Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveils vice president pick during huge campaign event
Oakland, California - Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a massive event on Tuesday, where he finally revealed his choice for running mate in the 2024 race.
After nearly an hour and a half of special guest speakers, Kennedy finally took the stage to announce that he has chosen California-based attorney and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan (38) as his VP.
Kennedy praised Shanahan for her youthful energy, her "deep, inside knowledge" of how the tech industry and Silicone Valley work, her support behind organic foods and health reform, and her "deep love for the United States of America."
His announcement came as rumors have been swirling for weeks about who his potential picks could be.
Earlier this month, Kennedy teased that he was eyeing NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura, but by mid-March, multiple news outlets began reporting that Kennedy was planning to select Shanahan.
Shanahan, who has a history of supporting Democrat candidates, has donated over $4 million to Kennedy's effort and helped fund Kennedy's controversial ad that aired during the Super Bowl.
While she lacks name recognition, Kennedy believes she will help build enthusiasm with young people, assist in his effort to get on ballots across the US, and work with him to fundraise.
Nicole Shanahan introduces herself to the world after VP reveal
Seemingly overwhelmed by all the excitement, Shanahan took the stage after Kennedy and shared her story of growing up in Oakland and her journey from Silicon Valley to US politics.
She went on to share how she discovered Kennedy and realized that he did not embody "the media slander of his character."
As the self-described future Vice President of the US, she vowed to use her position to battle chronic diseases, with a focus on exploring the causes of rising cases of autism.
Shanahan also touched on criminal justice and climate, two issues that she believes no other politician talks about like Kennedy.
Near the closing of her speech, Shanahan announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party, arguing it has "lost its way and its leadership."
Cover photo: Collage: Gonzalo Marroquin & Ian Maule / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP