President Joe Biden will receive the formal endorsement of more than a dozen members of the Kennedy family in an event on Thursday, with the aim of leveraging the legacy of the influential Democratic family. The endorsement serves to emphasize their rejection of a third-party challenge mounted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a cousin of the endorsing family members. While RFK Jr. attempts to capitalize on his family name and history, the broader Kennedy family has largely distanced themselves from his campaign, labeling it as “dangerous.”
The Philadelphia event on Thursday highlights the potential threat that Kennedy poses to Biden’s reelection campaign, particularly in a closely contested race where a low-performing third-party candidate could potentially spoil the outcome. Kerry Kennedy, one of RFK Jr.’s sisters, will speak at the event, emphasizing Biden’s commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms that her father and uncles stood for. She will also address the dangers posed by Donald Trump to democracy and freedom, warning of his potential to act as a dictator and suspend the Constitution.
Biden has actively sought to strengthen his ties to the Kennedy family, citing Robert F. Kennedy Sr. as a personal inspiration and displaying a bust of the former attorney general and senator in the Oval Office. Additionally, he has appointed three Kennedy family members to diplomatic posts in his administration. The extended family was invited to the White House for a reception on St. Patrick’s Day this year, and Biden has highlighted their contributions in various public events.
Some members of the Kennedy family have publicly expressed their support for Biden in the upcoming election, distancing themselves from RFK Jr.’s presidential bid. Rory Kennedy, another sister of RFK Jr., voiced concerns that her brother’s candidacy could potentially undermine Biden’s chances of defeating Trump. RFK Jr. himself has downplayed any apparent family rift, noting that disagreements are common even within a large family like the Kennedys.
The Kennedy family members in attendance at Thursday’s event include a wide range of individuals spanning multiple generations. From Rory Kennedy and Kerry Kennedy to Joe Kennedy III and others, the family is coming together to express their support for Biden and to engage in grassroots organizing efforts. The event underscores Biden’s efforts to build a coalition that transcends partisan lines and draws on the support of diverse voices, including those of prominent political families like the Kennedys.
Overall, the endorsement event with the Kennedy family highlights the dynamic intersection of political legacies and personal relationships in the context of a high-stakes election campaign. By leveraging the legacy and influence of the Kennedys, Biden aims to strengthen his position in the race and build a broad coalition of support. The event also serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between family ties and political allegiances, as members of the Kennedy family navigate their roles in shaping the outcome of the election.
