Sen. John Kennedy, 74, is not closing the door on a presidential run. He told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that his main plan is re-election. But he added he would consider running if he sees weak candidates on his side. The Louisiana senator spoke plainly about what might change his mind. He told the host he is “thinking about running for president.” That simple “Yeah” came after a question about 2028. He quoted an old Judds song to explain his hesitation: “Why not me on a rainy day?”
His conditions are specific and blunt. Kennedy stated that if a cluster of individuals on his political side whom he regards as goobers decide to run and one might prevail, he would evaluate his own candidacy if he believes he could perform better. He made it clear he has not made a final decision yet. Per the New York Post, he stated his current focus is the Senate. But he left the option open if he feels he can be more effective in the White House.
Kennedy also defended his colleague Sen. Tom Cotton. President Trump released Cotton’s personal cellphone number in a fierce rebuke. This happened because Cotton blocked the Sunshine Protection Act. The bill would have made daylight savings time permanent. Kennedy called the dispute silly. Occasionally, Congress faces conflicts with existential stakes for the future of Western civilization. Daylight Savings Time is not one of them, he said.
Despite the president’s anger, Kennedy praised Cotton. “Tom Cotton feels strongly about it. Tom is a rock star senator.” He noted that the president “exists loudly” and can be “tempestuous.” Kennedy also said, “I don’t think he should have given out Tom’s cellphone number.” According to The Washington Examiner, Kennedy went to Ohio to campaign for Sen. Jon Husted. He also went to New Hampshire to campaign with former Sen. John Sununu.
Many people see Vice President JD Vance as the 2028 GOP frontrunner. Kennedy declined to speculate on a race against him. He told the Washington Examiner that he does not intend to discuss another potential candidate and is just not there yet, though he assumes JD is going to run. He believes a full field is good for both parties, he said in an interview with Breitbart.
He plans to keep campaigning in key states. Kennedy said he will return to New Hampshire, the first state in the primary calendar. He also plans to head to Texas and Michigan.
