Speculation surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vice presidential pick has come to an end as sources reveal that he has selected Nicole Shanahan, a California attorney, to join his campaign. Shanahan, aged 38, not only practices law but also leads a foundation advocating for left-wing causes such as abortion rights, criminal justice reform, and climate change. Her past involvement in Democratic campaigns, including supporting Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential bid, has raised eyebrows among conservative circles. Kennedy is set to formally introduce Shanahan as his running mate during an event scheduled for Tuesday in Oakland, Calif., Shanahan’s hometown.
Despite being a political newcomer, Shanahan has found herself in the limelight due to her publicized split with Google co-founder Sergey Brin, coupled with rumors of an alleged affair with Elon Musk in 2021. These events strained the friendship between the two billionaires, garnering considerable media attention. Despite Musk’s denial of the allegations, Shanahan has faced ongoing scrutiny, with The Wall Street Journal standing by its reporting on the matter.
Shanahan’s financial support for Kennedy’s campaign includes a substantial donation to the Kennedy-aligned super PAC that aired a Super Bowl ad endorsing his candidacy. Not only did Shanahan contribute financially to the controversial ad, which repurposed footage from John F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, but she also played a pivotal role in its production. Moreover, Shanahan has expressed alignment with Kennedy on contentious issues such as vaccine skepticism and environmental policies, echoing his sentiments regarding vaccine safety and regulatory scrutiny.
The selection of Shanahan as Kennedy’s running mate has raised concerns among conservatives, particularly given her leftist affiliations and past support for Democratic causes. Charlie Kirk, the founder of TPUSA, highlighted Shanahan’s radical leftist background and speculated on its potential impact on Kennedy’s candidacy. Some conservatives who were previously drawn to Kennedy’s campaign may find themselves at odds with his selection of Shanahan, further dividing his support base and potentially alienating those who were unaware of his left-wing leanings.
Kennedy’s decision to veer further left with Shanahan as his running mate could have implications for the race, particularly in terms of his bipartisan appeal. While Kennedy has positioned his independent bid as potentially detrimental to Donald Trump’s reelection prospects, recent polling suggests otherwise. The inclusion of Shanahan may exacerbate concerns among conservatives and could further erode Biden’s support base. Ultimately, Shanahan’s presence on the ticket may introduce new dynamics to the race, with potential consequences for all parties involved.
