Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy are both set to address a Conservative Political Action Conference event in Las Vegas, Nevada later this month, CPAC announced on Friday.
Kennedy’s appearance at the CPAC Investor Summit to Save America is notable given reports he will soon change his party affiliation to independent, which could derail President Joe Biden‘s reelection campaign.
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“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a unique voice in advocating for the defunding of the weaponized bureaucracy and ensuring the constitutional right of medical freedom,” said Matt Schlapp, CPAC chairman, in a statement. “Kennedy joining such an important event is a reflection of the splintering of the left-wing coalition that has gone full woke Marxist to the point that traditional liberals don’t feel welcome anymore.”
Since launching his 2024 bid in April, Kennedy has raised fear among Democrats that he could siphon off votes from Biden in a possible rematch with former President Donald Trump. Democrats have long been wary of the anti-vaccine activist and environmental lawyer whose previous COVID-19 comments have prompted heavy backlash including from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
A Morning Consult poll last month showed the long-shot candidate at 9% support among Democratic primary voters, a record low, while Biden garnered 76% support. Kennedy’s actions, while off-putting to Democrats, have earned him plaudits among Republicans, of which the CPAC invitation is an indication.
Ramaswamy, a first-time presidential candidate, has seen his stock rise in the GOP primary race, prompting sharp backlash from his rivals during the first two Republican primary debates. But he still remains far behind Trump, the front-runner, in national and state polling.
“We are also honored to have Vivek Ramaswamy — a true patriot and rising star fighting for the values of life and liberty for every American,” said Schlapp. “Ramaswamy has made a massive impact on the political scene in a short amount of time. He comes from the world of business and is willing to courageously fight the woke agenda of corporate America.”
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The CPAC summit in Las Vegas will take place Wednesday, Oct. 18, through Saturday, Oct. 21, less than three weeks before the third GOP debate in Miami, Florida, on Nov. 8.
Other speakers at the CPAC event include Steve Bannon, former Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and his wife state Sen. Angela Paxton.
