‘There is no other choice’: Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy endorses Joe Biden over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, R-R.I., endorsed President Joe Biden on Sunday morning, declaring that “there is no other choice than Joe Biden” during a discussion on addiction and mental health crisis on CNN’s “State of the Union” with host Dana Bash.

When Bash pointed out that Kennedy’s statement sounded like an endorsement, Kennedy affirmed, “Of course it is.”

Kennedy, a retired politician and mental health advocate, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a second term for former President Donald Trump. He emphasized the threat to democracy posed by Trump’s presidency and underscored the importance of supporting Biden in the upcoming election.

Patrick Kennedy endorses Joe Biden over his cousin RFK Jr.: "There is no other choice than Joe Biden."
Author of the new book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage" @PJK4brainhealth joins @DanaBashCNN to talk about addiction, mental health and the 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/p2obWwDyA2

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) May 26, 2024

Kennedy’s endorsement comes amidst speculation about the impact of his cousin, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on Biden’s chances of winning in November. Some critics have raised concerns that RFK Jr., known for spreading conspiracy theories, could act as a spoiler by drawing votes away from one of the two main candidates.

RFK Jr.’s campaign has achieved ballot access in six states as of mid-May, and he has averaged less than 15% in most national polls. However, even a small percentage of votes could sway the outcome in closely contested battleground states.

RFK Jr. has expressed his intention to file a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission regarding his potential exclusion from the planned June 27 debate between Biden and Trump.

Kennedy’s endorsement of Biden aligns with other members of the Kennedy family who have publicly supported the Democratic candidate. At a Biden rally in Philadelphia last month, Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, reiterated the family’s endorsement of Biden and Kamala Harris for another term in office.

Despite RFK Jr.’s candidacy, several members of the Kennedy family have openly opposed his campaign. In March, numerous Kennedy family members joined Biden at the White House for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, further highlighting their support for the Democratic nominee.