ATLANTA — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Scripps News on Thursday that running mate Nicole Shanahan went through a “deep vetting process,” and he blamed recent reports about her personal life on attempts by Democrats to thwart his presidential campaign.
“We did a deep, deep vetting process with Nicole and, you know, dozens of hours of interviews with many, many people,” Kennedy, an independent presidential candidate, said.
Kennedy chose Shanahan as his running mate in March. Since then, the little-known Silicon Valley lawyer has come under scrutiny for why she was chosen and her time in the tech industry, including a New York Times report that revealed new details about her divorce settlement. Those documents reportedly include details about alleged partying and drug use.
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“All those issues the Times dredged up were issues that came out of her divorce,” Kennedy told Scripps News’ Chance Seales. “Well, most Americans know that people when they’re going through divorce, it is the most traumatic thing that could happen to a person.”
Shanahan was reportedly chosen over the likes of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura.
"Nicole is one of the smartest human beings I've ever met," Kennedy told Scripps News. "She has great judgment. She does a quick study on all of these issues. She is a master of many issues."
The longshot bid with Shanahan by his side wasn't always in the cards, Kennedy said. The independent candidate told Scripps News that he decided to join the race after witnessing what he described as a country that has "gone off the rails."
"The destruction of the middle class, the endless wars, the corrupt mergers," Kennedy lamented.
Despite having a well-known political name, Kennedy prides himself on being an outsider who can relate to Americans. A poll from Marquette University shows Kennedy with 17% support nationwide, well behind President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, in a tight race, it's enough to potentially play spoiler for the other candidates.
