RFK Jr. recruits GOP Rep. for 2024 bid.

Get ready for an unexpected twist in⁣ the world of politics! Democrat⁤ 2024 ⁢presidential hopeful Robert F. ⁤Kennedy Jr. has made a surprising move by hiring a Republican lawmaker in New Hampshire. This decision is quite unusual for a candidate who is known for ⁤his⁢ moderate stance and ability to appeal to both⁣ sides of the political spectrum.

So who is this Republican that Kennedy​ has ‌brought on board? ⁤His⁤ name is ‌Aidan Ankarberg, and he is currently serving as a Republican state representative in New Hampshire. Ankarberg assumed office on Dec. 7, 2022, and represents Strafford 7. The New Republic was the first to report this unexpected hire, ‍although the‌ specific position⁢ Ankarberg⁣ will hold in Kennedy’s campaign has not ​been disclosed.

According to former Rep.⁣ Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who⁢ heads Kennedy’s ⁤campaign, this move is a testament to Kennedy’s broad appeal. Kucinich stated, “Mr. Kennedy has ⁣crossover appeal. And it’s really powerful. And we‌ had Republicans who are coming over. We have independents. We have libertarians, we have conservatives, we have liberals, every stripe of​ political following and endeavor is moving toward⁢ our campaign.”

It’s worth⁤ noting that Ankarberg has previously served as the deputy majority whip and has received an endorsement from the National Rifle ‍Association. This ‍hiring decision goes against the traditional norms of politics, as Ray Buckley,⁢ the⁤ chair of the New‌ Hampshire Democratic Party, pointed out. He stated, “Well, I’ve been around primaries for many decades, and never has a Republican state representative worked for a Democratic candidate and ⁢never ⁢has⁣ a Democratic‌ state representative worked for a Republican yet. This⁢ is a paid employee. This isn’t someone who endorsed him. This is off the charts ⁣weird.”

Despite the unconventional nature of this hire, Kennedy remains a ‍strong contender in the 2024⁤ presidential race. According to the RealClearPolitics poll averages, he currently holds second place in the‍ New Hampshire ⁣Primary with 10.3 ‌points, trailing behind President Joe Biden who has 67.7 points.

Opposition to⁢ Democrat Policies

One ​of the ‌reasons Kennedy has gained recognition within Republican ranks is his stance on various subjects. Unlike mainstream Democrats, he has expressed strong opposition ‍to illegal immigration and has raised concerns about the unquestionable acceptance of COVID vaccines.

In a recent interview with Tucker ‍Carlson, Kennedy‌ stated, “I was a person⁣ who ridiculed Trump’s wall. A lot of people come to this issue from a sort of nationalistic ⁢or⁢ even a racist or a ⁤xenophobic posture, and I’m not coming from that ⁤place. I’m coming from ‌a place of compassion⁤ and a place of just⁢ concern for our country ⁤… What’s happening to our country is a catastrophe.”

He continued, “So, now I’ve been down there ​and​ talked to everybody ‍down there and … I have a different position. I‍ don’t think you need a 2,200-mile physical barrier from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas, but we definitely need physical barriers in densely populated areas, definitely because we ‌cannot survive what’s happening here.”

In‍ his fight against censorship, Kennedy filed a lawsuit on Aug. 2 against YouTube and Google,⁤ accusing them ⁢of conducting a “censorship ⁢campaign” against his remarks on vaccines. The lawsuit emphasizes that Kennedy was targeted in his position as a presidential contender and highlights his skepticism towards mandated COVID-19 vaccines.

The lawsuit states, “This ⁤censorship​ campaign prevents Mr. Kennedy’s message from ​reaching millions of⁢ voters. It also‍ makes it harder for groups that are supporting ⁤his campaign to amplify his message ‍through public sources.”

The case is set to be addressed at an ‌emergency hearing on Aug. 16, as confirmed by Federal Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins.

Support From the GOP

Even former president and leading⁤ Republican ⁢contender Donald Trump has expressed his respect and ‌appreciation ⁤for Kennedy. Trump⁤ stated, “I respect him—a lot of people respect him. He’s got some very important​ points⁤ to be made.”

During an interview on “The Howie Carr Show,” President ​Trump mentioned his positive relationship with Kennedy, saying,⁤ “He’s been ‌very nice to me. I’ve actually had a⁢ very nice relationship with him over the years.⁣ He’s a very smart guy and a good guy.”

When asked about⁢ Trump’s support, Kennedy⁤ expressed his pride, stating, “I’m proud that President ​Trump likes me, even though I don’t agree with ⁣him⁢ on most of his issues.”

Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, ⁢has also voiced his preference for ⁤a ‍Trump/Kennedy ticket in the 2024 ‌presidential run. Although the possibility seems unlikely,​ Bannon ‍believes that such a combination would lead‌ to a “massive landslide” victory.

Mr. Kennedy is even inspiring a crossover voting movement ⁢among Republicans. This movement involves electors switching parties during the primaries to support the underdog candidate and‌ then‍ switching back ⁤in ‍the general election.