In a surprising turn of events, independent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrown some unexpected names into the mix for his potential running mates in the upcoming 2024 election.
Kennedy, 70, revealed on Tuesday that he is seriously considering New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former pro wrestler turned Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura for his ticket.
Considering Unconventional Partnerships
Kennedy, known for his unconventional approach to politics, disclosed that both Rodgers and Ventura are “at the top of his list” for potential vice presidential candidates.
Sources close to the matter indicated that both Rodgers and Ventura have responded positively to Kennedy’s overtures, showing a willingness to join his campaign.
A representative for Kennedy’s campaign confirmed this development, stating, “Yes, Mr. Kennedy did share that he’s considering Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura as running mates along with others on a short list,” without providing further details.
A Lineup of Rejections
Kennedy’s quest for a running mate has been marked by rejections from notable figures. Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Rand Paul, and entrepreneur Andrew Yang, all reportedly declined Kennedy’s offer to join his ticket.
Rodgers, 40, who made a high-profile move to the New York Jets in 2023 after nearly two decades with the Green Bay Packers, suffered an unfortunate injury early in his Jets tenure, rupturing his left Achilles tendon and missing the remainder of the season.
Uniting Over Vaccine Skepticism
Both Kennedy and Rodgers are no strangers to controversy, particularly when it comes to their views on vaccines. Rodgers, an early supporter of Kennedy, has been vocal about his skepticism regarding vaccines, a stance that has garnered attention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a show of solidarity, Kennedy shared a recent photo of him and Rodgers hiking together, highlighting their shared perspectives on vaccination and health policies.
Uncertain Implications
While the idea of Rodgers or Ventura entering the political arena may seem far-fetched to some, Kennedy’s camp is taking this possibility seriously.
Questions loom about how a potential vice presidential bid would impact Rodgers’ contractual obligations with the Jets, especially considering his lucrative two-year, $75 million deal.
Representatives for Rodgers and the Jets have not yet commented on the matter, leaving speculation about the quarterback’s future both on the field and potentially in politics.
Ventura’s Political Legacy
Ventura, 72, made waves in 1998 when he won Minnesota’s gubernatorial election under the Reform Party banner. Known for his colorful persona as “The Body,” Ventura later switched to the Independence Party of Minnesota and opted not to seek re-election due to his wife’s health concerns.
Kennedy’s connection with Ventura dates back to a recent campaign event in Arizona, where the former wrestler introduced him. Kennedy emphasized that he has maintained communication with Ventura since then, hinting at a growing alliance between the two unconventional political figures.
A Long Shot with Potential
While Kennedy’s bid for the presidency is seen as a long shot by many, political analysts suggest he could draw significant support, possibly reminiscent of Ross Perot’s third-party success in 1992.
Polls aggregated by RealClearPolitics show Kennedy capturing 15% of the vote in a three-way race, with Donald Trump at 39.8% and President Biden at 35.5%.
Battleground Efforts and State Ballots
Despite the uphill battle, Kennedy’s campaign claims to have secured spots on the 2024 ballot in four states: Hawaii, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Utah.
The campaign is actively working to replicate these efforts in crucial battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina, setting the stage for a potentially disruptive presence in the upcoming election.
Kennedy’s unconventional choices for running mates underscore his determination to challenge the status quo and offer voters alternatives outside traditional party lines. With the 2024 election season heating up, all eyes will be on how these unexpected developments shape the race for the White House.