RFK’s running mate Nicole Shanahan tears into Democrat Ro Khanna for calling on her to ditch the presidential candidate because it could help Trump win: ‘How anti-democratic!’
RFK Jr.’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has called Rep. Ro Khanna’s open letter asking her to resign “anti-democratic.”
Shanahan, a lawyer and technology entrepreneur, was tapped by Kennedy last month as his No. 2 on the list.
Khanna warned that supporting Kennedy could pave the way for former President Donald Trump to win the election.
In a letter he shared with CBS Newshe said, “Even Trump himself and other members of his team have admitted that an RFK Jr. ticket will help his re-election.”
Despite sharing the letter, he had not yet sent it to Shanahan, and after CBS contacted her, she issued a statement on her X profile.
In it, Shanahan hit back at Khanna, saying he had changed his position “based on pressure from the party,” and that his comments were “anti-democratic.”
Shanahan, a lawyer and technology entrepreneur, was tapped by Kennedy last month as his No. 2 on the list
Khanna warned that supporting Kennedy could pave the way for former President Donald Trump to win the election
Despite sharing the letter, he had not yet sent it to Shanahan and after CBS contacted her, she issued a statement on her X profile
Her message read: “In my conversation with Ro, he congratulated me on this position and encouraged me to run, stating that every American has the right to run for office in this country.
‘He stated that we live in a democracy and that it was wrong for someone to threaten me with fleeing.
‘It is clear that Ro has changed his position under pressure from the party. I hope he understands how anti-democratic it is to ask someone to resign from a race that allows the American public to make its own decisions.
‘I am very disappointed that he was pressured to send this letter to me publicly. He could have called me privately. He has my direct line.’
In the letter, Khanna said, “I am deeply concerned that Robert F. Kennedy’s name on the ballot in swing states could tip the election in Trump’s favor.
“A new Trump presidency would be disastrous – for our environment, for our economy and our democracy.
“We need you in the Democratic coalition to help re-elect President Biden and push for bold climate solutions.”
Following her post to X, RFK Jr. wrote, “I am so grateful for your courage and grace Nicole.
‘I have always admired RoKhanna. His flip-flop here is disappointing. The party has the power to force men of character to give up.’
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks to supporters at a campaign event on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Los Angeles
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday unveiled Nicole Shanahan, Silicon Valley lawyer and the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, as his vice presidential pick
Ro Khanna followed this up with his own response, writing, “Nicole has every right to be on the card.
“My point to her, both publicly and privately, is that RFK Jr.’s ticket. threatens the very issues she cares about – like climate and abortion rights and to welcome her into the Democratic Party.”
Shanahan, the ex-wife of Google co-founder SergeyBrin, called herself a “disillusioned Democrat” when she was announced as Kennedy’s running mate.
The avid surfer and investor had already donated $4.5 million last year to a super PAC that supported Kennedy and helped pay for the Super Bowl ad in which he appeared.
According to CBS, Shanahan had also donated money to Khanna in the past, handing out $17,000 to the representative.
RFK Jr. boasts double-digit support, and polls show the independent candidate hurting President Biden more than Trump.
JL Partners surveyed 1,000 likely voters from March 20 to 24 via landline, mobile phone, text message and apps. The results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent
RFK Jr. boasts double-digit support, and polls show the independent candidate hurting President Biden more than Trump
Kennedy’s popularity complicates strategy for the Biden campaign, which is trying to make the November vote a binary choice between Biden and Trump.
In a DailyMail.com poll released late last month, Trump maintained a four-point lead over Biden.
When a thousand likely voters were asked who they would choose if there were an election tomorrow, 39 percent said they would be Biden and 43 percent said they would choose Trump.
With a margin of error of 3.1 points, this suggests the election will go down to the wire and could be decided by just a few thousand voters in swing states.
Both candidates secured their party’s presumptive nominations on the same day: March 12.