Thank you for this post. I have been asking this question for a while. It is heartening to know the backstory behind the choice. While RFK, and Nicole Shannahan, have a long way to go to earn my consideration, I at least have a better understanding of the thought process behind this selection.
However, what I am most grateful for is your continued coverage, of both the highs and lows of the RFK and the Trump campaigns. I think this piece is a fine example of what a good journalist does-examines every piece of a campaigns approach with clarity to evaluate what is working, and what is not. It is for this reason alone I wish the Biden campaign were as open to you. Keep up the excellent reporting and I will keep following along and reading. I am sure many others will as well.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a considerate response. It means a lot to me to read thoughtful feedback like this, to help me gage what I’m doing “right” or need to get better at along the way. Xx
My response a reflection of the nuance you bring to your coverage. There is no "right" or "wrong", there is only the acknowledgement that we have challenges ahead of us as a country. It is important to recognize this. I think you do and I think your coverage illustrates the people behind the names. I want to know the candidates, where they stand, and if a talking point is just a slogan or if it is something they believe. I think your access has helped me to see that more clearly. As long as you continue to share what you observe and record, I don't know that you need to worry about "getting better along the way".
I do not have the same views as you do about a lot of issues. But I think we need more honesty in all our conversations-even the ones that are challenging to what we believe. Honesty is above all what this country is missing and what all candidates should be speaking to. Right now, if that IS your NorthStar-even when it hurts, it is the "right" way. We need people to be honest about the past, about the future, and about what is going on in the present. That is the only way we move forward.
I’ve been waiting for this! My two short takes when I saw her announced:
1. Her fidgety body language did not exude confidence nor preparedness for such a vital roll. I’m all for an unknown name, but it has to come along with great comfort in front of a crowd.
2. I saw a comment recently that also made me pause. Despite her child’s vax injury, she has not done anything to change the laws in California. Now, maybe this statement is wrong? Maybe she has been making impossible strides? Correct me if I’m wrong.
Regardless, your take on a silent social and her not running the media, podcast circuit is a great point. There should have been a massive plan in place so we could instantly get to know her more.
It was difficult not to notice her nervous start, but by the end of her speech, tears of joy were streaming down my face. She resonated with me on so many levels (pretty much every level except for marrying a billionaire). I found her to be authentic, intelligent, and passionate, and she tapped into my deeply-held mama bear energy.
About your second point, she mentioned her autistic child, but she stopped short of saying it was caused by a vax injury. I saw that as a person who wants to be sure of the facts. And in all fairness, she hasn't been in a position to change the laws in California.
I expected there to be a full-court media blitz and was looking forward to getting to know this mystery woman better. I have been surprised to only see a couple of podcasts with her in the three weeks since the announcement. I'm wondering if that may be by design. Bobby is seasoned through and through politically, and has become accustomed to the DNC's and their media cohorts' dirty tactics against him. He and his campaign may be allowing Nicole, a political neophyte, to ease into her new role. The podcast interviews I've listened to with her, such as the Rick Rubin one, have been very thought-provoking and intelligent discussions. Nicole is proving to be a fierce warrior on social media, and I don't doubt she will work her way up to handling combative MSM interviews.
Another explanation may be that around 23 states were waiting for the VP selection to begin gathering signatures. I doubt that's simply a matter of opening the floodgates. She likely had forms to sign and notarize for all of those states and may have even had to travel in person to some states. While many of us have an insatiable appetite to learn more about her, getting on the ballot is Job One! I expect we'll see more and more of her in the coming months, and I'm looking forward to that.
Greatly appreciate all your thoughts and this also proves that making an assessment after 1 minute of watching was a poor choice on my part. Thank you for all that you shared and clarified.
Nicole's announcement speech was so authentic, she was totally not selling herself but speaking to the issues she cares about from the heart and you can't fake that. I've since listened to two long-form podcasts she did with Rick Rubin and Jay Bhattacharya, and I can say that she is BY FAR the most intelligent and exciting VP candidate in my lifetime.
She's an accomplished attorney and AI entrepreneur in her own right, she's a warrior mom with an autistic child in search of truth, and she's the template for the American dream that is slipping away for so many millennials and gen Z Americans today.
I urge everyone to watch her 9-minute introduction video (https://youtu.be/HKP0kF88HsE) and share it with friends and family. Even people typically turned off by politics would be inspired by it.
“We need an opportunity, we crave an opportunity to serve in the best interests of the American public outside of a system that hasn't worked. We deserve a real election of optimism, and that's what Bobby Kennedy gives us a chance at.” - Nicole Shanahan
Bobby is the last voice from a lost america. Nicole is the call to a future where that america yet may be found. This is a movement to reclaim the soul of America and it's incumbent upon each and every one of us to rise to meet this moment.
When you asked, “how much are you paid to be here?” to the protesters hits my thought process. So many paid to disrupt that don’t really believe, or know, what they are protesting for!
I really don’t like the DNC blocking access to anyone. It’s disgusting.
I’m not a fan of his VP pick but I am liking RFK. Especially his vax beliefs, big pharma, and healthier food options. I would like to know more about what they will do to make those things happen. No more Dr Fauci. I was vaxed and have had weird health issues since. Our country needs help.
The Gascon info crushed me. Perhaps being clear where her stances have shifted (either away or towards progressive leanings) would provide a better picture of her. She did not look ready for the role, and that has nothing to do with her hair length or choice of suit color.
We need to give her a chance. Her track record shows that she is incredibly capable of taking on a new role. Let's give her space and time to become Vice-Presidential. Bobby needs our support, whether we vote for him or not. The two-party system is broken. He chose her for far more than her financial vitality & abundance; there are other more important kinds of vitality & abundance.
I understand why they made this choice. Thanks for painting that portrait to everyone else. But the sad reality is that the moms you mentioned, who celebrate these choices, don't see what real female empowerment actually is. It's not throwing someone into a role before they are ready, to make other people feel good, and because it has the convenience financial benefit. Name me one really great female VP pick by anyone in any party. They're out there (ahem Tulsi). Maybe we should start asking why we can't have them. If people understood things better, they wouldn't have to make such strategic deviations to appease these people. They could make the right ones. It's a reflection of our electorate, more than Kennedy.
What drugs is Whoopie on? Votes are for sale and if you can't get the price you want, simply steal them. We learmed that in our last election.
Nicole's mom looks as if her soul is made of gold, rubies and pearls. I love her. I still won't vote for her daughter or Mr. Kennedy though. Elon gets around. Damn.
I appreciate the dynamics in this article! For me, I was trying so hard to be open minded. For so long I voted for one party and was ready to vote “independent” even though we all know it leans more democratic than not. Ultimately, Nicole is too far left for me, maybe I’m wrong and over time I will see through some of this. I support women, no matter looks or pant suits ☺️. I loved her choice, why not be bold and beautiful in her attire! Her hair is amazing, and if they make it to the White House, I hope she keeps her hair long out of principle and let’s be honest a bit of spite as the standard in Washington needs to change! Cheers and have a great day! 🥂
I was interested in RFK until this announcement. Tulsi would have really grabbed my attention…and maybe even my vote. There’s too much mystery going on with Nicole. But I did love her look, I have to say. Just as unexpected as the whole RFK campaign.
I actually think this is a great choice for VP. She was brought up poor and worked her way to where she is. I wish people would quit focusing on who she was married to. Prior to her marriage, she graduated law school but also has continued her education, started Clear Access IP that used AI a decade ago. One thing many older generations don't understand is the importance of having an AI expert in the White House. One that RFJ Jr brought in because he trusts her.
I read an article on Politico on her. Learned so much about her education, career, speaking on important topics all over, as well educating herself in infertility, autism, farming, etc. Many things that are not posted here. I agree 100%, she needs to do interviews, podcasts, and be active on social.
As a 37 year old mom, it's refreshing to see someone my own age as a VP candidate. RFK Jr is literally the only candidate talking about things that are important to my generation and younger generations. The housing market, chemicals in our food, regenerative farming, and the awful Citizens United Act.
Another interesting and entertaining article, Jessica. Still love RFKJr but don't trust Shanahan. I think there are a lot of world events conspiring to ensure Trump can get back in (which I want too!) and I wonder how this figures I to the big picture.
Ms. Shanahan would conceivably be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Tall order. Infidelity used to mean something in relation to character. All that money yet couldn't hire an image/protocol consultant ?! Hard pass…
I think the most important part of your reporting is the absolute objectivity that you provide. You,” tell it like it is,” and allow the reader to make their own discernment. This is very refreshing.
Thank you for this post. I have been asking this question for a while. It is heartening to know the backstory behind the choice. While RFK, and Nicole Shannahan, have a long way to go to earn my consideration, I at least have a better understanding of the thought process behind this selection.
However, what I am most grateful for is your continued coverage, of both the highs and lows of the RFK and the Trump campaigns. I think this piece is a fine example of what a good journalist does-examines every piece of a campaigns approach with clarity to evaluate what is working, and what is not. It is for this reason alone I wish the Biden campaign were as open to you. Keep up the excellent reporting and I will keep following along and reading. I am sure many others will as well.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a considerate response. It means a lot to me to read thoughtful feedback like this, to help me gage what I’m doing “right” or need to get better at along the way. Xx
My response a reflection of the nuance you bring to your coverage. There is no "right" or "wrong", there is only the acknowledgement that we have challenges ahead of us as a country. It is important to recognize this. I think you do and I think your coverage illustrates the people behind the names. I want to know the candidates, where they stand, and if a talking point is just a slogan or if it is something they believe. I think your access has helped me to see that more clearly. As long as you continue to share what you observe and record, I don't know that you need to worry about "getting better along the way".
I do not have the same views as you do about a lot of issues. But I think we need more honesty in all our conversations-even the ones that are challenging to what we believe. Honesty is above all what this country is missing and what all candidates should be speaking to. Right now, if that IS your NorthStar-even when it hurts, it is the "right" way. We need people to be honest about the past, about the future, and about what is going on in the present. That is the only way we move forward.
Keep it up!!
I
Yes. Totally agree. Great comment.
I’ve been waiting for this! My two short takes when I saw her announced:
1. Her fidgety body language did not exude confidence nor preparedness for such a vital roll. I’m all for an unknown name, but it has to come along with great comfort in front of a crowd.
2. I saw a comment recently that also made me pause. Despite her child’s vax injury, she has not done anything to change the laws in California. Now, maybe this statement is wrong? Maybe she has been making impossible strides? Correct me if I’m wrong.
Regardless, your take on a silent social and her not running the media, podcast circuit is a great point. There should have been a massive plan in place so we could instantly get to know her more.
It was difficult not to notice her nervous start, but by the end of her speech, tears of joy were streaming down my face. She resonated with me on so many levels (pretty much every level except for marrying a billionaire). I found her to be authentic, intelligent, and passionate, and she tapped into my deeply-held mama bear energy.
About your second point, she mentioned her autistic child, but she stopped short of saying it was caused by a vax injury. I saw that as a person who wants to be sure of the facts. And in all fairness, she hasn't been in a position to change the laws in California.
I expected there to be a full-court media blitz and was looking forward to getting to know this mystery woman better. I have been surprised to only see a couple of podcasts with her in the three weeks since the announcement. I'm wondering if that may be by design. Bobby is seasoned through and through politically, and has become accustomed to the DNC's and their media cohorts' dirty tactics against him. He and his campaign may be allowing Nicole, a political neophyte, to ease into her new role. The podcast interviews I've listened to with her, such as the Rick Rubin one, have been very thought-provoking and intelligent discussions. Nicole is proving to be a fierce warrior on social media, and I don't doubt she will work her way up to handling combative MSM interviews.
Another explanation may be that around 23 states were waiting for the VP selection to begin gathering signatures. I doubt that's simply a matter of opening the floodgates. She likely had forms to sign and notarize for all of those states and may have even had to travel in person to some states. While many of us have an insatiable appetite to learn more about her, getting on the ballot is Job One! I expect we'll see more and more of her in the coming months, and I'm looking forward to that.
Greatly appreciate all your thoughts and this also proves that making an assessment after 1 minute of watching was a poor choice on my part. Thank you for all that you shared and clarified.
Nicole's announcement speech was so authentic, she was totally not selling herself but speaking to the issues she cares about from the heart and you can't fake that. I've since listened to two long-form podcasts she did with Rick Rubin and Jay Bhattacharya, and I can say that she is BY FAR the most intelligent and exciting VP candidate in my lifetime.
She's an accomplished attorney and AI entrepreneur in her own right, she's a warrior mom with an autistic child in search of truth, and she's the template for the American dream that is slipping away for so many millennials and gen Z Americans today.
I urge everyone to watch her 9-minute introduction video (https://youtu.be/HKP0kF88HsE) and share it with friends and family. Even people typically turned off by politics would be inspired by it.
“We need an opportunity, we crave an opportunity to serve in the best interests of the American public outside of a system that hasn't worked. We deserve a real election of optimism, and that's what Bobby Kennedy gives us a chance at.” - Nicole Shanahan
Bobby is the last voice from a lost america. Nicole is the call to a future where that america yet may be found. This is a movement to reclaim the soul of America and it's incumbent upon each and every one of us to rise to meet this moment.
"Nicole is the call to a future where that america yet may be found." - Perfect.
She sounded like a child, no? Reminded me of Katie britt.
When you asked, “how much are you paid to be here?” to the protesters hits my thought process. So many paid to disrupt that don’t really believe, or know, what they are protesting for!
I really don’t like the DNC blocking access to anyone. It’s disgusting.
I’m not a fan of his VP pick but I am liking RFK. Especially his vax beliefs, big pharma, and healthier food options. I would like to know more about what they will do to make those things happen. No more Dr Fauci. I was vaxed and have had weird health issues since. Our country needs help.
I agree. Thank you, Deb.
The Gascon info crushed me. Perhaps being clear where her stances have shifted (either away or towards progressive leanings) would provide a better picture of her. She did not look ready for the role, and that has nothing to do with her hair length or choice of suit color.
We need to give her a chance. Her track record shows that she is incredibly capable of taking on a new role. Let's give her space and time to become Vice-Presidential. Bobby needs our support, whether we vote for him or not. The two-party system is broken. He chose her for far more than her financial vitality & abundance; there are other more important kinds of vitality & abundance.
I understand why they made this choice. Thanks for painting that portrait to everyone else. But the sad reality is that the moms you mentioned, who celebrate these choices, don't see what real female empowerment actually is. It's not throwing someone into a role before they are ready, to make other people feel good, and because it has the convenience financial benefit. Name me one really great female VP pick by anyone in any party. They're out there (ahem Tulsi). Maybe we should start asking why we can't have them. If people understood things better, they wouldn't have to make such strategic deviations to appease these people. They could make the right ones. It's a reflection of our electorate, more than Kennedy.
What drugs is Whoopie on? Votes are for sale and if you can't get the price you want, simply steal them. We learmed that in our last election.
Nicole's mom looks as if her soul is made of gold, rubies and pearls. I love her. I still won't vote for her daughter or Mr. Kennedy though. Elon gets around. Damn.
I appreciate the dynamics in this article! For me, I was trying so hard to be open minded. For so long I voted for one party and was ready to vote “independent” even though we all know it leans more democratic than not. Ultimately, Nicole is too far left for me, maybe I’m wrong and over time I will see through some of this. I support women, no matter looks or pant suits ☺️. I loved her choice, why not be bold and beautiful in her attire! Her hair is amazing, and if they make it to the White House, I hope she keeps her hair long out of principle and let’s be honest a bit of spite as the standard in Washington needs to change! Cheers and have a great day! 🥂
I was interested in RFK until this announcement. Tulsi would have really grabbed my attention…and maybe even my vote. There’s too much mystery going on with Nicole. But I did love her look, I have to say. Just as unexpected as the whole RFK campaign.
I actually think this is a great choice for VP. She was brought up poor and worked her way to where she is. I wish people would quit focusing on who she was married to. Prior to her marriage, she graduated law school but also has continued her education, started Clear Access IP that used AI a decade ago. One thing many older generations don't understand is the importance of having an AI expert in the White House. One that RFJ Jr brought in because he trusts her.
I read an article on Politico on her. Learned so much about her education, career, speaking on important topics all over, as well educating herself in infertility, autism, farming, etc. Many things that are not posted here. I agree 100%, she needs to do interviews, podcasts, and be active on social.
As a 37 year old mom, it's refreshing to see someone my own age as a VP candidate. RFK Jr is literally the only candidate talking about things that are important to my generation and younger generations. The housing market, chemicals in our food, regenerative farming, and the awful Citizens United Act.
Another interesting and entertaining article, Jessica. Still love RFKJr but don't trust Shanahan. I think there are a lot of world events conspiring to ensure Trump can get back in (which I want too!) and I wonder how this figures I to the big picture.
The article is written well. However, I can't get passed liberal millionaire.
Understandable
Ms. Shanahan would conceivably be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Tall order. Infidelity used to mean something in relation to character. All that money yet couldn't hire an image/protocol consultant ?! Hard pass…
Well she did it for attention in the first place.
I really enjoy your writing and authentic communicative storytelling with heart and integrity always. Thank you! Very fun too!!
I think the most important part of your reporting is the absolute objectivity that you provide. You,” tell it like it is,” and allow the reader to make their own discernment. This is very refreshing.