Donald Trump is currently auditioning for his Vice-Presidential pick, who will be crucial for the future of the Republican Party. He has floated a series of names and consulted with top Republicans to see which would be a best fit for his campaign.
Should Trump lose in 2024, or retire from politics after a win, the Vice-Presidential candidate will command substantial influence within the Republican Party. Following two defeats of Republican challengers, Trump can now anoint his future replacement. Newsweek reports:
Trump became the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee in March following a series of primary wins, sparking renewed speculation about who his vice-presidential pick could be. The business mogul turned politician has fallen out with Mike Pence, his vice-president from 2017-21, over his refusal to back alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result. Pence said in March that he “cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump in this campaign.”
Speaking to Politico, Senator Daines emphasized the importance of Trump’s selection not just for the 2024 presidential election but for Republican politics beyond Trump’s potential second term.
Many key Republicans have been proposed for the position. Some, like Burgum and Scott, are former opponents of his that have since endorsed him. Others, like Britt, Vance, and Stefanik, are seen as young up and comers who could lay the foundations to future success. Politico continues:
The former president has said his top criterion is picking someone “who is going to be a good president … in case of emergency.” But Trump is also sensitive to electoral needs, and part of the consideration is having someone who can help expand his appeal in November.
The names under consideration continue to be in flux, according to multiple people familiar with the list, who describe it as being in “pencil, not pen.” But it includes Sens. Scott of South Carolina, Vance of Ohio, Katie Britt of Alabama and Marco Rubio of Florida, as well as Govs. Noem of South Dakota, Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas and Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Donalds, the Florida representative, and Gabbard, the former Hawaii representative, among others, are also being considered or have been floated by Trump.
Trump will have to carefully select his VP candidate. He could pick a slightly different kind of Republican who can bring in their own constituencies to coalition. He could also double down and select a MAGA conservative who will fully support his agenda, at the risk of having a smaller voter base. Although not a top priority for Republicans, Trump could also weigh favorably towards a woman and/or racial minority to appeal to broader demographics.
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