Biden’s supporters aim to prevent RFK Jr. from becoming a disruptive force in the election

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has selected lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for his independent presidential bid, causing concern among Democrats who fear he could spoil the election for them. Despite President Joe Biden’s focus on Donald Trump, the DNC has hired a team of attorneys to monitor Kennedy’s efforts to get on key battleground state ballots.

Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, has garnered 11.7% support among likely voters, posing a threat to swing outcomes in crucial states. Democrats remember the impact of third-party candidates like Jill Stein in 2016 and Ralph Nader in 2000, who potentially cost them key states.

Kennedy’s controversial positions and theories, along with his financial backing from a Trump Super PAC donor, have raised alarms among Democrats. Trump’s allies believe that independent candidates like Kennedy could help Trump’s chances by siphoning votes from Biden.

Despite Kennedy’s polling numbers, Democrats are working to define him negatively to prevent him from drawing votes away from Biden. Kennedy’s campaign consultant’s remarks about defeating Biden and his financial ties to Trump donors have further fueled concerns.

As the DNC intensifies its efforts to counter Kennedy’s campaign, the focus remains on ensuring he follows ballot qualification rules in battleground states. Kennedy’s candidacy, while gaining traction among “double haters” who dislike both Biden and Trump, faces scrutiny and challenges as the election approaches.