New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who often shares his conservative views on social issues, is reportedly the top of a presidential candidate’s VP shortlist.
Robert F. Kennedy, who is running as the Independent candidate, is considering Rodgers along with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, according to a new report from the New York Times.
Kennedy has apparently been in contact with Rodgers “pretty continuously” over the past few months about the 2024 ticket.
He originally ran in the Democrat primary but became independent in October. Democrats criticize his ongoing candidacy as a ploy to take voters away from President Joe Biden and boost former President Donald Trump’s chance of taking back the White House.
Kennedy has also pondered joining the Libertarian Party’s ticket in order to gain ballot access across the country.
But first, he will need a running mate.
Aside from Rodgers, a source from Kennedy’s campaign said Ventura is also being seriously discussed. Ventura introduced Kennedy during a campaign event in Arizona and the two have kept in contact since.
The campaign has also been in touch with former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang.
Rodgers Shares Conservative Views
Rodgers has repeatedly garnered media attention for his views on social issues, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine which he did not elect to receive.
Kennedy shares Rodgers’ skepticism of the vaccine, saying previously that vaccinating a child with the COVID-19 shot should be considered “criminal medical malpractice”.
Rodgers has also criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci, discussed censorship and “cancelling” on The Pat McAfee Show, and feuded with Jimmy Kimmel over the host’s potential links to Jeffrey Epstein.
While it’s unclear if any formal offer has been made to either Rodgers or Ventura at this time, the Times reports that “the domain name kennedyrodgers.com was registered last week using a GoDaddy host.”
