The independent candidate reached out to both Harris and Trump to discuss potentially working for either administration
Between a bizarre photo with a bear carcass and brushing off allegations of sexual assault, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s presidential campaign has faded into the background as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump take the spotlight. Now, Kennedy is trying to worm his way into either of his opponents’ administration in exchange for his endorsement.
On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that Kennedy attempted to schedule a meeting with Harris last week to float the idea of working under her administration. Kennedy campaign officials said that he planned to discuss supporting her as the Democratic nominee and if she wins, potentially joining Harris’ team as a Cabinet secretary.
Unfortunately for Kennedy, Harris and her advisers have left the third-party candidate on read and have yet to show interest in the request.
Last month, sources told the Post that Kennedy had also discussed the possibility of ending his campaign and endorsing Trump in exchange for a position in his administration in the event he wins a second term in November. Hours after the assassination attempt on the former president, Trump reportedly called Kennedy. Sources indicated that the two spoke about a possible Cabinet-level position or a role where Kennedy would oversee a portfolio of health and medical issues, although it was unclear who pitched the idea.
However, some of Trump’s campaign staff expressed concern over the optics of trading an administration post for an endorsement, and no deal was made.
“From the beginning of this campaign, we were saying people should be talking to each other,” Kennedy told the Post on Wednesday, adding he hopes Harris will reconsider the meeting. “I think it is a strategic mistake for them. That’s my perspective,” he said. “I think they ought to be looking at every opportunity. I think it is going to be a very close race.”
Following President Joe Biden bowing out of the race and endorsing Harris, the vice president currently holds a lead in the national polling average. Harris now leads Trump in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, while the former president leads in five of the crucial seven battleground states.