Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., responded to inquiries regarding President Biden's potential stepping aside at the end of his first term following a special counsel's report characterizing him as an "elderly man with poor memory."
Kennedy, in an interview with Fox News's "Jesse Watters Primetime," expressed his belief that if Biden indeed faces cognitive challenges as suggested by special counsel Robert Hur, he would hope a member of Biden's family or staff would delicately encourage him to step away from the political spotlight.
RFK Jr: Jill Biden should suggest Joe step aside if his cognitive abilities are diminished https://t.co/IdqjawDI4p
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 13, 2024
"If he has the kind of cognitive challenges that the special counsel indicated he has, and if I were in that position, a member of my family or staff would approach me and assist me in gently stepping down," Kennedy stated.
When questioned whether First Lady Jill Biden should play a role in this decision, Kennedy affirmed, "Yeah, I think she should."
Kennedy added that if Biden intends to pursue re-election, he should engage in unscripted public discussions and participate in debates with his challengers.
"We need a president who is on the ball, somebody who we all trust to answer that phone call at 3:00 in the morning…," he emphasized.
Kennedy also addressed the speculation circulating within Democratic circles about potential replacements for Biden on the ticket.
A Washington Post article reported that top Democratic donors were being approached about the feasibility of replacing Biden with another prominent Democrat.
Among the names mentioned were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Both politicians have been approached about the possibility, with Shapiro characterizing it as "noise," and Whitmer expressing her commitment to supporting Biden's re-election bid.
Regarding a Super Bowl ad funded by his super PAC, which featured his likeness overlaid on a famous campaign ad of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, Kennedy clarified that his recent apology was directed at family members and individuals whose feelings were hurt by the ad.
He expressed surprise at the ad's content upon its release and acknowledged that while he loved it, he understood it might upset some of his relatives.
Kennedy expressed regret if the ad caused any distress and underscored that federal regulations prohibit consultation between candidates and their PACs.
The ongoing discussion about Biden's cognitive decline comes as he seeks a second term in what is likely to be a rematch with Trump.
The addition of Kennedy as a third-party candidate may also increase concerns as the pressures of the campaign build for Biden.
