A campaign official for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s New York operation, Rita Palma, stirred controversy by suggesting that Kennedy’s candidacy could influence the rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
In a video posted on YouTube and later removed, Palma encouraged Republican voters to support a petition to put Kennedy on New York’s ballot, claiming it could weaken Biden’s chances and potentially benefit Trump in a traditionally Democratic state.
Palma asserted that Kennedy’s presence on the ballot might hinder Biden’s victory, emphasizing that Trump’s chances of winning New York would be remote without Kennedy’s candidacy.
Despite Kennedy’s consistent denial of being a spoiler, Palma highlighted the potential impact on the electoral outcome, suggesting that diverting New York’s electoral votes from Biden to Kennedy could alter the election dynamics.
The Kennedy campaign swiftly distanced itself from Palma’s remarks, stating that she was not involved in electoral strategy.
They clarified that her statements did not reflect the campaign’s goal of securing votes from both Trump and Biden supporters.
Palma’s association with the campaign, evidenced by her email address on the campaign’s website, raised questions about her role and influence within the organization.
Palma’s comments revealed conflicting perspectives within the campaign’s supporter base, with Democrats speculating that some Trump allies might be backing Kennedy to aid Trump’s return to power.
This incident further accentuated divisions within the campaign, coming shortly after Kennedy’s attempt to clarify earlier remarks about the January 6 Capitol rioters, which sparked controversy and prompted apologies.
Amidst the fallout from Palma’s statements, the Kennedy campaign terminated its contract with the marketing contractor responsible for a misleading fundraising ad.
