Hidden Dangers of RFK Jr.’s Campaign: Ro Khanna’s Letter to Nicole Shanahan Unveils Threat to Biden Re-Election

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California has made a public plea to Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Junior’s (RFK Jr.) running mate, urging her to step down from the campaign.

Khanna expressed concerns that supporting RFK Jr. could inadvertently bolster former President Donald Trump’s chances of winning the election.

Khanna’s Pitch to Shanahan

In a letter shared with CBS News, Khanna emphasized the potential repercussions of a RFK Jr. candidacy, citing admissions from Trump’s team that it could aid his reelection bid.

He underscored the threat posed by another Trump presidency, particularly regarding climate change and the progress made under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Shanahan’s Response

Shanahan opted to respond to Khanna’s letter via social media, expressing her disappointment in his stance.

She highlighted the democratic principle of every American’s right to run for office and criticized what she perceived as pressure from the Democratic Party.

Shanahan emphasized her commitment to democratic processes and her refusal to be swayed by external influences.

RFK Jr.’s Support for Shanahan

RFK Jr. expressed gratitude for Shanahan’s courage in the face of Khanna’s pressure, labeling Khanna’s change of stance as disappointing.

Kennedy praised Shanahan’s resilience and criticized what he perceived as political maneuvering within the Democratic Party.

Khanna’s Concerns About Election Impact

Khanna, a surrogate for President Biden’s reelection campaign, pointed to polling data suggesting that Kennedy’s candidacy could affect swing states, potentially benefiting Trump.

He urged Shanahan to consider the broader implications of her decision, particularly regarding environmental policies, a key issue for Shanahan.

Shanahan’s Motivation for Joining Kennedy’s Ticket

Shanahan, self-described as a disillusioned Democrat, cited her frustration with the lack of action on environmental issues within the Democratic establishment.

Her decision to join Kennedy’s ticket stemmed from a desire to effect change and address the shortcomings she perceived in mainstream politics.

Democratic Efforts to Counter Third-Party Candidates

Democratic groups have intensified efforts to prevent third-party candidates, such as Kennedy, from detracting votes away from President Biden in battleground states.

MoveOn and Third Way have shifted their focus to weakening Kennedy’s campaign, reflecting concerns within the Democratic Party about potential electoral consequences.

Khanna’s Respect for Shanahan’s Right to Run

Khanna emphasized his respect for Shanahan’s decision to run for office, reiterating his admiration for her.

He clarified that his intervention was motivated by a desire to persuade Shanahan to reconsider her alignment with Kennedy’s campaign and join the broader Democratic coalition.

Publicizing the Letter

Khanna’s decision to publicize the letter aimed to draw attention to what he perceives as the dangers posed by Kennedy’s campaign.

His office emphasized that prior to making the letter public, Khanna had privately urged Shanahan to reconsider her decision and align with the Biden coalition.

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