News Brief
Another Twist In US Presidential Race: Big Blow To Kamala's Campaign As Independent Robert F Kennedy Jr To Quit, Back Trump
Robert F Kennedy Jr
Robert F Kennedy Junior, an independent candidate for the US presidency, is likely to withdraw from the race, with a significant announcement from him expected on Friday (22 August), US media reported on Wednesday (21 August).
According to reports from The New York Times and CNN, Kennedy, who garnered 8.7 percent support in a recent nationwide poll by The Hill, is expected to endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump after exiting the race.
Kennedy’s supporters could play a pivotal role in the closely contested presidential race between Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party and Donald Trump, especially in key swing states.
Kennedy, the scion of America's most famous political clan, is an environmental lawyer and a prominent vaccine skeptic who presidential campaign has struggled to resonate with mainstream voters.
Kennedy’s campaign announced on Wednesday that he will deliver a national address on Friday from Arizona, a crucial swing state where Trump is also scheduled to hold a campaign rally the same day.
"Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will address the nation live on Friday about the present historical moment and his path forward," read a brief statement from RFK Jr.'s campaign.
The New York Times, citing three unnamed sources, reported on Wednesday that Kennedy is expected to conclude his campaign and possibly endorse Trump.
CNN, citing two anonymous sources, also reported that Kennedy is expected to suspend his campaign on Friday.
Trump stated in an interview with CNN on Tuesday that he would be "certainly" open to the idea of Kennedy taking on a role in his administration if elected.
Trump praised Kennedy, saying, "He's a brilliant guy. He's a very smart guy. I've known him for a long time."
He added, "I didn't know he was thinking about getting out, but if he is thinking about getting out, certainly I'd be open to it."
Kennedy quitting the race and his expected endorsement of Trump is likely to boost the prospects of the Republican presidential nominee.
According to the current polls in the US, Trump and Harris are in a close contest with the US Vice-President slightly ahead of the Former US President.
Harris, who will accept the Democratic party's nomination for the Presidential election today, was endorsed by President Biden to replace him as the party's nominee after his disastrous performance at first debate with Trump.
The Democratic party establishment, including former president Obama, his wife Michelle, and former house speaker Nancy Pelosi, pressured Biden to step down from Presidential race as his poll numbers started tanking after the poor show at the debate.
