Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate offered new insight into the precarious situation facing their tough bid for the White House with just three months until the election, and said in an interview that deciding whether to stay in the race is not an easy task.
“We didn’t want to be spoilers. We wanted to win. We wanted a fair chance,” 38-year-old political newcomer Nicole Shanahan said in an interview with the Impact Theory podcast, which aired Tuesday.
Kennedy’s campaign is being called a potential game-changer in November, as his name on the ballot could steal votes from both Democrats and Republicans.
According to polling tracker The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Harris leads Trump by about 4 percentage points, 47.9% to 43.8%, while Kennedy’s approval rating hovers around 3%.
If Kennedy steps down and Harris and Trump go head-to-head, Harris would be ahead in the polls by about 3 percentage points, according to The Hill/DDHQ average.
Shanahan strongly hinted that the Kennedy campaign might soon be over in order to work with Trump.
“We are very serious about ensuring that those who have corrupted our fair and free democracy do not take office in November,” she said.
“There are two options we’re considering, one is to stay in office. The other is to form (a new party). But we run the risk of Kamala Harris and (Harris’ running mate Tim) Walz becoming president because we’re getting Trump’s votes.
“Or you can step down now and join forces with Donald Trump to explain to our base why you made this decision.”
She said the current voting approach was beneficial because it paved the way for future third parties.
“It’s worth it,” she said. “It means we can prepare for a real third-party election in 2028.”
“It’s not an easy calculation,” she added. “We want what’s best for this country above all else.”
President Trump spoke by phone with President Kennedy at the Republican National Committee meeting last month, and a leaked recording of the call shows Trump asking for Kennedy’s endorsement.
“I want you to do something,” Trump said in an audio clip posted online. “I think that would be really good for you and really great for you. And we’re going to win.”
Shanahan said in a podcast interview that he thought Kennedy, known for her strong opposition to vaccines, would be a “great” person to one day lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
She also expressed interest in running for California governor.
“I would consider running, too,” she said. “I want to get involved in California.”
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has been governor of the Golden State since 2019.
“I wanted a fair chance in this election,” she said. “That’s not the case today, and it’s not like the Republicans are going to kick us out.”
She said the Democratic National Committee tried to thwart their efforts through legal and other means.