After an incredible year with the
@Suntimes
, I'm excited to share that I've joined
@CBSNews
as a campaign reporter! Here's to new horizons, stories and adventures. Stay tuned for the next chapter! 🎥📷📰
CBS News SCOOP:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to name a vice-presidential pick on Tuesday, but the 15,000 signatures his campaign collected for ballot access in Nevada are invalid since he did not have a VP named on the petition.
RFK Jr. is now taking back earlier comments stating J6 protestors did not have weapons.
"My understanding that none of the January 6 rioters who invaded the capitol were carrying firearms was incorrect," Kennedy said in an updated statement.
RFK Jr. announced earlier today that his campaign has gathered more than enough signatures to gain ballot access in Texas. Texas requires at least 130,000 signatures from independent candidates.
“We already have over 200,000,” Kennedy said.
"Several have been convicted of carrying firearms into the Capitol building. Others assaulted Capitol police with pepper spray, bludgeons, and other makeshift weapons," Kennedy added. "This behavior is inexcusable."
Earlier today in Dallas, TX, RFK Jr. was asked what he sees as his path to victory. The independent long shot said, “If President Trump drops out, I will beat President Biden very badly by a landslide. And if President Biden drops out, I will beat President Trump.”
Nicole Shanahan, active on social media, hasn't appeared with RFK Jr. since her reveal over two weeks ago. This Saturday, Kennedy will be hosting an assembly in Des Moines, IA for ballot access, but Shanahan won't be attending, the campaign told CBS News.
RFK Jr. Responds to CBS reporting that the campaign’s NV signatures will be invalidated:
“This corrupt attempt by the Nevada Secretary of State must be enjoined by a federal judge.”
“The Kennedy campaign intends to depose the Secretary of State to find out exactly which White House or DNC official concocted this scheme,” the Campaign added in the press release.
Kevin Spacey, facing sexual harassment and assault charges, joins the list of problematic celebs tied to the Kennedy campaign. Others include Russell Brand, Jeremy Piven, Boosie, Bobby Lee, Jake Paul, and Tony Robbins, all with harassment allegations.
CBS News confirms WSJ reporting that No Labels will abandon 2024 presidential campaign effort.
“Today, No Labels is ending our effort to put forth a Unity ticket in the 2024 presidential election,” No Labels said in a statement.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott just announced he is suspending his campaign. The candidate said he has no plans to endorse another candidate.
@votetimscott
How fitting it is, a farewell story for my farewell tweet to the
@Suntimes
. Give my last story a read!
Customers of Gina’s Italian Ice bid farewell to beloved community staple
CBS News SCOOP: RFK Jr.'s VP pick, Nicole Shanahan, responds to request for comment on Rep. Ro Khanna's letter asking her to step down as Kennedy's running mate, citing that Kennedy on the ballot could help Trump and hurt the environment. Khanna is a Biden campaign surrogate.
.
@CBS
just sent this to me:
“I have received a letter from Rep. Ro Khanna, intended for Nicole Shanahan, urging her to step down as RFK Jr.'s running mate. In the letter, Rep. Khanna warns Shanahan that supporting Kennedy could aid Trump's return to the White House and have…
Northwestern Medicine has launched a first-of-its-kind clinical program, performing double-lung transplant surgeries on patients with stage 4 lung cancer‼️‼️
Rita Palma, NY state director for RFK Jr. campaign, rallied Republicans to get Kennedy on NY ballot. She urged them to vote Kennedy, saying it'd spoil the election for Biden, securing a win for Trump & putting Kennedy on the ballot.
#Spoiler4Trump
Rita Palma, NYS director for RFK Jr’s campaign, gives away the playbook for the campaign’s mission — it’s shady AF‼️
@ritamollerpalma
openly admits the plan is take electoral votes from Biden in blue states, in order to force a contingent election so that the…
📍 Dallas, TX
RFK Jr.’s environmental policy plan:
“I always say the best thing that we can do to preserve the climate is to abolish subsidies right now,” Kennedy said about subsidies for businesses. “You show me a polluter, I’ll show you a subsidy.”
🚨 Breaking news 🚨
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott says he’s reached the donor threshold to qualify for the third Republican debate in Miami on Nov. 8.
@votetimscott
NEW: RFK Jr. gains ballot access in California. The independent candidate received the nomination of the American Independent Party of California and filed paperwork with the California Secretary of State, according to sources familiar.
Reported first by CBS News:
RFK Jr. threatens lawsuit against NV Secretary of State over VP naming issue on petition. NV office admits misinforming campaign but says it's campaign's responsibility to know state guidelines.
Rep. Ro Khanna called on RFK Jr.’s running mate to step down in a letter shared with CBS News first, warning that she could help Trump return to the White House. Here’s more on Nicole Shanahan's response:
📍 Raymond, NH
@CHueyBurns
had a pull aside with Sen. Tim Scott earlier today outside a polling site.
On Gov. Haley’s campaign, Scott said, “if she can’t do it here, she can’t do it anywhere,” when asked about his thoughts on his former Republican rivals.
Adding RFK, Jr. to mix doesn't diminish Biden margin in Michigan
Kennedy drawing more interest from types of voters backing Trump: most who pick Kennedy in four-way race pick Trump in two-way race (and they look closer to Rs on views of economy, immigrants, and Trump trial)
1/2
South Carolina senator and Republican hopeful Tim Scott says he's locked in his spot for the upcoming third GOP debate after garnering enough individual donations over the weekend.
After the third GOP debate last night, I had the privilege of appearing on BBC World Service Radio to delve into the latest developments regarding the Republican candidates. Many thanks to
@BBCWorld
for having me!
This morning, Gov. Haley unveiled her first TV ad in Michigan, where over 765,000 Michiganders have already cast their ballots ahead of the state's primary on Feb. 27.
W/
@NidiaCavazosTV
🚨
@CBSNews
Update 🚨:
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is expanding his team and reallocating resources to Iowa in response to campaign challenges. Expect to see him on the Iowa campaign trail every week leading up to the Jan. 15 caucuses.
Former South Carolina Gov. Haley aims to beat ex-President Trump in her home state, but faces a chilly reception as most Republicans, including her past endorsees, support Trump. W/
@NidiaCavazosTV
RFK Jr.'s campaign confirmed that he contracted parasitic brain worms over a decade ago. He likely contracted this through undercooked pork or contaminated water during his travels as an environmental advocate to Africa, South America or Asia. More⬇️
In a sudden turn of events, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, previously committed to going "all in" in Iowa for the 2024 election year, has officially suspended his presidential candidacy just two months shy of the early primary caucus.
An RFK Jr. NY-based campaign official encouraged GOP voters to sign for the independent candidate Friday, suggesting it would “get rid of Biden” and give former President Trump a win in a blue state.
As the death toll rises in the Gaza Strip and criticism mounts over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden risks losing support from Arab Americans in Michigan, jeopardizing his standing in the pivotal battleground state. W/
@edokeefe
RFK Jr. held an event in Brooklyn, NY today to make a "major announcement." The announcement included sharing internal polling results suggesting that Kennedy could defeat former President Trump in a head-to-head matchup, whereas President Biden could not.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) exhibition hall featured a Jan. 6 pinball game at this year’s event.
“Let’s walk down Pennsylvania Avenue,” former President Trump says in the game.
Breaking News‼️ Former Vice President Mike Pence just announced at the RJC:
"I came here to say it's become clear to me: this was not my time. So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president, effective today.""
@CBSNews
@Mike_Pence
Artist Eastling, 57, of the West Side of Chicago, witnessed four people get slammed into by a speeding motorist outside the
@whitesox
stadium. Thanks to his EMS training, he immediately jumped into action to help those who were hurt. ✍️
@Suntimes
The RFK Jr. campaign has just announced that it has gained ballot access in the key battleground state of Michigan.
"The party has filed all necessary documents with the state, putting the Kennedy-Shanahan ticket on the ballot in Michigan this fall," the campaign said.
Several members of RFK Jr.'s family, including six of his siblings, are endorsing President Biden in Philadelphia today even as he makes his own bid for Biden's job as an independent candidate.
RFK Jr. was on Fox & Friends this morning, but viewers were surprised when his running mate Nicole Shanahan didn't join as advertised. Kennedy's campaign clarified it was a mix-up in Fox's advertising.
"She was never going to be on today," the campaign said.
Reproductive Freedom for All, a pro-abortion rights group, is targeting RFK Jr. and Nicole Shanahan, saying that they pose a threat to abortion rights in a newly announced ad set to run in Michigan and Wisconsin.
RFK Jr.'s rally on April 28th in Long Island won't include his VP, Nicole Shanahan, who hasn't been seen with Kennedy since her revelation event. The campaign informed CBS News that she will be making appearances at some events in the coming months.
“But No Labels has always said we would only offer our ballot line to a ticket if we could identify candidates with a credible path to winning the White House. No such candidates emerged.”
“But the Kennedy voter and the Trump voter, the enemy, our mutual enemy is Biden,” Palma said.
“Why wouldn't we put our vote to Bobby and at least get rid of Biden and get those 28 electoral votes in New York."
The campaign has not returned requests for comment.
📍 Dearborn, Michigan w/
@edokeefe
Arab Americans, constituting about 3% of the Michigan population, have become disenchanted with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, casting doubt on where this subgroup’s vote lies in the key battleground state.
The campaign said the fundraising email calling Jan. 6 defendants "activists" was "an error" and has since ended their contract with the marketing contractor. W/ Caitlin Yilek
Tonight in Miami, Republicans plan to address the surge in antisemitism, with South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott taking the initiative by inviting over 20 Florida students to observe the debate.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas divide, GOP leaders are advocating for penalties for students and universities protesting on this issue.
w/
@aaronlarnavarro
and
@EmmacNicholson
📍 Oakland, CA
RFK Jr. is expected to reveal his running mate soon, as his campaign prepares to ramp up ballot access efforts in 19 more states where a VP is needed❗️The campaign said it had been actively petitioning in 16 states, including Nevada.
Stay tuned for updates.
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott surprised voters last night at the GOP debate in Miami by unveiling his long-term girlfriend. A heartwarming moment following the heated political discussions.
RNC confirms 5 debate stage candidates: DeSantis, Haley, Ramaswamy, Christie, and Scott. However, Gov. Doug Burgum didn't qualify after participating in the first two Republican debates this year. Additionally, Donald Trump is skipping another debate.
Texas plans to resume sending migrant-filled busses to cities throughout the United States, including Chicago, starting Monday. "We simply have no more shelters, spaces, or resources," Lightfoot wrote in a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday.
Attempting to best Trump in the race to the White House without criticizing him has allowed
@VivekGRamaswamy
to garner favor from some Republicans—not necessarily as a frontrunner, but rather as a sidekick or potential future candidate.
W/
@shawnamizelle
Palma also encouraged voters to knock on doors in Pennsylvania to help Trump.
“Yeah, go to Pennsylvania. Go to, if you want to help Trump, go to Pennsylvania. Knock on doors," she said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's old county board seat has been filled!
@TaraStamps
, a longtime member of the
@CTULocal1
, beat out five other candidates Tuesday night in a unanimous vote cast by a committee of representatives from the 1st district.
@Suntimes
✍️‼️
Ald. Jim Gardiner failed to win enough votes to secure his reelection in the Northwest Side’s 45th Ward last month, forcing the freshman incumbent into an April 4 runoff against lawyer Megan Mathias🚨🗞️
In response to NYT reporting about worms in RFK Jr.'s brain, the Kennedy campaign told CBS News that "Mr. Kennedy traveled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations, he contracted a parasite."
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a surrogate for President Biden's reelection campaign, responds to RFK Jr.'s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, by stating that he supports her run but maintains that aiding Kennedy will ultimately help Trump and harm the environment.
Nicole has every right to be on the ticket. My point to her both publicly and privately has been that RFK’s ticket threatens the very issues she cares about --such as climate and abortion rights and to welcome her into the Democratic Party.
Kennedy later stated that his VP is “not soft on crime,” in response to questions from Fox & Friends regarding Shanahan's past donations to pro-migrant and anti-cop groups.
In response to this, Kennedy posted on X and said, "I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other."
Sen. Tim Scott endorsed Trump earlier today, after previously stating he had no plans to endorse anyone. How did Haley campaign supporters respond to this blow? NH Gov. Chris Sununu, who endorsed Haley, told reporters, “nobody cares about Tim Scott.”
We need a president who will close our southern border.
We need a president today who will stop the crime in the streets.
We need Donald Trump!
That is why I am officially endorsing Donald J. Trump for President of the United States.
Hundreds are still missing and feared dead after a boat carrying migrants sank in Greek waters last week.
Advocates say they’re frustrated the sunken migrant ship has garnered far less attention and resources than the Titan rescue efforts for 5 people.
After nearly a year of negotiations, we officially have a contract.
@NaderDIssa
and Bob Mazzoni deserve much of the credit for the deal, which protects our union rights, benefits everyone in our unit and charts a sustainable path forward for the paper.
📷:
@dstru312
A MAGA Inc.-operated X account shared a new website labeling RFK Jr. as a "radical liberal." Kennedy has previously told reporters that he believes the Trump campaign is intensifying its attacks against him due to perceiving him as a threat.
Galveston County voters have decided to eliminate the treasurer's office, making it the 10th Texas county to operate without one. Treasurer Hank Dugie, who campaigned for this change, said he’s “proud” to be out of a job.
“We can confirm that the Natural Law Party nominated RFK JR. at their convention and filed their documents with Bureau of Elections, so he will appear on the ballot,” according to the Michigan Department of State.
As the election year looms, students from various universities are protesting the government's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Today, over 50 students gathered at
@michiganstateu
, calling on Biden to do more for Palestinians in Gaza.
RFK Jr.'s party, We The People, maintains its spot on the Hawaii ballot after the Democratic Party of Hawaii attempted to challenge it. Now, the Kennedy campaign will face its next challenge in Michigan.
Angela McArdle, Libertarian Party chair, told CBS News she's ironing out the details for RFK Jr. to speak at the convention on May 24. McArdle said Trump won't be debating anyone, and the Kennedy campaign said it hasn't heard anything from the former president on this request.
Dear President Trump,
I’m grateful to you for calling attention to the rigged polling methodologies that biased DNC-influenced media have used against you. We have this concern too, and I’m happy to show you the deceptive methodologies used by DNC-allied pollsters who pretend…
"Palma was speaking as a private citizen and her statements in no way reflect the strategy of the Kennedy campaign, which is to win the White House with votes from former Trump and Biden supporters alike," the campaign said.
Reporting from Sioux City, Iowa:
@RealBenCarson
, once Trump's rival in 2016, announced he will be throwing his weight behind the former president for the 2024 election just moments before Trump's latest campaign speech.
RFK Jr. posts letter from attorneys on X, seeking to hold Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas responsible for security threats against the candidate after repeated denials of Secret Service protections. The letter alleges death threats and break-ins to Kennedy’s home.
Georgia GOP Rep. Mike Collins made a controversial joke today, connecting RFK Jr.'s news about parasitic worms in his brain to the assassination of JFK.
Lagging in fundraising and languishing in the polls,
@Mike_Pence
announced he is suspending his campaign at the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas. Give it a read!
@CBSNews
RFK Jr.'s Texas ballot access deadline is around the corner. With over 200,000 signatures already collected, according to Kennedy, an official announcement could come at his campaign event on Monday in Austin, TX.