Robert Kennedy Jr. Considers Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura as Potential VP Running Mates
Apr
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disclosed that he is contemplating both New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura as potential running mates for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
A representative for Ventura clarified to PEOPLE that Ventura has not been formally approached to be a vice-presidential candidate and will refrain from commenting on speculations.
Kennedy’s revelation comes after reports in early February suggested that the 70-year-old presidential candidate was nearing a decision on his running mate, as reported by NBC News.
Kennedy disclosed to The New York Times that he has been engaged in ongoing communication with Aaron Rodgers, 40, over the past month, while also maintaining contact with Jesse Ventura, 72, since February.
Ventura notably introduced Kennedy at a campaign event in Arizona last month, whereas Rodgers had previously endorsed Kennedy in 2023. Recently, Rodgers shared Kennedy’s response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on social media platform X, praising it as “presidential.”
Rodgers, renowned for his achievements in the NFL, notably winning the 2011 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, has been recovering from an Achilles injury sustained during the 2023-2024 season with the New York Jets.
Meanwhile, Ventura, who served as Minnesota governor from 1999 to 2003 and enjoyed a previous career as a professional wrestler, brings a diverse background to the table.
Kennedy, the son of former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of late President John F. Kennedy, transitioned from a Democratic campaign to an Independent bid in October 2023.
The Democratic National Committee offered a sharp critique of Kennedy’s choice of potential running mates, characterizing it as a “Three Stooges reunion” and attributing it to the influence of conspiracy theories.
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Kennedy is poised to compete against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
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