#Whitmer's Endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

[pacificnewsworld]

How to Embrace Diversity in Political Campaigns: Insights from Governor Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Sparks Controversy with Endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a surprising turn of events, Governor Whitmer has stirred up a heated debate with her recent endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The controversial figure, known for his outspoken views on vaccination and public health policies, has long been a polarizing figure in the political arena. Governor Whitmer's public support of Kennedy has raised eyebrows and sparked a fierce debate among Michigan residents and political analysts alike. Critics of the endorsement argue that Kennedy's anti-vaccination stance and skepticism towards mainstream medical practices make him an unfit candidate for public endorsement. They point to his history of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories related to vaccines as a cause for concern. Many are questioning Governor Whitmer's judgment in aligning herself with such a divisive figure, especially in the midst of a global health crisis. Supporters of the endorsement, however, commend Governor Whitmer for her willingness to stand by her convictions and support individuals who challenge the status quo. They argue that Kennedy's advocacy for vaccine safety and transparency in public health policies is a noble cause that deserves recognition and support. They see Governor Whitmer's endorsement as a bold statement in support of free speech and open debate on important public health issues. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Governor Whitmer's endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will impact her political standing and influence in Michigan. With the 2022 gubernatorial election on the horizon, this controversial move may prove to be a defining moment in Governor Whitmer's political career.

Kennedy Family Members Snub RFK Jr. with Powerful Endorsement of Joe Biden: 'A Vote to Save Our Democracy' In a surprising turn of events, several members of the Kennedy family have publicly endorsed Joe Biden for president, dealing a significant blow to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political aspirations. The Kennedy clan, known for their influence in American politics, made their stance clear in a joint statement, calling their support for Biden a "vote to save our democracy." The endorsement comes as a stark contrast to RFK Jr.'s controversial views and actions, which have often sparked public outrage and division. While the Kennedys have a long history of political involvement and activism, their decision to align with Biden underscores their belief in his ability to lead the country in a time of unprecedented challenges. In their statement, the Kennedy family members highlighted Biden's experience, integrity, and commitment to unity as reasons for their endorsement. They emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election and the need for a leader who can bring people together and steer the nation towards a brighter future. The endorsement is seen as a significant setback for RFK Jr., who has faced criticism for his anti-vaccination stance and promotion of conspiracy theories. Despite his familial ties to the Kennedy legacy, RFK Jr. has failed to garner the same level of support and trust from his relatives, further isolating him from mainstream political circles. As the presidential race heats up, the Kennedy family's endorsement of Joe Biden adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous election season. With their powerful statement, they send a clear message to the American public: now is the time to unite, to stand up for democracy, and to vote for a better future for all.

Kerry Kennedy Endorses Biden as the Candidate Upholding RFK's Legacy Kerry Kennedy, the younger sister of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to make a powerful statement in support of Joe Biden at an upcoming event in Philadelphia. Scheduled for Thursday, April 18, Kennedy is expected to passionately convey that Biden is the one candidate who truly embodies the values and principles of their late father, Robert F. Kennedy. With her endorsement, Kerry seeks to highlight Biden's commitment to social justice, equality, and compassion—the very same ideals that her iconic father championed throughout his life. Stay tuned for Kerry Kennedy's inspiring remarks as she rallies behind Biden's campaign, carrying forward the torch of the Kennedy legacy.

Kennedy Family Unites to Endorse Biden, Dealing Blow to RFK Jr.'s Independent Campaign In a surprising turn of events, members of the Kennedy family have come together to formally endorse Joe Biden for the upcoming presidential election. While many Kennedys have previously expressed their support for Biden, their united front in endorsing him as a family unit is seen as a significant blow to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign. The decision has sent shockwaves through the Democratic party, as RFK Jr.'s campaign had been gaining momentum and causing unease among party members in what is already shaping up to be a closely contested election year. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Trump-RFK Jr. alliance resurrects debate over COVID restrictions, vaccine skepticism in 2024 campaign - Published Sept 1, 2024

WASHINGTON — In securing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement, Donald Trump gained an ally who could steer him crucial votes by providing cover on some of the themes that defined Kennedy’s campaign: distrust of the COVID vaccine, opposition to government mandates, and lingering outrage over the handling of the pandemic.

With the 2024 presidential election set to be decided by razor-thin margins in a handful of states, Trump and his team are betting that winning over Kennedy supporters — many of whom deeply distrust Trump, whose Operation Warp Speed initiative launched the COVID vaccines — could help push them to victory.

Already, Trump surrogates are spelling out how Kennedy’s backing could boost the campaign. “RFK brings a special subset to the campaign,” said Corey Lewandowski, a Trump 2024 senior adviser, on MSNBC Wednesday night. “Those moms and women, 25 to 40 years old, who are concerned about their children, and the vaccines and the food they’re being ingested … are coming now to the Trump campaign disproportionately because they support the belief that RFK is going to help fix that problem going forward.”

Influential pro-Trump activists such as Charlie Kirk, meanwhile, have reposted several accounts of Kennedy supporters announcing their intent to vote for Trump.

In his first appearance with Kennedy last week in Arizona, Trump promised to work with him as president to establish a “panel of top experts” to investigate chronic health problems and childhood diseases — many of which Kennedy has long insisted are caused by vaccines.

This bargain, however, could easily backfire on Trump, and not only because his alliance with Kennedy tethers him to a broad range of fringe views. Democrats are confident that most voters will reject a Trump campaign infused with Kennedy rhetoric on COVID and vaccines — and, more to the point, will resent having to revisit a pandemic that most would love to leave behind.

“The sentiment of most voters in Michigan is, we want to move on, we don’t want to re-litigate 2020 or COVID-19,” said Mallory McMorrow, a Democratic state senator from Michigan, where violent backlash to COVID safety measures sparked a foiled right-wing militia plot to kidnap and assassinate Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

In any event, Kennedy’s place as a factor in the 2024 election ensures that more than four years removed from the onset of the pandemic, a small but vocal faction is poised to re-inject COVID fixations back into the political arena — and potentially a second Trump administration.

Kennedy’s supporters are hoping so.

“As Kennedy pounds away at the news cycle campaigning with Trump, every interview will further solidify the promises Trump has made to Kennedy,” Michael Kane, who founded a group for teachers opposed to vaccine mandates, wrote in an article on Substack.

The prospect of a general election filled with Kennedy and top Republicans campaigning on vaccine skepticism has public health advocates alarmed. And they are downright frightened that Kennedy could wind up with significant power if Trump wins.

Heading into this election season, anti-vaccine and COVID-skeptic energy was “softening,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., who specializes in public health.

“The embrace of these two political leaders will just amp up all the anti-vaccine sentiment … the implicit promise of putting [Kennedy] in a senior position in the administration shows that anti-vaccination is coming from the fringes into the halls of power,” Gostin said. “This is a perfect storm.”

Asked about the impact of Kennedy’s endorsement, Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes said Trump’s “broad coalition of supporters” is expanding “across partisan lines.”

“While Kamala Harris doubles down on her ‘values’ to open our border to migrant criminals and enact Venezuela-style price controls, we look forward to expanding President Trump’s ‘big tent campaign’ with these powerful voices on the team as we work to restore America’s greatness,” said Hughes.

Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment.

Kennedy has long leveraged his famous name to cast doubt on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and mandates, even for common childhood vaccines for diseases such as polio and measles.

Kennedy disputed the notion that he was anti-vaccine during his presidential run, recasting his lifelong advocacy as a quest for “medical freedom” to reject mandates. But his campaign became a magnet for COVID vaccine skeptics and those still consumed with anger toward figures such as Anthony Fauci, the lead federal pandemic specialist.

As recently as May, Kennedy was attacking Trump over his handling of the pandemic as president. “With lockdowns, mass mandates, the travel restrictions, President Trump presided over the greatest restriction on individual liberties this country has ever known,” Kennedy said at the Libertarian Party convention.

In the wake of that pressure, Trump had dialed up his rhetoric on the subject, saying at a conservative conference in July that he would “not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate or a mask mandate” if re-elected.

Since Kennedy endorsed Trump, top Republicans have been forced to publicly answer for Kennedy’s positions on vaccines and the pandemic. Largely, they have defended them.

When Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Trump’s running mate, was asked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” about Kennedy’s endorsement, he said he didn’t agree with Kennedy on everything. But Vance instead condemned the COVID-era masking of young children, claiming “we knew it caused developmental disabilities.” (That assertion was not widely researched during the height of the pandemic; scientific studies have remained inconclusive on the topic.)

Vance added that if officials had listened to voices like Kennedy, “I think our kids would have been much better off in the wake of the pandemic.”

In 2022, many Republicans who put COVID backlash at the center of their campaigns fared poorly, particularly those who challenged governors who were in charge of their states’ pandemic responses. In the 2024 GOP primary, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida sought to outflank Trump on the pandemic, betting that most right-wing voters would follow him; they didn’t.

Democratic campaign organizations said they plan to tie Kennedy and Trump together in the eyes of voters.

“When RFK Jr. talks about ‘children’s health’ what he’s really talking about are his anti-vaxx positions, including casting doubt on [measles, mumps, and rubella] and polio vaccines,” said Matt Corridoni, a Democratic National Committee spokesperson. “We’re going to hold Trump’s feet to the fire on his embrace of RFK Jr. and these extreme positions.”

For the thousands of Kennedy supporters motivated primarily by his stances on vaccines, however, their support is far from assured. In fact, many of them may only vote for Trump if he does something that is sure to inflame anti-vaccine sentiment: condemn his own administration’s historic effort to develop the COVID vaccines.

Before Kennedy endorsed Trump, his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, said on a podcast that “the hesitation we have right now in joining forces with Trump is that he has not apologized or publicly come out and said Operation Warp Speed was his fault.”

Kane, the cofounder of Teachers for Choice, expressed doubt that any such admission was coming.

“Many Kennedy supporters won’t vote for Trump unless he admits OPERATION WARP SPEED was a dangerous failure,” he wrote. “It was a dangerous failure. But Trump will never admit that; and certainly never before November 5th.”