Kennedy Family Backs Biden, Snubs RFK Jr.

In a public show of support, members of the Kennedy family are set to endorse President Joe Biden on Thursday, a move aimed at undercutting their relative Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s third-party presidential bid. The Biden campaign announced that at least 15 Kennedy family members will endorse Biden at a campaign event in Philadelphia.

This endorsement, while expected given the family’s history in Democratic politics and their previous support for Biden, is a significant snub to RFK Jr. Six of his siblings, including Rory Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy II, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Christopher Kennedy, and Maxwell Kennedy Sr., will be among those endorsing Biden. Kerry Kennedy, daughter of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and niece of former President John F. Kennedy, is expected to deliver a speech endorsing Biden, highlighting his support for the values her father and uncles stood for.

Joseph Kennedy III, Biden’s U.S. special envoy to Northern Ireland and RFK Jr.’s nephew, will also be present at the event to introduce Biden. He expressed concerns that his uncle’s candidacy could divert support from Biden, potentially benefiting Republican challenger Donald Trump and posing a threat to the country’s values.

The Kennedy family has previously criticized RFK Jr., particularly for spreading Covid-19 conspiracy theories and for a pro-RFK Jr. super PAC ad that imitated a John F. Kennedy presidential ad. Despite their opposition to RFK Jr.’s candidacy, endorsing Biden over their own family member is a complex decision. Joseph Kennedy III described it as “challenging,” emphasizing their support for Biden’s vision for the country.

Notably, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and nonprofit leader Maria Shriver are not endorsing Biden, citing their nonpolitical professional roles.

Republicans and Democrats alike are concerned that RFK Jr.’s third-party campaign could impact the outcome of the presidential race. Democrats fear he could draw votes away from Biden, while Republicans see his anti-vaccine stance and other positions as potentially attracting voters looking for an alternative to Trump. Given the tight race ahead, even small shifts in support could have significant consequences.