition, of course.”
He also downplayed the potential for Republican backlash for appointing Kennedy, who has taken many progressive positions. “I like smart people, and Republicans like me,” Trump said.
The comments come after Kennedy’s conversations with Trump last month raised questions about the future of his campaign, with the two reportedly discussing ditching Kennedy and supporting Trump. At the time, Kennedy insisted he had not dropped out of the race.
Still, Kennedy continues to trail Trump and Harris in state and national polls, failing to win since Harris topped the Democratic primary in July. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll Earlier this month Harris had 47% approval, Trump 44% and Kennedy 5%.
Asked for comment about Shanahan’s comments, the Kennedy campaign referred CNN to Kennedy’s social media post on Tuesday. Read in part“As always, I am open to talking with leaders of any political party to further the goals I have worked for over 40 years in my career and in this campaign.”
Shanahan noted at several points in the interview that Kennedy had no clear path to victory, even if he held out hope for “some miracle” that would allow him to qualify for ABC News’ presidential debate on September 10. Democratic groups, including the Democratic National Committee, “made us a spoiler” for undermining their campaign.
Although Shanahan denied the Kennedy campaign had spoken with Harris about the possibility of endorsing his campaign, he confirmed reports from CNN and other outlets that Kennedy had sought to meet with Harris. CNN previously reported that the Kennedy campaign had reached out to the Harris campaign and arranged a meeting to discuss the possibility of a Kennedy endorsement in exchange for a position in his administration.
“Definitely not in talks with Harris. Certainly never brought up this idea of endorsement with Harris. Certainly never brought up a cabinet position with Harris,” he said. “We have come forward to talk to everyone about what your policies are and who is going to be in your cabinet. Would you like to hear our policies and what might work?”
Shanahan’s comments shocked some Kennedy supporters, and clips of the interview went viral on social media. One vocal Kennedy supporter, Michigan resident Bryce Lipscomb, said in a social media post that she felt “abandoned” after volunteering for the campaign earlier this year.
“I have invested a lot of time and money into your campaign,” he wrote in a post that has since been deleted. “Now I feel positive.”
DNC communications consultant Liz Smith said Shanahan’s comments lend credence to their claim that Kennedy’s campaign is a spoiler to Trump’s advantage.
“We’ve said since the beginning of this race that RFK Jr. is nothing but a spoiler for Donald Trump, and we’re glad his running mate finally agreed,” he said.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Eric Bradner contributed to this story.
