Media Tip Sheet: Trump Boosts Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Campaign in Bid to Sway Election Outcome


April 12, 2024

Former President Trump and his allies are strategically supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent campaign, viewing him as a potential spoiler to draw votes away from Biden in the upcoming election. Despite Trump's public portrayal of Kennedy as a leftist opponent, political observers note his candidacy could aid Trump's chances in a tight race. The move has intensified scrutiny and drawn criticism from Democrats, who see it as a calculated effort to undermine Biden's prospects.

Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer commentary, insight and analysis on the Trump’s latest campaign strategy.. If you would like to speak with an expert, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Tayah Frye at tayah [dot] fryeatgwu [dot] edu (tayah[dot]frye[at]gwu[dot]edu).


Danny Hayes, professor of political science, is an expert on campaigns and elections who can discuss the current election landscape and provide insights and analysis on current campaign strategies. He is an author of three books, all published by Cambridge University Press: News Hole: The Demise of Local Journalism and Political Engagement (2021); Women on the Run: Media, Gender, and Political Campaigns in a Polarized Era (2016); and Influence from Abroad: Foreign Voices, the Media, and U.S. Public Opinion (2013). His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and has appeared in the American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, and numerous other academic journals.

Peter Loge is the director of GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs. He has nearly 30 years of experience in politics and communications, having served as a deputy to the chief of staff for Sen. Edward Kennedy during the 1995 shutdown, a VP at the US Institute of Peace in 2013, and held senior positions for three members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Loge currently leads the Project on Ethics in Political Communication at the School of Media and Public Affairs and continues to advise advocates and organizations. 

Todd Belt is the director of the Political Management Program at the GW Graduate School of Political Management. Belt is an expert on the presidency, campaigns and elections, mass media and politics, public opinion, and political humor. In addition to his expertise, Belt is co-author of four books and helps to run GW’s political poll, which recently shared new findings

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