Conspiracy theorists are buzzing with speculation that former President Donald Trump might replace Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
The theory gained traction following RFK Jr.’s announcement that he was dropping out of the presidential race as an independent candidate. On August 25, during a rally in Arizona, RFK Jr. endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign, fueling speculation about a potential shift in Trump’s vice-presidential slot.
At the rally, RFK Jr. made a dramatic entrance, complete with fireworks and the Foo Fighters’ song “My Hero” playing in the background. The spectacle led to widespread speculation among conspiracy theorists who support RFK Jr.’s controversial views. Many believe that the endorsement could be a precursor to Vance being replaced by RFK Jr. as Trump’s vice-presidential candidate.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) suggested, “Trump locks the election by throwing out Vance and replacing him with RFK as his VP. Over.” This sentiment reflects the growing belief among some of Trump’s more fringe supporters that a change in running mates could be imminent.
The speculation is partly fueled by RFK Jr.’s previous comments about Vance. In July, after Trump announced Vance as his running mate, RFK Jr. suggested that Vance was connected to the so-called Deep State, which he criticized as a “salute to the CIA.” This comment further stirred the pot among conspiracy theorists, who now argue that RFK Jr.’s remarks were a veiled critique that could lead to a replacement.
Another user remarked, “I do think RFK Jr. will replace Vance for VP. Interesting what RFK Jr. says here,” highlighting how RFK Jr.’s statements have been interpreted through a conspiratorial lens.
Despite the rumors, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Trump plans to replace Vance with RFK Jr. In fact, Vance’s unpopularity among certain voter segments has been noted, but replacing a vice-presidential candidate at this stage in the race would be politically risky. Nonetheless, Trump’s focus on poll numbers and public perception adds fuel to the speculative fire.
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One user speculated, “What are the odds that he’s offering to knife JD and replace him with RFK? In his mind, it’s a business merger.” This reflects the belief among some Trump supporters that strategic changes might be considered if they benefit Trump’s overall campaign strategy.
The idea of replacing Vance with RFK Jr. has not been universally accepted within conservative circles. Many Trump supporters are defending Vance, rejecting the notion of such a significant change. One conservative wrote, “No. MAGA doesn’t play ‘throw your teammate under the bus candidate roulette.’ That’s what backstabbing liberals do. We’re loyal.”
Another supporter argued, “Vance is a rockstar and brings youth to the ticket. No way, RFK will do well someplace else like investigating the corrupt CDC, USDA, and other bloated Government health organizations.” This perspective emphasizes loyalty to Vance and suggests that RFK Jr. could be more effective in other roles.
For now, Trump has indicated that he plans to use RFK Jr. in a different capacity. At his rally, Trump stated that if he wins the 2024 election, he intends to involve RFK Jr. and other “top experts” in investigating chronic health problems. This plan aligns with RFK Jr.’s background in health advocacy, despite his controversial views.
RFK Jr. has a complicated history with health-related issues. Besides his decades of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric, recent reports have highlighted bizarre personal experiences, such as eating a dog, attempting to eat a dead bear, and being afflicted by a brain-eating worm. These issues add a layer of complexity to his public image and potential role in any future administration.
In conclusion, while conspiracy theories about RFK Jr. replacing Vance persist among some Trump supporters, there is no solid evidence to suggest such a change is forthcoming. As the 2024 election approaches, both Trump and RFK Jr. continue to navigate their respective roles and public perceptions amidst the swirling speculation.
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