(NewsInsights.org) – A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 59% of Americans believe both incumbent President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are too old to serve another term. The result may leave open a window of possibility for an independent or third-party candidate, and, so far, the only one polling double digits at 12.9% in the Real Clear Politics average of polls is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), who is currently running as an independent. The Kennedy scion recently began floating vice presidential (VP) picks.
On Tuesday, March 12, RFK Jr. confirmed to several media outlets that he had selected a running mate. His top two picks included Aaron Rodgers, 40, a quarterback for the New York Jets, who Kennedy called “battle-tested,” and former Minnesota Governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura, 72.
WATCH: RFK Jr. defends why he’s considering “battle tested” NFL QB Aaron Rodgers for VP on Fox News. https://t.co/OitAfdptZ5 pic.twitter.com/awzwBxtbcr
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 14, 2024
The independent candidate’s campaign is working relentlessly to obtain ballot access for him in every state. Several states require candidates to name their VP running mates. So, it makes sense that RFK Jr. has contacted and interviewed several possible candidates. He formally plans to announce his running mate on March 26 in Oakland, California, according to his campaign. Media pundits have speculated that Rodgers will receive the nod.
Rodgers joined the New York Jets for the 2023 season as quarterback after a trade from the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game when he ruptured his left Achilles tendon. Rodgers has one year remaining on his $75 million two-year contract with the Jets.
Kennedy explained he wanted “somebody young who’s going to look out for that generation” as a running mate. He praised Rodgers’ tenacity, saying, “He’s been hammered by the press,” but adding, “He’s stood up.” Additionally, he called the athlete “a critical thinker” and suggested that he could bring a healthy dose of skepticism to the DC political landscape.
Finally, RFK Jr. mentioned his agenda to help make the nation healthy again. He pointed to Rodgers as someone very focused on health issues and maintaining his own health, who could significantly impact his implementation of that agenda.
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