U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday received the formal endorsement of several members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s family, tapping into the legacy of the influential Democratic family. The entire Kennedy family has distanced itself from JFK Jr.’s independent campaign after he was denied the Democratic nomination.

Now, the entire Kennedy family has withdrawn its support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, a sign of family unity against a third-party challenge.

Kerry Kennedy, one of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s six siblings, took the stage at a Biden campaign event in Philadelphia on Thursday to endorse his candidacy.

“President Biden has been a champion of all the rights and freedoms that my father and uncle stood for,” Kerry Kennedy said.

Kerry Kennedy is the daughter of U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) and the niece of former President John F. Kennedy (JFK).

“That’s why almost every grandson of Joe and Rose Kennedy supports Joe Biden. Yes, the Kennedy family supports Joe Biden for president,” she added, referring to JFK and JFK’s parents.

Biden called it an “incredible honor” to have the Kennedy family’s support.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign

The broader Kennedy family has mostly shunned Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, calling it “dangerous,” although the candidate himself hopes to capitalize on his last name and family history.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long used his family name and history to his advantage on the campaign trail.

The Kennedys were a Democratic family, but Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acted more like a Republican candidate and was in the news for his wild theories and controversial statements.

In October, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched an independent presidential campaign in Philadelphia.

According to CNN, even a lesser-known third-party candidate like Kennedy could become a spoiler. These third-party candidates could influence the fortunes of two major candidates in swing states.

Biden thanks Kennedy for support

In a speech introducing Biden on Thursday in Philadelphia, Kerry Kennedy, the sister of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., praised the president as a defender of democratic values ​​while warning of the dangers posed by Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump’s campaign is about taking us backwards and attacking the most basic rights and freedoms that are at the heart of who we are as Americans.” Kerry Kennedy said, according to CNN He has said he would be a dictator from day one and even said he wanted to try to suspend the constitution. “

After Kerry Kennedy spoke, Biden expressed his gratitude and recognized the importance of the Kennedy family’s support.

He cited Robert F. Kennedy Sr. as influencing his choice to serve the public.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said: “Divided in politics, united in love”

Ahead of Biden’s speech, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted on social media on Thursday that he hoped his family’s political differences would serve as an example for Americans to “restore civility and respect for public discourse,” adding that he believed his The family is “united” in our love for each other.”

“I heard some of my family members will be supporting President Biden today. I’m glad they are politically active – it’s a family tradition. We have differences of opinion but are united by our love for each other. I think Is this a possibility for America as well? Can we disagree without hating our opponents? Can we restore civility and respect to public discourse,” Kennedy wrote.

The support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s family comes amid concerns that his candidacy could steal votes from Biden and help Trump’s reelection.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s other sister, Rory Kennedy, has publicly expressed concerns about the potential impact of the election results.

“I feel very strongly that this is the most important election of our lifetime and the stakes are huge. I do think it’s going to come down to a handful of votes in a handful of states, and I do worry that Bobby is just getting a certain percentage from Biden. A single vote could change the outcome of the election and lead to Trump’s election.” CNN.

However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed any rifts within the family, emphasizing the diversity of opinions among its members.

“I have a big family, about 105 cousins ​​at last count. I have a big family. I don’t know of anyone in America whose family agrees with him on everything,” he said earlier this month , RFK Jr. told CNN’s Erin Burnett.