Dem
51
GOP
49
When it comes to getting attention for his third-party/independent presidential bid, the biggest arrow Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has left in his quiver is the announcement of a running mate. And it would seem that he's going to squeeze that for all it's worth, as yesterday he announced the names of two people said to be on his "short list": Former wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Since we don't know what Kennedy is trying to accomplish, it's hard to evaluate these choices. Well, it's hard to evaluate Ventura, at least. That is to say, Ventura obviously has a real political résumé, one that far outshines RFK Jr.'s (since RFK Jr. has never held office). And Ventura is basically a Libertarian, so if that party's nomination is what Kennedy fils is after, then The Body would be an asset. That said, the former governor is going to be 73 at the time of the election, which is not great when a main plank is "the other guys are too old." Also, Ventura has a long history of impolitic statements, scandals, stolen valor and other liabilities, and the last couple of years he was in office were a train wreck. So, he's a mixed bag, to say the least.
As to Rodgers, that is much easier to evaluate. The executive summary: "You can't be serious." The only thing Rodgers brings to the ticket, other than attracting the type of people who vote for Steve Garvey because he once won an MVP award, is that he and Kennedy are basically simpatico on conspiracy theories in general, and anti-vaxx conspiracies in particular. Well that, and Rodgers also hosted Jeopardy! for a couple of weeks. In addition to the fact that the former Green Bay Packer and current New York Jet is wholly unqualified for the vice presidency, he also has a day job that will require his attention at the height of the campaign cycle. The Jets will play their first game of the NFL season on September 8, though maybe Rodgers can get permission to skip out once the team is no longer in contention. In that case, he'll be available on September 9.
Kennedy also said he's considering Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) or former representative Tulsi Gabbard. Both of them are Libertarians in all but name, so that again suggests RFK Jr. is eyeing the Libertarian nomination. Certainly that is an easier way of getting on the ballot in most or all states, as opposed to doing it one-by-one. In any event, looking at this potential VP list, we've never seen such a dearth of "worthiness to serve as president," except when Sarah Palin dined alone. (Z)