According to Just The News, Vice President Kamala Harris cast a decisive vote to confirm Judge Loren AliKhan to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
This vote elevated Harris's record for tie-breaking votes and underscored AliKhan's judicial role in the high-profile E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump.
The Senate was deadlocked at 50-50 on December 5, 2023, and Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W. Va. opposed the confirmation. Vice President Harris stepped in to tip the balance, officially confirming AliKhan to a lifetime post.
Judge Loren AliKhan, formerly on the D.C. Court of Appeals, has previously been involved in a critical judicial opinion dated April 13, 2023. This opinion allowed the defamation lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll against former President Trump to proceed through the courts.
AliKhan's April decision bears considerable weight, mainly because it defies prior arguments presented by the Department of Justice under the Trump administration. In these earlier proceedings, the Department of Justice had argued that Trump was granted legal immunity under the Westfall Act.
The Department of Justice later reversed its stance following the change in administration. This adaptation offered an added layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
Under the Biden administration, the DOJ allowed Trump to be held personally liable for the defamation claims, which diverged significantly from its previous position. This politics-charged alteration mirrored the shifting perspectives in judicial circles concerning the Westfall Act and presidential legal immunity.
The Westfall Act, which initially played a significant role in the lawsuit, saw varied interpretations across different court levels. Originally, the lawsuit transitioned to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under its auspices.
Judge Lewis Kaplan from the Southern District of New York contested Trump's claim to immunity, a critical pivot point in the unfolding of the legal drama.
On a broader scale, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit found that Trump qualified as an employee under the Westfall Act, adding another layer to the legal intricacies.
Adding to these parameters, the D.C. Court of Appeals clarified D.C. law specifics regarding employment scope, joined in the opinion by AliKhan. Despite these clarifications, the Court refrained from determining if Trump's remarks fell within that scope.
The D.C. Court left this ultimate judgment to be made by either the Second Circuit or the Southern District of New York, sustaining the case's ongoing nature. After these judicial maneuvers, the Second Circuit remanded the case to the district court for continued legal proceedings, keeping the case active.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is currently facing backlash over a decades-old op-ed.
Shapiro is under fire and facing claims of disqualification from some on the left as he emerges as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, due to a 1993 pro-Israel op-ed in which he expressed doubts about a two-state solution in the Middle East, as Breitbart reports.
Shapiro, a Democrat with increasing prominence, authored a piece in 1993 that questioned the feasibility of a peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. At the time, he was a 20-year-old student at the University of Rochester.
The opinion piece, titled “Peace not possible,” has resurfaced amid discussions about Shapiro potentially joining Harris’s ticket. In it, Shapiro argued that Palestinians were too entrenched in conflict to successfully form their own state.
In his 1993 op-ed, Shapiro disclosed his experience volunteering at an Israeli army base during his teenage years. This background framed his perspective that a peaceful accord between Israeli and Palestinian leaders would not resolve the ongoing conflict.
Shapiro wrote that Palestinians lacked the ability to establish a peaceful homeland, even with support from Israel and the United States. He stated, “They are too battle-minded to be able to establish a peaceful homeland of their own.”
Further, Shapiro expressed a grim view on Middle Eastern peace, asserting that a stable coexistence was historically dubious and unlikely to be achieved. He claimed, “Using history as precedent, peace between Arabs and Israelis is virtually impossible and will never come.”
The op-ed has ignited a storm of criticism from left-wing Democrats, particularly pro-Palestinian advocates and activists. Within the White House, anti-Israel staffers are reportedly incensed at the potential selection of Shapiro as Harris’s running mate.
Detractors argue that Shapiro’s historical stance reveals a deep-seated opposition to Palestinian statehood. They point to his dismissive tone toward Palestinian aspirations as indicative of broader biases. However, Shapiro’s spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, has attempted to mitigate the fallout. Bonder emphasized that Shapiro’s views have evolved significantly over the past three decades.
According to Bonder, the governor now endorses a two-state solution as the viable path forward for Israeli-Palestinian peace. “The governor’s position has changed over the last three decades,” Bonder stated, noting his present-day support for a dual-state framework.
As this controversy unfolds, Shapiro’s defenders claim he is facing an antisemitic backlash from the progressive left. They argue that the 1993 op-ed is too dated to reflect his contemporary policies and beliefs.
Despite the heated debate, Shapiro's supporters are rallying around his current diplomatic stance. They urge critics to consider his contemporary political actions and statements rather than focusing on a single youthful commentary.
The resurfacing of Shapiro's 1993 article comes at a critical juncture. With discussions of the 2024 election cycle ramping up, every piece of a candidate’s history is scrutinized for ideological consistency and potential liabilities.
Vice President Kamala Harris is restructuring her campaign with key figures from President Obama's previous campaigns following President Joe Biden's decision to step down from the race.
Harris, now the presumptive Democratic Party nominee, is retaining many members of Biden's campaign leadership while also incorporating several top former Obama campaign operatives, as The Hill reports.
The Harris campaign is set to keep Jen O’Malley Dillon as the campaign chair, maintaining continuity from Biden’s team. Significant new additions include David Plouffe, a key strategist for Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns, who will join as a senior adviser.
Plouffe will conclude his consulting work with TikTok and end his podcast collaboration with Kellyanne Conway to focus on the Harris campaign. Stephanie Cutter, who served as Obama’s deputy campaign manager in 2012, will also come on board as a strategic adviser.
Other notable Obama campaign veterans joining Harris include Mitch Stewart, who led grassroots efforts, and David Binder, who managed public research. This experienced team aims to strengthen Harris's campaign infrastructure and outreach efforts.
Jennifer Palmieri, who served as communications director in the Obama White House and on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, will join as a senior adviser to the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff. Julie Chavez Rodriguez will continue as campaign manager, focusing on crucial states like Arizona and Nevada, as well as targeting Latino voters.
Harris has gained considerable momentum since President Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection. This boost is reflected in recent polling data, which shows a closer race between Harris and former President Donald Trump than when Biden was the candidate. “Polling has shown Harris is more competitive in those states than Biden was against Trump,” said the campaign, emphasizing her increased viability in key battlegrounds.
The Harris campaign raised an impressive $310 million in July, with over $200 million of that coming in just the week following her announcement as the Democratic nominee. This financial surge indicates strong grassroots support and confidence among donors.
The strategic additions and changes within the Harris campaign reflect a deliberate shift towards experienced campaign management and a robust grassroots strategy. The integration of former Obama staffers aims to harness their expertise in voter mobilization and public engagement.
The Washington Post first reported the additional staffing changes, highlighting the campaign’s dynamic approach in response to the evolving political landscape. Politico also noted Plouffe’s involvement, underscoring the significance of his advisory role. Harris has publicly acknowledged the competitive nature of the race, consistently portraying herself as the underdog. “Polling has shown a tightening race between Harris and Trump,” a statement from her campaign read, underscoring the challenge ahead.
Harris’s campaign strategy will focus heavily on voter outreach and engagement in critical states. Julie Chavez Rodriguez’s continued role as campaign manager ensures a targeted approach to these regions, particularly among Latino communities.
As the race intensifies, the Harris campaign is poised to leverage the experience and strategic insight of its newly expanded team. This combination of established leadership and new strategic advisors is expected to enhance her competitiveness against Trump. The recent surge in campaign donations further bolsters Harris’s position, providing the necessary resources for extensive campaign operations and outreach efforts.
In summary, Vice President Kamala Harris is reinforcing her campaign with seasoned Obama-era staff following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down. Key figures from Obama’s campaigns, including David Plouffe and Stephanie Cutter, are joining her team.
A New York appellate court has thwarted Donald Trump’s latest attempt to lift a gag order.
According to the Associated Press, the court upheld the restrictions, while Trump's legal team disputes the judge’s impartiality and suggested political prejudices.
On May 30, Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying records linked to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This conviction led Judge Juan M. Merchan to place a gag order on Trump in March, limiting his ability to comment on the prosecution team, court staff, and their families.
In June, the order was partially lifted, permitting Trump to speak on witnesses and jurors but retaining the ban on discussing prosecution staff and their relatives. Despite this partial relief, Trump's fight to remove the remaining restrictions continues.
On Thursday, Trump faced another setback as the New York appellate court upheld the remaining gag order restrictions. The court’s decision came despite arguments from Trump’s legal team, who deem the order a violation of Trump's constitutional right to free speech, especially during his active presidential campaign.
Trump's attorneys have also questioned Judge Merchan’s perceived impartiality. They highlighted connections between the judge's daughter and Vice President Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential campaign as grounds for bias, leading to multiple recusal requests.
Judge Merchan has twice declined these requests, calling the concerns speculative and not substantiated by facts. His dismissal of these motions has only fueled Trump’s legal fight, raising more contentious arguments.
In a letter released on Thursday, Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, wrote to Judge Merchan, stating that Harris' entry into the presidential race intensifies existing concerns, which he believes the judge has not sufficiently addressed to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.
Rep. Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has also stepped into the fray. He demanded documentation from Loren Merchan regarding her campaign work and possible discussions about Trump’s prosecution, seeking to unveil the potential conflicts of interest.
The appellate court, however, asserted that the "fair administration of justice" is vital and ensures that the gag order remains necessary for the proper conduct of the legal process.
As Trump continues his legal battles, the upcoming months are significant. A defense request to dismiss his conviction awaits a ruling on September 6, and Trump’s sentencing is set for September 18. The outcomes of these dates could significantly influence the trajectory of Trump's legal and political future.
Judge Merchan has already shown he will not tolerate violations of the gag order. Trump was fined $10,000 for past violations and faced threats of jail time for further infractions, underscoring the judicial system's stringent stance on adherence to the restrictions.
Trump’s team plans to appeal his conviction, arguing that the gag order infringed on his free speech during his presidential campaign. His legal struggles involve contesting legal constraints and questioning the fairness of judicial proceedings. These ongoing battles have significant implications for both his legal and political landscapes.
Recent leaks from the Supreme Court unveil growing dissent among the conservative justices, particularly aimed at Justice Samuel Alito.
According to the Daily Beast, Samuel Alito has reportedly lost majorities twice this year due to growing frustration with him among other conservatives in the courtroom.
Earlier this year, conservative Supreme Court justices twice abandoned Justice Samuel Alito’s draft majority opinions. These unusual actions point to mounting discontent within the courtroom regarding Alito's stance.
One critical case of the division involved laws from Texas and Florida restricting social media platforms' content moderation. These pieces of legislation arose after Facebook and Twitter removed former President Donald Trump's accounts following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. A trade group named NetChoice challenged these laws, declaring them unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
Although district courts in Texas and Florida suspended the laws temporarily, they did not reach a consensus. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Texas and concluded that content moderation fell outside protected speech. Meanwhile, the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals supported Florida’s stance, maintaining that content moderation does involve First Amendment rights.
The Supreme Court took up the debate on February 26. Justice Alito backed the 5th Circuit's perspective, challenging the expressive nature of content moderation in his draft opinion. However, as differences emerged, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson sided with Justice Elena Kagan’s analysis, leaving Alito with only Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch in support.
The second significant case revolved around Sylvia Gonzalez, a councilwoman in Castle Hills, Texas. Gonzalez alleged that her arrest resulted from retaliation for criticizing the city manager. The 5th Circuit had previously dismissed her claim, noting probable cause.
However, in March, the Supreme Court acknowledged errors in the 5th Circuit's narrow interpretation. The case saw another split as Alito’s draft opinion exceeded the consensus sought by other justices. This led to the majority disbanding, and a new unsigned decision criticized the 5th Circuit's strict view on retaliation claims under the First Amendment.
Justice Alito’s detailed concurring opinion highlighted perceived flaws in Gonzalez’s arguments, bringing forth a more limited approach that did not align with the majority's interpretation.
These episodes reflect broader frustrations among conservative justices with 74-year-old Justice Alito. Reports from CNN suggest a growing sentiment of irritation with Alito’s extreme positions on pivotal cases.
The social media case demonstrated a stark contrast, with a divided bench pondering the limits and protections of content moderation. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Brett Kavanaugh reportedly leaned towards a more inclusive interpretation, aligning generally with Kagan's viewpoint.
In contrast, the retaliation claim from Gonzalez revealed deeper fissures. The Court, in its majority unsigned opinion, criticized the Fifth Circuit’s "overly cramped view," standing as a testament to the prudence exercised by the other justices.
Recent leaks reveal significant conservative dissent within the Supreme Court regarding Justice Samuel Alito’s draft majority opinions in major cases. These instances of divergence are rare and signal mounting dissatisfaction with Alito's extreme stances. Cases involving social media content moderation and First Amendment retaliation claims illustrated the Court's internal struggles, ultimately underscoring the need for balanced and prudent judicial decisions in interpreting constitutional protections.
According to Fox News, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki apologized to Gold Star families for her previous comments, denying that President Biden checked his watch during a dignified transfer ceremony.
Psaki's apology occurred during a House Foreign Affairs Committee interview examining the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation.
On a Friday, Psaki agreed to a transcribed session with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The focal point was the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Psaki faced scrutiny for making multiple unsubstantiated claims about the incident.
House Foreign Affairs Committee members questioned Psaki extensively about her prior statements, especially those contradicting the experiences of Gold Star families. The session re-examined an incident where Biden appeared to check his watch multiple times during a solemn event.
Leslie Shedd, the majority spokeswoman for the committee, described the exchange. "The chairman asked Psaki about her remarks regarding Biden's actions at Dover Air Force Base," Shedd revealed. "After being pressed multiple times, Psaki asked if the chairman could relay her apology to the families."
The former press secretary conveyed her profound regret to the chairman, hoping to ease the pain caused. GOP Florida Representative Mike Waltz later confirmed Psaki's contrition via a statement on X, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the families' distress.
Representative Waltz expressed his approval of Psaki's actions. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he mentioned the interview and lauded Psaki for apologizing to the families. Waltz did not view this as a partisan issue but as a necessary gesture of humanity.
"This isn’t a partisan or gotcha moment. This is the right thing to do as fellow Americans, and I pray she follows through," Waltz stated, reflecting a bipartisan sentiment for healing.
In response to inquiries from Fox News Digital, neither the Foreign Affairs Committee nor Psaki provided additional comments about the session. The committee referenced a video of Biden's actions during the Dover ceremony, prompting the initial outcry from the Gold Star families.
Psaki's "Say More" book fueled the controversy with claims that Biden checked his watch only once the ceremony concluded. This narrative contradicted the experiences relayed by the families of the fallen service members.
The backlash was swift and intense, leading Psaki to alter future editions of her book. Removal of the contentious passage directly resulted from the families' objections and the uproar that followed.
In May, Psaki came under heavy criticism for the statements in her book, further complicating her involvement with the Afghanistan withdrawal's portrayal. The episode highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the evacuation and the broader impacts on those directly affected.
Ultimately, the interview highlighted the ongoing need for transparency and sensitivity in discussing the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. For the families who lost loved ones, these reflections and acknowledgments serve as vital steps in their healing journeys.
Michelle Obama, backed by a star-studded group of celebrities, has endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race.
Fox Business reported that despite high-profile support, experts argue that Democrats face challenges in energizing disengaged voters.
Michelle Obama, the former first lady, and a host of celebrities have endorsed Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential bid. Kerry Washington, Megan Rapinoe, Steph Curry, Shonda Rhimes, Chris Paul, Brettman Rock, and others have also joined this high-profile endorsement.
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris last week, just days after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Biden ended his re-election campaign following a poor performance in a debate against Trump, which led to pressure from within the Democratic Party for a change.
The endorsement from Michelle Obama was publicized in a political advertisement released by the nonprofit When We All Vote. In the ad, she stressed the importance of voting on issues such as reproductive rights, the environment, and the economy, calling for action just 100 days before Election Day.
However, experts like Patrice Onwuka, director for the center of economic opportunity at the Independent Women’s Forum, remain skeptical about the impact of these endorsements.
Onwuka points out a significant issue for the Democrats: voter apathy. “There's an apathy problem that Democrats have to fight right now. They have to get all of those disenchanted and disengaged voters to actually care,” she said. Onwuka warns that simply replacing one candidate with another might not bring the desired effect.
They've removed one candidate that was very unpopular, and they've placed someone else as a placeholder in that role. That's not enough. That's not going to be enough to move the needle.
The endorsement from the Obamas aims to energize voters, but whether it will be enough to address the core issues remains a topic for debate.
Harris's campaign has been proactive, marking 100 days until the election with a "Weekend of Action." According to reports, her campaign raised $200 million in its first week, signaling strong financial support but not necessarily widespread voter enthusiasm.
Onwuka highlighted the skepticism among some voters, stating, “There are a lot of disengaged voters who say: we voted for the Democratic Party, for the left, for so long, and yet our communities are still struggling, our children are still in failing schools, and our communities are no safer." These are critical issues that celebrity endorsements may not be able to address comprehensively.
For some voters, past experiences create doubts about celebrity-driven political campaigns:
So, star-studded celebrity endorsements, they may carry some weight with a few folks, but for the folks who are thinking, ‘You know what? The celebrities lied to me before; they lied to me about Joe Biden for the past four years, they're going to lie again. I'm going to consider something different.
While Michelle Obama and numerous celebrities have endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, there are concerns about the effectiveness of this strategy in tackling voter apathy. Despite the high-profile support and a surge in campaign funding, experts argue that Democrats need to do more to engage disenchanted voters who feel neglected by previous administrations.
As the New York Post reported, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance has furiously rebuked Vice President Kamala Harris over her recent comments questioning his loyalty to the United States.
Harris released a campaign ad suggesting that Vance would only show loyalty to former President Donald Trump, not the country.
JD Vance, named Trump's running mate just a day before the ad was shared on YouTube on July 16, delivered a passionate speech in St. Cloud, Minnesota, defending his allegiance to the nation.
Harris's campaign ad ignited controversy by asserting that Vance would be devoted solely to Trump. Harris declared in the video, “Make no mistake: JD Vance will be loyal only to Trump, not to our country.” Vance fiercely contested these claims, asking, "What has she done to question my loyalty to this country?"
Vance emphasized his status as a veteran, citing his time in the United States Marine Corps and his service in Iraq. He referenced his military background to argue against Harris's assertions and to highlight his dedication to American values. Vance further claimed that his business achievements also demonstrate his commitment to the nation.
In his speech, Vance stated, "I served in the United States Marine Corps. I went to Iraq for this country. I built a business for this country. And my running mate took a bullet for this country." These remarks aimed to underline the sacrifices he and his running mate, Trump, have made.
Vance did not hesitate to critique Harris, calling attention to her policy actions at the southern border. He argued that her record on border security represented a greater betrayal of loyalty to the country than anything attributed to him.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Vance called for united support for the Trump-Vance ticket. "Let's send a message to the media. Let's send a message to Kamala Harris. Let's send a message to every hardworking patriot from Minnesota across the country," Vance urged. His speech aimed to galvanize the Republican base and counter the negative portrayal he felt was set by Harris.
This clash between JD Vance and Kamala Harris comes in the broader context of the 2024 presidential race. As Harris has not declared her own run for President and has not yet chosen a running mate, the dynamics of the race remain complex. President Joe Biden, who has endorsed Harris after abandoning his own re-election campaign, also plays a significant role in shaping the Democratic strategy.
JD Vance's speech sought to defend his loyalty and reinforce support for the broader Republican agenda. "We are ready to have President Donald J. Trump back, and we’re going to work our tails off to make sure it happens," he declared. His remarks emphasized a return to the policies and leadership style of the Trump administration.
So far, Vice President Harris has not publicly responded to Vance's remarks in St. Cloud. Her campaign's focus on questioning Vance’s loyalty has added a new dimension to the political discourse, highlighting the stark differences in how both sides define loyalty and service to the nation.
The timing of the campaign ad, released just a day after Trump announced Vance as his running mate, suggests a strategic move by the Harris camp to draw early battle lines. Harris remains a critical figure in the Democratic Party, supported by President Biden's endorsement, yet the presidential picture for the Democrats still lacks clarity.
JD Vance's forceful defense and counter-accusations against Kamala Harris underline the highly charged and personal dynamics of the 2024 election campaign. His focus on his military service and business success and his critique of Harris's border policy showcases his approach to securing voter support. Meanwhile, Harris's ad continues to raise questions about the nature of loyalty in the race, setting the stage for an intensifying political showdown.
President Joe Biden’s swift endorsement of Kamala Harris in the wake of his own campaign withdrawal has caused a significant divide within the Democratic Party.
Biden's move approving Harris as his replacement has reportedly ignited tensions with certain key party leaders, including former President Barack Obama, as the Western Journal reports.
The president's decision to step back from his re-election campaign took many by surprise. In a swift and defiant move, he endorsed Harris, to be the next Democratic presidential nominee.
This endorsement has reportedly caused friction within the upper echelons of the Democratic Party. Notably, former President Barack Obama is said to have expressed his reservations about Harris’s candidacy.
Obama had advised Biden to allow the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month to decide the replacement. Contrarily, Biden's quick endorsement of Harris is seen as a direct challenge to this advice. A source close to Biden's family described the endorsement as an act of defiance. According to this source, Biden felt compelled to endorse Harris out of a sense of loyalty and perhaps a measure of revenge against perceived insults from the Obama wing of the party.
Political insiders suggested that a “mini primary” might have been a more diplomatic approach. Party leaders such as Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer were reportedly in favor of this method to select a new candidate before they ultimately endorsed Harris.
Obama is said to have had a different vision for the party's future. He was reportedly in favor of Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly stepping into the presidential race. Biden’s endorsement of Harris, as viewed by insiders, felt like a betrayal to Obama and other party stalwarts.
However, any public discord was masked as Obama eventually endorsed Harris himself. He expressed this endorsement along with his wife Michelle in a phone call, pledging their full support.
A source close to the situation described it as reminiscent of backroom political maneuvers and power struggles. This situation underlined the deep complexities and egos at play within party politics. The endorsement of Harris, while publicly unified under Obama’s support, hinted at ongoing tensions. Despite a show of solidarity, whispers of discontent are circulating within insider circles.
The symbolism of Obama’s eventual endorsement aimed to bridge the growing rift. Still, the backdrop of political strategizing and personal vendettas cannot be entirely hidden.
President Biden’s choice to back Kamala Harris, Obama’s initial hesitation, and the party’s internal disagreement paint a picture of a deeply divided organization. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, unity remains a central theme, though its authenticity may be questioned.
The culmination of these events reflects a broader narrative of political tactics and personal relationships. Biden’s decision and Obama's reaction provide an insightful glimpse into the intricate dynamics at play.
The run-up to the convention will undoubtedly be closely watched by both insiders and the public. As the Democratic Party navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of Biden’s endorsement and the response it has elicited will shape their path forward.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged the potential for additional allegations of sexual misconduct from women in his past.
Independent presidential candidate Kennedy addressed recent allegations by former babysitter Eliza Cooney, as Fox News reports, suggesting that more potentially embarrassing information could emerge.
The claims against Kennedy surfaced when Cooney asserted that he had forcibly groped her in the late 1990s. The revelations came to light via a report published by Vanity Fair earlier this month.
Kennedy, who continues his presidential campaign as an independent, has addressed the allegations brought forward by Cooney. In response to the publicized claims, he issued a private apology via text message to Cooney. This was later reported by the Washington Post.
During an interview with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, Kennedy admitted to sending Cooney the apology, highlighting that it was meant as a private gesture and not intended for public dissemination. He maintained that he had no recollection of the incident, characterizing it as contrary to his usual behavior.
Kennedy expressed a willingness to make amends if his actions had hurt someone, stressing the intricacy of human relationships and differing interpretations of interactions.
Addressing the potential for further allegations, Kennedy noted that it was a distinct possibility due to the nature of his past behaviors. He candidly described his life as having been "very rambunctious." Despite the accusations, Kennedy emphasized that he does not want to appear insensitive or inappropriate to anyone. He reiterated his readiness to apologize if future incidents come to light.
Within the context of his presidential campaign, Kennedy remains focused on his platform. He underscored the significance of battling "corporate capture," easing the affordability crisis, and ending "forever wars."
Kennedy's independent bid for the White House came after he departed from the Democratic Party in the wake of its decision to block his primary run against President Joe Biden. Describing the presidential race as a "two-man race" between him and former President Donald Trump following Biden's exit, Kennedy remains resolute in his pursuit.
According to a Fox News poll from July, Kennedy garnered 10% of the vote in a hypothetical three-man race with Trump and Biden. This polling data reflects significant voter support despite the controversies surrounding him. Kennedy's campaign website has been particularly critical of what he describes as "corporate capture," as well as other pressing issues such as the affordability crisis and ongoing wars.
Throughout his public statements, Kennedy has highlighted the complexity of social interactions and his determination to correct any wrongs he may have committed. He has remained open to the possibility of further apologies, acknowledging his past as a contributing factor.
In his conversation with Garrett, Kennedy avoided making public comments on the specifics of Cooney's allegation, though he noted that the apology speaks for itself. He expressed a desire not to leave anyone feeling wronged by any past actions.
By continuing his presidential campaign, Kennedy aims to address key policy issues, including economic inequality, corporate dominance, and foreign policy. His focus has been on bringing attention to these concerns while simultaneously addressing personal controversies head-on.