This presidential election is anything but normal or conventional. If Alice in Wonderland were here, she would surely feel at home amidst the fantastical issues that both the Biden and Trump campaigns are facing.
Voters have expressed concerns about Biden’s age, perceived cognitive issues, his son Hunter’s legal and perception problems, as well as growing policy failures amidst a country and world that appear to be going off track. On the other hand, some voters find it difficult to overlook the FBI raid on Trump’s home in Florida, his mug shot, and the numerous indictments brought against him by Democratic prosecutors and district attorneys. Additionally, trial dates and a relentless media campaign have further intensified the “lawfare” narrative surrounding the former president.
Approximately 70 percent of voters express their dissatisfaction with both Biden and Trump as potential presidents. This sets the stage for the emergence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a middle ground option.
RFK Jr. is more favored by voters compared to both Biden and Trump. He is particularly popular among voters under 35 years old, as well as independent voters. Moreover, his support among minorities is rapidly increasing. This selection of Nicole Shanahan as his running mate presents a valuable opportunity for Kennedy to further expand his support among these three key constituencies.
Lisa Shanahan, 38, has a truly extraordinary life journey. Coming from a background of welfare, she proudly identifies as Asian American. As a lawyer, she has made significant strides in her career. Currently residing in California, Lisa is the founder and president of Bia-Echo Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on granting funds for vital causes such as reproductive rights, equality, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection. This remarkable individual is also a single mother, raising a daughter with autism. Moreover, she has the unique distinction of being the former wife of Sergey Brin, one of the founders of Google.
Shanahan brings a wealth of skills and experience to the Kennedy campaign. Not only does she possess a strong entrepreneurial background, but her high energy and intelligence make her a valuable asset. Additionally, Shanahan has the ability to connect with various segments of the population, including female voters, the high-tech community, young voters, minority voters, the working poor, the disenfranchised, and dissatisfied Democrats. Her diverse range of expertise allows her to effectively address the needs and concerns of these groups.
Shanahan’s addition to the ticket also fulfills another important requirement for Kennedy: in several states, a vice-presidential running mate must be announced in order to qualify for the ballot. With Shanahan now officially on board, this development is bound to generate significant media coverage and further build momentum in these states.
As mentioned in a previous column, the Democrats are currently experiencing a major meltdown in response to Kennedy’s independent run. Contrary to their predictions, the campaign has not fizzled out, but rather seems to be gaining momentum with a strong foundation of populism. This provides Shanahan with ample opportunity for expansion.
Kennedy and Shanahan’s first task is to secure a spot on state ballots. The campaign has been making significant headway, although it has encountered challenges that they suspect are intentionally placed by the Democratic Party.
Shanahan will play a crucial role in ensuring that Kennedy’s campaign successfully achieves the necessary ballot access. In her remarks, Shanahan highlighted her substantial wealth and emphasized her strong ties to the influential mega-donor community.
It is safe to say that both the Biden and Trump teams are particularly concerned about the remarks made by Shanahan in his recent speech. In his own words, Shanahan emphasized the importance of listening to Bobby Kennedy and his vision for America. He expressed his support for Kennedy’s campaign and his dedication to ensuring that Kennedy’s name appears on every ballot across the nation in the next seven months.
In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kennedy expressed his concerns about the challenges he is facing. He stated, “Secretary Mayorkas, the Biden administration, and the politicization of our federal agencies are obstructing the will of the people through corruption and cronyism. They are determined to remove me from this race using any means necessary. By denying me Secret Service protection, they are strategically attempting to deplete my campaign funds, prevent my inclusion on the ballot, and halt the progress of our movement.”
Shanahan now has the power to halt and reverse the “calculated effort to drain” funds from the Kennedy campaign. And he can do even more than that.
Perception often holds significant weight in political campaigns, as it can shape the reality and subsequently generate momentum. Shanahan, with her extensive real-world experience, is now altering this perception.
The distinction between being a long shot and becoming the people’s choice is not as wide as many may think. It often hinges on reaching a tipping point. In a matter of weeks, the narrative can swiftly shift from “Kennedy has no chance of winning” to “I can’t believe it, but Kennedy actually has a real opportunity.” Shanahan possesses the ability to swiftly sway that conversation in Kennedy’s favor.
In her recent remarks, she made a compelling statement that resonates with many people. She shared, “I come to you today as a former Democrat, as a woman not yet 40. I come to you as someone who has experienced both sickness and health, poverty and wealth. And most importantly, I come to you as a mother.” It was her role as a mother that initially drew her to support this campaign, joining numerous groups of mothers from various political backgrounds – Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike. She admires these mothers as her heroes, as they strive to create a sense of normalcy for their children in a world that seems to have lost its way.
Nicole Shanahan’s voice has the power to rally Americans. Both Biden and Trump are well aware that she is a game-changer.
Douglas MacKinnon, a political and communications consultant, served as a writer in the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Additionally, he held the position of former special assistant for policy and communications at the Pentagon during the final three years of the Bush administration.
