Independent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making headlines with his unconventional shortlist for a potential running mate. Among the surprising names are New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. This eclectic pairing reflects Kennedy’s bid to shake up the traditional political landscape, a stance that echoes the sentiment of many Americans disillusioned with the current bipartisan system.
Kennedy’s approach to politics, which he articulates as nonaligned with the major political parties, underscores his belief that the solutions America needs will not come from within the established Democratic or Republican frameworks. Ventura shares this sentiment, saying, “I’m an independent. I’m not a Democrat or a Republican because I know they’re not the solution.”
RFK Jr. considering Jesse Ventura and Aaron Rodgers for VP https://t.co/v5UPpSI0oQ pic.twitter.com/yMcmsxUJJ5
— The Hill (@thehill) March 13, 2024
Critics from the Democratic camp have quickly derided Kennedy’s selections, with a Democratic National Committee senior adviser likening the shortlist to a “Three Stooges reunion.” Despite such criticism, Kennedy persists in his independent candidacy, which he shifted to after distancing himself from the Democratic Party. He has expressed disappointment with the party’s evolution, reminiscing about a past era when the Democrats were marked by their anti-war stance and skepticism about governmental and pharmaceutical industry overreach.
Kennedy’s potential vice-presidential picks also highlight his inclination toward figures who share his skeptical views on mainstream narratives, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Rodgers fits that profile, as he was a vocal opponent of vaccine mandates and a renegade against the NFL’s COVID-19 policies during the pandemic.
Apart from Rogers and Ventura, Kennedy has spoken with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who are all on a “short list,” the Kennedy campaign confirmed to The Hill. https://t.co/TW2oWy3PTl
— Lori Spencer (@RealLoriSpencer) March 13, 2024
Former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura, on the other hand, brings a different flavor to Kennedy’s political concoction. His 1998 victory in the Minnesota gubernatorial race as a Reform Party member remains one of American political history’s most surprising episodes. His outsider bona fides could complement Kennedy’s vision to appeal to voters who have disengaged from party politics.
Kennedy’s move to consider figures outside of the political mainstream is seen by many as a key part of his strategy to attract disillusioned voters, while others see it as little more than a publicity stunt. He has been obtaining general election ballot access in more states recently, and polls show he would have a more damaging effect on Joe Biden’s chances at reelection than on President Donald Trump’s.
